3E: Energy-Efficient Elastic Scheduling for Independent Tasks in Heterogeneous Computing Systems

Reducing energy consumption is a major design constraint for modern heterogeneous computing systems to minimize electricity cost, improve system reliability and protect environment. Conventional energy-efficient scheduling strategies developed on these systems do not sufficiently exploit the system elasticity and adaptability for maximum energy savings, and do not simultaneously take account of user expected finish time. In this paper, we develop a novel scheduling strategy named energy-efficient elastic (3E) scheduling for aperiodic, independent and non-real-time tasks with user expected finish times on DVFS-enabled heterogeneous computing systems. The 3E strategy adjusts processors’ supply voltages and frequencies according to the system workload, and makes trade-offs between energy consumption and user expected finish times. Compared with other energy-efficient strategies, 3E significantly improves the scheduling quality and effectively enhances the system elasticity

Analysis of an Alanine/Arginine Mixture by Using TLC/FTIR Technique

We applied TLC/FTIR coupled with mapping technique to analyze an alanine/arginine mixture. Narrow band TLC plates prepared by using AgI as a stationary phase were used to separate alanine and arginine. The distribution of alanine and arginine spots was manifested by a 3D chromatogram. Alanine and arginine can be successfully separated by the narrow band TLC plate. In addition, the FTIR spectra of the separated alanine and arginine spots on the narrow band TLC plate are roughly the same as the corresponding reference IR spectra

Chromosome-level genome assembly of a regenerable maize inbred line A188.

BACKGROUND The maize inbred line A188 is an attractive model for elucidation of gene function and improvement due to its high embryogenic capacity and many contrasting traits to the first maize reference genome, B73, and other elite lines. The lack of a genome assembly of A188 limits its use as a model for functional studies. RESULTS Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of A188 using long reads and optical maps. Comparison of A188 with B73 using both whole-genome alignments and read depths from sequencing reads identify approximately 1.1 Gb of syntenic sequences as well as extensive structural variation, including a 1.8-Mb duplication containing the Gametophyte factor1 locus for unilateral cross-incompatibility, and six inversions of 0.7 Mb or greater. Increased copy number of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 (ccd1) in A188 is associated with elevated expression during seed development. High ccd1 expression in seeds together with low expression of yellow endosperm 1 (y1) reduces carotenoid accumulation, accounting for the white seed phenotype of A188. Furthermore, transcriptome and epigenome analyses reveal enhanced expression of defense pathways and altered DNA methylation patterns of the embryonic callus. CONCLUSIONS The A188 genome assembly provides a high-resolution sequence for a complex genome species and a foundational resource for analyses of genome variation and gene function in maize. The genome, in comparison to B73, contains extensive intra-species structural variations and other genetic differences. Expression and network analyses identify discrete profiles for embryonic callus and other tissues

Research on the Manufacturing Process and Heat Transfer Performance of Ultra-Thin Heat Pipes: A Review

This paper reviews the manufacturing process of ultra-thin heat pipes and the latest process technologies in detail, focusing on the progress of the shape, structure, and heat transfer mechanism of the wick. The effects of the filling rate and tilt angle on the heat transfer performance of the ultra-thin heat pipe, as well as the material selection of ultra-thin heat pipes, is sorted out, and the surface modification technology is analyzed. Besides, the optimal design based on heat pipes is discussed. Spiral woven mesh wick and multi-size composite wick have significant advantages in the field of ultra-thin heat pipe heat transfer, and comprehensive surface modification technology has huge potential. Finally, an outlook on future scientific research in the field of ultra-thin heat pipes is proposed

Effect of a combination of interferon-α and ambroxol on children with pneumonia, and on serum amyloid A: A randomized controlled study

Purpose: To investigate the effect of combination of interferon-a with ambroxol on children with pneumonia, and its effect on serum amyloid A (SAA). Methods: A total of 140 children who presented with pneumonia in Cangzhou Central Hospital from January 2019 to November 2020 were selected and randomly assigned to control group and study group. All the children were treated with conventional therapy against cough and phlegm, anti-infection, oxygen inhalation, antipyretic, water and electrolyte correction, and nutritional support. The control group received aerosol inhalation of ambroxol + physiological saline, in addition to conventional treatment. The study group was given aerosol inhalation of recombinant human interferon-α1b + ambroxol + physiological saline. The two groups were treated continuously for 7 days. The time taken for clinical symptoms to subside in each group, as well as serum levels of amyloid A (SAA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) before treatment and 7 days post-treatment were evaluated. Clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions after 7 days of treatment were also obtained and compared. Results: The time taken for symptom disappearance was significantly shorter in the study group than in control group, and inflammation indices were lower in the study group than in control group (p < 0.05). Levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG in the two groups after treatment were significantly elevated, but they were markedly higher in the observation group than in control group (p < 0.05). Clinical treatment efficacy was superior in the study group, relative to control (p < 0.05). However, no statistical disparity in incidence of adverse reactions was witnessed between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A combination of interferon-α1b and Ambroxol may be a boon in the treatment of children with pneumonia due to its efficacy and effect on inflammatory response and SAA levels

Examining the Dose–Response Relationship between Outdoor Jogging and Physical Health of Youths: A Long-Term Experimental Study in Campus Green Space

Many studies have demonstrated that outdoor physical activity positively affects the physical health of young people. Here, we aimed to examine the extent to which outdoor jogging was associated with the physical health of youths, and then to decipher whether a dose–response relationship exists between them. A total of 2852 youths from a Chinese university were enrolled in a long-term experimental study between September 2018 and September 2019. We conducted two waves of physical health tests for 2852 youths (before and after the jogging interventions in 2018 and 2019, respectively) using China’s National Student Physical Health Standard (NSPHS). Paired t-tests were used to examine statistical differences. A multiple regression model was used to evaluate the associations between jogging and physical health. The results showed that: statistically significant changes in the two waves of physical health outcomes were suggested after jogging interventions; outdoor jogging in campus green space was associated with participants’ physical health after controlling for covariates; and a dose–response relationship between jogging and physical health outcomes was revealed, with 120–140 km/year (approximately 3.43–4 km/week) being the most effective intervention dose. Our findings have implications for promoting physical health in youth groups by encouraging outdoor physical activity