NCESPARC+: an implementation of a SPARC architecture with hardware support to multithreading for the multiplus multiprocessor

NCESP ARC + is an implementation of the SP ARC v: 8 architecture with hardware support to a variable number of thread contexts, which is under development for use within the framework of the Multiplus distributed shared-memory multiprocessor. It is expected to provide an efficient and automatic mechanism to hide the latency of busy-waiting synchronization loops, cachecoherence protocol and remote memory access operations within the Multiplus multiprocessor. NCESPARC + performs context-switching in at most four processor cycles whenever there is an instruction cache miss, a data dependency in relation to the destination operand of a pending load instruction or a busy-waiting synchronization loop. It has a decoupled architecture which allows the main pipeline to process instructions from a given context while the Memory Interface Unit performs memory access operations related to that same context or to any other context. Results of simulation experiments show the impact of some architectural parameters on the NCESPARC + processor performance and demonstrate that the use of multiple thread contexts can e.ffectively produce a much better utilization of the processor when long latency operations are performed In addition, NCESPARC + processor performance with a single context is superior to that of a standard implementation of the SPARC architecture due to its decoupled architecture

Further monoterpene chromane esters from Peperomia obtusifolia: VCD determination of the absolute configuration of a new diastereomeric mixture

A reinvestigation of the monoterpene chromane ester enriched fraction from Peperomia obtusifolia using chiral chromatography led to the identification of a minor peak, which was elucidated by NMR and HRMS as fenchyl-3,4-dihydro-5- hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-8-(3″-methyl-2″-butenyl)-2-(4′-methyl- 1′,3′-pentadienyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-6-carboxylate, the same structure assigned to two other fenchyl esters described previously, pointing out a stereoisomeric relationship among them. Further NMR analysis revealed that it was actually a mixture of two compounds, whose absolute configurations were determined by VCD measurements. Although, almost no vibrational transitions could be assigned to the chiral chromane, the experimental VCD spectrum was largely opposite to that obtained for the average experimental VCD [(2S,1‴R,2‴R,4‴S + 2R,1‴R,2‴R,4‴S)/2] for fenchol derivatives. These results allowed us to assign the putative compounds as a racemic mixture of the chiral chromane esterified with the monoterpene (1S,2S,4R)-fenchol, which had not been identified in our early work.Fil: Batista Junior, João Marcos. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Batista, Andrea N. L.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Kato, Massuo J.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Bolzani, Vanderlan S.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: López, Silvia Noelí. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Nafie, Laurence A.. Syracuse University; Estados UnidosFil: Furlan, Maysa. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasi

Stand dynamics modulate water cycling and mortality risk in droughted tropical forest

Transpiration from the Amazon rainforest generates an essential water source at a global and local scale. However, changes in rainforest function with climate change can disrupt this process, causing significant reductions in precipitation across Amazonia, and potentially at a global scale. We report the only study of forest transpiration following a long-term (>10 year) experimental drought treatment in Amazonian forest. After 15 years of receiving half the normal rainfall, drought-related tree mortality caused total forest transpiration to decrease by 30%. However, the surviving droughted trees maintained or increased transpiration because of reduced competition for water and increased light availability, which is consistent with increased growth rates. Consequently, the amount of water supplied as rainfall reaching the soil and directly recycled as transpiration increased to 100%. This value was 25% greater than for adjacent nondroughted forest. If these drought conditions were accompanied by a modest increase in temperature (e.g., 1.5°C), water demand would exceed supply, making the forest more prone to increased tree mortality.Peer reviewe

Zoneamento agroclimático para produção de mudas de morangueiro no Rio Grande do Sul.

bitstream/item/33630/1/documento-187.pd

Plant traits controlling growth change in response to a drier climate

This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordPlant traits are increasingly being used to improve prediction of plant function, including plant demography. However, the capability of plant traits to predict demographic rates remains uncertain, particularly in the context of trees experiencing a changing climate. Here we present data combining 17 plant traits associated with plant structure, metabolism and hydraulic status, with measurements of long-term mean, maximum and relative growth rates for 176 trees from the world’s longest running tropical forest drought experiment. We demonstrate that plant traits can predict mean annual tree growth rates with moderate explanatory power. However, only combinations of traits associated more directly with plant functional processes, rather than more commonly employed traits like wood density or leaf mass per area, yield the power to predict growth. Critically, we observe a shift from growth being controlled by traits related to carbon cycling (assimilation and respiration) in well-watered trees, to traits relating to plant hydraulic stress in drought-stressed trees. We also demonstrate that even with a very comprehensive set of plant traits and growth data on large numbers of tropical trees, considerable uncertainty remains in directly interpreting the mechanisms through which traits influence performance in tropical forests.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)Australian Research Council (ARC)European Union FP7Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paul

Estudo do complexo valvar atrioventricular cardíaco esquerdo em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) da raça Jafarabadi

Atrioventricular valve complex of 30 Jafarabadi water buffaloes, adult males were studied in this research with no heart diseases. The animals were obtained from a slaughterhouse in Brazilian State of Parana. The hearts were opened at the third portion affording access to the valve complex. The complexes had its area, number and type of tendinous cords submitted to analysis. The results showed that the complex is composed by two cusps and four accessory cusps, two or three papillary muscles in which 10-25 tendinous cords fix on the cusps that face the ventricle wall. The total area of the complex was on average 38.56cm², with a minimum of 24.96cm² and a maximum of 55.54cm². Statistically, no relation between the number of cords and the cusps' area where they are inserted or with the number of papillary muscle where they originated from was observed.Foram estudados os complexos valvares atrioventricular esquerdo de 30 búfalos da raça Jafarabadi, machos e adultos, sem alterações cardíacas, provenientes de abatedouros do Estado do Paraná. Os corações foram examinados em seu terço médio para acesso ao complexo valvar, que foi submetido a estudos de área, número e tipificação de cordas tendíneas. Os resultados demonstram que este complexo é formado por duas cúspides principais e quatro cúspides acessórias, apresentam em sua formação de 2-3 músculos papilares, nos quais se inserem de 10-25 cordas tendíneas, que se fixam em cúspides voltadas para a parede do ventrículo. A área total deste complexo apresenta uma média de 38,56cm² com um mínimo de 24,96cm² e um máximo de 55,54cm². Estatisticamente não há relação entre número de cordas e a área da cúspide onde estas estão inseridas, nem com o número de músculos papilares dos quais elas provem

A vis\~ao da BBChain sobre o contexto tecnol\'ogico subjacente \`a ado\c{c}\~ao do Real Digital

We explore confidential computing in the context of CBDCs using Microsoft's CCF framework as an example. By developing an experiment and comparing different approaches and performance and security metrics, we seek to evaluate the effectiveness of confidential computing to improve the privacy, security, and performance of CBDCs. Preliminary results suggest that confidential computing could be a promising solution to the technological challenges faced by CBDCs. Furthermore, by implementing confidential computing in DLTs such as Hyperledger Besu and utilizing frameworks such as CCF, we increase transaction confidentiality and privacy while maintaining the scalability and interoperability required for a global digital financial system. In conclusion, confidential computing can significantly bolster CBDC development, fostering a secure, private, and efficient financial future. -- Exploramos o uso da computa\c{c}\~ao confidencial no contexto das CBDCs utilizando o framework CCF da Microsoft como exemplo. Via desenvolvimento de experimentos e compara\c{c}\~ao de diferentes abordagens e m\'etricas de desempenho e seguran\c{c}a, buscamos avaliar a efic\'acia da computa\c{c}\~ao confidencial para melhorar a privacidade, seguran\c{c}a e desempenho das CBDCs. Resultados preliminares sugerem que a computa\c{c}\~ao confidencial pode ser uma solu\c{c}\~ao promissora para os desafios tecnol\'ogicos enfrentados pelas CBDCs. Ao implementar a computa\c{c}\~ao confidencial em DLTs, como o Hyperledger Besu, e utilizar frameworks como o CCF, aumentamos a confidencialidade e a privacidade das transa\c{c}\~oes, mantendo a escalabilidade e a interoperabilidade necess\'arias para um sistema financeiro global e digital. Em conclus\~ao, a computa\c{c}\~ao confidencial pode refor\c{c}ar significativamente o desenvolvimento do CBDC, promovendo um futuro financeiro seguro, privado e eficiente.Comment: Comments: 11 pages, 8 figures, in (Brazilian) Portugues

Pleiotropic antifibrotic actions of aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 in the lungs

Introduction: Pulmonary fibrosis is a destructive, progressive disease that dramatically reduces life quality of patients, ultimately leading to death. Therapeutic regimens for pulmonary fibrosis have shown limited benefits, hence justifying the efforts to evaluate the outcome of alternative treatments. Methods: Using a mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis, in the current work we asked whether treatment with pro-resolution molecules, such as pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) could ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis. To this end, we injected aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 (7S,8R,17R-trihydroxy-4Z,9E,11E,13Z,15E19Z-docosahexaenoic acid; ATRvD1; i.v.) 7 and 10 days after BLM (intratracheal) challenge and samples were two weeks later. Results and discussion: Assessment of outcome in the lung tissues revealed that ATRvD1 partially restored lung architecture, reduced leukocyte infiltration, and inhibited formation of interstitial edema. In addition, lung tissues from BLM-induced mice treated with ATRvD1 displayed reduced levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1-β, and TGF-β. Of further interest, ATRvD1 decreased lung tissue expression of MMP-9, without affecting TIMP-1. Highlighting the beneficial effects of ATRvD1, we found reduced deposition of collagen and fibronectin in the lung tissues. Congruent with the anti-fibrotic effects that ATRvD1 exerted in lung tissues, α-SMA expression was decreased, suggesting that myofibroblast differentiation was inhibited by ATRvD1. Turning to culture systems, we next showed that ATRvD1 impaired TGF-β-induced fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblast. After showing that ATRvD1 hampered extracellular vesicles (EVs) release in the supernatants from TGF-β-stimulated cultures of mouse macrophages, we verified that ATRvD1 also inhibited the release of EVs in the bronco-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of BLM-induced mice. Motivated by studies showing that BLM-induced lung fibrosis is linked to angiogenesis, we asked whether ATRvD1 could blunt BLM-induced angiogenesis in the hamster cheek pouch model (HCP). Indeed, our intravital microscopy studies confirmed that ATRvD1 abrogates BLM-induced angiogenesis. Collectively, our findings suggest that treatment of pulmonary fibrosis patients with ATRvD1 deserves to be explored as a therapeutic option in the clinical setting.Fil: Guilherme, Rafael F.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Silva, José Bruno N.F.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil. Universidade Federal do Tocantins; BrasilFil: Waclawiack, Ingrid. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Fraga Junior, Vanderlei S.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Nogueira, Thaís O.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Pecli, Cyntia. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Araújo Silva, Carlla A.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Magalhães, Nathalia S.. Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Fundación Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz;Fil: Lemos, Felipe S.. Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Fundación Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz;Fil: Bulant, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Blanco, Pablo Javier. Laboratório Nacional para Computação Científica; BrasilFil: Serra, Rafaela. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Svensjö, Erik. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Scharfstein, Júlio. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Moraes, João A.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Canetti, Claudio. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Benjamim, Claudia F.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brasi

Red (660 nm) and infrared (830 nm) low-level laser therapy in skeletal muscle fatigue in humans: what is better?

In animal and clinical trials low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using red, infrared and mixed wavelengths has been shown to delay the development of skeletal muscle fatigue. However, the parameters employed in these studies do not allow a conclusion as to which wavelength range is better in delaying the development of skeletal muscle fatigue. With this perspective in mind, we compared the effects of red and infrared LLLT on skeletal muscle fatigue. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed in ten healthy male volunteers. They were treated with active red LLLT, active infrared LLLT (660 or 830 nm, 50 mW, 17.85 W/cm2, 100 s irradiation per point, 5 J, 1,785 J/cm2 at each point irradiated, total 20 J irradiated per muscle) or an identical placebo LLLT at four points of the biceps brachii muscle for 3 min before exercise (voluntary isometric elbow flexion for 60 s). The mean peak force was significantly greater (p < 0.05) following red (12.14%) and infrared LLLT (14.49%) than following placebo LLLT, and the mean average force was also significantly greater (p < 0.05) following red (13.09%) and infrared LLLT (13.24%) than following placebo LLLT. There were no significant differences in mean average force or mean peak force between red and infrared LLLT. We conclude that both red than infrared LLLT are effective in delaying the development skeletal muscle fatigue and in enhancement of skeletal muscle performance. Further studies are needed to identify the specific mechanisms through which each wavelength acts