Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in the hemorrhagic shock-induced inflammatory response

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) following trauma or major surgery significantly contributes to mortality. However, the mechanisms through which HS activates the inflammatory response are not yet fully understood. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 (NF-E2) p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2), a bZIP transcription factor, is a master regulator of robust cytoprotective defenses. The present study investigated the role of Nrf2 in the pathophysiology of HS. Nrf2 expression in peripheral leukocytes obtained from patients with surgery-associated hemorrhage subjected to resuscitation treatment (termed HS patients) or healthy donors was examined by RT-qPCR. A marked increase in Nrf2 expression was detected in the leukocytes obtained from the HS patients, which indicates a correlation between Nrf2 expression and the development of HS. Wild-type (WT; Nrf2+/+) and Nrf2-deficient [Nrf2−/− or Nrf2-knockout (KO)] mice were subjected to surgery to induce HS. Systemic inflammation was significantly elevated in the Nrf2-KO mice compared with the WT mice following HS, as assessed by an increase in serum cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β], as well as high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) expression. The Nrf2-KO mice exhibited more severe lung and liver injury following HS as evidenced by increased tissue damage, increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, Nrf2 deficiency augmented cytokine production induced by the exposure of peritoneal mouse macrophages to lipopolysaccha-ride (LPS) following HS. Taken together, these results suggest that Nrf2 is a critical host factor which limits immune dysregulation and organ injury following HS.
Disorders of Brain, Behavior, and Cognition: The Neurocomputational Perspective

I. Memory Disorders. Neuromodulation and the hippocampus: memory function and dysfunction in a network simulation. Cholinergic neuromodulation and alzheimer's disease. Episodic memory in semantic dementia: a computational approach based on the tracelink model. Multimodular networks and semantic memory impairments. II. Neuropsychology. Understanding failures of learning: hebbian learning, competition for representational space, and some preliminary experimental data. Frames of reference in hemineglect: a computational approach. Explaining object-based deficits in unilateral neglect without object based frames of reference. Inter-hemispheric competition of sub-cortical structures is a crucial mechanism in paradoxical lesion effects and spatial neglect. A new model of letter string encoding: simulating right neglect dyslexia. Prosopagnosia in modular neural network models. Functional brain imaging and modeling of brain disorders. III. Neurology. Unmasking unmasked: neural dynamics following stroke. Effects of callosal lesions in a computational model of single-word reading. Penumbral tissue damage following acute stroke: a computational investigation. The gating functions of the basal ganglia in movement control. Motor fluctuations in parkinson's disease: a postsynaptic mechanism derived from a striatal model. Thalamic and thalamocortical mechanisms underlying 3 hz spike-and-wave discharges. IV. Psychiatry. Using a speech perception neural network simulation to explore normal neurodevelopment and hallucinated "voices" in schizophrenia. Dopamine, cognitive control, and schizophrenia: the gating model. Modeling prefrontal cortex delay cells: the role of dopamine in Schizophrenia. Neural models of normal and abnormal behaviour: what do schizophrenia, parkinsonism, attention deficit disorder, and depression have in common? A neural network model of attention biases in depression.
Beyond the PDP-11: Architectural Support for a Memory-Safe C Abstract Machine

We propose a new memory-safe interpretation of the C abstract machine that provides stronger protection to benefit security and debugging. Despite ambiguities in the specification intended to provide implementation flexibility, contemporary implementations of C have converged on a memory model similar to the PDP-11, the original target for C. This model lacks support for memory safety despite well-documented impacts on security and reliability. Attempts to change this model are often hampered by assumptions embedded in a large body of existing C code, dating back to the memory model exposed by the original C compiler for the PDP-11. Our experience with attempting to implement a memory-safe variant of C on the CHERI experimental microprocessor led us to identify a number of problematic idioms. We describe these as well as their interaction with existing memory safety schemes and the assumptions that they make beyond the requirements of the C specification. Finally, we refine the CHERI ISA and abstract model for C, by combining elements of the CHERI capability model and fat pointers, and present a softcore CPU that implements a C abstract machine that can run legacy C code with strong memory protection guarantees.
The development of the SIMULA languages

The organizers of this conference have told us that we should write at least 25 pages of manuscript, but that we may produce as many pages more as we wanted. Perhaps they did not envisage the possible consequences, but we have taken their words at face value. This paper has implied a vast amount of work and archeological activities. We are grateful to SIGPLAN for defining a task to which resources had to be allocated by our institutions and which forced us to write down an account of our work from 1961 to 1971. While we are writing this preface, those years are very much alive to us. We realize that we lived through this period in a state of semimadness, a combination of very hard work, frustration, and euphoria.
Optimal Dispatch of Electric Vehicles and Wind Power Using Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization

In this paper, an economic dispatch model, which can take into account the uncertainties of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and wind generators, is developed. A simulation based approach is first employed to study the probability distributions of the charge/discharge behaviors of PEVs. The probability distribution of wind power is also derived based on the assumption that the wind speed follows the Rayleigh distribution. The mathematical expectations of the generation costs of wind power and V2G (vehicle to grid) power are then derived analytically. An optimization algorithm is developed based on the well-established particle swarm optimization (PSO) and interior point method to solve the economic dispatch model. The proposed approach is demonstrated by the IEEE 118-bus test system.
Designing a Reliable Supply Chain Network with Random Disruption Consideration

Supply chain design models in the literature typically assume that facilities never fail. However, in the real world cases facilities are always subject to disruptions of various sorts due to natural disasters, strikes, machine breakdowns, power outages, and other factors. This paper presents an integrated supply chain network design model with the consideration of facility disruptions. Specifically, a mathematical model is proposed in order to determine supply chain design decisions such as location, assignment, inventory and shipment decisions. The model maximizes total profit for the whole supply chain, while simultaneously considers costs of location, inventory, transportation and disruption. In order to solve the proposed model, an effective solution approach based on Lagrangian relaxation is presented. Finally, computational results for several instances of the problem are proposed to imply the effectiveness of the developed solution approach.
Ju n 20 07 Valdivia compact Abelian groups Wies law Kubís

Let R denote the smallest class of compact spaces containing all metric compacta and closed under limits of continuous inverse sequences of retractions. Class R is striclty larger than the class of Valdivia compact spaces. We show that every compact Abelian group which is a topological retract of a space from class R is necessarily isomorphic to a product of metric groups. This completes the result of [16], where a compact Abelian group outside class R has been described.
Automatic optimisation of MapReduce designs by geometric programming

Many important applications can be expressed using the MapReduce pattern, where a computation is decomposed into a Map phase on which each element of source data is independently operated, followed by a Reduce phase in which the mapped elements are combined with an associative operator. We develop an approach for compiling applications with the MapReduce pattern into parallel hardware. Using optimisation techniques based on geometric programming, we map the computation onto a resource-constrained architecture. Furthermore, we explore important variations of MapReduce, such as making the Reduce a linear structure rather than a tree structure. Results for four benchmarks show that our approach can improve system performance by up to 170 times compared to the initial designs.
The Lived Experience of a Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome in adulthood

293 Literature Review Abstract (exc. key words) 115 Full text (exc. figures, tables and references) 5,890 Service Evaluation Executive Summary 621 Full text (exc. figures, tables and references) 4,647 Research Report Abstract 225 Full text (exc. tables and references) 11,950 Critical Appraisal Full text (exc. references) 3016 Total word count for main text (exc. references, abstracts) 25,503 Total word count for mandatory appendices 6,019 Total word count for non-mandatory appendices 747 Total words count for whole thesis 27,504
Motion Blur Identification Using Maxima Locations for Blind Colour Image Restoration

— Degradation in images is usually undesirable but unavoidable. The most common cause of this is motion. Given only the image degraded by motion blur, blind restoration aims to determine the original unblurred image and the blurring function. This paper proposes an approach to simultaneously determine these two quantities by utilising a reference point spread function (RPSF) as a learning basis in the alternating minimisation cycle. Based on the behaviour of maxima in the presence of blurs and assuming a blurring function support size, RPSF can be extracted from the given degraded image. This implies that learning is not dependent on estimated values and as a result it will not vary as restoration iteration progresses. The cost function is formulated such that spurious colour artefacts can be avoided, and the contour of the piecewise blurring function is also accounted for. Experimental results show that the proposed method is capable of determining an RPSF that closely resembles the actual blur despite the presence of noise and a small image size. Reconstruction with the proposed cost function resulted in better image quality in contrast to other methods.
Proline metabolism in response to highest nitrogen dosages in green bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Strike)

Summary The objective of the present work was to determine what impact extremely high nitrogen dosages would have on proline metabolism in order to use this amino acid as a bioindicator of N status of green bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Strike). In this effort, we identified the most favourable pathway of proline synthesis under our experimental conditions. The N was applied to the nutrient solution in the form of NH4NO3 at 5.4 mmol/L (N1, optimal level), 11.6 mmol/L (N2), 17.4 mmol/L (N3), and 23.2 mmol/L (N4). Our results indicate that the application of high N dosages inPhaseolus is characterized by the accumulation of NO3−, NH4+ and proline in root and foliar organs. However, although the enzymes in charge of proline biosynthesis, ornithine-δ-aminotransferase (OAT, EC 2.6.1.13) and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS, EC 2.7.2.11/1.2.2.41) vary in behaviour depending on the N status, in our experiment, this amino acid appears to be synthesized mainly by the enzyme ornithine-δ-aminotransferase. This suggests predominance of the ornithine pathway over the glutamine pathway. Finally, under our experimental conditions, proline can be defined as a good indicator of N excess of green bean plants.
Adaptive Forgetting Factor Fictitious Play

It is now well known that decentralised optimisation can be formulated as a potential game, and game-theoretical learning algorithms can be used to find an optimum. One of the most common learning techniques in game theory is fictitious play. However fictitious play is founded on an implicit assumption that opponents' strategies are stationary. We present a novel variation of fictitious play that allows the use of a more realistic model of opponent strategy. It uses a heuristic approach, from the online streaming data literature, to adaptively update the weights assigned to recently observed actions. We compare the results of the proposed algorithm with those of stochastic and geometric fictitious play in a simple strategic form game, a vehicle target assignment game and a disaster management problem. In all the tests the rate of convergence of the proposed algorithm was similar or better than the variations of fictitious play we compared it with. The new algorithm therefore improves the performance of game-theoretical learning in decentralised optimisation.
Global dynamics away from the ground state for the energy-critical nonlinear wave equation

We study global behavior of radial solutions for the nonlinear wave equation with the focusing energy critical nonlinearity in three and five space dimensions. Assuming that the solution has energy at most slightly more than the ground states and gets away from them in the energy space, we can classify its behavior into four cases, according to whether it blows up in finite time or scatters to zero, in forward or backward time direction. We prove that initial data for each case constitute a non-empty open set in the energy space. This is an extension of the recent results by the latter two authors on the subcritical nonlinear Klein- Gordon and Schr¨odinger equations, except for the part of the center manifolds. The key step is to prove the “one-pass” theorem, which states that the transition from the scattering region to the blow-up region can take place at most once along each trajectory. The main new ingredients are the control of the scaling parameter and the blow-up characterization by Duyckaerts, Kenig, and Merle.
Effect of a spiritual retreat on perceived stress of Nigerian Catholic immigrant sisters in the United States

ABSTRACT Stress among immigrants may be due to loss of familiar environment and experience of discrimination. Spiritual retreats may be one way to manage stressful life situations. The present study examined whether participation in a six-day spiritual retreat results in changes in perceived stress and whether changes in perceived stress depend on participant’s demographic characteristics. A total of 88 Nigerian Catholic immigrant sisters completed the Perceived Stress questionnaire pre-retreat, day three, and immediately after a spiritual retreat. Friedman Two-way ANOVA by rank was used to determine if there are mean changes in perceived stress over the three-time period, while Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA was used to determine if there were demographic differences in perceived stress. There were no differences in perceived stress at baseline, but there was a significant reduction in perceived stress at Time 2 and 3. There were no differences in perceived stress for the demographic variables except age.
Increased usability through user interface modification of development and education tools for embedded systems

Developing mechatronical and embedded systems is a complex topic, because expert knowledge in mechanics, electronics and software engineering is required. To assist in the development process, a variety of easy-to-use systems was developed. These systems are supposed to assist the developers during the development process. This is one possible approach. Another possible approach is, to start teaching school children and other non-professionals with teaching software, which helps them to understand the basics of the subject of mechatronical systems. But actually the best approach would be a combination of both of these systems. So it should assist the user in developing mechatronical systems, by being easy-to-use, on the first hand and it should teach the basic knowledge of mechatronical and embedded systems on the other hand. In this paper, a user interface design concept is presented, based on the embedded systems education system EasyKit Starter. First, the EasyKit Starter will be introduced, second, problems, which occurred during user tests, will be described and third, solutions for these problems are presented, including a possible implementation of selected aspects.
Mindfulness and its Effects on Self-Regulation in a Lower Elementary Classroom

The purpose of this action research was to determine the effect of a variety of mindfulness activities and exercises on self-regulation. Twenty-eight students from a lower elementary class of first, second, and third graders in a public Montessori school participated in the study. Data was collected over a period of six weeks using an on task behavior tally sheet, productivity scoring rubric, observational notes, behavior logs, self-assessments, student feedback, and an auditory following directions matrix. Results show a promising association between mindfulness and self-regulation. All students enjoyed partaking in mindfulness and reported positive associations with the intervention and showed increases in multiple measures. Improvements were observed in productivity, behavior, listening and following directions, and focus to include a decrease in the amount of disruptive behaviors. The data shows that mindfulness can be integrated into the classroom to assist students socially, emotionally and academically. Further research should be conducted to validate these results.
Employment after spinal cord injury in Norway: A cross-sectional survey

Two research questions are addressed: 1) What predicts employment among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Norway? 2) How do the employed compare with the non-employed in their job motivation, labour discrimination, quality of life, everyday coping, health and pain suffering? We use a cross-sectional survey from 2012. With a 51% response rate, 320 Norwegians aged 21–66 years with SCI participated. After injury, 69.5% were employed, and 44.5% remained employed at the time of the interview. There was no gender difference in employment. Among men and women, age at onset of SCI, ability to continue working in the same organisation and education was associated with employment. For men paraplegia and vocational rehabilitation were also significant. Occupational class was non-significant among both men and women. Job motivation and work ability could have affected past employment, and both the employed and non-employed supported the statement that employers discriminate against wheelchair users.
Standardized chungkookjang, short-term fermented soybeans with Bacillus lichemiformis, improves glucose homeostasis as much as traditionally made chungkookjang in diabetic rats

As the traditional homemade chungkookjang is replaced by standardized chungkookjang fermented by inoculating Bacillus spp. , it is desirable to maintain the anti-diabetic efficacy of the most potent traditional varieties. Preliminary in vitro research suggested that anti-diabetic efficacy can be achieved by using B. lichemiformis as a starter and fermenting for 48 h. Experimental type 2 diabetic male rats induced by partial pancreatectomy and high fat diets were administered either control diet, 10% cooked soybeans, 10% traditional chungkookjang with potent anti-diabetic efficacy, or standardized chungkookjang fermented with B. lichemiformis for 48 h. Rats were fed their respective diets for 8 weeks after surgery. Cooked soybeans as well as both chungkookjangs partially restored fasting serum glucose concentrations, but only the chungkoojangs increased fasting insulin levels. That trend was also seen in the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during hyperglycemic clamp and was explained by the greater β-cell mass and BrdU incorporation indicating increased proliferation of β-cells. The euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp indicated that all soy products improved insulin sensitivity. Phosphorylation of Akt and AMPK in the liver increased in an ascending order of the control, cooked soybeans, traditional chungkookjang and standardized chungkookjang while PEPCK expression was lowered in a descending order of the control, cooked soybeans, traditional chungkookjang and standardized chungkookjang. These results indicate that standardized chungkookjang is most effective for improving hepatic insulin signaling. In conclusion, chungkookjang fermented with B. lichemiformis retains the anti-diabetic properties of the most efficacious traditional chungkookjang and it may be even more effective for improving insulin function than traditionally prepared chungkookjang.
Atmospheric multidecadal variations in the North Atlantic realm: proxy data, observations, and atmospheric circulation model studies

Abstract. We investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of multidecadal climate variability in the North Atlantic realm, using observational data, proxy data and model results. The dominant pattern of multidecadal variability of SST depicts a monopolar structure in the North Atlantic during the instrumental period with cold (warm) phases during 1900–1925 and 1970–1990 (1870–1890 and 1940–1960). Two atmospheric general circulation models of different complexity forced with global SST over the last century show SLP anomaly patterns from the warm and cold phases of the North Atlantic similar to the corresponding observed patterns. The analysis of a sediment core from Cariaco Basin, a coral record from the northern Red Sea, and a long-term sea level pressure (SLP) reconstruction reveals that the multidecadal mode of the atmospheric circulation characterizes climate variability also in the pre-industrial era. The analyses of SLP reconstruction and proxy data depict a persistent atmospheric mode at least over the last 300 years, where SLP shows a dipolar structure in response to monopolar North Atlantic SST, in a similar way as the models' responses do. The combined analysis of observational and proxy data with model experiments provides an understanding of multidecadal climate modes during the late Holocene. The related patterns are useful for the interpretation of proxy data in the North Atlantic realm.
From “in-betweenness” to “positioned belongings”: second-generation Palestinian-Americans negotiate the tensions of assimilation and transnationalism

ABSTRACT In this article, I argue that second-generation migrants experience multiple tensions and exclusions as a result of the interaction of transnationalism, assimilation, diaspora and racialization in their lives. Yet, I suggest that they are reflexive actors who respond by crafting their own “positioned belongings”. The paper draws on ethnographic research conducted with Palestinian-American second-generation interlocutors conducted in New Jersey and the West Bank in the wake of Donald Trump’s election as President. It presents data regarding this understudied yet significant second-generation group and their relationship to their diaspora community, hostland and homeland. I argue that a feeling of exclusion and “in-betweenness” is navigated by the second-generation through discursive and material practices that centre the second-generation “self”. In doing so, I give new insight into how assimilation and transnationalism interact in dynamic and plural fields and what is lost and gained amongst the children of migrants in the process.