Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in spinal microglia is a critical link in inflammation‐induced spinal pain processing

We examined the effect of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors in models of nociception and correlated this effect with localization and expression levels of p38 MAPK in spinal cord. There was a rapid increase in phosphorylated p38 MAPK in spinal cord following intrathecal administration of substance P or intradermal injection of formalin. Immuncytochemisty revealed that phosphorylated p38 MAPK‐immunoreactive cells were predominantly present in laminae I–IV of the dorsal horn. Double‐staining with markers for neurons, microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes unexpectedly revealed co‐localization with microglia but not with neurons or other glia. Pretreatment with p38 MAPK inhibitors (SB20358 or SD‐282) had no effect on acute thermal thresholds. However, they attenuated hyperalgesia in several nociceptive models associated with spinal sensitization including direct spinal activation (intrathecal substance P) and peripheral tissue inflammation (intraplantar formalin or carrageenan). Spinal sensitization, manifested by enhanced expression of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 and inflammation‐induced appearance of Fos‐positive neurons, was blocked by pretreatment, but not post‐treatment, with p38 MAPK inhibitors. Taken together, these results indicate that spinal p38 MAPK is involved in inflammation‐induced pain and that activated spinal microglia play a direct role in spinal nociceptive processing.
Stroboscopy for benign laryngeal pathology in evidence based health care.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Voice disorders are common. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of stroboscopy for voice disorders related with benign pathology and apply results in evidence based health care. METHODS Prospective study. Tertiary care hospital. Voice Clinic. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients with an initial diagnosis of benign laryngeal disease or dysphonia of no clarified cause (normal laryngoscopy) were examined stroboscopically and studied prospectively until a final diagnosis was reached. Sixty-six men, eighty women and four children met the selection criteria for the study and had adequate follow-up. The initial laryngoscopic diagnosis was compared to the stroboscopic diagnosis. The diagnostic value of stroboscopy was rated at a scale of 0 to 3. A score 3 describes the diagnostic value of stroboscopy in the cases where the stroboscopic examination resulted to a change of the therapeutic modality offered to the patient. RESULTS For one third of the study's population the diagnostic value of stroboscopy was very significant, since it established the laryngeal pathology responsible for the voice disorder (28.8%) and for a small number of patients it changed the choice of treatment (4.7%). For about one third of the cases (32.2%) stroboscopy offered additional information regarding the cause of dysphonia. The diagnostic value of stroboscopy correlated with the type of laryngeal pathology. CONCLUSIONS Patients expected to benefit from stroboscopic examination are patients with small lesions of the vocal fold edge, dysphonic patients with unremarkable indirect laryngoscopy, and professional voice users.
The origin of abundance gradients in the Milky Way: the predictions of different models

Aims. We aim to study the abundance gradients along the Galactic disk and their dependence upon several parameters: a threshold in the surface gas density regulating star formation, the star formation efficiency, the timescale for the formation of the thin disk, and the total surface mass density of the stellar halo. We use chemical evolution models that already have been tested on a large number of observational constraints. Methods. We test a model that considers a cosmological infall law. This law does not predict inside-out disk formation, but does allow the properties of the solar vicinity to be reproduced well. To check whether this model can reproduce the properties of the galactic disk, we study several cases. We lower the threshold of the surface gas density and assume that the star formation efficiency varies with radius. We test the same parameters in the two-infall model for the Galaxy. Finally, we complete some additional analyses of our simulations to test whether the cosmological infall law can account for the inside-out formation of the disk. Results. We find that to reproduce simultaneously the abundance, star formation rate and surface gas density gradients along the Galactic disk it is necessary to assume that inside-out disk formation occurs. The threshold of the gas density is unnecessary and a similar effect could be achieved by assuming a variable star formation efficiency. The derived new cosmological infall law contains a mild inside-out formation and is still unable to reproduce the disk properties. Conclusions. A cosmologically derived infall law with an inside-out process of disk formation and variable star formation efficiency can indeed reproduce well all the properties of the disk. However, the cosmological model presented here is of insufficient resolution to simulate accurately the inside-out formation for the disk. High resolution cosmological simulations should be performed to reproduce this behavior more accurately.
DISCRETE VELOCITY MODEL AND IMPLICIT SCHEME FOR THE BGK EQUATION OF RAREFIED GAS DYNAMICS

We present a numerical method for computing transitional flows as described by the BGK equation of gas kinetic theory. Using the minimum entropy principle to define a discrete equilibrium function, a discrete velocity model of this equation is proposed. This model, like the continuous one, ensures positivity of solutions, conservation of moments, and dissipation of entropy. The discrete velocity model is then discretized in space and time by an explicit finite volume scheme which is proved to satisfy the previous properties. A linearized implicit scheme is then derived to efficiently compute steady-states; this method is then verified with several test cases.
Hyperosmolar Solution Effects in Guinea Pig Airways. I. Mechanical Responses to Relative Changes in Osmolarity

In the guinea pig isolated perfused trachea contracted with serosal methacholine (MCh), increasing the osmolarity of the mucosal bathing solution elicits relaxation of smooth muscle mediated by epithelium-derived relaxing factor (EpDRF). The present study was undertaken to determine whether a specific modality of the hyperosmolar stimulus induced the relaxation response. Mucosal hyperosmolar challenge with d-mannitol, N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG)-chloride, NMDG-gluconate (NMDG-Glu), or urea elicited relaxation with equal potency. In contrast, hyperosmolar solutions at the serosal surface induced diverse, osmolyte-specific responses. In tracheae contracted with MCh, abrupt replacement of the mucosal modified Krebs-Henseleit solution (MKHS) with isosmolar osmolyte solutions to stimulate cell shrinkage elicited five discrete response patterns related to the membrane permeance of the solute, but increasing the osmolarity of the isosmolar solution via the further addition of the same solute always induced relaxation. Similarly, perfusion of the lumen with water induced a transient contraction, but subsequent addition of MKHS, or isosmolar d-mannitol, urea, NMDG-Glu, NaCl, or KCl induced relaxation. Subsequent hyperosmolar addition of the same osmolyte-evoked relaxation. Compatible osmolytes had no effect on smooth muscle tone and did not affect responses to hyperosmolar challenge. The results suggest that the airway epithelium acts as an osmolarity sensor, which communicates with airway smooth muscle through EpDRF. The mechanical responses of the smooth muscle resulting from changes in the osmotic environment are associated with discrete modalities of the osmolar stimulus, including membrane reflection of the particles, incremental change in osmolarity and directionality, but not cell shrinkage.
Auditory-motor entrainment and phonological skills: precise auditory timing hypothesis (PATH)

Phonological skills are enhanced by music training, but the mechanisms enabling this cross-domain enhancement remain unknown. To explain this cross-domain transfer, we propose a precise auditory timing hypothesis (PATH) whereby entrainment practice is the core mechanism underlying enhanced phonological abilities in musicians. Both rhythmic synchronization and language skills such as consonant discrimination, detection of word and phrase boundaries, and conversational turn-taking rely on the perception of extremely fine-grained timing details in sound. Auditory-motor timing is an acoustic feature which meets all five of the pre-conditions necessary for cross-domain enhancement to occur (Patel, 2011, 2012, 2014). There is overlap between the neural networks that process timing in the context of both music and language. Entrainment to music demands more precise timing sensitivity than does language processing. Moreover, auditory-motor timing integration captures the emotion of the trainee, is repeatedly practiced, and demands focused attention. The PATH predicts that musical training emphasizing entrainment will be particularly effective in enhancing phonological skills.
Of chameleons and consumption: The impact of mimicry on choice and preferences.

This article investigates the effect of mimicry on consumer product consumption and appraisal. We propose and test two paths via which mimicry may influence product preferences. In the mimicking consumer path, we suggest that individuals automatically mimic the consumption behaviors of other people and that such mimicry then affects preferences toward the product(s) consumed. In the mimicked consumer path, we argue that being mimicked leads to increased prosociality, which affects preferences for products presented in dyadic interactions. Three studies confirm the two paths and suggest that mimicry can indeed influence product preferences.
Self-Organizing Polynomial Neural Networks Based on Genetically Optimized Multi-Layer Perceptron Architecture

In this paper, we introduce a new topology of Self-Organizing Polynomial Neural Networks (SOPNN) based on genetically optimized Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and discuss its comprehensive design methodology involving mechanisms of genetic optimization. Let us recall that the design of the "conventional" SOPNN uses the extended Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) technique to exploit polynomials as well as to consider a fixed number of input nodes at polynomial neurons (or nodes) located in each layer. However, this design process does not guarantee that the conventional SOPNN generated through learning results in optimal network architecture. The design procedure applied in the construction of each layer of the SOPNN deals with its structural optimization involving the selection of preferred nodes (or PNs) with specific local characteristics (such as the number of input variables, the order of the polynomials, and input variables) and addresses specific aspects of parametric optimization. An aggregate performance index with a weighting factor is proposed in order to achieve a sound balance between the approximation and generalization (predictive) abilities of the model. To evaluate the performance of the GA-based SOPNN, the model is experimented using pH neutralization process data as well as sewage treatment process data. A comparative analysis indicates that the proposed SOPNN is the model having higher accuracy as well as more superb predictive capability than other intelligent models presented previously.
A Fast Multi-level Algorithm for Drawing Large Undirected Graphs

Graph drawing is a standard means for visualizing the relational information. This paper presents a fast algorithm for drawing large undirected graphs with straight-line edges, which employs the multi-level method as the framework of the algorithm and adopts the force-directed algorithm combined with bary-centralizing method to refine the single-level layouts. As far as we know, it is the first attempt to introduce this kind of combination. Also, the other two speed-up methods, constraint-normalization and quad-tree space decomposition, are used. Systematic experiments suggest its high performance and nice results. It is extremely fast and can nicely draw 10,000 vertex graphs in approximately 5 seconds and 1000,000 vertex graphs in approximately 11 minutes. The comparison with the well-known algorithms proves its validity and practicality. Furthermore, the presented algorithm is easy to implement, and its techniques can be generalized to speed up general force-directed algorithms.
Educators' Expectations of Parent Participation: The Role of Cultural and Social Capital

Developing educators' attitudes toward and skills in working with families is vital, given both legislative mandates and the different and potentially difficult experiences with homeschool collaboration for families. This study explores 17 educators' expectations of parents'acquisition and use of cultural and social capital through focus group interviews. Results indicate that teachers considered disability acknowledgement and acceptance of disabilityrelated information to be essential capital for parent participation. Increasing educators'understanding of the role of capital can augment teachers'positive attitudes toward parents,their ability to engage them in productive home-school collaboration, and their skills as advocates for students with disabilities and their families.
Respiratory Effects of the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill on Children in Taean, Korea

Purpose The oil spill from the Heibei Spirit in December 2007 contaminated the Yellow Coast of South Korea. We evaluated the respiratory effects of that spill on children who lived along the Yellow Coast. Methods Of 662 children living in the area exposed to the oil spill, 436 (65.9%) were enrolled as subjects. All subjects completed a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. A health examination, including a skin prick test, pulmonary function test, and methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT), was administered. The children were assigned to two groups: those who lived close to the oil spill area and those who lived far from the oil spill area. Results The children who lived close to the oil spill area showed a significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), an increased prevalence of 'asthma ever' (based on a questionnaire), and 'airway hyperresponsiveness' (based on the MBPT) than those who lived far from the oil spill area (FEV1; P=0.011, prevalence of 'asthma ever' based on a questionnaire; P=0.005, prevalence of 'airway hyperresponsiveness' based on the MBPT; P=0.001). The onset of wheezing after the oil spill was significantly higher in children who lived close to the oil spill area than in those who lived far from the oil spill area among the 'wheeze ever' group (P=0.002). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, male sex, family history of asthma, and residence near the oil spill area were significant risk factors for asthma (sex [male/female]: odds ratio [OR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-4.91; family history of asthma [No/Yes]: OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 1.83-7.75; exposure group [low/high]; OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.27-4.65). Conclusions This study suggests that exposure to an oil spill is a risk factor for asthma in children.
Single origin and subsequent diversification of central Andean endemic Umbilicaria species

We studied an Andean endemic group of species of the lichen-forming fungal genus Umbilicaria from the subalpine and low-alpine zone, with their biogeographic center in Bolivia and Peru. A number of species and varieties have been described from this element, but apparent instability in several morphological traits has made it difficult to precisely delimit taxa. Based on DNA sequences of nuclear ITS, LSU and mitochondrial SSU from extensive collections from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, we present here a molecular phylogenetic analysis of this Andean endemic element within genus Umbilicaria. All analyses (MP, ML and Bayesian) support a single origin for the element and a division into two major groups characterized by different apothecium types: the Umbilicaria dichroa group and U. calvescens group. Taxa U. krempelhuberi, U. peruviana and U. subcalvescens are nested withinn U. calvescens and are treated as conspecific with the latter species. The endemic element shares a most recent common ancestor with the Umbilicaria vellea group, which has a worldwide distribution and contains several asexually reproducing (sorediate) species. Independent reversals to sexual reproduction might explain the evolution of two types of apothecia in this monophyletic endemic lineage. A number of cosmopolitan, mostly high-alpine, species of Umbilicaria also present in the central Andes are related only remotely to the endemic element and do not exhibit speciation into endemics. Because the An-dean element dominates the Umbilicaria habitats of the low- and subalpine zones we propose that the founder colonized the Andes at a time when the mountains had not yet reached their current elevation while the high-alpine species arrived more recently.
Single-Input Five-Output Electronically Tunable Current-Mode Biquad Consisting of Only ZC-CFTAs and Grounded Capacitors

This paper presents an electronically tunable current-mode biquadratic filter constructing with four Zcopy current follower transconductance amplifiers (ZCCFTAs) and only two grounded capacitors. The presented filter can realize all the five standard biquadratic functions simultaneously without requiring any component matching conditions and connecting any relevant output currents. The circuit has one low-impedance input and five highimpedance outputs, resulting in easy cascadability in current-mode. Also, the developed circuit exhibits the advantage of non-interactive electronic control of the natural angular frequency (0) and the quality factor (Q) along with low incremental active and passive sensitivities. Computer simulation results using PSPICE program are given to confirm the validity of the theoretical prediction and to point out the attractive performance of the circuit.
Are image quality metrics adequate to evaluate the quality of geometric objects?

Geometric objects are often represented by many millions of triangles or polygons, which limits the ease with which they can be transmitted and displayed electronically. This has lead to the development of many algorithms for simplifying geometric models, and to the recognition that metrics are required to evaluate their success. The goal is to create computer graphic renderings of the object that do not appear to be degraded to a human observer. The perceptual evaluation of simplified objects is a new topic. One approach has been to sue image-based metrics to predict the perceived degradation of simplified 3D models. Since that 2D images of 3D objects can have significantly different perceived quality, depending on the direction of the illumination, 2D measures of image quality may not adequately capture the perceived quality of 3D objects. To address this question, we conducted experiments in which we explicitly compared the perceived quality of animated 3D objects and their corresponding 2D still image projections. Our results suggest that 2D judgements do not provide a good predictor of 3D image quality, and identify a need to develop 'object quality metrics. '
Evaluating the relation between coding standard violations and faultswithin and across software versions

In spite of the widespread use of coding standards and tools enforcing their rules, there is little empirical evidence supporting the intuition that they prevent the introduction of faults in software. In previous work, we performed a pilot study to assess the relation between rule violations and actual faults, using the MISRA C 2004 standard on an industrial case. In this paper, we investigate three different aspects of the relation between violations and faults on a larger case study, and compare the results across the two projects. We find that 10 rules in the standard are significant predictors of fault location.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Introduction . 148 Some expected effects from benefit eligibility conditions . 149 A brief survey of eligibility criteria . 152 Sanction provisions. 154 Sanction statistics . 157 An index for the strictness of benefit eligibility criteria? 160 Evidence for the impact of eligibility criteria. 163 Implementation issues. 169 Policy recommendations. 170 Appendix. Some international differences in eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits. 177 Bibliography . 182
On the Benefits of Sampling in Privacy Preserving Statistical Analysis on Distributed Databases

We consider a problem where mutually untrusting curators possess portions of a vertically partitioned database containing information about a set of individuals. The goal is to enable an authorized party to obtain aggregate (statistical) information from the database while protecting the privacy of the individuals, which we formalize using Differential Privacy. This process can be facilitated by an untrusted server that provides storage and processing services but should not learn anything about the database. This work describes a data release mechanism that employs Post Randomization (PRAM), encryption and random sampling to maintain privacy, while allowing the authorized party to conduct an accurate statistical analysis of the data. Encryption ensures that the storage server obtains no information about the database, while PRAM and sampling ensures individual privacy is maintained against the authorized party. We characterize how much the composition of random sampling with PRAM increases the differential privacy of system compared to using PRAM alone. We also analyze the statistical utility of our system, by bounding the estimation error - the expected l2-norm error between the true empirical distribution and the estimated distribution - as a function of the number of samples, PRAM noise, and other system parameters. Our analysis shows a tradeoff between increasing PRAM noise versus decreasing the number of samples to maintain a desired level of privacy, and we determine the optimal number of samples that balances this tradeoff and maximizes the utility. In experimental simulations with the UCI "Adult Data Set" and with synthetically generated data, we confirm that the theoretically predicted optimal number of samples indeed achieves close to the minimal empirical error, and that our analytical error bounds match well with the empirical results.
Arc motion and gas flow in current limiting circuit breakers operating with a low contact switching velocity

Arc motion in low voltage (240 VAC) high current (10/sup 3/-10/sup 4/A.) current limiting-circuit breakers is dominated by arc root mobility. The mobility is influenced by the gas flow and gas composition in the contact region, but there is little experimental data on these effects. New pressure and spectral data measurement during arc movement are presented using a flexible test apparatus and an arc imaging system. These measurements are used to investigate gas flow characteristics in the arc chamber. The chemical and physical phenomena occurring during the arc motion are discussed. The combination of optical and spectral data provides new insight into the arc motion. The influences of arc chamber material, contact material, and contact opening speed, are investigated to improve arc control for a low contact opening velocity.