Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulated seizures and spreading depression in a neuron model incorporating interstitial space and ion concentrations.

Sustained inward currents in neuronal membranes underlie tonic-clonic seizure discharges and spreading depression (SD). It is not known whether these currents flow through abnormally operating physiological ion channels or through pathological pathways that are not normally present. We have now used the NEURON simulating environment of Hines, Moore, and Carnevale to model seizure discharges and SD. The geometry and electrotonic properties of the model neuron conformed to a hippocampal pyramidal cell. Voltage-controlled transient and persistent sodium currents (I(Na,T) and I(Na,P)), potassium currents (I(K,DR) and I(K,A)), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-controlled currents (I(NMDA)), were inserted in the appropriate regions of the model cell. The neuron was surrounded by an interstitial space where extracellular potassium and sodium concentration ([K(+)](o) and [Na(+)](o)) could rise or fall. Changes in intra- and extracellular ion concentrations and the resulting shifts in the driving force for ionic currents were continuously computed based on the amount of current flowing through the membrane. A Na-K exchange pump operated to restore ion balances. In addition, extracellular potassium concentration, [K(+)](o), was also controlled by a "glial" uptake function. Parameters were chosen to resemble experimental data. As long as [K(+)](o) was kept within limits by the activity of the Na-K pump and the "glial" uptake, a depolarizing current pulse applied to the cell soma evoked repetitive firing that ceased when the stimulating current stopped. If, however, [K(+)](o) was allowed to rise, then a brief pulse provoked firing that outlasted the stimulus. At the termination of such a burst, the cell hyperpolarized and then slowly depolarized and another burst erupted without outside intervention. Such "clonic" bursting could continue indefinitely maintained by an interplay of the rise and fall of potassium and sodium concentrations with membrane currents and threshold levels. SD-like depolarization could be produced in two ways, 1) by a dendritic NMDA-controlled current. Glutamate was assumed to be released in response to rising [K(+)](o). And 2) by the persistent (i.e., slowly inactivating) Na-current, I(Na,P). When both I(NMDA) and I(Na,P) were present, the two acted synergistically. We conclude that epileptiform neuronal behavior and SD-like depolarization can be generated by the feedback of ion currents that change ion concentrations, which, in turn, influence ion currents and membrane potentials. The normal stability of brain function must depend on the efficient control of ion activities, especially that of [K(+)](o).
Dynamics and articulatory phonology

Traditionally, the study of human speech and its patterning has been approached in two different ways. One way has been to consider it as mechanical or bio-mechanical activity (e.g., of articulators or air molecules or cochlear hair cells) that changes continuously in time. The other way has been to consider it as a linguistic (or cognitive) structure consisting of a sequence of elements chosen from a closed inventory. Development of the tools required to describe speech in one or the other of these approaches has proceeded largely in parallel, with one hardly informing the other at all (some notable exceptions are discussed below). As a result, speech has been seen as having two structures, one considered physical, and the other cognitive, where the relation between the t",:o structures is generally not an intrinsic part of eIther description. From this perspective, a complete picture requires 'translating' between the intrinsically incommensurate domains (as argued by Fowler, Rubin, Remez, & Turvey, 1980). The research we have been pursuing (Browman & Goldstein, 1986; 1989; 1990a,b; 1992) ('articulatory phonology') begins with the very different assumption that these apparently different domains are, in fact, the low and high dimensional descriptions of a single (complex) system. Crucial to this approach is identification of phonological units with dynamically specified units of articulatory action, called gestures. Thus an utterance is described as an act that can 'be decomposed into a small number of primitive units (a low dimensional description), in a particular spatio-temporal configuration.
Structure Regularization for Structured Prediction

While there are many studies on weight regularization, the study on structure regularization is rare. Many existing systems on structured prediction focus on increasing the level of structural dependencies within the model. However, this trend could have been misdirected, because our study suggests that complex structures are actually harmful to generalization ability in structured prediction. To control structure-based overfitting, we propose a structure regularization framework via structure decomposition, which decomposes training samples into mini-samples with simpler structures, deriving a model with better generalization power. We show both theoretically and empirically that structure regularization can effectively control overfitting risk and lead to better accuracy. As a by-product, the proposed method can also substantially accelerate the training speed. The method and the theoretical results can apply to general graphical models with arbitrary structures. Experiments on well-known tasks demonstrate that our method can easily beat the benchmark systems on those highly-competitive tasks, achieving record-breaking accuracies yet with substantially faster training speed.
A survey on vertex coloring problems

This paper surveys the most important algorithmic and computational results on the Vertex Coloring Problem (VCP) and its generalizations. The first part of the paper introduces the classical models for the VCP, and discusses how these models can be used and possibly strengthened to derive exact and heuristic algorithms for the problem. Computational results on the best performing algorithms proposed in the literature are reported. The second part of the paper is devoted to some generalizations of the problem, which are obtained by considering additional constraints [Bandwidth (Multi) Coloring Problem, Bounded Vertex Coloring Problem] or an objective function with a special structure (Weighted Vertex Coloring Problem). The extension of the models for the classical VCP to the considered problems and the best performing algorithms from the literature, as well as the corresponding computational results, are reported.
Better than pre-commitment mean-variance portfolio allocation 1 strategies : a semi-self-financing

6 7 Expanded Version 8 We generalize the idea of semi-self-financing strategies, originally discussed in Ehrbar, Journal of 9 Economic Theory (1990), and later formalized in Cui et al, Mathematical Finance 22 (2012), for 10 the pre-commitment mean-variance (MV) optimal portfolio allocation problem. The proposed 11 semi-self-financing strategies are built upon a numerical solution framework for Hamilton-Jacobi12 Bellman equations, and can be readily employed in a very general setting, namely continuous 13 or discrete re-balancing, jump-diffusions with finite activity, and realistic portfolio constraints. 14 We show that if the portfolio wealth exceeds a threshold, an MV optimal strategy is to with15 draw cash. These semi-self-financing strategies are generally non-unique. Numerical results 16 confirming the superiority of the efficient frontiers produced by the strategies with positive cash 17 withdrawals are presented. Tests based on estimation of parameters from historical time series 18 show that the semi-self-financing strategy is robust to estimation ambiguities. 19
Development of an assessment tool for team integration in alliance projects

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a doctoral thesis that developed an Alliance Team Integration Performance Index (ATIPI), an assessment tool for measuring team integration performance in alliance projects. It provides a summary of the thesis findings, shares the candidate’s doctoral journey and discusses both the thesis “with publication” format and the doctoral programme at the University of Auckland. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a qualitative and quantitative research methodology (mixed methods research). Research methods applied as reported in this thesis include the Delphi questionnaire survey, interviews and empirical questionnaire surveys with the alliance experts involved in road infrastructure projects. Findings – Results from the thesis indicate that the ATIPI is characterized by three elements: first, the most significant Key Indicators (KIs), signifying their dominant influence; second, the suitable quantitative measures for each of the KIs, to promote ob.
Detoxication mechanisms in man

Many of the reactions which foreign compounds undergo in the common laboratory animals are found to occur also in man. There are exceptions to this, however, such as the glutamine coniugation of arylacetic acids, which occurs only in man and the chimpanzee and not in laboratory animals. While these exceptions are probably not the rule, they must be taken into accmmt. The main difference between man and laboratory animals probably lies in the rates of the reactions which transform drugs. These differences in rates may have profound effects on drug action. These reactions consist of various oxidations, reductions, hydrolyses, and coniugations, which are carried out by enzymes, many of which are located in the liver. Not only does man differ from laboratory animals, but various groups of people vary from one another in their ability to metabolize drugs, and as yet little is known about this variation. Variation in drug metabolism in man could be due to age, sex, genetic make‐up, the effect of one drug upon the metabolism of another, and the effect of prolonged administration of one drug upon its own metabolism. Many observations have been made on laboratory animals in these respects, but few have been made in man.
How can informal caregivers in cancer and palliative care be supported? An updated systematic literature review of interventions and their effectiveness

Introduction: Informal caregivers needs in cancer/advanced disease are largely unmet. The science of carer intervention evaluation is methodologically challenging, and the evidence historically weak. Objective: This systematic review updates an earlier effectiveness review to determine both the effectiveness of subsequently published intervention studies, and the current state of science. Method: The evidence was identified and appraised using a comprehensive search strategy. Articles were searched from 2001 to 2010 using the following electronic databases: Medline, PsychINFO and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting intervention data for informal adult caregivers of a patient with a diagnosis of cancer or receiving palliative care. The design and evidence rigour were assessed using the Jadad Rating Scale, and the Quality Rating Scale. Results: 33 studies met inclusion criteria. From the original review, an encouraging increase was identified in the number of evaluations (from 8 to 33), in carer-specific interventions (from 6 to 17) and in the robustness of the study design (an increase from 2 to 12 studies with before/after measures, comparison groups and prospective data). Conclusions: The evidence suggests a rapid increase in the number of robust intervention studies. However, the range of models remains narrow in relation to caregivers’ needs and preferences.
Measurement of Energy Cost of Selected Household and Farm Activities Performed by Rural Women

A nutritional study was carried out on 30 rural, low-income women, aged 25 to 35 years, in the village of Dhandra, Ludhiana District, Punjab, India, to measure the energy cost of selected household and farm activities. The mean weight, mid-upper-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were below the reference standards. A negative energy balance among the subjects indicated their poor energy status. The energy costs of selected household and farm activities were assessed by the Caltrac personal activity computer. The energy costs of household activities—making dough, making chapatis, grinding masala, hand pumping, washing utensils, sweeping, mopping, washing the floor, mud pasting, and washing clothes—were 0.0306. 0.0281, 0.0595, 0.0337, 0.0266, 0.0424, 0.0530, 0.0331, 0.0634, and 0.0453 kcal/kg/min, respectively. The energy costs of farm activities— collecting fodder, chaffing fodder, milking, making dung cakes, picking sag, harvesting wheat, bundling wheat, picking paddy, brooming paddy, and separating paddy—were 0.0472, 0.0372, 0.0530, 0.0270, 0.0337, 0.0623, 0.0374, 0.0411, 0.0370, and 0.0744 kcal/kg/min, respectively. All selected activities were categorized as light, except for grinding masala, mopping, mud pasting, harvesting wheat, separating paddy, and milking, which were categorized as moderate on the basis of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) physical activity ratios. The Caltrac gave lower values for the energy costs of most of the activities. Although it is simpler and less costly, the Caltrec must be calibrated against methods of measuring oxygen consumption for similar activities.
The Social Context of Women's Labor Force Participation: A Comparative Analysis

Utilizing data from 61 societies, this inquiry focuses on women's labor force participation as a characteristic of the social structure. First, the analysis demonstrates that participation is positively related to economic development and divorce rate and negatively related to fertility and income inequality. While the effect of economic development is mediated by various aspects of familial composition, the most significant effect on female labor force participation is that of income inequality. In societies where inequality is high, women are less likely to join the labor force. The analysis goes on to demonstrate that female labor force participation has consequences for occupational discrimination. The odds that women can achieve high status and well-paid occupations decrease with the proportion of women in the labor force. The findings reported here suggest strongly that the integration of females into the labor force is determined by the shape of the stratification system. Such integration, however, results in occupational discrimination. The meaning and significance of the findings are discussed in the light of sociological theories.
Cytotoxicity of MTA and Portland cement on human ECV 304 endothelial cells.

AIM To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of two brands of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Pro-Root MTA and MTA Angelus) and Portland cement (PC) on the human ECV 304 endothelial cell line. METHODOLOGY Endothelial ECV 304 cells were incubated at 37 degrees C in an atmosphere of 95% air, 5% carbon dioxide and 100% humidity for 7 days and grown in F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum with 50 microg mL(-1) of gentamicin sulphate. Effects of the materials on mitochondrial functions were measured by a colorimetric assay. At each experimental time interval (24, 48 and 72 h), a dimethyl-thiazol-diphenyl tetrazolium bromid assay was conducted to measure cell viability. All assays were repeated three times to ensure reproducibility. Results were expressed as average absorbance (A(570/nm)) +/- SD and the data were analysed statistically by one-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post-test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was shown between any of the experimental materials (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The two brands of MTA analysed, as well as the PC, initially showed a similar elevated cytotoxic effect that decreased gradually with time allowing the cell culture to become reestablished.
Monitoring Prohemostatic Treatment in Bleeding Patients

Abstract Acutely bleeding patients are commonly found in the trauma and major surgery scenarios. They require prompt and effective treatment to restore an adequate hemostatic pattern, to avoid serious and sometimes life-threatening complications. Different prohemostatic treatments are available, including allogeneic blood derivatives (fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrates, and cryoprecipitates), prothrombin complex concentrates, specific coagulation factors (fibrinogen, recombinant factor XIII, recombinant activated factor VII), and drugs (protamine for patients under heparin treatment, desmopressin, antifibrinolytics). For decades, prohemostatic treatment of the acutely bleeding patient was based on empirical strategies and clinical judgment, both in terms of a correct diagnosis of the mechanism(s) leading to bleeding, and of an assessment of the effects of the treatment. This empirical strategy may lead to excessive or unnecessary use of allogeneic blood products, as well as to an incorrect, inefficacious, or even dangerous treatment. Different monitoring devices are nowadays available for guiding the diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making process in an acutely bleeding patient. This review addresses the available tools for monitoring prohemostatic treatment of the bleeding patient, with a specific respect for point-of-care tests (thromboelastography, thromboelastometry, platelet function tests, and heparin monitoring systems) at the light of the existing evidence.
Term Structure of Interest Rates, Yield Curve Residuals, and the Consistent Pricing of Interest Rates and Interest Rate Derivatives

Dynamic term structure models (DTSMs) price interest rate derivatives based on the model­ implied fair values of the yield curve, ignoring any pricing residuals on the yield curve that are either from model approximations or market imperfections. In contrast, option pricing in practice often takes the market observed yield curve as given and focuses exclusively on the specification of the volatility structure of forward rates. Thus, if any errors exist on the observed yield curve, they will be carried over permanently. This paper proposes a new framework that consistently prices both interest rates and interest rate derivatives. In particular, under such a framework, instead of making a priori assumptions, we allow the data on interest rates and interest rate derivatives to dictate the dynamics of the yield curve residuals, as well as their impact on the pricing of interest rate derivatives. Specifically, we propose an m+ n model structure. The first m factors capture the systematic movement of the yield curve and hence are referred to as the yield curve factors. The latter n factors are derived from the residuals on the yield curve and are labeled as the residual factors. We estimate a simple 3+3 Gaussian affine example using eight years of data on U.S. dollar LIBOR/swap rates and interest rate caps. The model performs well in pricing both interest rates and interest rate derivatives. Furthermore, we find that small residuals on the yield curve can have large impacts on the pricing of interest rate caps. Under the estimated model, the three Gaussian yield curve factors explain over 99.5 percent of the variation on the yield curve, but only account for less than 25 percent of the variation in the cap implied volatility. Incorporating the three residual factors improves the explained variance in cap implied volatility to over 95 percent. We investigate the reasons behind the ``amplification'' of yield curve residuals in pricing interest rate derivatives and find that the yield curve residuals are a recurring phenomenon, not a one­time event. Hence, the dynamics of the residuals influence option prices even if the current residual level is zero. We also find that the residuals concentrate on the two ends of the yield curve and are more transient than the original interest rate series, both of which, we argue, contribute to the amplification effect.
Analysis of Static Cellular Cooperation between Mutually Nearest Neighboring Nodes

Cooperation in cellular networks is a promising scheme to improve system performance. Existing works consider that a user dynamically chooses the stations that cooperate for his/her service, but such assumption often has practical limitations. Instead, cooperation groups can be predefined and static, with nodes linked by fixed infrastructure. To analyze such a potential network, we propose a grouping method based on node proximity. With the Mutually Nearest Neighbour Relation, we allow the formation of singles and pairs of nodes. Given an initial topology for the stations, two new point processes are defined, one for the singles and one for the pairs. We derive structural characteristics for these processes and analyse the resulting interference fields. When the node positions follow a Poisson Point Process (PPP) the processes of singles and pairs are not Poisson. However, the performance of the original model can be approximated by the superposition of two PPPs. This allows the derivation of exact expressions for the coverage probability. Numerical evaluation shows coverage gains from different signal cooperation that can reach up to 15% compared to the standard noncooperative coverage. The analysis is general and can be applied to any type of cooperation in pairs of transmitting nodes.
Mainland Chinese residents' perceptions and motivations of visiting Hong Kong: Evidence from focus group interviews

Focus groups were employed to identify Mainland Chinese residents' perceptions, motivations and perceived behavioral inhibitors of visiting Hong Kong. Three group discussions were conducted in Beijing and two groups in Guangzhou, with a total of 36 participants. Results showed that Mainland Chinese residents perceived Hong Kong mainly as a shopping destination. Accordingly, their most prominent visitation motivation to Hong Kong was shopping. Other motivations identified from the group interviews were knowledge enhancement, curiosity, family togetherness and kinship enhancement, sightseeing, experiencing different culture and lifestyle, and visiting friends and relatives. In addition to time and money as the most salient perceived behavioral inhibitors, language, complexity of getting travel documents, and improper accommodation supplies were perceived as inhibiting factors for Mainland Chinese residents to visit Hong Kong. Based on the results, implications on destination management and marketing were discussed.
Rationale for the Design of Persistence and Query Processing Facilities in the Database Programming Language O++

ODE is a database system and environment based on the object paradigm. It offers one integrated data model for both database and general purpose manipulation. The database is defined, queried, and manipulated in the database programming language 0++, an extension of C++. 0++ uses the C++ object definition facility, called the class, to provide data encapsulation and multiple inheritance. 0++ extends C++ by providing facilities for creating persistent and versioned objects, defining and manipulating sets, organizing persistent objects into clusters, iterating clusters of persistent objects, and associating constraints and triggers with objects. In this paper, we present the 0++ facilities for persistence and query processing, the alternatives considered, and the rationale behind the design choices.