Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel fast and memory efficient parallel MLCS algorithm for long and large-scale sequences alignments

Information usually can be abstracted as a character sequence over a finite alphabet. With the advent of the era of big data, the increasing length and size of the sequences from various application fields (e.g., biological sequences) result in the classical NP-hard problem, searching for the Multiple Longest Common Subsequences of multiple sequences (i.e., MLCS problem with many applications in the areas of bioinformatics, computational genomics, pattern recognition, etc.), becoming a research hotspot and facing severe challenges. In this paper, we firstly reveal that the leading dominant-point-based MLCS algorithms are very hard to apply to long and large-scale sequences alignments. To overcome their defects, based on the proposed problem-solving model and parallel topological sorting strategies, we present a novel efficient parallel MLCS algorithm. The comprehensive experiments on the benchmark datasets of both random and biological sequences demonstrate that both the time and space complexities of the proposed algorithm are only linearly related to the dominants from aligned sequences, and that the proposed algorithm greatly outperforms the existing state-of-the-art dominant-point-based MLCS algorithms, and hence it is very suitable for long and large-scale sequences alignments.
Estrogen-Dependent Changes in Dura Mater Microvasculature Add New Insights to the Pathogenesis of Headache

The pathogenesis of headaches is a matter of ongoing discussion of two major theories describing it either as a vascular phenomenon resulting from vasodilation or primarily as a neurogenic process accompanied by secondary vasodilation associated with sterile neurogenic inflammation. While summarizing current views on neurogenic and vascular origins of headache, this mini review adds new insights regarding how smooth muscle-free microvascular networks, discovered within dura mater connective tissue stroma (previously thought to be “avascular”), may become a site of initial insult generating the background for the development of headache. Deficiencies in estrogen-dependent control of microvascular integrity leading to plasma protein extravasation, potential activation of perivascular and connective tissue stroma nociceptive neurons, and triggering of inflammatory responses are described. Finally, possible avenues for controlling and preventing these pathophysiological changes are discussed.
Reconceiving Social Exclusion

Several ambiguities in the social exclusion literature – in both the fields of social policy and development studies – fuel the common criticism that the concept is redundant with respect to already existing poverty approaches, particularly more multidimensional and processual approaches, such as relative or capability poverty. In order to resolve these ambiguities and to derive value-added from the concept, social exclusion needs to be reconceptualised in a way that decisively opts for a processual definition, without reference to norms and/or poverty. Accordingly, a working definition of social exclusion is proposed as structural, institutional or agentive processes of repulsion or obstruction. This definition gives attention to processes occurring vertically throughout social hierarchies and opens up applications of the social exclusion approach to analyses of stratification, segregation and subordination in development studies, especially within contexts of high or rising inequality. Three strengths and applications include situations where exclusions lead to stratifying or impoverishing trajectories without any short-term poverty outcomes; where upward mobility of poor people is hindered by exclusions occurring among the nonpoor; and situations of inequality-induced conflict.
High harmonic distortion in a new building due to a multitude of electronic equipment

In modern buildings virtually all electric loads are non-linear. Neither the applicable standards for supply of electrical energy nor those for consumption of electrical energy take into account the replacement of linear loads by non-linear loads. Low power equipment is exempted in standards assuming that all other (linear) loads dominate the power quality. In modern buildings there is a huge number of non-linear loads in lighting, monitor, computer and small power supplies and only a very limited number (or no) conventional linear loads. This is causing unacceptable interference with costly consequences. This paper analyzes current standards and the (exemptions for) harmonic current consumption of modern devices. The increase in harmonic distortion in a new building due to a multitude of non-linear equipment is shown. This forced the owner of the building to make costly changes in the power supply network.
Fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage after a single dose of dabigatran

Introduction. Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a new oral anticoagulant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), available internationally and indicated as an alternative to warfarin for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran does not require laboratory monitoring and its kinetics allow for a more rapid onset of action with a time to peak concentration of 1.25–1.5 h. We are reporting a fatality resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding after the ingestion of a single dose of dabigatran 150 mg. Case details. A 92-year-old man with a medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypothyroidism, and atrial flutter presented to the emergency department with complaints of weakness and rectal bleeding. He was seen by his Cardiologist the day before and was found to be in new atrial fibrillation. He was prescribed dabigatran 150 mg twice daily for anticoagulation therapy. He took one dose of dabigatran 150 mg at 2200 and woke up the following morning before 0900 with profuse rectal bleeding. The initial vital signs in the emergency department, approximately 11 h after ingestion, were heart rate 72 beats/min, blood pressure 62/30 mmHg, and lab work showed hemoglobin 9.9 g/dL, international normalization ratio (INR) 1.99, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 66 mg/dL, and creatinine (SCr) 1.4 mg/dL (creatinine clearance (CrCl) 24.2 mL/min). He was resuscitated with intravenous fluids, two units of packed red blood cells, two units of fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and vitamin K 10 mg intravenously. He was also given an unknown dose of erythromycin early in his hospital stay. An actively bleeding gastric ulcer was discovered and treated with local epinephrine injections. Approximately 48 h after his exposure, he received an additional two units of blood to treat his decreasing blood pressure (98/41 mmHg). On day three, his hemoglobin and hematocrit were stable at 10 g/dL and 30%, INR 1.6, he was extubated and off vasoactive medications. Day six of hospitalization, he began having maroon stools, his hemoglobin decreased to 8.1 g/dL and his platelets to 81 × 1000/mcL. On day seven, the hemoglobin decreased to 6.4 mg/dL. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts and supportive care, he died. Discussion. This case demonstrates the potential of a single dose of dabigatran 150 mg to result in a fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This patient was started on the maximum dose with a CrCl 33.9 mL/min and on admission CrCl 24.2 mL/min, suggesting underlying renal insufficiency.
Learning and memory in normal aging

Conditioning and Instrumental Learning. Skill Learning and Procedural Learning. Verbal Learning. Mnemonics and Transfer. Sensory Memory and Short-Term/Primary Memory. Models of Long-Term Episodic Memory. Long-Term Episodic Memory: Effortful Phenomena. Long-Term Episodic Memory: Discourse. Long-Term Episodic Memory: Automaticity and Rehearsal Independence. Long-Term Episodic Memory: Retention and Forgetting. Long-Term Episodic Memory: Implicit Memory. Generic (Semantic) Memory and Metamemory. References. Author Index. Subject Index.
An Investigation into Effects of Role-play in an EFL Speaking Course

Of four language skills, speaking skill is paid much attention to in language teaching and learning as it is seen as the process of building and sharing meaning in a variety of contexts. That is why this paper attempted to investigate the effects of role-play, another of communicative techniques with the hope that it could help learners improve their speaking skill . This paper was quantitative research with the employment of the questionnaire and tests. The participants included thirty-three first-year English majors and ten Vietnamese teachers of English at Nong Lam University in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire and the tests respectively. The study discovered that (1) in addition to poor pronunciation and vocabulary, some psychological factors such as shyness, anxiety, and fear of making mistakes prevented learners from using the target language and (2) role-play provided students with many opportunities to practise spoken English effectively in real life situations and promoted students' interaction. As a result, students could speak English confidently, naturally, and fluently with English native speakers or those who used English as a means of communication in any circumstances.
Zone of Injury: A Valid Concept in Microvascular Reconstruction of the Traumatized Lower Limb?

Microvascular reconstruction at the lower extremity for complex composite wounds has traditionally been predicated upon performance of the microanastamosis beyond the so-called “zone of injury. ” Failure to do so was believed to account for increased rates of vessel thrombosis and transplant loss. Extensive vessel dissection and vein grafts were often employed in efforts to avoid the zone of injury. To further analyze the validity of this concept, we conducted a prospective evaluation of all patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction of composite lower limb wounds during a 5-month period at Los Angeles County Medical Center. There were 28 patients in this cohort. Twenty-six (93%) were judged Gustilo IIIB or worse preoperatively. Distance from the microanastamosis to the proximal bony osteotomy (zone of injury) averaged 45.7 mm. In no case was a vein graft required. All transplants healed uneventfully without any loss. A reassessment of the concept of zone of injury is urged with analysis of the quality of the recipient vessels and not their location being clinically important.
Social Optimization Strategy in Unobserved Queueing Systems in Cognitive Radio Networks

We study a noncooperative game problem for queueing control in the Cognitive Radio (CR) system where selfish Secondary User's (SU) data packets (a.k.a. "customers" in this work) are served by a CR base station (a.k.a. "server"). The scenario is modeled as an M/M/1 queueing game with server breakdowns where each customer wants to optimize their benefit in a selfish distributed manner. We first show that the game has an inefficient unique Nash Equilibrium (NE). In order to improve the outcome efficiency, we propose an appropriate admission fee that can be easily implemented at the server. We then show that the social welfare at the equilibrium point can be coincided the social welfare of the socially optimal strategy.
Natural killer T cells regulate the homing of chemokine CXC receptor 3‐positive regulatory T cells to the liver in mice

Natural killer T (NKT) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are both found within the liver and are known to exhibit immune regulatory functions. Hepatic NKT cells are activated early during inflammatory responses and release cytokines, including interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), which we speculated could regulate Treg recruitment to the liver. To examine this, we treated C57BL/6 mice with a specific NKT cell activating ligand α galactosyl‐C18‐ceramide (αGal‐C18‐Cer) and examined the hepatic recruitment of Tregs. We found a time‐dependant increase in the hepatic recruitment of Tregs after NKT cell activation, which was absent in NKT cell–deficient mice. Most recruited Tregs expressed interleukin (IL) 10, and to a lesser extent transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β). Because IFN‐γ induces the production of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10), and Tregs can express the cognate receptor for CXCL10 (that is, CXCR3), we considered that CXCL10 might mediate the hepatic recruitment of Tregs after NKT cell activation. Hepatic CXCL10 levels were markedly increased after αGal‐C18‐Cer administration in wild‐type but not in NKT cell–deficient mice. Moreover, approximately 50% of Tregs recruited to the liver after αGal‐C18‐Cer administration expressed CXCR3 and CXCR3+ Treg recruitment into the liver was significantly inhibited in IFN‐γ KO mice, and after CXCL10 neutralization. In addition, prevention of CXCR3+ Treg recruitment into the liver enhanced inflammatory effector cell recruitment into the liver after αGal‐C18‐Cer treatment. Conclusion: These results show that activated NKT cells can induce the hepatic recruitment of Tregs through a cytokine‐to‐chemokine pathway, which could be relevant in the development of chemokine blocking or NKT cell activating strategies to treat liver diseases. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Analyses of prognostic factors in cases of non-small cell lung cancer with multiple brain metastases

Aim To observe the therapeutic efficacy and prognostic factors that influence survival rates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with multiple brain metastases (BMs), (more than three and less than ten). Methods Retrospective analyses were conducted on the clinical data of 209 NSCLC patients with multiple BMs and were admitted to our hospital between March 2007 and November 2012. All BM patients received whole-brain radiotherapy. Two hundred patients received combined chemotherapy during the treatment process; 99 received targeted drug therapy; and nine got only symptomatic and supportive treatment. Survival time was defined as the period from the start of BM therapy to the patient’s death or end of the follow-up period. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the median survival time, and the 6-month, 1-, and 2-year cumulative survival rates, as well as to plot the survival curves. The patients’ cultural background included their socioeconomic status, level of education, their understanding of the disease, and the degree of care and support they received from their family members. Log-rank test was employed to test the differences in the survival rates between the subgroups. Cox multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze the various factors influencing the prognoses of NSCLC with multiple BMs. Results The follow-up duration was between 1 and 87 months. The median survival time for all BM patients was 12.1 months (95% confidence interval 9.37–14.83). The 6-month, 1-, and 2-year cumulative survival rates were 80%, 50.2%, and 10.7%, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that the independent factors influencing survival prognoses included Karnofsky Performance Status score, control of the primary lung tumor, interval between the confirmed diagnoses of lung cancer and BM, presence of extracranial metastasis, number of chemotherapy cycles undergone, Graded Prognostic Assessment class, administration of combined targeted drug therapy, the pathological type, and the cultural backgrounds of the patients. Multivariate analyses indicated that the number of chemotherapy cycles, administration of combined drug therapy, and patients’ cultural background were key independent factors influencing survival prognoses. Conclusion Active treatment of NSCLC with multiple BMs was beneficial, and the patients’ cultural background had a strong influence on survival prognoses. Chemotherapy combined with targeted drug therapy could increase the patients’ median and overall survival rates. The number of chemotherapy cycles undergone, administration of combined targeted drug therapy, and the cultural backgrounds of the patients had significant effects on the patients’ survival prognoses.
Variable Cadence Walking and Ground Adaptive Standing With a Powered Ankle Prosthesis

This paper describes a control approach that provides walking and standing functionality for a powered ankle prosthesis, and demonstrates the efficacy of the approach in experiments with a unilateral transtibial amputee subject. Both controllers incorporate a finite-state structure that emulates healthy ankle joint behavior via a series of piecewise passive impedance functions. The walking controller additionally modifies impedance parameters based on estimated cadence, while the standing controller modulates the ankle equilibrium angle in order to adapt to the ground slope and user posture, and the supervisory controller selects between the walking and standing controllers. The system is shown to reproduce several essential biomechanical features of the healthy joint during walking, particularly relative to a passive prosthesis, and is shown to adapt to various cadences. The system is also shown to adapt to slopes over a range of ±15°, providing support to the user, as validated by quasi-static stiffness measurements recorded by the prosthesis. The subject is shown to place more weight on the powered prosthesis than on his passive prosthesis when standing on sloped surfaces, particularly at angles of 10° or greater. The authors also demonstrated that the prosthesis typically began providing support within 1 s of initial ground contact. Further, the supervisory controller was shown to effectively switch between walking and standing, as well as determine ground slope just prior to the transition from the standing controller to the walking controller, where the estimated ground slope was accurate to within 1.25° for all trials.
Why do simple wafer fab models fail in certain scenarios?

Previous work has proved that simple simulation models are sufficient for analyzing the behavior of complex wafer fabs in certain scenarios. We give an example where the simple model fails to accurately predict cycle times and WIP levels of the complex model. To determine the reason for this behavior, we analyze the correlation properties of a MIMAC (Measurement and Improvement of Manufacturing Capacity) full fab model and the corresponding simple one. It turns out that the simple model is not capable of capturing the correlations in an adequate way because there is lot overtaking (passing) in the simple model while almost no overtaking can be found in the complex counterpart.
Teenage worlds, different voices:an ethnographic study of identity and the lifeworldsof disabled teenagers who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

This study explores identity and the lifeworlds of disabled teenagers who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Drawing on theoretical influences from Childhood Studies, Disability Studies and Social Anthropology it uses ethnographic methods, to investigate the lives of nine key participants aged 10-18 years. Participant observation in schools, homes and clubs, and extended narrative conversations were conducted with participants over 18 months. Interviews and focus groups with parents, school staff and 15 additional teenage AAC users contextualize the data. Three adult AAC users contributed as research advisors. Thematic analysis generated four main themes: Voices, Selfhood, Bodies and Personhood. These revealed that the participants view themselves principally as ‘normal’ teenagers, whose families and friends are important, and who aspire to live the same lives as their non-disabled peers. They paint positive pictures of themselves as sociable and competent without highlighting their impairments, although they acknowledge disability as part of their identities. They have pragmatic attitudes towards the effects of their impairments. Their main concern is to have appropriate, reliable technology, and friendly, respectful assistance, enabling them as much autonomy as possible. Their self-perceptions are matched closely by the views of those who know them best. These people emphasise the teenagers’ social relational selves rather than their impairments. In contrast, those who know them less well, over-emphasise their differences and fail to recognise their teenage selves. Judgments about who they can be are then made on the basis of what they can do. Thus for the participants there is an ontological dissonance between how they see themselves (selfhood) and the way they are often seen by unfamiliar others (personhood). They are annoyed and frustrated by these misattributions, but unlike disabled people without communication impairments, it is especially difficult for these young AAC users to resist and correct misunderstandings about who they are.
Swelling-Activated Ca2+ Channels Trigger Ca2+ Signals in Merkel Cells

Merkel cell-neurite complexes are highly sensitive touch receptors comprising epidermal Merkel cells and sensory afferents. Based on morphological and molecular studies, Merkel cells are proposed to be mechanosensory cells that signal afferents via neurotransmission; however, functional studies testing this hypothesis in intact skin have produced conflicting results. To test this model in a simplified system, we asked whether purified Merkel cells are directly activated by mechanical stimulation. Cell shape was manipulated with anisotonic solution changes and responses were monitored by Ca2+ imaging with fura-2. We found that hypotonic-induced cell swelling, but not hypertonic solutions, triggered cytoplasmic Ca2+ transients. Several lines of evidence indicate that these signals arise from swelling-activated Ca2+-permeable ion channels. First, transients were reversibly abolished by chelating extracellular Ca2+, demonstrating a requirement for Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. Second, Ca2+ transients were initially observed near the plasma membrane in cytoplasmic processes. Third, voltage-activated Ca2+ channel (VACC) antagonists reduced transients by half, suggesting that swelling-activated channels depolarize plasma membranes to activate VACCs. Finally, emptying internal Ca2+ stores attenuated transients by 80%, suggesting Ca2+ release from stores augments swelling-activated Ca2+ signals. To identify candidate mechanotransduction channels, we used RT-PCR to amplify ion-channel transcripts whose pharmacological profiles matched those of hypotonic-evoked Ca2+ signals in Merkel cells. We found 11 amplicons, including PKD1, PKD2, and TRPC1, channels previously implicated in mechanotransduction in other cells. Collectively, these results directly demonstrate that Merkel cells are activated by hypotonic-evoked swelling, identify cellular signaling mechanisms that mediate these responses, and support the hypothesis that Merkel cells contribute to touch reception in the Merkel cell-neurite complex.
Finding metaphor in grammar and usage

1. Preface 2. Ackowledgements 3. Part I. Foundations 4. Chapter 1. Mapping the field 5. Chapter 2. The deductive approach 6. Chapter 3. Conceptualization: Theoretical definitions 7. Chapter 4. Operationalization: Operational definitions 8. Chapter 5. Application: Data collection and analysis 9. Part II. Finding metaphor in grammar 10. Chapter 6. Linguistic forms in grammar 11. Chapter 7. Conceptual structures in grammar (1): Domains 12. Chapter 8. Conceptual structures in grammar (2): Mappings 13. Chapter 9. Cognitive processes and products in grammar 14. Part III: Finding metaphor in usage 15. Chapter 10. Linguistic forms and conceptual structures in usage (1): Metaphorical language use 16. Chapter 11. Linguistic forms and conceptual structures in usage (2): Other forms of metaphor 17. Chapter 12. Cognitive processes and products in usage 18. Conclusion 19. Chapter 13. Evidence for metaphor in grammar and usage 20. References 21. Index