Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CHL1-Deficient and Wild-Type Male Mice do Not Differ in Locomotor Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury

CHL1 is a close homolog of L1, a cell adhesion molecule that plays major roles in neural and tumor cell functions. We had found that young adult female mice deficient in CHL1 recovered better than their wild-type female littermates after thoracic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). This observation was surprising, because CHL1 increases neurite outgrowth in vitro. Injury of adult mouse central and peripheral nervous systems upregulate CHL1 expression in neurons and astrocytes, consistent with CHL1’s pro-active, homophilic interaction between CHL1 surface molecules in wild-type mice. After SCI, CHL1 expression was observed to increase in the glial scar, areas of axonal regrowth and remodeling of neural circuits. These observations were made only in females, and we therefore sought to analyze SCI in CHL1-deficient male mice. We now show that CHL1-deficient males did not recover better or worse than their male wild-type littermates. Primary and secondary lesion volumes were similar in the two genotypes, as seen in female mice which were studied in parallel with male mice. Assessment of peripheral leukocytes showed a significant increase in numbers of blood neutrophils at 24 h after SCI in males, but not in females. Lymphocyte numbers in mutant males increased slightly, but numbers of lymphocytes or monocytes did not differ significantly between males or females. These results indicate that CHL1-deficient males and females differ in the number of neutrophils but not lymphocytes or monocytes, suggesting that the difference between males and females is unlikely due to differences in leukocytes.
Electromagnetically Induced Transparency and electron spin dynamics using superconducting quantum circuits

This thesis is an exploration on superconducting devices, quantum optics, and magnetic resonance. Superconductive quantum circuits (SQC) comprising mesoscopic Josephson junctions can exhibit quantum coherence amongst their macroscopically large degrees of freedom. They feature quantized flux and/or charge states depending on their fabrication parameters, and the resultant quantized energy levels are analogous to the quantized internal levels of an atom. This thesis builds on the SQC-atom analogy to quantum optical effect associated with atoms, known as Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT). An EIT (denoted as S-EIT) based technique has been proposed to demonstrate microwave transparency using a superconductive quantum circuit exhibiting two metastable states (e.g., a qubit) and a third, shorter-lived state (e.g., the readout state). This technique is shown to be a sensitive probe of decoherence, besides leading to the prospects of observing other interesting quantum optical effects like AC-stark effect in SQCs. The second part of this thesis concerns a novel technique for sensitive detection of magnetic resonance using SQC-based resonance circuits. Superconducting quantum circuits are also known to sensitive detectors of magnetic fields. In particular, the effect of electron spin resonance signal on a Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) based non-linear resonant circuit is derived. The electron spin resonance signal propagates as a non-linear behavior of the SQUID voltage, that can sensitively detect extremely small (less than 10-5(o ) electron spin resonance signals. Thesis Supervisor: Terry P. Orlando Title: Professor of Electrical Engineering Thesis Supervisor: David G. Cory Title: Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering
X-ray Spectroscopy of UZ Librae

UZ Librae is the giant primary of a close binary system with extremely fast rotation and revolution. Its distinctive characteristics include an optical light curve with a large amplitude and a high X-ray luminosity. UZ Librae was observed twice at five months interval in August 2000 and January 2001 by the XMM-Newton space observatory. Serie of lines of highly ion- ized Fe and several lines of the Ly and He series are visible in the reflection grating spectra, most notably from C, O and Ne. The corresponding ions are associated with plasma components with temperature in the range 3-8 MK. Bremstrahlung emission from plasma at high temperature (T > 3 × 10 7 K) indicates an intense flaring activity on UZ Librae. This is also supported by a Ne abundance enhancement relative to oxygen reminiscent of abundance anomalies observed during stellar and solar flares. In contrast to oxygen and neon, the abundance of Fe in the corona of UZ Librae is determined to be a tenth of the solar photospheric value. We conjecture that the large fluid kinetic helicity induced by the rapid rotation of the star currently gener- ates magnetic fields with two characteristic scales comparable with compact loops within solar active regions and with larger cooler loops interconnecting solar active regions. The X-ray emission of UZ Librae would be strongly enhanced not only due to the occurrence of these magnetic structures, but mainly due to their large surface coverage and to their permanent interactions responsible for heating UZ Librae plasma to high temperatures. A rotational modulation effect could have contributed to the luminosity variation between the two XMM-Newton observations since a large fraction of the X-ray emitting material might be located above large photospheric spots detected on Doppler images of the star.
General, Network, and Communicative Characteristics of Facebook Use in Relation to Quality of Life during Older Adulthood

This study examined associations between older adult Facebook users’ quality of life (QoL) and their amount of Facebook use, Facebook network characteristics (i.e., network size and percentage of actual friends), and tendency to engage in Facebook relational maintenance behaviors (FRMB). Results from a sample of 472 American adults aged 65+ years revealed a set of small correlations. Minutes per day on Facebook was negatively associated with physical and environmental health. Older adults’ total Facebook network size displayed positive associations with physical, psychological, and social health; meanwhile, their percentage of actual friends on Facebook was positively related to all four dimensions of QoL. Older adults’ FRMBs were positively related to psychological, social, and environmental health.
Body Dissatisfaction, Eating Styles, Weight-Related Behaviors, and Health among Young Women in the United States

Body dissatisfaction is a common condition that poses health behavior risks, such as the use of maladaptive eating styles instead of adaptive eating styles. Few studies have simultaneously examined both adaptive and maladaptive eating styles and their association with body dissatisfaction in a comprehensive manner. To address this gap, this study examined how body dissatisfaction is related to an array of adaptive and maladaptive eating styles, weight-related behaviors, and health status as well as the associations of health status, BMI, and weight-related behaviors with body dissatisfaction in 261 young adult women. Maladaptive eating styles, such as emotional eating, tended to rise in tandem with body dissatisfaction, differing significantly among body-dissatisfaction levels with medium to large effect sizes. For adaptive eating styles, as body dissatisfaction increased, compensatory restraint increased, intuitive eating declined, and mindful eating did not differ. Weight-related dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors did not differ by body dissatisfaction level. BMI increased and health status decreased as body dissatisfaction increased. Binary logistic regression revealed those who were body-dissatisfied had significantly lower health status, higher BMIs, and did not differ on weight-related behaviors. Study findings suggest strategies to improve health-promotion interventions aiming to increase body satisfaction.
Estimating circadian rhythm across infancy: Development of intra- and interdaily stability, and relative amplitude

Previous studies have emphasized the connection of sleep quality, length, and rhythmicity during infancy with brain maturation. There is, however, a lack of consensus regarding variables and methodology in relation to the diverse age periods. We thus conducted a longitudinal study with 136 healthy infants at ages 3, 6, and 12 months, expecting to capture maturation of the sleep-wake rhythm. We estimated circadian rhythmicity derived from actimetric data (Intradaily Variability, Interdaily Stability, Relative Amplitude and Circadian Function Index). Results confirm significant effects across ages. Intradaily Variability decreased with age, reflecting continuously less fragmented sleep and sleep-wake transitions. Interdaily Stability and Relative Amplitude increased with age, reflecting the gradual approaching to synchronization with the day-night cycle. More globally, the Circadian Function Index, averaging those three variables to indicate the maturation of the sleep-wake rhythm, illustrated that infants’ circadian status improves significantly from 3 to 12 months. These findings highlight the first year of life as a period of great changes in sleep-wake patterns and offer new normative data regarding estimates of circadian rhythm in infancy. Such maturation curves are fundamental to detect atypical development of sleep rhythm and early detection allows intervention for ameliorating negative development outcomes.
Drivers of capital inflow: Does global uncertainty matter?

Abstract Determinants of international capital inflow differ from one country to another, and as such country-specific studies are important in assisting each economy to understand cutting-edge policies which can be implemented to attain and retain desired capital inflow. The purpose of the present empirical effort is to examine the determinants of international capital inflow into the South African economy with special focus on the role of global uncertainty. The study investigated the determinants of portfolio inflow, direct capital inflow and total inflow using time series quarterly data from 1960(Q1) to 2021(Q3). The study employed the Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC GARCH) to investigate time-varying correlation among the variables in the light of more current data and Bayesian Linear Regression Model given its ability to deal with the problem of volatility. The overall picture that emerges from the study is that global uncertainty does not significantly correlate or affect portfolio inflow; while on the other hand, it negatively correlates and impacts direct capital inflow and total inflow. The implication is that government and South African policymakers should pay a closer attention to measures to mitigate global uncertainties in attempt to increase direct capital investment flow.
LightNAS: On Lightweight and Scalable Neural Architecture Search for Embedded Platforms

Neural architecture search (NAS) is an emerging paradigm to automate the design of competitive deep neural networks (DNNs). In practice, DNNs are subject to strict latency constraints and any violation may lead to catastrophic consequences (e.g., autonomous vehicles). However, to obtain the architecture that strictly satisfies the required latency constraint, previous hardware-aware differentiable NAS methods have to repeat a plethora of search runs to tune relevant hyperparameters by trial and error, and as a result, the total design cost increases proportionally (empirically by ten times). To tackle this, we, in this article, introduce a lightweight and scalable hardware-aware NAS framework named LightNAS, which consists of two separate stages. In the first stage, we strive to search for the architecture that strictly satisfies the required latency constraint at the macro level in a differentiable manner, and more importantly, through a one-time search (i.e., you only search once). The architectures searched in the first stage are denoted as LightNets. After that, in the second stage, we introduce an efficient evolutionary scheme to further explore the micro-level channel configuration of each LightNet at low cost. To achieve this, we propose an effective yet computationally cheap proxy, namely, batchwise training estimation (BTE), as a plug-in complement to enable the channel-level exploration of LightNets on the fly such that the accuracy of LightNets can be improved without degrading the runtime latency on target hardware. Finally, extensive experiments are conducted on one popular embedded platform (i.e., Nvidia Jetson AGX Xavier) to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach over previous state-of-the-art counterparts.
A RADIOCARBON CHRONOLOGY FOR ESTADIO DE QUILLOTA IN THE ACONCAGUA VALLEY, CENTRAL CHILE, WITH REFERENCE TO THE ADOPTION OF INTENSIVE MAIZE AGRICULTURE AND REVISITING THE TIMING OF INKA INFLUENCE ON THE SOUTHERN FRONTIER

ABSTRACT Estadio de Quillota (EDQ) is the largest known pre-Columbian cemetery site within the Aconcagua Valley of Central Chile. Despite its importance, existing chronological data for EDQ are limited and questions remain regarding the prehistory of the Valley, particularly around the adoption and intensification of maize agriculture, as well as the timing of Inka influence reaching the region. Seventeen new AMS radiocarbon dates presented here indicate two distinct phases of use at EDQ: An earlier phase (339–196 cal BC to cal AD 128–339), and a later phase (cal AD 1280–1387 to cal AD 1413–1458). Accompanying stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses of human bone collagen (n=22) demonstrate diachronic dietary changes corresponding to these phases, with a reliance on terrestrial C3 resources during the earlier period, followed by a heavy dependence on C4-based (maize) resources during the later use. Bayesian modeling of the dates from Late Period contexts suggests Inka influence arrived in Central Chile by ca. cal AD 1400, decades before the date cited in traditional chronologies, AD 1471. Inka expansion likely occurred here with an initial phase of interaction and exchange preceding a later phase of integration. This finding supports growing evidence that the traditional chronology of the Inka Empire requires reconsideration.
An effective Lagrangian for the continuous transition in an extended Kondo lattice model

We propose an effective Lagrangian for the continuous transition from the heavy fermion metal to the antiferromagnetic metal in an extended Kondo lattice model. Based on the slave-boson representation we introduce an additional new order parameter associated with difference of the chemical potential between conduction electrons $c_{i\sigma}$ and local spinons $f_{i\sigma}$. This order parameter allows pseudospin construction $T_{ix} = {1/2} $, $T_{iy} = - \frac{i}{2} $, and $T_{iz} = {1/2} $, where $T_{i\pm} = T_{ix} \pm iT_{iy}$ corresponds to the usual hybridization order parameter in the slave-boson representation of the Kondo lattice model. The resulting effective action is shown to be an anisotropic pseudospin model with a Landau damping term for the screened-unscreened (XY$-$Ising) phase transition. To describe the emergence of antiferromagnetic order in the unscreened (Ising) phase, we phenomenologically introduce the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model for the localized spins, where the effective coupling strength is given by $J_{eff} = J| |^{2}$. This ad-hoc construction allows the continuous transition from the heavy fermion phase to the antiferromagnetic phase because breakdown of Kondo screening ($ = 0$ and $ \not= 0$) causes effective exchange interactions between unscreened local moments.
Antimicrobial Bioactivity and GC-MS Analysis of Different Extracts of Corchorus olitorius L Leaves

Results Crude extracts of Corchorus olitorius L leaves and their TLC-separated components demonstrated bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus (14 mm), Streptococcus pneumoniae (16 mm), and Escherichia coli (11 mm) but neither against Candida albicans nor Mycobacteria tuberculosis. However, the overall zones of inhibition were smaller compared to the positive control (≥18 mm). GC-MS analysis of the active components revealed the presence of methyl esters. Conclusion Corchorus olitorius L is bioactive against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria but neither against fungi nor mycobacteria. The bioactivity is attributable to the presence of methyl esters. Since methyl esters already have proven bioactivity in some studies, they could be further studied and optimized for possible pharmaceutical use. Further, to provide a more comprehensive antimicrobial spectrum of Corchorus olitorius L in Uganda, purified active components could be investigated using a wider range of organisms.
Adaptive Fractional-Order Backstepping Control for a General Class of Nonlinear Uncertain Integer-Order Systems

In this article, we consider the adaptive fractional-order backstepping control problem for a class of high-order integer-order systems with uncertainties and unknown external disturbance. To obtain enhanced control performance, fractional-order calculus is integrated within the conventional backstepping controller design procedure. Theoretical proof is provided based on the Lyapunov stability theorem to ensure the global stability of the closed-loop system in the sense that all the closed-loop signals are uniformly ultimately bounded and the output tracking error to a reference signal converges to an adjustable arbitrarily small range by tuning certain design parameters. Both numerical simulation and experimental results verify the efficacy of the proposed adaptive fractional-order backstepping control scheme.
Examining the Key Factors that Drives Live Stream Shopping Behavior

The purpose of this research was to examine the key factors that drive live-stream shopping behavior in Thailand. The specific objective was to determine the live stream shopping factors that influence purchase intention. The study was driven by the increasing role of e-commerce and live streaming shopping trends through social media marketing. For marketers, live-stream shopping is considered a valuable marketing strategy for commercial businesses to enhance sales, save expenses, and create unique marketing impacts. The study adopted the Uses and Gratification Theory and the Source Credibility Theory. Through these theories, the variables of the study were considered to be entertainment, informativeness, attractiveness, expertise, trustworthiness, culture, and purchase intention. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, with primary data collected from 370 respondents. The model was evaluated using reliability, validity, and CFA. SEM was used to analyse the hypotheses using AMOS and SPSS software. The results of the study indicated that four factors (entertainment, informativeness, expertise, and trustworthiness) have a significant and positive effect on purchase intention. Trustworthiness and entertainment had the highest effect. Attractiveness was found not to influence purchase intention, while culture did not moderate the effect of any variable on purchase intention. The research recommended that live streaming should be trustworthy in terms of sincerity, non-exaggeration, correct information, correct thoughts, and opinions. They should also be entertaining to establish positive interconnectivity between the user and the product or service, and also informative to contribute towards awareness of a product/service and offer insights that influence perceptions and behavioral intentions. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-06-011 Full Text: PDF
Dexamethasone-Induced Adipose Tissue Redistribution and Metabolic Changes: Is Gene Expression the Main Factor? An Animal Model of Chronic Hypercortisolism

Chronic hypercortisolism has been associated with the development of several metabolic alterations, mostly caused by the effects of chronic glucocorticoid (GC) exposure over gene expression. The metabolic changes can be partially explained by the GC actions on different adipose tissues (ATs), leading to central obesity. In this regard, we aimed to characterize an experimental model of iatrogenic hypercortisolism in rats with significant AT redistribution. Male Wistar rats were distributed into control (CT) and GC-treated, which received dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.5 mg/kg/day) by an osmotic minipump, for 4 weeks. GC-treated rats reproduced several characteristics observed in human hypercortisolism/Cushing’s syndrome, such as HPA axis inhibition, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatic lipid accumulation, and AT redistribution. There was an increase in the mesenteric (meWAT), perirenal (prWAT), and interscapular brown (BAT) ATs mass, but a reduction of the retroperitoneal (rpWAT) mass compared to CT rats. Overexpressed lipolytic and lipogenic gene profiles were observed in white adipose tissue (WAT) of GC rats as BAT dysfunction and whitening. The AT remodeling in response to GC excess showed more importance than the increase of AT mass per se, and it cannot be explained just by GC regulation of gene transcription.
A study of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women at Wasit Province, Iraq

--- Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. The current study was conducted during the period from January 2022 to July 2022 to investigate the infection of Trichomonas vaginalis in Iraqi women at Wasit province . A total of 100 women of different ages were enrolled in this study. The vaginal swabs were collected from each woman. A consent form which included age, area of residence, educational level , in addition to the symptoms were obtained from the participants. By Wet mount examination , 4% infection rate with Trichomonas vaginalis. The age class of 20-30 years had the highest rate of infection (3%); while infection among patients from urban resident (3%) was higher than of rural resident (1%). Women with primary educational level showed higher prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis (2%) than other levels and status. About 86 % of the studied women had vaginal discharge, while 81% of them had vulvular itching . Dysuria was Other less frequent symptom. These results indicated the low prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among Iraqi women at Wasit province
Lectures on surgical methods in rigidity

Contents: Introduction. - Borel's Conjecture. - Generalized Borel Conjecture. - Davis'Construction. - Surgical method for analyzing S(M). - Surgery Exact Sequence. - Condition (*). -Splitting the Assembly Map. - Novikov's Conjecture. -Geometric Groups. - Connell-Hollingsworth Conjecture. -Thin h-cobordism Theorem. - Quinn's Theorem. - Torus Trick. - Non-positively curved manifolds. - Expanding Endomorphisms. - Exotic Smoothings. - Smooth Rigidity Problem. - Complex hyperbolic manifolds. - Berger spheres. -Final Remarks.