Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic silencing of Nrf2 enhances X-ROS in dysferlin-deficient muscle

Oxidative stress is a critical disease modifier in the muscular dystrophies. Recently, we discovered a pathway by which mechanical stretch activates NADPH Oxidase 2 (Nox2) dependent ROS generation (X-ROS). Our work in dystrophic skeletal muscle revealed that X-ROS is excessive in dystrophin-deficient (mdx) skeletal muscle and contributes to muscle injury susceptibility, a hallmark of the dystrophic process. We also observed widespread alterations in the expression of genes associated with the X-ROS pathway and redox homeostasis in muscles from both Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and mdx mice. As nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an essential role in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in redox homeostasis, we hypothesized that Nrf2 deficiency may contribute to enhanced X-ROS signaling by reducing redox buffering. To directly test the effect of diminished Nrf2 activity, Nrf2 was genetically silenced in the A/J model of dysferlinopathy—a model with a mild histopathologic and functional phenotype. Nrf2-deficient A/J mice exhibited significant muscle-specific functional deficits, histopathologic abnormalities, and dramatically enhanced X-ROS compared to control A/J and WT mice, both with functional Nrf2. Having identified that reduced Nrf2 activity is a negative disease modifier, we propose that strategies targeting Nrf2 activation may address the generalized reduction in redox homeostasis to halt or slow dystrophic progression.
Occurrence of non-native invasive plants: The role of anthropogenic features: Chapter 10

The invasion of non-native plants in the Wyoming Basins Ecoregional Assessment (WBEA) area is a major economic and ecological stress, with invasions thought to be hastened by energy developments. Given the potential impacts of nonnative invasive plants and the rapid changes in land use in the WBEA, broad-scale assessments and predictive models of nonnative invasive plant distribution are needed. Using this information, the current extent of populations for targeting treatment and monitoring can be identified, the habitat affinities for forecasting where weeds may establish next determined, and the responses to individual human disturbances (such as energy developments) predicted. To address these needs, we conducted vegetation surveys across the WBEA area at 317 individual survey blocks (five plots per survey block) during the summers of 2005 and 2006. Survey blocks were stratified by both human disturbance and habitat productivity; in each of five plots per survey block the occurrence of 23 common nonnative invasive plants was recorded during early and late season surveys. Here, we report on the four most common invasive plants, crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus), and Russian thistle (Salsola spp.). Occurrence models were generated for each species using random-effects logistic regression to account for nesting of plots within sample sites. Predictors of occupancy included local habitat, abiotic condition, and distance to anthropogenic features. Although occurrences of all four invasive plants were affected by habitat, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors, cheatgrass and Russian thistle were most strongly associated with anthropogenic disturbance, primarily major roads and energy well sites. We assessed relationships between environmental and anthropogenic predictors and species occurrences to identify the major factors affecting current species distribution, examined shape of the response in occurrence in relation to proximity to individual anthropogenic disturbances, and provided spatial predictions of the locations where invasive plants are most likely to occur.
Improving the testability of mixed-signal integrated circuits

The author presents a discussion on several methods that can be used to improve the testability of mixed-signal integrated circuits. He begins by outlining the role of test, and its impact on product cost and qualify. A brief look is taken at the pending test crises for mixed-signal circuits. Subsequently, the author outlines several common test strategies, and their corresponding test setups for verifying the function of the analog portion of a mixed-signal circuit. In the remainder of the paper he describes several analog test buses and circuits for built-in self-test applications.
Optimization on Abrasive Wear Performance of Pultruded Kenaf-Reinforced Polymer Composite Using Taguchi Method

This study examined the optimal abrasive wear performance of kenaf-reinforced polymer composite under different sliding conditions. Three different fiber loadings i.e. 43.05, 49.30 and 55.33 vol.% of kenaf fiber was reinforced into a polyester resin using the pultrusion technique. Optimal responses of wear rate and average coefficient of friction (COF) for kenaf fiber-reinforced polyester composites, based on different levels of control factors (fiber loading, applied load, counterface roughness and sliding speed) were determined by the Taguchi Design of experiment (DOE) with L9 (34) orthogonal array and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods. The wear behaviour of kenaf fiber-reinforced composites were investigated using DUCOM pin-on-disc tester with three levels of applied loads (10-30 N), sliding speeds (0.42-1.3 m/s) against different grit sizes of silicon carbide abrasive papers (average grain size~2.2-25.2 μm) under dry sliding condition. The optimization of S/N ratio and degree of significance of the control variables to minimize the wear rate and average COF of kenaf fiber-reinforced polyester composites was carry out. The results showed that the counterface roughness is the most significant factor in affecting the wear rate, followed by applied load, sliding speed, and fiber loading. For average COF, the fiber loading is the most significant factor followed by applied load, sliding speed and counterface roughness.
Effect of laser radiation absorption on efficiency of laser welding of copper and its alloys

Due to a high reflection power of copper it is usually assumed that the laser welding of products of this material is not rational. However, in the modern industry the problems of joining the parts of copper and its alloys periodically arise, applying narrow welds with a deep vapor-gas channel. Moreover, for technical reasons the use of electron beam welding is not always possible and a sufficiently wide availability of fiber (wavelength of 1.07 mm) and disc (wavelength of 1.03 mm) industrial lasers of the latest generation makes the problem of laser welding of these materials challenging. Therefore, the aim of the work was to study the conditions of absorbing the laser radiation with the wavelength of 1.03–1.07 mm by copper and its alloys in laser welding with a deep penetration, as well as to determine the basic parameters of the welding mode and to evaluate the process effectiveness. It was shown in the work that for certain combinations of thickness of copper alloy and density of radiation power with the wavelength of 1.03–1.07 mm, the optimal speed of welding process exists, at which its technical and economic efficiency is maximum. This speed should be such that the absorbing capacity (integrated over the spot of laser heating) can be at the level of about 13–15 %. The exceeding of welding speed leads to a sharp decrease in absorbing capacity, and, consequently, to the need in increasing the radiation power and growing the cost of the process. The decrease in welding speed relatively to the optimal one leads to decrease in efficiency, overheating of metal in the weld pool and to such defects of weld shaping, as sagging and metal splashes. 11 Ref. , 8 Figures.
Validation of the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and European League Against Rheumatism response criteria based on C-reactive protein against disease progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and comparison with the DAS28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Objective: To validate and compare the definition of the Disease Activity Score 28 based on C-reactive protein (DAS28 (CRP)) to the definition based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Methods: Data were analysed from two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of abatacept of 6-month and 12-month duration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria and the proportion of patients in remission (DAS28 <2.6) based on the two DAS28 definitions were examined. Trends in radiographic progression (erosion score, joint space narrowing score and total score) and physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)) across the EULAR responder states (none, moderate and good) were analysed. Results: There was general agreement in determining the EULAR responder state using both DAS28 definitions (κ = 0.80, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.83). Overall, there was 82.4% agreement on the EULAR response criteria; when disagreements occurred, the DAS28 (CRP) yielded a better EULAR response more often then DAS28 (ESR) (12.6% vs 4.9%, respectively). There was also agreement in determining remission: κ = 0.69 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.78). Radiographic progression decreased in patients treated with abatacept across EULAR states (from none to moderate to good) based on both definitions. For patients treated with placebo, the trend was not as pronounced, with radiographic scores higher for moderate vs non-responders. For physical function, similar trends were observed across the EULAR states for both DAS28 definitions. Conclusions: The DAS28 (CRP) has been validated against radiographic progression and physical function. While the DAS28 (CRP) yielded a better EULAR response more often than the DAS28 (ESR), the validation profile was similar to the DAS28 (ESR), indicating that both measures are useful for assessing disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Fast forward and fast rewind play system based on the MPEG system stream with new concept

In this paper, we present systems and algorithms for fast forward and fast rewind play system of motion picture streams encoded in standard MPEG system. Many traditional standard MPEG system decoders cannot easily control the MPEG system stream. Especially they have difficulty in controlling fast forward and fast rewind play. We adapt a new concept for our system. We use index data in MPEG system stream. It has compatibility with the standard MPEG decoding method and also covers problems of other models.
Evaluation of the system parameters degree of influence on the stability of a DC microgrid

The classical distribution system can evolve in a new concept of grid, where the distributed generation is a great factor. These changes take into account the use of power electronic devices. With these devices it is necessary to study the stability of the system in a new form due to their multi-current domain and the influence of the controllers applied to the each device. The paper presents a methodology that takes into account the structure of a DC system and evaluates its stability. The stability analysis applies the computational continuation to obtain the conclusions over the limits of safe operation. Finally, the simulation results present the grid behavior.
Improving Code Generation for Software-based Error Detection

With modern hardware heading for smaller feature sizes and lower operating voltages, failure rates are expected to increase. Instead of adding hardware to protect against failures, which is expensive and inflexible, one can implement error detection in software. The focus of the present work is the AN encoding scheme. Improvements to code generation are introduced that enable a high level of fault coverage, namely over 98%, while reducing the performance overhead due to AN encoding by up to 45%. This raises the general question of whether code generation strategies can be designed that enable fault detection with a minimal impact on performance.
Congruence Formats for Weak Readiness Equivalence and Weak Possible Future Equivalence

Weak equivalences are important behavioral equivalences in the course of specifying and analyzing reactive systems using process algebraic languages. In this paper, we propose a series of weak equivalences named weak parametric readiness equivalences, which take two previously known behavioral equivalences, i.e. the weak readiness equivalence and the weak possible future equivalence, as their special cases. More importantly, based on the idea of structural operational semantics, a series of rule formats are presented to guarantee congruence for these weak parametric readiness equivalences, i.e. to show that the proposed rule formats can guarantee the congruence of their corresponding weak parametric readiness equivalences. This series of rule formats reflects the differences in the weak parametric readiness equivalences. We conclude that when the weak parametric readiness equivalences become coarser, their corresponding rule formats turn tighter.
AIPM: an Agile Inclusive Process Model

The Internet represents a new dimension to software development. It can be understood as an opportunity to develop systems to promote social inclusion and citizenship. These systems impose a singular way for developing software, where accessibility and usability are key requirements. This technical report proposes a process model for agile software development, which takes into account these requirements. This method brings together multidisciplinary practices coming from Participatory Design, and Organizational Semiotics with concepts of agile methods
Transcriptome Sequencing of Two Phenotypic Mosaic Eucalyptus Trees Reveals Large Scale Transcriptome Re-Modelling

Phenotypic mosaic trees offer an ideal system for studying differential gene expression. We have investigated two mosaic eucalypt trees from two closely related species (Eucalyptus melliodora and E. sideroxylon), which each support two types of leaves: one part of the canopy is resistant to insect herbivory and the remaining leaves are susceptible. Driving this ecological distinction are differences in plant secondary metabolites. We used these phenotypic mosaics to investigate genome wide patterns of foliar gene expression with the aim of identifying patterns of differential gene expression and the somatic mutation(s) that lead to this phenotypic mosaicism. We sequenced the mRNA pool from leaves of the resistant and susceptible ecotypes from both mosaic eucalypts using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. We found large differences in pathway regulation and gene expression between the ecotypes of each mosaic. The expression of the genes in the MVA and MEP pathways is reflected by variation in leaf chemistry, however this is not the case for the terpene synthases. Apart from the terpene biosynthetic pathway, there are several other metabolic pathways that are differentially regulated between the two ecotypes, suggesting there is much more phenotypic diversity than has been described. Despite the close relationship between the two species, they show large differences in the global patterns of gene and pathway regulation.
A Combined Applied Mechanics/Materials Science Approach Toward Quantifying the Role of Hydrogen on Material Degradation

Development and validation of a lifetime prediction methodology for failure of materials used for hydrogen containment components is of paramount importance to the planned hydrogen economy. In the case of low strength steel pipelines, we outline a hydrogen transport methodology for the calculation of hydrogen accumulation ahead of the tip of an axial crack on the inner surface. For all practical purposes, we find that the stress, deformation, and hydrogen fields exhibit a small scale character which allows for the use of the standard modified boundary layer approach to the study of the fracture behavior of steel pipelines. Arguably the most devastating mode of hydrogen-induced degradation is the hydrogen embrittlement of high-strength steels. We present an approach to quantify the effect of hydrogen on the fracture strength and toughness of a low alloy martensitic steel through the use of a statistically-based micromechanical model for the critical local fracture event.
Treatment of Depression Following Spinal Cord Injury: An Evidence-Based Review

Study Design: Evaluative research review. Objective: Depression is a significant secondary complication of spinal cord injuries (SCI); this study applies the D. L. Sackett (1989) research criteria to evaluate the quality of intervention studies of the treatment of depression among persons with SCI. Method: An extensive range of peer-reviewed published research was identified through established databases, critical reviews, and published meta-analyses. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. One antidepressant study was rated above Level III; although the psychological intervention studies had control groups, these were not randomized. Conclusion: This review demonstrates the need for randomized clinical trials of psychological and pharmacological interventions for depression and distress among persons with SCI, so that informed decisions concerning cost-effective treatments can be made. Depression has received more attention from clinicians and researchers than any other psychological issue among persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI; Elliott & Umlauf, 1995). For many years, clinical lore maintained that depression was to be expected soon after the onset of injury, and it was construed as a critical element in most anecdotal models of adjustment, typically signaling rational acceptance of the permanence of the injury (Frank, Elliott, Corcoran, & Wonderlich, 1987). Empirical study has broadened our understanding of depression considerably. Studies relying on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed.; DSM–III; American Psychiatric Association, 1980) criteria using small samples of recently injured persons and conservative diagnostic interview techniques have found the rate of major depressive episodes to range from 22.7% to over 30% (Frank, Kashani, Wonderlich, Lising, & Visot, 1985; Fullerton, Harvey, Klein, & Howell, 1981). Lower rates have been observed in studies using less stringent interview methods (13.7%; Judd & Brown, 1992) and with self-report measures based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.; DSM–III–R; American
Fuzzy QoS Modeling of IT Maintenance Tickets

Ticketing system is an example of a Service System (SS) which is responsible for handling huge volumes of tickets generated by large enterprise IT (Information Technology) infrastructure components, and ensuring smooth operation. An issue is captured as summary on the ticket and once a ticket is resolved, the solution is also noted down on the ticket as resolution. Further the system maintains the provision of recording the time when a ticket is opened, acknowledged to user, resolved and/or closed, from which different QoS parameters could be obtained. For example, Resolution Time can be computed as the difference of resolution date and opening date of the ticket. QoS parameters are used to measure the performance of different aspects of a service. In case of impreciseness of observations of these parameters fuzzy sets seems to be an optimal tool to model them. To ensure better operation for services based on these QoS values we propose a two-stage analysis framework for QoS prediction of incoming tickets which includes fuzzy clustering of incident tickets based on QoS values and building a fuzzy regression model using this categorization and the textual contents of tickets. Further we carry out a fuzzy correlation analysis of different categories (clusters) of QoS parameters. Lastly we report on our experimental results.
A Point-Based Offsetting Method of Polygonal Meshes

We address the delicate problem of offsetting polygonal meshes. Offsetting is important for stereolithography, NC machining, coordinate measuring machines, robot collision avoidance, and Hausdorff error calculation. We introduce a new fast, and very simple method for offsetting (growing and shrinking) a solid model by an arbitrary distance r. Our approach is based on a hybrid data structure combining point samples, voxels, and continuous surfaces. Each face, edge, and vertex of the original solid generates a set of offset points spaced along the (pencil of) normals associated with it. The offset points and normals are sufficiently dense to ensure that all voxels between the original and the offset surfaces are properly labeled as either too close to the original solid or possibly containing the offset surface. Then the offset boundary is generated as the isosurface using these voxels and the associated offset points. We provide a tight error bound on the resulting surface and report experimental results on a variety of CAD models.
Return-Oriented Programming: Systems, Languages, and Applications

We introduce return-oriented programming, a technique by which an attacker can induce arbitrary behavior in a program whose control flow he has diverted, without injecting any code. A return-oriented program chains together short instruction sequences already present in a program’s address space, each of which ends in a “return” instruction. Return-oriented programming defeats the W⊕X protections recently deployed by Microsoft, Intel, and AMD; in this context, it can be seen as a generalization of traditional return-into-libc attacks. But the threat is more general. Return-oriented programming is readily exploitable on multiple architectures and systems. It also bypasses an entire category of security measures---those that seek to prevent malicious computation by preventing the execution of malicious code. To demonstrate the wide applicability of return-oriented programming, we construct a Turing-complete set of building blocks called gadgets using the standard C libraries of two very different architectures: Linux/x86 and Solaris/SPARC. To demonstrate the power of return-oriented programming, we present a high-level, general-purpose language for describing return-oriented exploits and a compiler that translates it to gadgets.
Combination of Lactic Acid-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) with β-Cyclodextrin: Performance Screening Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Selected Native Greek Medicinal Plants

A series of novel l-lactic acid-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) were tested for polyphenol extraction performance, using organically grown, native Greek medicinal plants. The extractions were ultrasonically-assisted and the effect of the addition of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as extraction booster was also tested, at a concentration of 1.5% (w/v). The estimation of total polyphenol yield (YTP) suggested that DES composed of l-lactic acid and nicotinamide and l-lactic acid and l-alanine, both at a molar ratio of 7:1, are promising solvents giving significantly higher yields compared with 60% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and water. However, when β-CD was combined with DES comprised of l-lactic acid and ammonium acetate (molar ratio 7:1), the extraction yields obtained in some instances were equal of even higher. The pattern was not consistent when the yield in total flavonoids (YTFn) was considered, indicating water, 60% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and l-lactic acid:sodium acetate (molar ratio 7:1) to be the most efficient solvents. In this case, the effect of β-CD was of rather lower magnitude. The examination of the antioxidant activity of the extracts generated showed that there is a close correlation mainly with their concentration in total polyphenols.