Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ischemic rat brain extracts induce human marrow stromal cell growth factor production

Intravenous administration of human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in rats provides functional benefit. We tested the hypothesis that these functional benefits are derived in part from hMSC production of growth and trophic factors. Quantitative sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of hMSCs cultured with normal and MCAo brain extracts were performed. hMSCs cultured in supernatant derived from ischemic brain extracts increased production of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). These neurotrophins and angiogenic growth factors increased in a post‐ischemia time‐dependent manner. The hMSC capacity to increase expression of growth and trophic factors may be the key to the benefit provided by transplanted hMSCs in the ischemic brain.
Non-probative Photos Promote the Truth of Positive Claims

People’s judgments are prone to the influence of feelings, even cognitive feelings such as the ease with which related information comes to mind (Alter & Oppenheimer, 2009; Schwarz & Clore, 2007). In 14 experiments, we¹ found evidence that non-probative photos — ones that relate to what people are evaluating, but that provide no relevant information for their task — produce cognitive feelings that lead people to evaluate claims more positively. In Part 1, we examined the extent to which photos promote the truth of positive and negative claims. People saw the names of several fictitious wines. Some wine names appeared with a photo that depicted the noun in the name; other wine names appeared without a photo. For each wine people decided whether a positive or a negative claim about it was true. Photos selectively promoted the truth of positive claims, did so most when they could help people comprehend wine names, and swayed people’s judgments about the taste of wines. In Part 2, we showed that those findings translated to when people judged claims about their own (and other people’s) experiences. People “interacted” with several unfamiliar animals (on a computer). Later, people saw the animal names again, sometimes with a photo of the animal and sometimes alone, and decided whether it was true that they (or other people) had positive or negative experiences with the animals. Photos selectively led people to think positive claims were true, and exerted their strongest effects when they could most help people bring related thoughts and images to mind². ¹ Although the research in this thesis is my own, I conducted it in a lab and supervised a team comprised of research assistants and honors students. I also received advice and direction from my supervisors. Therefore, I often use the word “we” in this thesis to reflect that fact. As you will also see, I use the word “we” in a different context to refer to what is known (or not known) in the wider scientific community. ² Portions of this thesis were adapted from: Cardwell, Newman, Garry, Mantonakis, & Beckett (manuscript under review). Photos that increase feelings of learning promote positive evaluations. Cardwell, Henkel, & Garry (manuscript in preparation). Non-probative photos lead people to believe positive claims about their recent pasts. But I have expanded on the introduction, results and discussion.
Aliphatic hydrocarbon pollution and macrobenthic assemblages in Ceuta harbour: a multivariate approach

The aliphatic hydrocarbon composition of sediments from Ceuta harbour, North Africa, was studied to determine the sources, levels and effects of these hydrocarbons on macrofauna com- position by considering indices and concentration ratios in multivariate analyses. A total of 21 stations (15 inside and 6 outside the harbour) were sampled using a van Veen grab. High hydrocarbon con- centrations (496 to 6972 ppm), the dominance of the UCM (unresolved complex mixture) in relation to the resolved alkanes, and values close to the unity (≈1) of the CPI (carbon preference index) and pristane:phytane ratio indicated anthropogenic origins of the hydrocarbons. Ceuta harbour is char- acterised by intense traffic, and frequent loading and dumping related to shipping operations. Fur- thermore, 2 urban effluent outfalls of Ceuta city flow into the harbour. The relationship between macrofauna and the above-measured parameters was evident in canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Variation in species composition at different sample stations was related to the ratios of maltenes to other hydrocarbons, pristane:phytane and, especially, maltenes:asphaltenes, which turned out to be the main factor discriminating between internal and external stations according to species distribution. The crustaceans Corophium runcicorne and C. sextonae, the mollusc Parvi- cardium exiguum and the polychaete Pseudomalacoceros tridentata were only found at internal sta- tions, while the polychaetes Jasmineira elegans and Scoloplos armiger were present only at external stations. The abundance of the crustaceans Apseudes latreilli, Leptochelia dubia and Pariambus typicus, and the polychaetes Capitella capitata, Nereis falsa and Potamilla reniformis, differed sig- nificantly between the internal and external stations. Although the asphaltene fraction is potentially hazardous to sediment macrofauna, due to its high molecular weight and its slow degradation, the relationship between the distribution of marine organisms and the presence of asphaltenes has never been explored in previous studies.
An Investigation of the Motivational Effects of Talking Pedometers among Children with Visual Impairments and Deaf-Blindness

This study sought to determine the effects of using a talking pedometer on walking behavior and the value placed on walking by 22 children who are visually impaired or deaf-blind. The results revealed that the children were motivated to set challenging goals for increasing daily activity levels through the feedback provided by the talking pedometers.
Ranking and Selection as Stochastic Control

Under a Bayesian framework, we formulate the fully sequential sampling and selection decision in statistical ranking and selection as a stochastic control problem, and derive the associated Bellman equation. Using a value function approximation, we derive an approximately optimal allocation policy. We show that this policy is not only computationally efficient but also possesses both one-step-ahead and asymptotic optimality for independent normal sampling distributions. Moreover, the proposed allocation policy is easily generalizable in the approximate dynamic programming paradigm.
Query expansion for hash-based image object retrieval

An efficient indexing method is essential for content-based image retrieval with the exponential growth in large-scale videos and photos. Recently, hash-based methods (e.g., locality sensitive hashing - LSH) have been shown efficient for similarity search. We extend such hash-based methods for retrieving images represented by bags of (high-dimensional) feature points. Though promising, the hash-based image object search suffers from low recall rates. To boost the hash-based search quality, we propose two novel expansion strategies - intra-expansion and inter-expansion. The former expands more target feature points similar to those in the query and the latter mines those feature points that shall co-occur with the search targets but not present in the query. We further exploit variations for the proposed methods. Experimenting in two consumer-photo benchmarks, we will show that the proposed expansion methods are complementary to each other and can collaboratively contribute up to 76.3% (average) relative improvement over the original hash-based method.
Institutional Representation of Student Presentations at Psychology Research Conferences: Trends and Implications

Student participation in psychology undergraduate research conferences has pedagogical benefits encompassing experiential and collaborative learning, and enhancement of critical thinking skills. This project was designed to determine whether more conference participants originate from baccalaureate colleges than from research universities and what topics they present. Archival data were gathered from five geographically diverse undergraduate conferences and information extracted to determine institutions of origin. Institutions were categorized according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, then compared using chi-square tests. Information concerning topics presented were categorized according to six content domains of psychology and also analyzed with chi-square tests. The findings indicate that undergraduate research conferences draw more participants from bachelors and masters institutions than from doctoral institutions, and that social/emotional research topics are significantly overrepresented.
A New Fault Injection Approach for Testing Network-on-Chips

Packet-based on-chip interconnection networks, or Network-on-Chips (NoCs) are progressively replacing global on-chip interconnections in Multi-processor System-on-Chips (MP-SoCs) thanks to better performances and lower power consumption. However, modern generations of MP-SoCs have an increasing sensitivity to faults due to the progressive shrinking technology. Consequently, in order to evaluate the fault sensitivity in NoC architectures, there is the need of accurate test solution which allows to evaluate the fault tolerance capability of NoCs. This paper presents an innovative test architecture based on a dual-processor system which is able to extensively test mesh based NoCs. The proposed solution improves previously developed methods since it is based on a NoC physical implementation which allows to investigate the effects induced by several kind of faults thanks to the execution of on-line fault injection within all the network interface and router resources during NoC run-time operations. The solution has been physically implemented on an FPGA platform using a NoC emulation model adopting standard communication protocols. The obtained results demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed solution in term of testability and diagnostic capabilities and make our solutions suitable for testing large scale NoC design.
Coping with stress in the workplace : an investigation of blue collar workers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

In recent years research on coping with job stress has begun to move away from investigation of the relationships between theoretical constructs and towards investigation of the constructs themselves. Such research includes the study by Dewe and Guest in which they presented an inductive approach to the development of a valid classification of the major methods of coping with work related stress built on a carefully articulated methodology. The present study replicated this methodology using a blue collar population. Comparisons were made between the present study and the results obtained by Dewe and Guest. Sex and ethnic differences were also investigated. Finally, the problem-focused, emotion-focused dichotomy was explored. Which was the most prevalent approach in the present population? One hundred and fifty three cleaners were given a self-report questionnaire consisting of both a coping measure and demographic information. Results indicated that five main coping strategies were used (Rational task oriented and preparation for dealing with the problem, Expression of emotion and avoidance, Attempts to tolerate or mitigate the effect, Distraction by pleasurable activities, and Emotional release). Despite the different work context, the present study showed consistencies with the previous studies. It appeared that four of the components were consistent across studies. These were direct action, emotional release, distraction, and passive rationalization. No sex differences in coping were found except in the use of prayer where it appeared that women used this strategy more frequently than males. No ethnic differences appeared to exist, that is, all ethnic groups used similar coping strategies. In contrast to previous findings, problem-focused coping was found to be the most prevalent form.of coping among the present subjects. It is acknowledged that the cross sectional design, reliance on self report, and the characteristics of the questionnaire itself limit the conclusions to be drawn from the study. Future research should be undertaken on other populations, especially other blue collar workers with more restricted autonomy, thus counteracting some of the present study's limitations.
A simple technique for handling multiple polymorphism

Certain situations arise in programming that lead to multiply polymorphic expressions, that is, expressions in which several terms may each be of variable type. In such situations, conventional object-oriented programming practice breaks down, leading to code which is not properly modular. This paper describes a simple approach to such problems which preserves all the benefits of good object-oriented programming style in the face of any degree of polymorphism. An example is given in Smalltalk-80 syntax, but the technique is relevant to all object-oriented languages.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Temperature Distribution and Electric Field in a Natural Rubber Glove during Microwave Heating

— The characteristics of temperature distribution and electric field in a natural rubber glove (NRG) using microwave energy during microwave heating process are investigated numerically and experimentally. A three-dimensional model of NRG and microwave oven are considered in this work. The influences of position, heating time and rotation angle of NRG on temperature distribution and electric field are presented in details. The coupled equations of electromagnetic wave propagation and heat transfer are solved using the finite element method (FEM). The numerical model is validated with an experimental study at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The results show that the numerical results closely match the experimental results. Furthermore, it is found that the temperature distribution and electric field increases with increasing heating time. The hot spot zone appears in NRG at the tip of middle finger while the maximum temperature occurs in case of rotation angle of NRG = 60 degree. This investigation provides the essential aspects for a fundamental understanding of heat transport of NRG using microwave energy in industry. advanced computational modeling of heat transport and fluid flow in porous medium, microwave drying in porous medium and multi-phase flow in porous media and phase change problem.
Nucleolin Participates in DNA Double-Strand Break-Induced Damage Response through MDC1-Dependent Pathway

H2AX is an important factor for chromatin remodeling to facilitate accumulation of DNA damage-related proteins at DNA double-strand break (DSB) sites. In order to further understand the role of H2AX in the DNA damage response (DDR), we attempted to identify H2AX-interacting proteins by proteomics analysis. As a result, we identified nucleolin as one of candidates. Here, we show a novel role of a major nucleolar protein, nucleolin, in DDR. Nucleolin interacted with γ-H2AX and accumulated to laser micro-irradiated DSB damage sites. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay also displayed the accumulation of nucleolin around DSB sites. Nucleolin-depleted cells exhibited repression of both ATM-dependent phosphorylation following exposure to γ-ray and subsequent cell cycle checkpoint activation. Furthermore, nucleolin-knockdown reduced HR and NHEJ activity and showed decrease in IR-induced chromatin accumulation of HR/NHEJ factors, agreeing with the delayed kinetics of γ-H2AX focus. Moreover, nucleolin-knockdown decreased MDC1-related events such as focus formation of 53 BP1, RNF168, phosphorylated ATM, and H2A ubiquitination. Nucleolin also showed FACT-like activity for DSB damage-induced histone eviction from chromatin. Taken together, nucleolin could promote both ATM-dependent cell cycle checkpoint and DSB repair by functioning in an MDC1-related pathway through its FACT-like function.
An Algorithm for Detection of Chiastic Structures in Text Databases

Chiastic structure is a figure of speech technique which displays symmetric structure of textual units. It is mainly used to convey an important point of speech or writing to the audience effectively. Hence, when it can be discovered computationally, it can add additional value to the understanding of the salient points of the input text. In this paper, we present an efficient linear-time algorithm based on search space reduction and the principle of locality to detect chiastic structures from textual data. We provide a complexity analysis of the algorithm. We also show the promising utility of the algorithm as well as challenges it presents.
Hate Speech, Pornography, and the Radical Attack on Free Speech Doctrine

* Introduction Modern Free Speech Doctrine * Theory and History * An Overview of Modern Free Speech Doctrine * Modern Doctrine in Action: Its Application To Hate Speech And Pornography The Radical Attack * Does Free Speech Doctrine Discriminate Against Women and Minorities? * The Complex Relationship Between Free Speech and Equality Should Doctrine Be Modified to Permit Broad Hate Speech and Pornography Bans? * The Benefits of Banning Hate Speech and Pornography * The Costs of Regulation * In Search of a Cabinable Principle * Weighing the Benefits and Costs * Conclusion
THE DEVELOPMENT OF “CERDAS” LEARNING MODEL BASED ON GARDNER'S THEORY OF MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES IN NATURAL SCIENCE

The purpose of the study was to develop “CERDAS” learning model based on Multiple Intelligences theory. The syntax consists of six stages which are Self mirror, Concept exposure, Formulate curiosity, Concept exposure, Admit talent, and Memory node. The effectiveness of the model seen from the ability to develop students' intelligences, adherence to the model , as well as student outcomes in natural science. The research used R & D design consited of problem identification, design models, design validation, design revisions, limited evaluation and revision of design based on the evaluation results. Validation of the model was conducted by five experts. The design of learning model was tried out in two stages, first stage to test readability of student worksheet and student book, and second stage to test syntax implementation of the model. The second trial was condu cted in a limited scale by applying an explanatory design with experimental design One - Group Pretest - Posttest Design at SMPN1 Banjarmasin. Validation sheet, observation sheets, Multiple Intelligence Test developed by Armstrong (2004 ), as well as achievement test are used as research instruments. The data analysis used qualitative descriptive techniques and t-test. Based on the results of this study was concluded that (1) “CERDAS” model were feasible for use as a model for developing multiple intelligences, improving student process skills and learning outcomes. (2) Implementation of “CERDAS” model develops multiple intelligences, and concept mastery of the students. (3) Students gave very good respon for the model, especially for lab activities , application of process skills and talents Admit syntax.
Robust stabilization and PID control for nonlinear discretized systems on a grid pattern

This paper describes robust stabilization and PID control for discrete-time and discrete-value (discretized/quantized) control systems. Although all control systems are currently realized using discretized signals, the analysis and design of such nonlinear discrete-time control systems has not been elucidated. In this paper, the robust stability analysis of discrete-time and discrete-value (digital) control systems with discretizing units at the input and output sides of a nonlinear continuous element (sensor/actuator) are examined in a frequency domain, and a method of designing PID control and robust stabilization for nonlinear discretized systems on a grid pattern in the time and control variables space is presented. A modified Nichols diagram and parameter specifications are used in this study. Numerical examples are provided to verify the validity of the designing method.
An uniform data replication algorithm in wireless micro-sensor network for communicating materials application

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have recently gained a great deal of attention as a topic of research, with a wide range of applications being explored such as communicating materials. Data dissemination and storage are very important issues for sensor networks. The problem of designing data dissemination protocols for communicating material needs different analyses related to storage density and uniformity which has not been addressed sufficiently in the literature. This paper details storage protocol on the material by systematic dissemination through integrated wireless micro-sensors nodes. The performances of our solutions are evaluated through simulation using Castalia/OMNeT++. The results show that our algorithm provides uniform data storage in communicating material for different density level.
A quantitative study of Web cache replacement strategies using simulation

The Web has become the most important source of information and communication for the world. Proxy servers are used to cache objects with the goals of decreasing network traffic, reducing user perceived lag and loads on origin servers. In this paper, we focus on the cache replacement problem with respect to proxy servers. Despite the fact that some Web 2.0 applications have dynamic objects, most of the Web traffic has static content with file types such as cascading style sheets, javascript files, images, etc. The cache replacement strategies implemented in Squid, a widely used proxy cache software, are no longer considered ‘good enough’ today. Squid’s default strategy is Least Recently Used. While this is a simple approach, it does not necessarily achieve the targeted goals. We simulate 27 proxy cache replacement strategies and analyze them against several important performance measures. Hit rate and byte hit rate are the most commonly used performance metrics in the literature. Hit rate is an indication of user perceived lag, while byte hit rate is an indication of the amount of network traffic. We also introduce a new performance metric, the object removal rate, which is an indication of CPU usage and disk access at the proxy server. This metric is particularly important for busy cache servers or servers with lower processing power. Our study provides valuable insights for both industry and academia. They are especially important for Web proxy cache system administrators; particularly in wireless ad-hoc networks as the caches on mobile devices are relatively small.