Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design Recovery for Distributed Systems

Two factors limit the utility of reverse engineering technology for many distributed software systems. First, with the exception of tools that support Ada and its explicit tasking constructs, reverse engineering tools fail to capture information concerning the flow of information between tasks. Second, relatively few reverse engineering tools are available for programming languages in which many older legacy applications were written (e.g., Jovial, CMS-2, and various assembly languages). We describe approaches that were developed for overcoming these limitations. In particular, we have implemented an approach for automatically extracting task flow information from a command and control system written in CMS-2. Our approach takes advantage of a small amount of externally provided design knowledge in order to recover design information relevant to the distributed nature of the target system.
Extracellular Sphingosine-1-Phosphate: A Novel Actor in Human Glioblastoma Stem Cell Survival

Glioblastomas are the most frequent and aggressive intracranial neoplasms in humans, and despite advances and the introduction of the alkylating agent temozolomide in therapy have improved patient survival, resistance mechanisms limit benefits. Recent studies support that glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), a cell subpopulation within the tumour, are involved in the aberrant expansion and therapy resistance properties of glioblastomas, through still unclear mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) a potent onco-promoter able to act as extracellular signal, favours malignant and chemoresistance properties in GSCs. Notwithstanding, the origin of S1P in the GSC environment remains unknown. We investigated S1P metabolism, release, and role in cell survival properties of GSCs isolated from either U87-MG cell line or a primary culture of human glioblastoma. We show that both GSC models, grown as neurospheres and expressing GSC markers, are resistant to temozolomide, despite not expressing the DNA repair protein MGMT, a major contributor to temozolomide-resistance. Pulse experiments with labelled sphingosine revealed that both GSC types are able to rapidly phosphorylate the long-chain base, and that the newly produced S1P is efficiently degraded. Of relevance, we found that S1P was present in GSC extracellular medium, its level being significantly higher than in U87-MG cells, and that the extracellular/intracellular ratio of S1P was about ten-fold higher in GSCs. The activity of sphingosine kinases was undetectable in GSC media, suggesting that mechanisms of S1P transport to the extracellular environment are constitutive in GSCs. In addition we found that an inhibitor of S1P biosynthesis made GSCs sensitive to temozolomide (TMZ), and that exogenous S1P reverted this effect, thus involving extracellular S1P as a GSC survival signal in TMZ resistance. Altogether our data implicate for the first time GSCs as a pivotal source of extracellular S1P, which might act as an autocrine/paracrine signal contributing to their malignant properties.
Helmuth Plessner’s Philosophical Anthropology

Abstract: Anthropological ideas can effectively provide basic concepts for psychiatric understanding. However, the kind of anthropology used greatly determines the form psychopathology and psychiatric practice then assume. The use of certain phenomenological theories in so-called Anthropological Psychiatry runs the risk of overlooking the realm of human sociality. It furnishes an approach that tends to be reductionistic because it focuses on human beings as individuals. Helmuth Plessner’s more dialectically shaped anthropology with its central concept of the “eccentric positionality” can provide an alternative to this reductionism. More adequate anthropological descriptions can be developed, in my judgment, by adopting Plessner’s framework. In this paper, Plessner’s most important ideas about a dialectical anthropology are discussed. As a conclusion, a connection with psychiatric understanding and practice is established.
QoS assurances through class selection and proportional differentiation in wireless networks

Quality-of-service (QoS) in wireless ad hoc networks is adversely affected by node mobility, changing network topologies, and uncontrolled medium contention. The paper addresses the challenges in concurrently providing a wide range of end-to-end throughput and delay assurances in such networks. The proposed solution is based on the neighborhood proportional delay differentiation (NPDD) service model. With NPDD, applications achieve their desired end-to-end QoS using dynamic class selection (DCS) algorithms. With simulations in various distinct mobile network scenarios, we demonstrate the significantly better QoS assurances achieved with the proposed mechanism as compared with best effort and strict priority approaches. With game theoretic concepts, we model DCS applications in an NPDD network as selfish players in a noncooperative game. For such games, we prove for single-hop and multihop NPDD networks the existence of an equilibrium, the feasibility of an equilibrium, and the guaranteed convergence to a feasible equilibrium when one exists.
Linguistic Contact Zones in the College Writing Classroom

In this examination of Mexican-American bilingual college writers, it is argued that implicit language ideologies, common misconceptions about bidialectalism/bilingualism, and the classroom attitudinal domain subvert the success of ethnolinguistic minority students. The author designed and conducted a randomized language attitude survey (N = 195) of 1st-year composition students on the assumption that language attitudes, reflective of the social/ethnic/linguistic polarization of south Texas, exist inside the English classroom. Findings correlate the multiple ethnolinguistic identities of this student population with language myth adherence. Results reveal the tendency among college writers for subscription to various language myths: dialect misconception, English bias, language purity myth, literacy myth, misconception of oral performance.
EXTENDED MOVING BOUNDARY MODEL FOR TWO-PHASE FLOWS

Abstract Moving boundary models developed to date are based on several hypotheses that cannot be maintained in several applications, such as solar evaporators. In this work, the main modification in the hypotheses is the difference in pressure along the evaporator, due to the length of the real installations to model (500 m and 1400 m). Modelling of dynamics associated to momentum conservation is necessary in this case, following the scheme in ‘staggered-grid' and the Finite Volume Method. This paper presents the development of an extended moving boundary model containing information on the momentum conservation in two additional control volumes.
Fast-neutron facility for biological exposures in an Argonaut reactor: design, tissue dosimetry and neutron spectrometry.

Small and medium-sized animals can be exposed to fast neutrons from a 235U-converter. Studies using tissue-equivalent ionization chambers in combination with a neutron-insensitive γ-ray dosemeter show that the γ-ray and thermal neutron contaminations in the animal exposure field are small, amounting to 8% and 0.7% respectively of the total kerma. Forty mice may be irradiated simultaneously at the same fast-neutron centre-line dose rate up to a maximum of 10 rad min-1. The neutron spectrum, determined by proton-recoil spectrometry, gives a mean neutron energy of 1.04 Mev. For the first-collision recoil protons a track-average LET∞, equal to 57 kev per μm has been calculated.
Closed Form BER Expressions for BPSK OFDM Systems with Frequency Offset

This letter addresses the performance degradation caused by the presence of carrier frequency offset (CFO) in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Accurate closed form bit error rate (BER) expressions for BPSK-OFDM systems impaired by frequency offset are derived. The analysis is carried out for flat and frequency selective Rayleigh fading channels. Simulation results have been used to cross-check the accuracy of the theoretical analysis.
Information Retrieval Techniques based on Ontology for High Effectiveness

Information Retrieving is task of recuperating information with high relevance, precision and recall. Basic methods for information retrieval include Boolean Retrieval, Fuzzy retrieval, Vector Space model. Searching depends on matching keywords between user-query and document. Ontology can be used in information retrieval. In software engineering and information science, ontology is a formal naming and meaning of the types, properties, and interrelationships of the elements that truly or in a broad sense exist for a specific domain of discourse. Ontology provides us with vocabulary of terms. New terms and relations could be found out using the existing relations. Many Information retrieval techniques exist amongst which many depend on keywords. Relations between keywords are considered here so as to get higher precision and recall. General Terms Internet Searching, Spidering, Information Separating
Cerebral Arterial Calcification Is an Imaging Prognostic Marker for Revascularization Treatment of Acute Middle Cerebral Arterial Occlusion

Background and Purpose To study the significance of intracranial artery calcification as a prognostic marker for acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing revascularization treatment after middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk occlusion. Methods Patients with acute MCA trunk occlusion, who underwent intravenous and/or intra-arterial revascularization treatment, were enrolled. Intracranial artery calcification scores were calculated by counting calcified intracranial arteries among major seven arteries on computed tomographic angiography. Patients were divided into high (HCB; score ≥3) or low calcification burden (LCB; score <3) groups. Demographic, imaging, and outcome data were compared, and whether HCB is a prognostic factor was evaluated. Grave prognosis was defined as modified Rankin Scale 5-6 for this study. Results Of 80 enrolled patients, the HCB group comprised 15 patients, who were older, and more commonly had diabetes than patients in the LCB group. Initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores did not differ (HCB 13.3±2.7 vs. LCB 14.6±3.8) between groups. The final good reperfusion after revascularization treatment (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b-3, HCB 66.7% vs. LCB 69.2%) was similarly achieved in both groups. However, the HCB group had significantly higher NIHSS scores at discharge (16.0±12.3 vs. 7.9±8.3), and more frequent grave outcome at 3 months (57.1% vs. 22.0%) than the LCB group. HCB was proven as an independent predictor for grave outcome at 3 months when several confounding factors were adjusted (odds ratio 4.135, 95% confidence interval, 1.045-16.359, P=0.043). Conclusions Intracranial HCB was associated with grave prognosis in patients who have undergone revascularization for acute MCA trunk occlusion.
SAF: Stochastic Adaptive Forwarding in Named Data Networking

Forwarding decisions in classical IP-based networks are predetermined by routing. This is necessary to avoid loops, inhibiting opportunities to implement an adaptive and intelligent forwarding plane. Consequently, content distribution efficiency is reduced due to a lack of inherent multi-path transmission. In Named Data Networking (NDN) instead, routing shall hold a supporting role to forwarding, providing sufficient potential to enhance content dissemination at the forwarding plane. In this paper, we design, implement, and evaluate a novel probability-based forwarding strategy, called Stochastic Adaptive Forwarding (SAF) for NDN. SAF imitates a self-adjusting water pipe system, intelligently guiding and distributing interests through network crossings circumventing link failures and bottlenecks. Just as real pipe systems, SAF employs overpressure valves enabling congested nodes to lower pressure autonomously. Through an implicit feedback mechanism, it is ensured that the fraction of the traffic forwarded via congested nodes decreases. By conducting simulations, we show that our approach outperforms existing forwarding strategies in terms of the interest satisfaction ratio in the majority of the evaluated scenarios. This is achieved by extensive utilization of NDN’s multipath and content-lookup capabilities without relying on the routing plane. SAF explores the local environment by redirecting requests that are likely to be dropped anyway. This enables SAF to identify new paths to the content origin or to cached replicas, circumventing link failures, and resource shortages without relying on routing updates.
A 10-Phase 270MHz 5000ppm spread spectrum clock generator

This paper presents the spread spectrum clock generator which reduces EMI. The proposed spread spectrum clock generator consists of a basic PLL, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) controller, the frequency modulator, and voltage reference. The output clock frequency of the proposed clock generator is 10-phase 270 MHz and 162 MHz frequency is also supported. A phase noise of the proposed clock generator is -67.5 dBc/Hz at 45 kHz in 270 MHz mode and -72 dBc/Hz at 30 kHz in 162 MHz mode. 8.75 dBm of the peak reduction and 0.5% of spread ratio achieved.
Distance-based control of cycle-free persistent formations

In this paper, we study distance-based control of cycle-free persistent formations of single-integrator modeled agents in the plane. First, we propose a sequential control law consisting of algebraic calculations and primitive motions for agent groups having cycle-free persistent formations. Second, we prove the local asymptotic stability of cycle-free persistent formations under the well-known gradient law, which can be interpreted as a simultaneous version of the proposed sequential law, based on input-to-state stability. Furthermore, we show that if the leader-agent of a cycle-free persistent formation moves sufficiently slowly, then the formation of the group remains in the neighborhood of the desired formation.
Differential regulation of oestrogen receptor β isoforms by 5′ untranslated regions in cancer

Oestrogen receptors (ERs) are critical regulators of the behaviour of many cancers. Despite this, the roles and regulation of one of the two known ERs – ERβ– are poorly understood. This is partly because analyses have been confused by discrepancies between ERβ expression at mRNA and proteins levels, and because ERβ is expressed as several functionally distinct isoforms. We investigated human ERβ 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) and their influences on ERβ expression and function. We demonstrate that two alternative ERβ 5′UTRs have potent and differential influences on expression acting at the level of translation. We show that their influences are modulated by cellular context and in carcinogenesis, and demonstrate the contributions of both upstream open reading frames and RNA secondary structure. These regulatory mechanisms offer explanations for the non‐concordance of ERβ mRNA and protein. Importantly, we also demonstrate that 5′UTRs allow the first reported mechanisms for differential regulation of the expression of the ERβ isoforms 1, 2 and 5, and thereby have critical influences on ERβ function.
Knowledge fusion in the Agro-environmental field: A global index for soil quality in olive groves from quantitative and qualitative variables

This work presents a synthetic, automated global soil quality index (GSQI), applied in the province of Jaen (Spain). This index has been built following a novel methodology, able to integrate quality indicators of both morphological (representing imprecise concepts) as analytical types, against other measures previosly established in the bibliography. This new methodology is based on an advanced data analysis statistical technique, Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CatPCA), applied to non numerical (ordinal or nominal) morphological indicators, properly transformed by means of optimal scaling, quantified and managed along with numerical, analytical indicators. Individual (morphological and analytical) indicators integration into a global index has been locally validated with olive grove soil samples from Atanor Valley (Sierra Magina Natural Park, Spain). This validation process permits the quality comparison between conventional managed olive soils and organic managed ones, the latter clearly showing a better value. This procedure means a great advance in the establishment of a quality improvement for soil degradation due to olive grove conventional management, encouraging more sustainable, soil-protecting, agricultural practices. The discussed methodology can be applied in other highly cultivated geographical areas in order to improve sustainability in agricultural systems.
Gender and Racial Discrimination in Hiring: A Pseudo Audit Study for Three Selected Occupations in Metropolitan Lima

In this paper, we adapt the audit studies methodology to analyze gender and racial differences in hiring for a particular segment of the market of three selected occupations in Metropolitan Lima: salespersons, secretaries and (accounting and administrative) assistants. The adapted pseudo-audit study methodology allows us to reduce the room for existence of statistical discrimination. The results suggest the existence of no significant differences in hiring rates for different gender-race groups but some systematic (and significant) differences in the aimed wages of the individuals in their job search processes.
RAIC: Architecting Dependable Systems through Redundancy and Just-In-Time Testing

Redundant Arrays of Independent Components (RAIC) is a technology that uses groups of similar or identical distributed components to provide dependable services. RAIC allows components in a redundant array to be added or removed dynamically during run-time, effectively making software components “hot-swappable” and thus achieves greater overall dependability. RAIC controllers use the just-in-time component testing technique to detect component failures and the component state recovery technique to bring replacement components up-to-date. This position paper gives a brief overview of RAIC and a proof-of-concept example to illustrate how problems occur during run-time can be masked by RAIC and would not affect smooth operations of the application.
MicroRNA-320 Is Involved in the Regulation of Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Targeting Heat-Shock Protein 20

Background— Recent studies have identified critical roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) in a variety of cellular processes, including regulation of cardiomyocyte death. However, the signature of miRNA expression and possible roles of miRNA in the ischemic heart have been less well studied. Methods and Results— We performed miRNA arrays to detect the expression pattern of miRNAs in murine hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in vivo and ex vivo. Surprisingly, we found that only miR-320 expression was significantly decreased in the hearts on I/R in vivo and ex vivo. This was further confirmed by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were employed in cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes to investigate the functional roles of miR-320. Overexpression of miR-320 enhanced cardiomyocyte death and apoptosis, whereas knockdown was cytoprotective, on simulated I/R. Furthermore, transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of miR-320 revealed an increased extent of apoptosis and infarction size in the hearts on I/R in vivo and ex vivo relative to the wild-type controls. Conversely, in vivo treatment with antagomir-320 reduced infarction size relative to the administration of mutant antagomir-320 and saline controls. Using TargetScan software and proteomic analysis, we identified heat-shock protein 20 (Hsp20), a known cardioprotective protein, as an important candidate target for miR-320. This was validated experimentally by utilizing a luciferase/GFP reporter activity assay and examining the expression of Hsp20 on miR-320 overexpression and knockdown in cardiomyocytes. Conclusions— Our data demonstrate that miR-320 is involved in the regulation of I/R-induced cardiac injury and dysfunction via antithetical regulation of Hsp20. Thus, miR-320 may constitute a new therapeutic target for ischemic heart diseases.
Pizotifen Activates ERK and Provides Neuroprotection in vitro and in vivo in Models of Huntington's Disease.

BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative condition characterized by dysfunction in striatal and cortical neurons. There are currently no approved drugs known to slow the progression of HD. OBJECTIVE To facilitate the development of therapies for HD, we identified approved drugs that can ameliorate mutant huntingtin-induced toxicity in experimental models of HD. METHODS A chemical screen was performed in a mouse Hdh(Q111/Q111) striatal cell model of HD. This screen identified a set of structurally related approved drugs (pizotifen, cyproheptadine, and loxapine) that rescued cell death in this model. Pizotifen was subsequently evaluated in the R6/2 HD mouse model. RESULTS We found that in striatal Hdh(Q111/Q111) cells, pizotifen treatment caused transient ERK activation and inhibition of ERK activation prevented rescue of cell death in this model. In the R6/2 HD mouse model, treatment with pizotifen activated ERK in the striatum, reduced neurodegeneration and significantly enhanced motor performance. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that pizotifen and related approved drugs may provide a basis for developing disease modifying therapeutic interventions for HD.
Insulin Reduces Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in the Hippocampus of Diabetic Rats

OBJECTIVE—There is evidence that insulin reduces brain injury evoked by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of insulin remain unknown. Insulin is a well-known inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Here, we investigate the role of GSK-3β inhibition on I/R-induced cerebral injury in a rat model of insulinopenic diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were subjected to 30-min occlusion of common carotid arteries followed by 1 or 24 h of reperfusion. Insulin (2–12 IU/kg i.v.) or the selective GSK-3β inhibitor TDZD-8 (0.2–3 mg/kg i.v.) was administered during reperfusion. RESULTS—Insulin or TDZD-8 dramatically reduced infarct volume and levels of S100B protein, a marker of cerebral injury. Both drugs induced phosphorylation of the Ser9 residue, thereby inactivating GSK-3β in the rat hippocampus. Insulin, but not TDZD-8, lowered blood glucose. The hippocampi of the drug-treated animals displayed reduced oxidative stress at 1 h of reperfusion as shown by the decreased generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. I/R-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB was attenuated by both drug treatments. At 24 h of reperfusion, TDZD-8 and insulin significantly reduced plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α; neutrophil infiltration, measured as myeloperoxidase activity and intercellular-adhesion-molecule-1 expression; and cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible-NO-synthase expression. CONCLUSIONS—Acute administration of insulin or TDZD-8 reduced cerebral I/R injury in diabetic rats. We propose that the inhibitory effect on the activity of GSK-3β contributes to the protective effect of insulin independently of any effects on blood glucose.