Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Stem Cell Transplantation on Pain Behavior and Locomotor Function in Spinal Cord Contusion Model

Purpose: Many trials for new therapeutic approaches such as stem cell-based transplantation have been conducted to improve the repair and regeneration of injured cord tissue and to restore functions following spinal cord injury (SCI) in animals and humans. Adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ATSCs) have multi-lineage potential to differentiate into cells with neuron-like morphology. Most studies of stem cell transplantation therapy after SCI are focused on cellular regeneration and restoration of motor function, but not on unwanted effects after transplantation such as neuropathic pain. This study was focused on whether transplantation of ATSCs could facilitate or attenuate hindpaw pain responses to heat, cold and mechanical stimulation, as well as on improvement of locomotor function in a rat with SCI. Methods: A spinal cord injury rat model was produced using an NYU impactor by dropping a 10 g rod from a height of 25 mm on to the T9 segment. Human ATSCs (hATSCs; approximately 5x10 5 cells) or DMEM were injected into the perilesional area 9 days after the SCI. After transplantation, hindpaw withdrawal responses to heat, cold and mechanical allodynia were measured over 7 weeks. Motor recovery on the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and on the inclined plane test were also evaluated. Results: The present study demonstrated that increased hindpaw withdrawal responses to cold allodynia was observed in both groups after transplantation, but the development of cold-induced allodynia in the hATSC transplantation group was significantly larger than in the control group. The difference between the two groups in locomotor functional improvement after SCI was also significant. Conclusion: Careful consideration not only of optimal functional benefits but also of unintended side effects such as neuropathic pain is necessary before stem cell transplantation therapy after SCI.
If it's important, then I am curious: A value intervention to induce curiosity

Curiosity is considered essential for learning and sustained engagement, yet stimulating curiosity in educational contexts remains a challenge. Can people’s curiosity about a topic be stimulated by evidence that the topic has potential value? In two experiments we show that increasing people’s perceptions about the usefulness of a scientific topic also influences their curiosity and subsequent information search. Our results also show that simply presenting interesting facts is not enough to influence curiosity, and that people are more likely to be curious about a topic if they perceive it to be directly valuable to them. Given the link between curiosity and learning, these results have important implications for science communication and education more broadly.
Towards Practical Serverless Analytics

Author(s): Pu, Qifan | Advisor(s): Stoica, Ion | Abstract: Distributed computing remains inaccessible to a large number of users, in spite of many open source platforms and extensive commercial offerings. Even though many distributed computation frameworks have moved into the cloud, many users are still left to struggle with complex cluster management and configuration tools there.In this thesis, we argue that cloud stateless functions represent a viable platform for these users, eliminating cluster management overhead, fulfilling the promise of elasticity. We first build a prototype system, PyWren, which runs on existing serverless function services, and show that this model is general enough to implement a number of distributed computing models, such as BSP. We then identify two main challenges to support truly practical and general analytics on a serverless platform. The first challenge is to facilitate communication-intensive operations, such as shuffle in the serverless setting. The second challenge is to provide an elastic cloud memory. In this thesis, we made progress on both challenges. For the first, we develop a system called Locus, that can automate shuffle operations by judiciously provisioning hybrid intermediate storage. For the second, we present an algorithm, FairRide, that achieves near-optimal memory cache efficiency in a multi-tenant setting.
Measuring Malaysian Public Perception with Secret-Eye

People’s perception and emotion are usually measured through conducting a survey research. With the rigid multiple choice or lickert scale selection of answers, participants have to respond within a given time frame to give their feedback on a certain specified issue. In this paper, we present our research through collecting data regarding people’s perception and emotion through an online forum. We quantify the data and perform data classification based on issues and emotion. Data collection are carried out by using an implemented software tool called Secret-Eye which is capable of extracting all significant words in the forum unobtrusively at real time real life basis. The classified data are ranked according to their frequency of existence. The discussion on the tsunami disaster in Japan that happened in March 2011, is selected for this study. It is beneficial to have the results on the perception analysis as public’s feelings and facts on the discussion are expressed naturally. Thus, the results indicate that it is feasible to extract people’s true means of perception through social media.
Review of Pitch-Match and Ear-Training Methods used for Tinnitus Treatments

Among the tinnitus therapies that are based on auditory stimulation, some rely on a precise initial pitch matching process. Incorrect matches may fail to bring into play the principles of the therapies. More often than not, patients experience difficulties in performing an accurate pitch match. A few studies have approached this problem by proposing ear training for the tinnitus patients in order to improve their matches, among which, we can refer to [1] [2]. This STSM involved interaction with researchers who participated in those studies.
DEVELOPMENTS IN NDT OF FRICTION STIR WELDING USING EDDY CURRENTS

Friction Stir Welding (FSW), as well as others solid state welding processes, frequently originate micro defects of less than 100 micron depth. The morphology and location of these defects lead to a high loss of mechanical properties of the welded joints, particular under fatigue. Moreover, actual NDT reliability in characterizing and sizing these defects still remains a challenge. This paper reports the development of an innovative eddy current (EC) probe, and its application to FSW. The new EC probe presents innovative concept issues, allowing 3D induced current in the material, a lift-off independence, and an easy interpretation of the signal based on a comprehensible qualitative change. The new EC probe was performed on standard defects and aluminium alloys processed by FSW. All results were compared with conventional helicoidally and planar spiral EC probes. The results allow concluding that the new EC probe is able to detect and sizing micro root defects on FSW with 60 micros depth.
Model of Building Stakeholder Engagement in the Functioning of the Organization – Trust and Risk

<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;">Celem opracowania było przedstawienie określonych elementów modelu budowania zaangażowania<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> interesariuszy w działanie przedsiębiorstwa oraz zidentyfiowanie określonych grup ryzyka i propozycji<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> działań ograniczających negatywne skutki ryzyka biznesowego poprzez oparcie relacji z interesariuszami<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> nie tylko na sformalizowanych zasadach określających zasady współpracy, ale przede wszystkim na budowaniu zaufania w tych relacjach na określonym przykładzie. Badanie poprzedzono syntetycznym ujęciem<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> problematyki i zaufania w relacjach z interesariuszami oraz przedstawiono proces identyfiacji i analizy<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> ryzyka w działalności biznesowej fimy UniGlass Sp. z o.o. rozważania stanowią element szerszych badań<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> nad implementacją modelu budowania zaangażowania zdywersyfiowanych interesariuszy w działalności<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> biznesowej opatrzonej ponoszeniem ryzyka na wielu poziomach. W ramach różnorodnych form współpracy wymaga się od przedsiębiorstw wyszukiwania czynników ryzyka, które są szansą bądź zagrożeniem<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> w budowaniu relacji lub we współpracy opartej na zaufaniu z innymi podmiotami. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
A Review on Companies ‘ Export Performance from the Points of View of Management Commitment , Firm Characteristics , and Adaptive Marketing Strategy

In the era of globalization such as now, opportunities are open for companies to enter overseas markets. However, to succeed in such a system, there are several factors which influence the chances. This research aims at reviewing the factors which contribute to the success of a company's penetration to the international market. It comprehensively review on companies’ export performance from the points of view of management commitment, firm characteristics, and adaptive marketing strategy. The method used in this research is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR). We attempt to gather literatures which correlate with export performance and the factors that influence and analyze current actual strength and issues. there are many researches which found that Management Commitment, Firm Characteristic, and Adaptive Marketing Strategy correlate and influence a company’s export performance. Finally, open problems for future research are also comprehensively discussed.
Morphological Study of Dbx1+ Respiratory Rhythm-Generating Neurons in PreBoetzinger Complex in Neonatal Mice

PAGE Breathing behavior in mammals depends on a respiratory-related rhythm that is generated by glutamatergic neurons in preBotzinger complex (preBotC) that are derived from a single genetic line, which expresses the homeodomain transcription factor Dbx1 embryonically. To what extent the morphology influences or governs the function of Dbx1+ neurons remains unknown. To elucidate the role of Dbx1+ neurons, and specifically their morphology, in respiration, I comparatively analyzed morphologies of Dbx1+ and non-Dbx1+ neurons in the preBotC. Dbx1+ and non-Dbx1+ neurons were recorded in reduced brainstem slice preparations that generate fictive respiratory like motor activity in vitro. Each recorded neuron was dialyzed with biocytin, processed to reveal biocytin, imaged, and then digitally reconstructed. Detailed morphological analysis of these digital reconstructions showed that Dbx1+ neuron dendrites branched minimally and were confined to the transverse plane, whereas more highly branched non-Dbx1+ neuron dendrites spanned deeper rostrocaudally. Also, Dbx1+ neurons showed contralateral axonal projections more often than non-Dbx1 neurons. Investigation of dendritic spatial pattern revealed that Dbx1+ neurons did not have spines or protrusions, but non-Dbx1+ neurons showed a considerably higher number of spines and protrusions close to the soma. The dendritic morphology and axonal projection pattern suggest that Dbx1+ neurons are specialized for local network interactions that serve respiratory rhythm generation and non-Dbx1+ neurons are designed to participate in longrange communication throughout the medullary respiratory network.
GREEN ENGINEERED CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES : A DURABILITY POINT OF VIEW

Lack of durability has recognized a major concern in construction practices for the past decades. In order for safety requirements to be fulfilled, it is vital to know whether durability needs are ensured or not. One of the most severe concerns in the case of sharp decrease in durability associated with concrete cracking. Concrete may crack throughout the service life of a structure. The presence of cracks influence the mechanical properties and allows for aggressive ions to penetrate into concrete itself and reinforcing bars by creating additional pathways which can lead to further cracking and disintegration in time. Therefore, durability can be associated with the brittle nature of concrete. Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is a special type of high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites with substantial benefit in both high ductility and multiple micro-cracks as a result of mechanical loadings. In this document, emphasis is placed on the accumulated knowledge on durability performance of high volume fly ash incorporated (green environmentally friendly) ECC under various types of aggressive environments and mechanical loading. The introduction of materials which provide both high ductility and promising durability can significantly impact the design of future, more durable infrastructures.
Preparing Teachers for Social Justice Advocacy. Am I Walking My Talk

Stephanie Burrell Storms is an assistant professor in the School of Education at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. I am also a social justice educator and contend that SJE is an effective approach to promote the emancipatory goal of AR. SJE is the “conscious and reflexive blend of content and process intended to enhance equity across multiple social identity groups (e.g., race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability), foster critical perspectives, and promote social action” (Carlisle, Jackson, & Dover, 2006, p. 57). SJE provides teacher candidates with the tools to examine and recognize inequality in schools while AR gives teacher candidates a process to confront and challenge social injustice. Through inquiry teachers can reflect on their practice and take actions to transform structures and practices in schools that can interfere with students’ ability to be successful academically.
Synthesis of Boron-Aluminum Nitride Thin Film by Chemical Vapour Deposition Using Gas Bubbler

Boron (B) doped aluminumnitride (B-AlN) thin lms were synthesized on silicon (Si) substrates through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 773 °K (500 °C). Tert-butylamine (tBuNH2) solution was used as a nitrogen source and delivered through the gas bubbler. B-AlN thin lms were prepared on Si-100 substrates by varied gas mixture ratio of three precursors. The structural properties of the lms were investigated from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data and veri ed the formation of polycrystalline and mixed phases of hexagonal (100) & (110) oriented AlN and orthogonal (002) & cubic (333) oriented BN. The calculated crystallite size was smaller and hence the dislocation density was higher with lowest total gas mixture ratio (25 sccm). Improved surface properties were detected for the lm deposited at lowest total gas mixture ratio by eld emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis. The lm composition showed the existence of a higher concentration of B in the lm prepared with lower total gas mixture ratio which was con rmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
A histories perspective on characterizing quantum nonlocality Dowker

We introduce a framework for studying non-locality and contextuality inspired by the path integral formulation of quantum theory. We prove that the existence of a strongly positive joint quantum measure—the quantum analogue of a joint probability measure—on a set of experimental probabilities implies the Navascues–Pironio–Acin (NPA) condition Q and is implied by the stronger NPA condition + Q AB 1 . A related condition is shown to be equivalent to + Q AB 1 .
MINIMAL INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION OF HYGROMYCIN FOR SELECTING TRANSFORMED OIL PALM EMBRYOGENIC CALLI

Determination of optimum concentrations for a selection agent is important in obtaining true transformants during the selection stage. In this study, the minimal inhibitory concentrations of hygromycin for four different types of oil palm embryogenic calli (suspension, fine, yellowish and whitish) that were cultured on proliferation, maturation and regeneration media were assessed. The embryogenic calli were cultured on media supplemented with different concentrations of hygromycin. Data on embryogenic callus weight increment was recorded monthly for six months during subculturing. Our results demonstrated that oil palm embryogenic calli cultured on regeneration media (EC) were very sensitive to hygromycin. The growth of embryogenic calli was affected at a relatively low concentration of hygromycin as compared to suspension calli that were cultured on proliferation media (L-1). The regeneration of fine, yellowish and whitish embryogenic calli was completely inhibited at 5-6 mg litre-1 of hygromycin. In contrast, higher concentration of hygromycin at 10 mg litre-1 is needed to inhibit the proliferation of suspension calli cultured on proliferation media. The hygromycin concentrations determined for each of the embryogenic callus types can be used as a guideline to select true transformants in future oil palm transformation works. Date received: 16 March 2018; Sent for revision: 19 March 2018; Received in final form: 13 July 2018; Accepted: 18 December 2018. * Malaysian Palm Oil Board, 6 Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: omar@mpob.gov. my RESEARCH ARTICLES MINIMAL INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION OF HYGROMYCIN FOR SELECTING TRANSFORMED OIL PALM EMBRYOGENIC CALLI Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 31 (1) March 2019 p. 14-27 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21894/jopr.2018. 0063
Problem Based Learning in Engineering Education: a Development Option for Africa?

Increasingly, consensus on the importance of higher education and research for development has occurred among the broad range of stakeholders in the ‘development’ arena, whether donor governments and organisations or recipient governments, organisations and institutions. Similarly, there is consensus that innovation, especially in the areas of science, engineering and technology are of crucial importance in this endeavour. This recognition should, however, go hand in hand with the recognition of the necessity of curriculum reforms in higher education. In this paper we will argue that Problem Based Learning (PBL) in higher education is a powerful tool to achieve sustainable development in African countries. With PBL local developmental problems can be brought into the educational sphere thus ensuring that students during their study efforts contribute to local development. Furthermore, PBL increases the creativity and innovativeness of students, thus enhancing the role of universities in national systems of innovation.
Aspect-Ratio-Preserved Labeling on Metro Maps

For better readability, metro lines are often aligned along the octilinear directions. Predefined layouts, however, limit the feasibility of placing station name labels. In this paper, we present a novel approach to automating the placement of station names around a schematic network while maximally respecting its original layout as the mental map. The idea behind the proposed approach is to progressively annotate stations from congested central downtown areas to sparse rural areas by introducing the sum of geodesic distances over the network to identify the proper order of stations to be annotated. Our approach elongates line segments of the network without changing their directions to spare labeling space around the station. Additional constraints are introduced to restrict the aspect ratios of the region confined by the metro network for better preservation of the mental map in the original schematic layout.
miR-27a-3p regulates proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells by potentially targeting BTG1

microRNA (miR/miRNA)-27a-3p has been reported to be abnormally expressed in various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) has also been implicated with CRC. However, the association between miR-27a-3p and BTG1 in CRC, to the best of our knowledge, has not been investigated. In order to assess whether miR-27a-3p is associated with CRC, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed on 20 paired CRC and paracancerous tissues for miRNA analysis. For the screening and validation of miR-27a-3p expression in colon cancer, several colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116, HCT8, SW480, HT29, LOVO and Caco2) and the normal colorectal epithelial cell line NCM460 were examined. The highest expression levels of miR-27a-3p were detected in the HCT-116, which was selected for further experimentation. The HCT-116 cells were divided into control, miR-27a-3p mimic and inhibitor groups, and cell proliferation was tested using an MTT assay. Additionally, miR-27a-3p inhibitor/mimic or BTG1 plasmid were transfected into the HCT-116 cells, and flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell cycle distributions. TUNEL analysis was performed to detect apoptosis. Protein levels of factors in the downstream signaling pathway mediated by miR-27a-3p [ERK/mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)] were detected. miR-27a-3p was revealed to be overexpressed in human CRC tissues and colon cancer cell lines. Knockdown of miR-27a-3p suppressed proliferation of HCT-116 cells and apoptosis was increased. It further markedly upregulated expression levels of BTG1 and inhibited activation of proteins of the ERK/MEK signaling pathway. In addition, overexpression of BTG1 in HCT-116 cells triggered G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis via the ERK/MEK signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the effects of miR-27a-3p on colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis were similar to those of the tumor suppressor gene BTG1. The miR-27a-3p/BTG1 axis may have potential implications for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in CRC.
Optimizing economics of microservices by planning for granularity level Experience

Microservices application architecture emerged as a special application architecture of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). It is also known as cloud native applications architecture. For component based web applications, the adoption of microservices requires an extensive refactoring process to be evolved to microservices based application. Current practice for the main activity in this refactoring process, is following the white box based techniques which requires enormous time to analyze all business processes in the business domain and not considering non-functional requirements such as performance and resource consumption. This paper expresses the need for such consideration through an empirical experiment followed by proposing a black box based technique, based on extending the utilization of web usage mining techniques.