Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental degradation and Regional Vulnerability : Lessons From Hurricane Mitch 273

where he has been teaching since 1987. He has worked as a consultant in Central America since 1988, in areas relating to international borders and boundaries, natural resource management, community forestry and regional planning. Abstract The factors and processes that shape disaster vulnerability are often the product of complex interactions between natural and social systems. The impact of Hurricane Mitch in October 1998 provided a dramatic reminder of this vulnerability in Central America, and demonstrated how decades of environmental degradation had weakened the natural resilience and buffering capacity of the affected ecosystems. An understanding of the linkages between environmental steward-ship and disaster vulnerability requires an appraisal of the structure and function of the social systems that influence access to and uses of environmental resources. Thus, issues such as war, population growth, forced migration, marginalization, urbanization, and foreign debt all contribute to or compound the effects of deforestation , biodiversity loss, and land degradation, which can in turn intensify the effects of natural disasters. As such, disaster risk can be mitigated through modified land use practices, the enhancement of the role of wetlands and mountain ecosystems in mitigating flood and landslide risks, and through local participation of stakeholders in resource management decisions.
Predictors, Indicators, and Validated Measures of Dependence in Menthol Smokers

This article presents a comprehensive review of the menthol cigarette dependence-related literature and results from an original analysis of the Total Exposure Study (TES), which included 1,100 menthol and 2,400 nonmenthol adult smokers. The substantial scientific evidence available related to age of first cigarette, age of regular use, single-item dependence indicators (smoking frequency, cigarettes per day, time to first cigarette, night waking to smoke), smoking duration, numerous validated and widely accepted measures of nicotine/cigarette dependence, and our analysis of the TES do not support that menthol smokers are more dependent than nonmenthol smokers or that menthol increases dependence.
Stimulation of mitochondrial proton conductance by hydroxynonenal requires a high membrane potential

Mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, caused by a leak of protons back into the matrix, limits mitochondrial production of ROS (reactive oxygen species). This proton leak can be induced by the lipid peroxidation products of ROS, such as HNE (4-hydroxynonenal). HNE activates uncoupling proteins (UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3) and ANT (adenine nucleotide translocase), thereby providing a negative feedback loop. The mechanism of activation and the conditions necessary to induce uncoupling by HNE are unclear. We have found that activation of proton leak by HNE in rat and mouse skeletal muscle mitochondria is dependent on incubation with respiratory substrate. In the presence of HNE, mitochondria energized with succinate became progressively more leaky to protons over time compared with mitochondria in the absence of either HNE or succinate. Energized mitochondria must attain a high membrane potential to allow HNE to activate uncoupling: a drop of 10–20 mV from the resting value is sufficient to blunt induction of proton leak by HNE. Uncoupling occurs through UCP3 (11%), ANT (64%) and other pathways (25%). Our findings have shown that exogenous HNE only activates uncoupling at high membrane potential. These results suggest that both endogenous HNE production and high membrane potential are required before mild uncoupling will be triggered to attenuate mitochondrial ROS production.
A glimpse of Hopjs

Hop.js is a multitier programming environment for JavaScript. It allows a single JavaScript program to describe the client-side and the server-side components of a web application. Its runtime environment ensures consistent executions of the application on the server and on the client. This paper overviews the Hop.js design. It shows the JavaScript extensions that makes it possible to conceive web applications globally. It presents how Hop.js interacts with the outside world. It also briefly presents the Hop.js implementation. It presents the Hop.js web server implementation, the handling of server-side parallelism, and the JavaScript and HTML compilers.
Optimal modulation and coding scheme selection in cellular networks with hybrid-ARQ error control

We propose an optimal modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selection criterion for maximizing user throughput in cellular networks. The proposed criterion adopts both the Chase combining and incremental redundancy based hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) mechanisms and it selects an MCS level that maximizes the expected throughput which is estimated by considering both the number of transmissions and successful decoding probability in HARQ operation. We also prove that the conventional MCS selection rule is not optimized with mathematical analysis. Through link-level and system-level simulations, we show that the proposed MCS selection criterion yields higher average cell throughput than the conventional MCS selection schemes for slowly varying channels.
Heterogeneous Requirement of NGF for Sympathetic Target Innervation In Vivo

The neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a crucial role in the development of the sympathetic nervous system. In addition to being required for sympathetic neuron survival in vivo and in vitro, NGF has been shown to mediate axon growth in vitro. The role of NGF in sympathetic axon growth in vivo, however, is not clear because of its requirement for survival. This requirement can be circumvented by a concomitant deletion of Bax, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, thus allowing an examination of the role of neurotrophins in axon growth independently of their function in cell survival. Here, we analyzed peripheral sympathetic target organ innervation in mice deficient for both NGF and Bax. In neonatal NGF-/-; Bax-/- mice, sympathetic target innervation was absent in certain organs (such as salivary glands), greatly reduced in others (such as heart), somewhat diminished in a few (such as stomach and kidneys), but not significantly different from control in some (such as trachea). At embryonic day 16.5, peripheral target sympathetic innervation was also reduced in NGF-/-; Bax-/- mice, with analogous variability for different organs. Interestingly, in some organs such as the spleen the precise location at which sympathetic axons become NGF-dependent for growth was evident. We thus show that NGF is required for complete peripheral innervation of both paravertebral and prevertebral sympathetic ganglia targets in vivo independently of its requirement for cell survival. Remarkably, target organs vary widely in their individual NGF requirements for sympathetic innervation.
Juha Helminen Jype – An Education-Oriented Integrated Program Visualization , Visual Debugging , and Programming Exercise Tool for Python

Learning to program is difficult. In international studies, students have demonstrated a surprisingly definite lack of programming skills after passing their introductory programming courses. The underlying cause appears to be their fragile knowledge of elementary programming and overall insufficient understanding of control flow and program state. Ultimately, learning to program requires practice. On large programming courses automatic assessment can be used to provide students individual feedback on programming exercises without sacrificing quantity. In addition, visualization is often used in a supporting role in order to facilitate learning of abstract concepts. However, existing research indicates that mere visualizations are not effective in learning but the learners must be engaged beyond passive viewing. Furthermore, visualization tools are typically separate from automatic assessment environments, which prevents students from easily utilizing them simultaneously. An integrated environment could be used to efficiently deliver focused assignments that target the observed deficiencies in elementary programming. To address this, we developed a web-based easy-to-use tool for visualizing and debugging Python programs. The tool can be used to deliver automatically assessed Python programming exercises that are solved directly within the environment with the help of an integrated reversible debugger and automatically generated visualizations of program state. The tool was also integrated into the TRAKLA2 course management system where students' points and submissions can be recorded and tracked. Avainsanat ohjelmien visualisointi, automaattinen arviointi, tietotekniikan opetus, python, jython iii Acknowledgements
Cholestasis and hypercholesterolemia in SCD1-deficient mice fed a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets⃞ Published, JLR Papers in Press, September 28, 2006.

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1-deficient (SCD1−/−) mice have impaired MUFA synthesis. When maintained on a very low-fat (VLF) diet, SCD1−/− mice developed severe hypercholesterolemia, characterized by an increase in apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins and the appearance of lipoprotein X. The rate of LDL clearance was decreased in VLF SCD1−/− mice relative to VLF SCD1+/+ mice, indicating that reduced apoB-containing lipoprotein clearance contributed to the hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, HDL-cholesterol was dramatically reduced in these mice. The presence of increased plasma bile acids, bilirubin, and aminotransferases in the VLF SCD1−/− mice is indicative of cholestasis. Supplementation of the VLF diet with MUFA- and PUFA-rich canola oil, but not saturated fat-rich hydrogenated coconut oil, prevented these plasma phenotypes. However, dietary oleate was not as effective as canola oil in reducing LDL-cholesterol, signifying a role for dietary PUFA deficiency in the development of this phenotype. These results indicate that the lack of SCD1 results in an increased requirement for dietary unsaturated fat to compensate for impaired MUFA synthesis and to prevent hypercholesterolemia and hepatic dysfunction. Therefore, endogenous MUFA synthesis is essential during dietary unsaturated fat insufficiency and influences the dietary requirement of PUFA.
Program Transformations for Connguring Components

In this paper we report progress in the development of methods for reasoning about the equivalence of objects with memory, and the use of these methods to describe sound operations on objects in terms of formal program transformations. We also formalize three different aspects of objects: their speciication, their behavior, and their canonical representation. Formal connections among these aspects provide methods for optimization and reasoning about systems of objects. To illustrate these ideas we give a formal derivation of an optimized specialized window editor from generic speciications of its components. A new result in this paper enables one to make use of symbolic evaluation (with respect to a set of constraints) to establish the equivalence of objects. This form of evaluation is not only mechanizable, it is also generalizes the conditions under which partial evaluation usually takes place. 1 Overview In 19] a general challenge for partial evaluation technology was presented and illustrated by an example using the concept of component connguration. Component description and connguration are forms of programming in the large. They provide great exibility in code reuse and in the connguring and reconngur-ing of systems. Components are related to modules in Ada, to classes in traditional object oriented languages , and to modules for traditional linkers. Component descriptions can express traditional concept such as signatures, types, interfaces, modules, and implementations, but are more general than any of these traditional notions. The exible nature of components allows intermediate optimization stages and their derivations to be easily saved; thus increasing the opportunity for reuse of both the components and the methods used for their development. The example presented in 19] involved developing a simple two window editor from abstract descriptions of generic components such as cursors, screens, character displays, and windows. The derivation process illustrated a variety of operations on components. Objects with free parameters were created (partial application). Messages were sent to these objects in order to attain a given internal state. Information about the context of use was speciied and some simpliications based on that information were made. Objects were opened up to expose the representation of internal state, and simpliications in the representation of the combined internal state were made. Finally the free parameters were abstracted to produce the desired specialized editor constructor. Components resulting from simple connguration have the correct behavior, but need optimization. The complexity and variety of component conngurations suggests that to realize …
Frequent DPH3 promoter mutations in skin cancers

Recent reports suggested frequent occurrence of cancer associated somatic mutations within regulatory elements of the genome. Based on initial exome sequencing of 21 melanomas, we report frequent somatic mutations in skin cancers in a bidirectional promoter of diphthamide biosynthesis 3 (DPH3) and oxidoreductase NAD-binding domain containing 1 (OXNAD1) genes. The UV-signature mutations occurred at sites adjacent and within a binding motif for E-twenty six/ternary complex factors (Ets/TCF), at −8 and −9 bp from DPH3 transcription start site. Follow up screening of 586 different skin lesions showed that the DPH3 promoter mutations were present in melanocytic nevi (2/114; 2%), melanoma (30/304; 10%), basal cell carcinoma of skin (BCC; 57/137; 42%) and squamous cell carcinoma of skin (SCC; 12/31; 39%). Reporter assays carried out in one melanoma cell line for DPH3 and OXNAD1 orientations showed statistically significant increased promoter activity due to −8/−9CC > TT tandem mutations; although, no effect of the mutations on DPH3 and OXNAD1 transcription in tumors was observed. The results from this study show occurrence of frequent somatic non-coding mutations adjacent to a pre-existing binding site for Ets transcription factors within the directional promoter of DPH3 and OXNAD1 genes in three major skin cancers. The detected mutations displayed typical UV signature; however, the functionality of the mutations remains to be determined.
Efficient and Secure Delegation of Linear Algebra

We consider secure delegation of linear algebra computation, wherein a client, privately and verifiably, outsources tasks such as matrix multiplication, matrix inversion, computing the rank and determinant, and solving a linear system to a remote worker. When operating on n×n matrices, we design non-interactive, and secure protocols for delegating matrix multiplication, based on a number of encryption schemes with limited homomorphic properties where the client only needs to perform O(n) work. The main component of these delegation protocols is a mechanism for efficiently verifying the homomorphic matrix multiplication performed by the worker. We introduce a general method for performing this verification, for any homomorphic encryption scheme that satisfies two special properties. We then show that most existing homomorphic encryption schemes satisfy these properties and hence can utilize our general verification method. In case of the BGN-style encryption of [Gentry et al., EUROCRYPT 2010], we also show a simpler and more efficient verification method that does not follow our general approach. Finally, we show constant round and efficient constructions for secure delegation of other linear algebra tasks based on our delegation protocol for matrix multiplication. In all of these constructions, the client’s work is at most O(n log n). Our constructions can also be efficiently transformed to server-aided protocols for secure two-party computation of linear algebra with similar efficiency.
Formulation Development and Bioavailability Evaluation of a Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System ( SNEDDS ) of Atorvastatin Calcium

The main purpose of the present investigation is to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of poorly watersoluble atorvastatin calcium (ATR) through the self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). The components for self-nanoemulsion were identified by solubility studies and tendency for self-emulsification in various excipients. Sefsol 218, Cremophor RH 40 and Propylene glycol were selected as oil, surfactant and cosurfactant respectively. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were plotted to identify the efficient self-emulsification regions . Prepared SNEDDS formulations were tested for nanoemulsifying properties including robustness to dilution, visual assessment of self-emulsification, viscosity, drug content, droplet size and zeta potential. The SNEDDS formulation F3consist of 20% (w/w) Sefsol 218, 40% (w/w) Cremophor RH40 and 40% (w/w) Propylene glycol of each excipient showed the highest drug content (96.58%) and a small mean droplet size (12.7±0.3 nm) ,was selected as optimized SNEDDS formulation. For in vitro dissolution studies, the ATR SNEDDS was then formulated into soft gelatin capsules. It showed a faster rate of drug release into the aqueous phase . The optimized formulation ATR soft gelatin capsules were then subjected to stability studies at 30 ± 2°C/65 ± 5% RH for a period of three months. The ATRloaded SNEDDS was compared with the suspension of commercial tablet by oral administration in wistar rats. The bioavailability of ATR SNEDDS was significantly enhanced compared with that of the tablet (p<0.05). It was concluded that the potential use of the SNEDDS can improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of lipophilic drug ATR. Keywords-Self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), atorvastatin calcium, ternary phase diagrams, droplet size, dissolution, oral bioavailability.
Striatal neurogenesis in adult humans

Postprint This is the accepted version of a paper published in Cell. This paper has been peer-reviewed but does not include the final publisher proof-corrections or journal pagination. Striatal neurogenesis in adult humans. Access to the published version may require subscription. Address correspondence to: Jonas Frisén (jonas.frisen@ki.se), phone +46 8 52487562 2 Neurons are added throughout life in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb in most mammals, although humans represent an exception without detectable olfactory bulb neurogenesis. Nevertheless, neuroblasts are generated in the lateral ventricle wall in humans, the neurogenic niche for olfactory bulb neurons in other mammals. We show that, in humans, new neurons integrate adjacent to this neurogenic niche, in the striatum. The neuronal turnover in the striatum appears restricted to interneurons and we show that postnatally generated striatal neurons are preferentially depleted in Huntington's disease. This demonstrates a unique pattern of neurogenesis in the adult human brain. 3 HIGHLIGHTS • Nuclear-bomb-test-derived 14 C in human striatal neurons reveals adult neurogenesis • Striatal neuronal turnover occurs within the interneuron fraction • Annual turnover rate is 2.7% within the renewing fraction in adult humans • Postnatally generated striatal neurons are depleted in Huntington's disease
A 65nm 3.4Gbps HDMI TX PHY with supply-regulated dual-tuning PLL and blending multiplexer

A 65 nm HDMI TX PHY was designed with supply-regulated dual-tuning PLL and blending multiplexer. The proposed PLL uses a new dual-tuning scheme for small capacitor and low-jitter while keeping the supply regulation capability. A fractional-N operation for non-integer pixel clock generation was implemented with a blending multiplexer which enables seamless switching of high-speed multiphase clock. The fabricated PHY gives maximum 3.4 Gbps data rate per channel and shows 34 ps peak-to-peak data jitter.
A PSO approach to resource allocation in wireless networks

Next generation high data rate applications such as High-Definition (HD) video transmission place a heavy load on wireless network resources. To achieve the strict quality of service requirements of HD video in a multi-user network requires efficient resource allocation. Rate-distortion theory provides an appropriate basis for this. The Nash Bargaining Solution (NBS) is proven to generate an optimal solution to a rate-distortion based convex resource allocation problem. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a meta-heuristic optimizer capable of generating near-optimal solutions. PSO, however, is not constrained to convex optimization problems. The motivation of this work is to demonstrate a PSO implementation capable of achieving an optimal solution to the resource allocation problem. The capability of the PSO approach to reach an optimal solution suggests its potential for resource allocation in a network of heterogeneous applications where convex optimization methods do not apply.
Glutamate-regulated Behavior, Transmitter Release, Gene Expression and Addictive Plasticity in the Striatum: Roles of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G-protein-coupled receptors and are densely expressed in medium spiny projection neurons of striatum. Emerging evidence demonstrates a significant role of mGluRs in the regulation of striatal functions. Activation of mGluRs alters local transmitter release and behaviors of experimental animals. In particular, mGluRs regulate phosphorylation of several key signaling proteins (protein kinases and transcription factors) resulting in significant changes in immediate early gene and neuropeptide gene expression in striatal neurons. The prominent involvement of mGluRs in genomic responses to synaptic stimulation is considered to play a pivotal role in the development of synaptic/neuronal plasticity underlying long-term adaptive changes in cellular physiology related to a variety of neurologic disorders. Available data indicate that the eight subtypes of mGluRs have distinct effects on gene expression. The group I subtypes (mGluR1/5) facilitate, whereas group II (mGluR2/3) and III (mGluR4/6/7/8) subtypes inhibit, gene expression. Due to their significance in regulating drug action, mGluRs have been considered as promising targets for the development of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of drug addiction. The present review summarizes the roles of mGluRs in the regulation of behavior, transmitter release and particularly genomic responses in striatal neurons to dopamine stimulation, following a description of anatomical organization of mGluRs in the striatum. The possible pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms that process mGluR modulatory effects are also discussed in detail. Finally, potential of mGluRs as targets for the development of therapeutic drugs for addictive and other mental illnesses concludes this review.
Coral: A Cloud-Backed Frugal File System

With simple access interfaces and flexible billing models, cloud storage has become an attractive solution to simplify the storage management for both enterprises and individual users. However, traditional file systems with extensive optimizations for local disk-based storage backend can not fully exploit the inherent features of the cloud to obtain desirable performance. In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of Coral, a cloud based file system that strikes a balance between performance and monetary cost. Unlike previous studies that treat cloud storage as just a normal backend of existing networked file systems, Coral is designed to address several key issues in optimizing cloud-based file systems such as the data layout, block management, and billing model. With carefully designed data structures and algorithms, such as identifying semantically correlated data blocks, kd-tree based caching policy with self-adaptive thrashing prevention, effective data layout, and optimal garbage collection, Coral achieves good performance and cost savings under various workloads as demonstrated by extensive evaluations.