Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Axonal Regeneration and Functional Recovery after Complete Spinal Cord Transection in Rats by Delayed Treatment with Transplants and Neurotrophins

Little axonal regeneration occurs after spinal cord injury in adult mammals. Regrowth of mature CNS axons can be induced, however, by altering the intrinsic capacity of the neurons for growth or by providing a permissive environment at the injury site. Fetal spinal cord transplants and neurotrophins were used to influence axonal regeneration in the adult rat after complete spinal cord transection at a midthoracic level. Transplants were placed into the lesion cavity either immediately after transection (acute injury) or after a 2–4 week delay (delayed or chronic transplants), and either vehicle or neurotrophic factors were administered exogenously via an implanted minipump. Host axons grew into the transplant in all groups. Surprisingly, regeneration from supraspinal pathways and recovery of motor function were dramatically increased when transplants and neurotrophins were delayed until 2–4 weeks after transection rather than applied acutely. Axonal growth back into the spinal cord below the lesion and transplants was seen only in the presence of neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, the restoration of anatomical connections across the injury site was associated with recovery of function with animals exhibiting plantar foot placement and weight-supported stepping. These findings suggest that the opportunity for intervention after spinal cord injury may be greater than originally envisioned and that CNS neurons with long-standing injuries can reinitiate growth, leading to improvement in motor function.
Optical outside-in tracking using unmodified mobile phones

Marker-based optical outside-in tracking is a mature and robust technology used by many AR, VR and motion capture applications. However, in small environments the tracking cameras are often difficult to install. An example scenario are ergonomic studies in car manufacturing, where the motion of a worker needs to be tracked in small spaces such as the trunk of a car. In this paper, we describe how to extend the tracking volume in small, cluttered environments using small and flexible wireless cameras in form of unmodified mobile phones that can quickly be installed. Since those small cameras are not synchronized with the main tracking cameras, we describe several modifications to the tracking algorithms, such as inter-frame interpolation, the replacement of the least-squares adjustment by a Kalman filter and the integration of rolling-shutter compensation. To support the quick setup of additional cameras while the tracking system is running, the system is extended by an on-line calibration technique that determines the extrinsic camera parameters without requiring a dedicated calibration step.
Graph Isomorphism in Fuzzy Cognitive Maps for Monitoring of Game-Based Learning

Knowledge can be understood as the specification of classifications and causes, kinds and causes usually are fuzzy. Fuzzy Cognitive Maps has been applied in different areas to express the dynamic behavior of a set of related concepts. Its graphical structure allows systematic causal propagation forward and backward chaining. In the same way, nowadays individuals use a lot of different technological media: smart TV, Internet, video games, mobile phones, etc. The use of multimedia has become popular in the education field, these multimedia techniques can allow students to get more entertainment, immersion and interactivity. An interactive learning environment can provide useful information to analyze the student learning process. This research work presents a learning assessment system that uses Ullman algorithm to determine if there are graph isomorphism between the graph resulting from the interaction of a student with a gaming platform and the graph from causal relationships built by the teacher or tutor. In this evaluation, it was observed that most practical tasks obtain better results, confirming the Hebb rule on learning and cellular neurophysiological relationship.
HW resource componentizing for smooth migration from single-function ECU to multi-function ECU

The automotive design paradigm is shifting from the "one-function on one ECU (Electronic Control Unit)" paradigm toward the "multi-function on one ECU" paradigm to reduce the ever increasing number of ECUs in a vehicle. In order to support such paradigm shift, this paper proposes a HW (hardware) resource componentizing technique that provides the illusion of a physically isolated ECU component for each automotive SW (software) component even when a multi-function ECU is actually shared by multiple concurrent SW components. With this technique, each SW component's physical properties such as timing behavior can be invariant with its surrounding SW components and hence the automaker can easily compose and verify a complex future automotive system. In order to effectively realize this HW resource componentizing, we propose an"active window based share provisioning" that provides a HW share to a SW component only when it is active. This way, the ECU capacity can be divided not only in the spatial (i.e., share) domain but also in the temporal domain, providing a large number of fine-granular HW components for serving a large number of SW components. The effectiveness of the proposed HW com-ponentizing technique is validated through both simulation and actual implementation with real automotive workload.
Effect of depression and diabetes mellitus on the risk for dementia: a national population-based cohort study.

IMPORTANCE Although depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) may independently increase the risk for dementia, no studies have examined whether the risk for dementia among people with comorbid depression and DM is higher than the sum of each exposure individually. OBJECTIVE To examine the risk for all-cause dementia among persons with depression, DM, or both compared with persons with neither exposure. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We performed a national population-based cohort study of 2 454 532 adults, including 477 133 (19.4%) with depression, 223 174 (9.1%) with DM, and 95 691 (3.9%) with both. We included all living Danish citizens 50 years or older who were free of dementia from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2013 (followed up through December 31, 2013). Dementia was ascertained by physician diagnosis from the Danish National Patient Register or the Danish Psychiatric Central Register and/or by prescription of a cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine hydrochloride from the Danish National Prescription Registry. Depression was ascertained by psychiatrist diagnosis from the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register or by prescription of an antidepressant from the Danish National Prescription Registry. Diabetes mellitus was identified using the National Diabetes Register. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We estimated the risk for all-cause dementia associated with DM, depression, or both using Cox proportional hazards regression models that adjusted for potential confounding factors (eg, demographics) and potential intermediates (eg, medical comorbidities). RESULTS During 13 834 645 person-years of follow-up, 59 663 participants (2.4%) developed dementia; of these, 6466 (10.8%) had DM, 15 729 (26.4%) had depression, and 4022 (6.7%) had both. The adjusted hazard ratio for developing all-cause dementia was 1.83 (95% CI, 1.80-1.87) for persons with depression, 1.20 (95% CI, 1.17-1.23) for persons with DM, and 2.17 (95% CI, 2.10-2.24) for those with both compared with persons who had neither exposure. The excess risk for all-cause dementia observed for individuals with comorbid depression and DM surpassed the summed risk associated with each exposure individually, especially for persons younger than 65 years (hazard ratio, 4.84 [95% CI, 4.21-5.55]). The corresponding attributable proportion due to the interaction of comorbid depression and DM was 0.25 (95% CI, 0.13-0.36; P < .001) for those younger than 65 years and 0.06 (95% CI, 0.02-0.10; P = .001) for those 65 years or older. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Depression and DM were independently associated with a greater risk for dementia, and the combined association of both exposures with the risk for all-cause dementia was stronger than the additive association.
Career development learning and work-integrated learning: towards a self pedagogy

This paper is an exploration of the relationship between career development learning and work-integrated learning. First, it highlights research conducted by the National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services on behalf of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council. The research project explored the contribution of career development learning to work-integrated learning in Australian universities. Second, it highlights the conceptual linkages between career development learning and work-integrated learning which are expressed in notions of the career self-management competencies of self-awareness, opportunity awareness, decision learning, and transition learning.
Constitutively active alpha-1b adrenergic receptor mutants display different phosphorylation and internalization features.

We compared the phosphorylation and internalization properties of constitutively active alpha-1b adrenergic receptor (AR) mutants carrying mutations in two distant receptor domains, i.e., at A293 in the distal part of the third intracellular loop and at D142 of the DRY motif lying at the end of the third transmembrane domain. For the A293E and A293I mutants the levels of agonist-independent phosphorylation were 150% and 50% higher than those of the wild-type alpha-1b AR, respectively. On the other hand, for the constitutively active D142A and D142T mutants, the basal levels of phosphorylation were similar to those of the wild-type alpha-1b AR and did not appear to be further stimulated by epinephrine. Overexpression of the guanyl nucleotide binding regulatory protein-coupled receptor kinase GRK2 further increases the basal phosphorylation of the A293E mutant, but not that of D142A mutant. Both the wild-type alpha-1b AR and the A293E mutant could undergo beta-arrestin-mediated internalization. The epinephrine-induced internalization of the constitutively active A293E mutant was significantly higher than that of the wild-type alpha-1b AR. In contrast, the D142A mutant was impaired in its ability to interact with beta-arrestin and to undergo agonist-induced internalization. Interestingly, a double mutant A293E/D142A retained very high constitutive activity and regulatory properties of both the A293E and D142A receptors. These findings demonstrate that two constitutively activating mutations occurring in distant receptor domains of the alpha-1b AR have divergent effects on the regulatory properties of the receptor.
An experimental QoE performance evaluation of HTTP over Multipath TCP

The emergence of Multipath TCP (MPTCP) technology offers an opportunity for network operators to leverage on fixed and mobile access networks to enhance user's Internet experience. The question is how MPTCP could have impacted web browsing quality of experience (QoE). This paper covers an experimental evaluation to analyze the QoE performance of Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) traffic over MPTCP which emulated in a controlled lab environment. Our analysis focuses on measuring HTTP performance metrics in a real-time simulated high network traffic load. The results conclude that MPTCP boosts HTTP transactions rates and throughput by 10% and 78% respectively. However, the impact of latency recedes 30% of the Web QoE over MPTCP.
Individual Stock Returns and Monetary Policy: Evidence from Japanese Data

type="main"> The present paper uses Japanese firm-level data to investigate the effects of monetary policy on stock. The main purpose of this paper is to examine whether monetary policy has heterogeneous effects on stock returns and whether such heterogeneity can be explained by existing theories of monetary transmission mechanisms. We find little evidence that the demand sides of the interest rate and balance sheet channels explain the heterogeneous effects of monetary policy. However, there is evidence that the supply sides of the interest rate and balance sheet channels, when measured by capital intensity, financial leverage and interest payment burden, can explain its heterogeneous effects.
Enhanced Expression of TREK-1 Is Related with Chronic Constriction Injury of Neuropathic Pain Mouse Model in Dorsal Root Ganglion

Neuropathic pain is a complex state showing increased pain response with dysfunctional inhibitory neurotransmission. The TREK family, one of the two pore domain K+ (K2P) channel subgroups were focused among various mechanisms of neuropathic pain. These channels influence neuronal excitability and are thought to be related in mechano/thermosensation. However, only a little is known about the expression and role of TREK-1 and TREK-2, in neuropathic pain. It is performed to know whether TREK-1 and/or 2 are positively related in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of a mouse neuropathic pain model, the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Following this purpose, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were performed using mouse DRG of CCI model and compared to the sham surgery group. Immunofluorescence staining of isolectin-B4 (IB4) and TREK were performed. Electrophysiological recordings of single channel currents were analyzed to obtain the information about the channel. Interactions with known TREK activators were tested to confirm the expression. While both TREK-1 and TREK-2 mRNA were significantly overexpressed in DRG of CCI mice, only TREK-1 showed significant increase (∼9 fold) in western blot analysis. The TREK-1-like channel recorded in DRG neurons of the CCI mouse showed similar current-voltage relationship and conductance to TREK-1. It was easily activated by low pH solution (pH 6.3), negative pressure, and riluzole. Immunofluorescence images showed the expression of TREK-1 was stronger compared to TREK-2 on IB4 positive neurons. These results suggest that modulation of the TREK-1 channel may have beneficial analgesic effects in neuropathic pain patients.
Real-time harmonic minimization of multilevel inverters used in photovoltaic systems

The paper proposes a novel methodology for calculating switching angles for a multilevel cascaded H-bridge converter connected to the solar panels. Here desired voltage is synthesized from separate solar panels connected to each series-connected bridges of the cascaded multilevel inverter. This is obtained by generating the suitable switching angles and their by achieving the required fundamental frequency and the lower harmonics can be minimized. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to find the solution for the set of equations where the input voltages are the known variables and the switching angles are the unknown variables and the Artificial neural networks (ANN) is to determine the switching angles that correspond to the real-time values of the solar panel voltages. Switching pulse logic is designed for H-bridge. The effectiveness of the proposed system is validated by simulation using MATLAB/Simulink.
Systematic review of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of addictions.

OBJECTIVE To conduct the first systematic literature review of clinical trials of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for the treatment of substance abuse disorders and addictive behaviors. METHODS A search of the MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases was conducted. The inclusion criteria for the review were clinical trials that used NAC in the treatment of a disorder related to substance use and/or addictive behaviors, limited to texts in English, Spanish, or French. The selected studies were evaluated with respect to type of trial, sample size, diagnostic input, intervention, length of follow-up, outcome variables, and results. RESULTS Nine studies analyzing a total of 165 patients met the eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative analysis. These studies evaluated the role of NAC in cocaine dependence (three studies), cannabis dependence (two studies), nicotine dependence (two studies), methamphetamine addiction (one study), and pathological gambling (one study). Five of these trials were double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled. CONCLUSIONS The studies analyzed suggest a potential role for NAC in the treatment of addiction, especially of cocaine and cannabis dependence. These results are concordant with the hypothesis of the involvement of glutamatergic pathways in the pathophysiology of addiction.
Multiple Bernoulli Polynomials and Numbers

The aim of this work is to describe what can be multiple Bernoulli polynomials. In order to do this, we solve a system of difference equations generalizing the classical difference equation satisfied by the Bernoulli polynomials. We also require that these polynomials span an algebra whose product is given by same rule as the M basis of QSym. Although there is not a unique solution, we construct an explicit and interesting solution, thanks to the reflexion equation satisfied by the Bernoulli polynomials. Résumé L’objectif de ce travail est de décrire ce que peuvent être des polynômes de Bernoulli multiples. Pour cela, nous résolvons un système d’équations aux différences généralisant la classique équation aux différences vérifiée par les polynômes de Bernoulli. Nous imposons aussi que ces polynômes engendrent une algèbre dont le produit est celui de la base M de QSym. Bien qu’il n’y ait pas unicité de la notion, l’étude de l’équation de reflexion vérifiée par les polynômes de Bernoulli classique permet de construire une solution explicite et intéressante combinatoirement.
Edukacja w Polsce - konieczność reformy i nowe wyzwania

The systemic transformation in Poland has revealed the range of inadequacy of the system and the quality of education to the requirements of the principles of market economy. The changing labor market needed a type of employees different from the earlier, socialist society. The principles of decentralization and demonopolization introduced at the beginning of the 1990s started changes in the system of education. At the same time they revealed an increase in Poles’ educational aspirations. Reformatory work that resulted in the 1999 reform of education were subjected to this. The reform is a continuous process. Its elements are gradually implemented, and are connected both with the structure and with the quality of education. The tasks of the reform also include making the children’s and youths’ educational chances equal as well as propagating the pro-family education of the society. The aim of the article is discussing the state of Polish education in the 1990s and of the causes and results (up till now) of the reform of the educational system. It shows problems in the educational policies and indicates both the necessity of undertaking reformatory measures and new areas and challenges within education of the young (and not only) generation.
Attention Defi cits After Incident Stroke in the Acute Period : Frequency Across Types of Attention and Relationships to Patient Characteristics and Functional Outcomes

Background: Attention defi cits are common post stroke and result in poorer functional outcomes. This study examined the frequency of attention defi cits after incident stroke and their correlates. Method: Attention of 94 stroke survivors was assessed using the Bells test, Trails Making Test A/B, 2.4and 2.0-second trials of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and Integrated Auditory Visual Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT) within 3 weeks post stroke. Wider functioning was assessed using the Medical Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical and Mental Component Summary scores (PCS and MCS), London Handicap Scale, Modifi ed Rankin Scale, General Health Questionnaire-28, and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Results: Most participants were impaired or very impaired on the IVA-CPT (z scores > 3 SDs below normative mean) but not other attention measures. Functional independence and cognitive screening test (Mini-Mental State Examination) performance were signifi cantly related to IVA-CPT, Trails A/B, and Bells tests but not PASAT. Better performance across the Bells test was related to better SF-36 PCS, whereas Trails A and the PASAT were related to SF-36 MCS. Better CFQ naming was related to Trails B, whereas worse CFQ memory was related to better PASAT performance. Conclusion: Attention defi cits are common post stroke, though frequency varies widely across the forms of attention assessed, with tests of neglect and speeded attention tasks being linked to quality of life. This variability of performance and linking to wider outcomes suggests the need for comprehensive assessment of attention and that attention is a viable target for rehabilitative efforts.
Intelligent Sensors Security

The paper is focused on the security issues of sensors provided with processors and software and used for high-risk applications. Common IT related threats may cause serious consequences for sensor system users. To improve their robustness, sensor systems should be developed in a restricted way that would provide them with assurance. One assurance creation methodology is Common Criteria (ISO/IEC 15408) used for IT products and systems. The paper begins with a primer on the Common Criteria, and then a general security model of the intelligent sensor as an IT product is discussed. The paper presents how the security problem of the intelligent sensor is defined and solved. The contribution of the paper is to provide Common Criteria (CC) related security design patterns and to improve the effectiveness of the sensor development process.
EFFECTS OF α-ELEMENT ENHANCEMENT AND THE THERMALLY PULSING-ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH ON SURFACE BRIGHTNESS FLUCTUATION MAGNITUDES AND BROADBAND COLORS

We investigate the effects of α-element enhancement and the thermally pulsing-asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) stars on the surface brightness fluctuation (SBF) magnitudes and broadband colors of simple stellar populations and compare to the empirical calibrations. We consider a broad range of ages and metallicities using the recently updated Teramo BaSTI isochrones. We find that the α-element-enhanced I-band SBF magnitudes are about 0.35 mag brighter and their integrated V − I colors are about 0.02 mag redder, mostly because of oxygen-enhancement effects on the upper red giant branch and AGB. We also demonstrate, using both the Teramo BaSTI and Padova isochrones, the acute sensitivity of SBF magnitudes to the presence of TP-AGB stars, particularly in the near-IR, but in the I band as well. Empirical SBF trends therefore hold great promise for constraining this important but still highly uncertain stage of stellar evolution. In a similar vein, non-negligible disparities are found among several different models available in the literature due to intrinsic model uncertainties.