Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Gas Humidification with High-Flow Nasal Cannula on Cultured Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Humidification of inspired gas is important for patients receiving respiratory support. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) effectively provides temperature and humidity-controlled gas to the airway. We hypothesized that various levels of gas humidification would have differential effects on airway epithelial monolayers. Calu-3 monolayers were placed in environmental chambers at 37°C with relative humidity (RH) < 20% (dry), 69% (noninterventional comparator), and >90% (HFNC) for 4 and 8 hours with 10 L/min of room air. At 4 and 8 hours, cell viability and transepithelial resistance measurements were performed, apical surface fluid was collected and assayed for indices of cell inflammation and function, and cells were harvested for histology (n = 6/condition). Transepithelial resistance and cell viability decreased over time (P < 0.001) between HFNC and dry groups (P < 0.001). Total protein secretion increased at 8 hours in the dry group (P < 0.001). Secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the dry group was greater than the other groups at 8 hours (P < 0.001). Histological analysis showed increasing injury over time for the dry group. These data demonstrate that exposure to low humidity results in reduced epithelial cell function and increased inflammation.
Matching Detection and Correction Schemes for Soft Error Handling in Sequential Logic

This paper addresses two common problems of soft error handling schemes for sequential logic. The first issue is a race condition between the correction of soft errors and their propagation to following stages. The second issue concerns erroneous write accesses to external memory. Both problems are thoroughly examined. The key idea in order to resolve the problems is to distinguish between different types of transient faults (soft errors, timing violations) and explicitly utilize their individual characteristics. Based on that principle a low-cost shadow cell is proposed. Transient faults are detected by shadowing the interfaces of a flip-flop. Timing violations and early soft errors are corrected by architectural replay. Late soft errors are instantly corrected within the shadow cell. The introduced area overhead is 57% and the power overhead 32% compared to a standard cell D-flip-flop.
Notes on Timed CCP

A constraint is a piece of (partial) information on the values of the variables of a system. Concurrent constraint programming (ccp) is a model of concurrency in which agents (also called processes) interact by telling and asking information (constraints) to and from a shared store (a constraint). T med(or temporal ) ccp (tccp) extends ccp by agents evolving over time. A distinguishing feature of tccp, is that it combines in one framework an operational and algebraic view from process algebra with a declarativeview based upon temporal logic. Tccp has been widely used to specify, analyze and program reactive systems. This note provides a comprehensive introduction to the background for and central notions from the theory of tccp. Furthermore, it surveys recent results on a particular tccp calculus, ntcc , and it provides a classification of the expressive power of various tccp languages.
The Named-State Register File: implementation and performance

Context switches are slow in conventional processors because the entire processor state must be saved and restored, even if much of the state is not used before the next context switch. This paper introduces the Named-State Register File, a fine-grain associative register file. The NSF uses hardware and software techniques to efficiently manage registers among sequential or parallel procedure activations. The NSF holds more live data per register than conventional register files, and requires much less spill and reload traffic to switch between concurrent contexts. The NSF speeds execution of some sequential and parallel programs by 9% to 17% over alternative register file organizations. The NSF has access time comparable to a conventional register file and only adds 5% to the area of a typical processor chip. <<ETX>>
Algorithms for Real-Time Tool Path Generation

The conventional input of a CNC, a sequence of data points, describing the tool motion necessary for machining of sculptured surfaces, represent a huge amount of information. As free-form surfaces are usually described as a set of bicubic pathes, it is a strightforward solution to extend the capabilities of the Numerical Control unit with bicubic interpolation, offset generation and collision checking. The tool path is calculated during the cutting process.
Using and Improving Coding Guides for and by Automatic Coding of PISA Short Text Responses

We propose and empirically evaluate a theoretical framework of how to use coding guides for automatic coding (scoring) and how, in turn, automatic coding can enhance the use of coding guides. We adopted a recently described baseline approach to automatically classify responses. Well-established coding guides from PISA, comprising reference responses, and its German sample from 2012 were used for evaluation. Ten items with 41,990 responses at total were analyzed. Results showed that (1) responses close to the cluster centroid constitute prototypes, (2) automatic coding can improve coding guides, while (3) the proposed procedure leads to unreliable accuracy for small numbers of clusters but promising agreement to human coding for higher numbers. Further analyses are still to be done to find the optimal balance of the implied coding effort and model accuracy.
Comparison of Noninvasive pH and Blood Lactate as Predictors of Mortality in a Swine Hemorrhagic Shock with Restricted Volume Resuscitation Model

ABSTRACT Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that high blood lactate in the prehospital setting and poor lactate clearance in the emergency department are predictive of in-hospital mortality. This analysis of data collected from a swine model of hemorrhage and restricted volume resuscitation investigated the hypotheses that noninvasive muscle pH (pHm) and H+ clearance would predict mortality, and the responses would be similar between pHm and lactate. Data from a set of 57 swine were analyzed over the first 2 h after controlled hemorrhage and uncontrolled splenic bleeding. Surviving animals were ones that lived for the full 5-h experimental period. Venous lactate was determined at baseline, shock, and at 30, 60, and 120 min after injury. Spectra were collected continuously from the posterior thigh using a prototype CareGuide 1100 Oximeter and pHm calculated from the spectra; H+ concentration was determined from pHm. Lactate clearance rate was calculated from the difference in lactate concentration at 120 min and shock, and H+ clearance was calculated in a similar manner. Comparison of the area under the receiver operator characteristic curves was used to assess prediction of survival at 5 h after injury. At 120 min after injury, lactate, lactate clearance, noninvasive pHm, and noninvasive H+ clearance were equivalent predictors of mortality each with a receiver operator characteristic area under the curve of 0.87. Thresholds for single lactate (<3.8 mmol/L) or pHm (>7.30) determinations were found to be consistent with a resuscitation goal targeted to reverse acidosis. Continuous, noninvasive pHm monitoring may provide a substitute for lactate measurement in trauma patients, particularly in the prehospital and emergency department settings.
Human Neuroscience

No relation between afferent facilitation induced by digital nerve stimulation and the latency of cutaneomuscular reflexes and somatosensory evoked magnetic fields Primary motor cortex (M1) excitability can be assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and can be modulated by a conditioning electrical stimulus delivered to a peripheral nerve prior to TMS. This is known as afferent facilitation (AF). The aim of this study was to determine whether AF can be induced by digital nerve stimulation and to evaluate the relation between the interstimulus interval (ISI) required for AF and the latency of the E2 component of the cutaneomuscular reflex (CMR) and the prominent somatosensory evoked field (SEF) deflection that occurs approximately 70 ms after digital nerve stimulation (P60m). Stimulation of the digital nerve of the right index finger was followed, at various time intervals, by single-pulse TMS applied to the contralateral hemisphere. or 220 ms. Single-pulse TMS was performed alone as a control. SEFs were recorded following digital nerve stimulation of the index finger, and the equivalent current dipole of prominent deflections that occurred around 70 ms after the stimulation was calculated. CMRs were recorded following digital nerve stimulation during muscle contraction. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were facilitated at an ISI between 50 and 100 ms in 11 of 13 subjects, and the facilitated MEP amplitude was larger than the unconditioned MEP amplitude (p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between the ISI at which AF was maximal and the latency of the P60m component of the SEF (r = −0.50, p = 0.12) or the E2 component of the CMR (r = −0.54, p = 0.88). These results indicate that the precise ISI required for AF cannot be predicted using SEF or CMR.
Applications of computer modelling to behavioural coordination

The physiological basis of behaviour is so complex that few hypotheses can be tested adequately without resort to a precise mathematical model. But the aim of modelling is not simply to calculate the predictions of hypotheses. Before that final stage is reached the act of modelling tests hypotheses in three ways: 1. it may reveal contradictions in the hypothesis, 2. it may demonstrate that the hypothesis is no more than a circular argument, and 3. it makes it possible to compare the simplicity of competing hypotheses If a working model is not built, necessary but unacceptable assumptions are easily overlooked so that complex theories appear simple. All the assumptions have to be spelt out before a working model works. A rich byproduct of modelling is that it generates numerous searching questions, both theoretical and experimental. The present volume combines two studies which illustrate different aspects of modelling praxis. The first (Chapters 2-4) is based on a simple switch mechanism which would prevent an animal from performing inappropriate combinations of activity at the same time. Added to that is the postulate that all activities are subject to a central nervous decay process (fatigue) which leads to spontaneous alternation of behaviour. When built into a working model these two ideas have far-reaching implications and the model displays paradoxical features of behaviour often observed in real animals. A frequent result of these simulations is that arguments widely accepted in the literature are exposed as not necessarily true or definitely false. The second study (Chapter 5) is a survey of theoretical problems in insect orientation. The achievements of insects are well known, but it is difficult indeed to find hypotheses which remain plausible when analysed in depth. Until they are so analysed, all half-baked hypotheses seem to work, and the often contradictory assumptions are easily overlooked.
ACUTE EFFECTS OF RESTRAINT, SHOCK AND TRAINING IN THE ELEVATED T-MAZE ON NORADRENALINE AND SEROTONIN SYSTEMS OF THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) participates in cognitive functions and stress regulation. Noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) levels in some regions of the central nervous system are modified by acute stress. The effects depend on the type of stressor and the time elapsed between the presence of the stressor and the assessment. The aims of the present study were to assess the acute effect of different stressors on NA and 5-HT activities in the PFC and its relation with corticosterone levels. Independent groups of male Wistar rats (250-280 g) were submitted to restraint, footshock or training in the elevated T-maze (ETMT). The animals were sacrificed immediately (T0) or one hour (T1) after stress exposure. An untreated group sacrificed concurrently with treated animals was included as control. Samples of the PFC were dissected and the concentration of NA, 5-HT and their metabolites were measured by HPLC. Corticosterone levels were measured in serum. None of the treatments modified NA levels in the PFC. Animals exposed to footshock or ETMT showed significantly higher concentrations of 5-HT at T0. Restraint and footshock treatments were associated with higher corticosterone levels at T0 and T1 after the respective treatment. Taken together the results show that in the PFC, the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems, and the corticosterone levels respond in different ways to different stressors.
A divide-and-conquer approach for asynchronous interface synthesis

Asynchronous circuits are crucial in designing low power, high performance digital systems. They are widely used in many real time applications such as digital communication and computer systems. The design of complex asynchronous interface circuits is a difficult and error-prone task. We present an area and time efficient synthesis algorithm for general signal transition graph (STG) specifications. It utilizes a divide-and-conquer approach to significantly reduce the number of design constraints. Thus, large size specifications can be synthesized in a very short execution time. We further developed a BDD based constraint satisfaction algorithm that exploits the don't cares for area efficient synthesis. Experimental results with a large number of practical signal transition graph benchmarks are presented. These results show that compared to the existing techniques, the divide-and-conquer technique is capable of achieving an average of 20% reduction in implementation area for all the benchmarks and it offers a practical solution for the complex asynchronous interface design problems. <<ETX>>
On the Equilibria of the Extended Nematic Polymers under Elongational Flow

We classify the equilibrium solutions of the Smoluchowski equation for dipolar (extended) rigid nematic polymers under imposed elongational flow. The Smoluchowski equation couples the Maier-Saupe short-range interaction, dipole-dipole interaction, and an external elongational flow. We show that all stable equilibria of rigid, dipolar rod dispersions under imposed uniaxial elongational flow field are axisymmetric. This finding of axisymmetry significantly simplifies any procedure of obtaining experimentally observable equilibria.
Topical Anesthetics for Dermatologic Procedures: A Review

Background Practitioners are increasingly using topical anesthetics to decrease the pain associated with superficial dermatologic, aesthetic, and laser procedures. Numerous lidocaine‐containing products are available, but comprehensive reviews are lacking regarding their relative safety profiles and appropriate dermatologic uses. Materials and Methods A literature review of currently available topical anesthetics, their safety profiles, and dermatologic uses was conducted. Results Factors that should be considered to reduce the risk of side effects associated with the use of topical anesthetics include the amount of product used, body location, size of the surface area, and duration of product application. Many case reports document adverse outcomes associated with the use of compounded products that the Food and Drug Administration has not approved that have inappropriately high anesthetic concentrations and from the use of topical anesthetics on excessively large skin surface areas during laser treatments. Conclusions Lidocaine‐containing products play an integral role in cutaneous anesthesia by providing patient comfort with minimal side effects. Careful attention must be paid to the particular anatomic location, the total surface area covered, and the duration of anesthetic skin contact.
The renin–angiotensin system and diabetes: An update

In the past few years the classical concept of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has experienced substantial conceptual changes. The identification of the renin/prorenin receptor, the angiotensin converting enzyme homologue ACE2 as an angiotensin peptide processing enzyme, Mas as a receptor for Ang-(1–7) and the possibility of signaling through ACE, have contributed to switch our understanding of the RAS from the classical limited proteolysis linear cascade to a cascade with multiple mediators, multiple receptors, and multi functional enzymes. In this review we will focus on the recent findings related to RAS and, in particular, on its role in diabetes by discussing possible interactions between RAS mediators, endothelium function, and insulin signaling transduction pathways as well as the putative role of ACE2-Ang-(1–7)-Mas axis in disease pathogenesis.
Hardened Paxos through Consistency Validation

Due to the emergent adoption of distributed systems when building applications, demand for reliability and availability has increased. These properties can be achieved through replication techniques using middleware algorithms that must be capable of tolerating faults. Certain faults such as arbitrary faults, however, may be more difficult to tolerate, resulting in more complex and resource intensive algorithms that end up being not so practical to use. We propose and experiment with the use of consistency validation techniques to harden a benign fault-tolerant Paxos, thus being able to detect and tolerate non-malicious arbitrary faults.
Service Oriented Sensor Networks for Mobile Computing

— Mobile applications execute in an environment characterized by scarce and dynamically varying resources. We believe that applications have to adapt dynamically and transparently to the amount of resources available at runtime. To achieve this goal, we use the conventional extension of the client server model to a client-proxy-server model. The mobile devices execute the client, which provides the user interface and some part of the application logic. The proxy is a component of the application that executes in the wired network to support the client. As the user moves, the proxy may also move to remain on the communication path from the mobile device to a fixed correspondent host. Logically, the proxy hides the " mobile " client from the server, who thinks it communicates with a standard client (i.e., a client that executes on a powerful desktop directly connected to the wired network). Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) provide various environment data in the real-world, and also WSNs´s middleware is able to offer field data in real-time by user queries. WSNs also play an important role in ubiquitous computing with RFID technologies currently, and have evolved from many studies and being advanced to the future. In this paper, we propose a service-oriented sensor ontology which enables services based on service-oriented properties for materialization of the future ubiquitous computing. In contrast to legacy approaches, this paper defines the new service classes (Services, Location and Physical), as well as their properties and constraints that enable the service-oriented service based on service properties. We also have regard to reuse of ontology, service classes were designed to link with legacy OntoSensor ontology.
The Use of Hydroponic Growth Systems to Study the Root and Shoot Ionome of Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants provide an important source of minerals for human and animal consumption. There is a general worldwide deficiency of human intake of several essential minerals, including iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and iodine (White & Broadley, 2009). This deficiency exists not only in developing countries, but also in the developed world. On the other hand, excessive amounts of heavy metals in crop plants can endanger the health of humans and livestock. It is, therefore, important to develop crop plants with balanced levels of minerals. Understanding of the genes and processes that control the mineral content of plants can provide the basis for engineering crops with the optimal concentrations of minerals in various organs and tissues. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in determining the elemental composition (ionome) of various plant species and identifying the genes that dominate this composition [reviewed by Baxter (2009), Salt et al. (2008), and Williams & Salt (2009)]. The agriculturally related plants whose ionomes were investigated include the crops rice (Norton et al., 2010) and Brassica napus (Liu et al., 2009), as well as the plant Lotus japonicus, which serves as a model species for legume crops (Chen et al., 2009).
Systematic network coding with the aid of a full-duplex relay

A characterization of systematic network coding over multi-hop wireless networks is key towards understanding the trade-off between complexity and delay performance of networks that preserve the systematic structure. This paper studies the case of a relay channel, where the source's objective is to deliver a given number of data packets to a receiver with the aid of a relay. The source broadcasts to both the receiver and the relay using one frequency, while the relay uses another frequency for transmissions to the receiver, allowing for a full-duplex operation of the relay. We analyze the decoding complexity and delay performance of two types of relays: one that preserves the systematic structure of the code from the source; another that does not. A systematic relay forwards uncoded packets upon reception, but transmits coded packets to the receiver after receiving the first coded packet from the source. On the other hand, a non-systematic relay always transmits linear combinations of previously received packets. We compare the performance of these two alternatives by analytically characterizing the expected transmission completion time as well as the number of uncoded packets forwarded by the relay. Our numerical results show that, for a poor channel between the source and the receiver, preserving the systematic structure at the relay (i) allows a significant increase in the number of uncoded packets received by the receiver, thus reducing the decoding complexity, and (ii) preserves close to optimal delay performance.
Study on multi-scale finite element method for EM wave equation

The multiscale FEM is used to analysis the problem that wave propagates in a period media. The equation of EM wave for multisacle FEM is deduced. The two dimensional wave propagation problem is solved. The computed results are compared with results which are computed by conventional FEM. The two result agree with well.