Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Programming via Safe Closure Passing

Programming systems incorporating aspects of functional programming, e.g., higher-order functions, are becoming increasingly popular for large-scale distributed programming. New frameworks such as Apache Spark leverage functional techniques to provide high-level, declarative APIs for in-memory data analytics, often outperforming traditional "big data" frameworks like Hadoop MapReduce. However, widely-used programming models remain rather ad-hoc; aspects such as implementation trade-offs, static typing, and semantics are not yet well-understood. We present a new asynchronous programming model that has at its core several principles facilitating functional processing of distributed data. The emphasis of our model is on simplicity, performance, and expressiveness. The primary means of communication is by passing functions (closures) to distributed, immutable data. To ensure safe and efficient distribution of closures, our model leverages both syntactic and type-based restrictions. We report on a prototype implementation in Scala. Finally, we present preliminary experimental results evaluating the performance impact of a static, type-based optimization of serialization.
Anisotropic Reentry in a Perfused 2-Dimensional Layer of Rabbit Ventricular Myocardium

BackgroundAnisotropy creates nonuniformity in electrical propagation and may contribute to the occurrence of unidirectional conduction block and reentry. We describe the characteristics of reentrant tachycardia in a 2D layer of anisotropic ventricular myocardium. Methods and ResultsA Langendorff-perfused epicardial sheet (1.0±0.4 mm, n=35) was created by freezing the intramural layers of the rabbit left ventricle. Epicardial activation maps were constructed by use of different high-resolution mapping arrays connected to a mapping system. In 5 experiments, monophasic action potentials were recorded. In the intact left ventricle, no arrhythmias except VF could be induced. After freezing, programmed electrical stimulation or rapid pacing led to the induction of sustained VT (cycle length 130±11 ms). VT was caused by reentry around a functional line of block oriented parallel to the epicardial fiber direction. Action potential recordings demonstrated that the central line of block was kept refractory by electrotonic currents generated by the depolarization waves propagating at either side of the line of block. At the pivot points of the line of block, the pronounced curvature of the turning wave and abrupt loading changes created an excitable gap of 30 ms in the reentrant pathway. ConclusionsIn uniform anisotropic myocardium, reentry around a functional Z-shaped line of block may occur. The core of the circuit is kept refractory by electrotonic currents. The pronounced wave-front curvature and abrupt loading changes at the pivot points cause local conduction delay and create a small excitable gap.
Morphological priming during language switching: an ERP study

Bilingual language control (BLC) is a much-debated issue in recent literature. Some models assume BLC is achieved by various types of inhibition of the non-target language, whereas other models do not assume any inhibitory mechanisms. In an event-related potential (ERP) study involving a long-lag morphological priming paradigm, participants were required to name pictures and read aloud words in both their L1 (Dutch) and L2 (English). Switch blocks contained intervening L1 items between L2 primes and targets, whereas non-switch blocks contained only L2 stimuli. In non-switch blocks, target picture names that were morphologically related to the primes were named faster than unrelated control items. In switch blocks, faster response latencies were recorded for morphologically related targets as well, demonstrating the existence of morphological priming in the L2. However, only in non-switch blocks, ERP data showed a reduced N400 trend, possibly suggesting that participants made use of a post-lexical checking mechanism during the switch block.
Dexmethylphenidate extended-release capsules for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) currently represent the ninth largest segment of the CNS market by sales, with US$2.4 billion spent annually on this condition and 40% annual growth. Stimulant medications remain the most effective ADHD therapies and provide robust improvement in ADHD symptoms in both youth and adults. Current prescribing practices favor extended release preparations due to increased convenience, compliance and tolerability with once-daily dosing. Dexmethylphenidate extended release is a long-acting preparation of the ADHD medication Focalin® (dexmethylphenidate immediate release) and was approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug administration in June 2005. Dexmethylphenidate consists of the single dextro-isomer form of d,l-methylphenidate commonly marketed as Ritalin®. Dexmethylphenidate extended release utilizes spheroidal oral drug absorption system technology to achieve a 50% immediate medication delivery and 50% delayed release of dexmethylphenidate approximately 4 h after ingestion. Placebo-controlled, clinical trials in children and adults with ADHD have demonstrated efficacy for behavioral and academic ratings, with an analog classroom study showing medication effects up to 12 h after dosing. Dexmethylphenidate extended release was generally well tolerated with a side-effect profile similar to other stimulants. The most common reported side effects include diminished appetite and insomnia. Given its duration of effect, favorable tolerability and flexibility in dosing, dexmethylphenidate extended release is likely to gain considerable use as an ADHD treatment.
In Vitro Metabolism of Nitric Oxide-Donating Aspirin: The Effect of Positional Isomerism

NO-donating aspirin (NO-ASA) is a potentially important chemopreventive agent against cancer. Since positional isomerism affects strongly its potency in inhibiting colon cancer cell growth, we studied the metabolic transformations of its ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers in rat liver and colon cytosolic, microsomal, and mitochondrial fractions as well as in intact HT-29 human colon cancer cells. NO-ASA and metabolites were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and products identified by mass spectroscopy, as required. For all three isomers, the acetyl group on the ASA moiety was hydrolyzed rapidly. This was followed by hydrolysis of the ester bond linking the salicylate anion to the spacer. The ortho- and para-isomers produced salicylic acid and a putative intermediate consisting of the remainder of the molecule, which via a rapid step generated nitrate, (hydroxymethyl)phenol, and a conjugate of spacer with glutathione. The meta-isomer, in contrast, generated salicylic acid and (nitroxymethyl)phenol, the latter leading to (hydroxymethyl)phenol and the glutathione-spacer conjugate. This metabolic pathway takes place in its entirety only in the cytosolic fraction of the tissues tested and in intact human colon cancer cells, perhaps reflecting exposure to the cytosolic glutathione S-transferase, which catalyzes the formation of the spacer-glutathione conjugate. Thus, the three positional isomers of NO-ASA differ in their metabolism and these differences correlate with their differential effects on cancer cell growth, underscoring the importance of positional isomerism in modulating drug effects.
Asymptotically minimax estimation of a function with jumps

Asymptotically minimax nonparametric estimation of a regression function observed in white Gaussian noise over a bounded interval is considered, with respect to a L2-loss function. The unknown function f is assumed to be m times differentiable except for an unknown although finite number of jumps, with piecewise mth derivative bounded in L2 norm. An estimator is constructed, attaining the same optimal risk bound, known as Pinsker's constant, as in the case of smooth functions (without jumps).
Alcohol Metabolism and Cancer Risk

Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk for cancer of the organs and tissues of the respiratory tract and the upper digestive tract (i.e., upper aerodigestive tract), liver, colon, rectum, and breast. Various factors may contribute to the development (i.e., pathogenesis) of alcohol-associated cancer, including the actions of acetaldehyde, the first and most toxic metabolite of alcohol metabolism. The main enzymes involved in alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism are alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which are encoded by multiple genes. Because some of these genes exist in several variants (i.e., are polymorphic), and the enzymes encoded by certain variants may result in elevated acetaldehyde levels, the presence of these variants may predispose to certain cancers. Several mechanisms may contribute to alcohol-related cancer development. Acetaldehyde itself is a cancer-causing substance in experimental animals and reacts with DNA to form cancer-promoting compounds. In addition, highly reactive, oxygen-containing molecules that are generated during certain pathways of alcohol metabolism can damage the DNA, thus also inducing tumor development. Together with other factors related to chronic alcohol consumption, these metabolism-related factors may increase tumor risk in chronic heavy drinkers.
- DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF SELECTIVE LASER MELTING

Selective laser melting (SLM) is widely used in making three-dimensional functional parts layer by layer. Temperature magnitude and history during SLM directly determine the molten pool dimensions and surface integrity. However, due to the transient nature and small size of the molten pool, the temperature gradient and the molten pool size are very challenging to measure and control. A 3-dimensional finite element simulation model has been developed to simulate multi-layer deposition of Ti-6Al-4V in SLM. A physics-based layer build-up approach coupled with a surface moving heat flux was incorporated into the modeling process. The melting pool shape and dimensions were predicted and experimentally validated. Temperature gradient and thermal history in the multi-layer build-up process was also obtained. Furthermore, the influences of process parameters and materials on the melting process were evaluated.
Developmental neurotoxicity of 3,3’,4,4’-tetrachloroazobenzene with thyroxine deficit: Sensitivity of glia and dentate granule neurons in the absence of behavioral changes

Thyroid hormones (TH) regulate biological processes implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders and can be altered with environmental exposures. Developmental exposure to the dioxin-like compound, 3,3’,4,4’-tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB), induced a dose response deficit in serum T4 levels with no change in 3,5,3’- triiodothyronine or thyroid stimulating hormone. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally gavaged (corn oil, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg TCAB/kg/day) two weeks prior to cohabitation until post-partum day 3 and male offspring from post-natal day (PND)4-21. At PND21, the high dose showed a deficit in body weight gain. Conventional neuropathology detected no neuronal death, myelin disruption, or gliosis. Astrocytes displayed thinner and less complex processes at 1.0 and 10 mg/kg/day. At 10 mg/kg/day, microglia showed less complex processes, unbiased stereology detected fewer hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and dentate granule neurons (GC) and Golgi staining of the cerebellum showed diminished Purkinje cell dendritic arbor. At PND150, normal maturation of GC number and Purkinje cell branching area was not observed in the 1.0 mg/kg/day dose group with a diminished number and branching suggestive of effects initiated during developmental exposure. No effects were observed on post-weaning behavioral assessments in control, 0.1 and 1.0mg/kg/day dose groups. The demonstrated sensitivity of hippocampal neurons and glial cells to TCAB and T4 deficit raises support for considering additional anatomical features of brain development in future DNT evaluations.
Should the Choice of a Long-Acting Bronchodilator in the Long-Term Therapy of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Depend Entirely on the Onset of Action?

moterol administered via the Aerolizer is well tolerated and results in a higher degree of bronchodilation within the fi rst 2 h and comparable bronchodilation over a period of 12 h compared with tiotropium regarding improvement in FEV 1 . These differences were maintained during a 7-day treatment and might have implications for future treatment of COPD with long-acting bronchodilators. The fact that formoterol elicited a signifi cantly faster onset of action was not an unexpected fi nding. In fact, our study [7] provided strong evidence in favor of this pharmacodynamic behavior, although van Noord et al. [8] have reported that following inhalation of the morning dose of tiotropium or formoterol, the improvements in FEV 1 were comparable between the two bronchodilators until 8 h after dosing. The question of whether FEV 1 really describes the impact of bronchodilators in COPD remains to be determined. It must be borne in mind that in stable COPD patients, a high prevalence of expiratory fl ow limitation exists (about 48%), even when the severity of airway obstruction in terms of FEV 1 is taken into account [9] . FEV 1 – the gold standard for assessing bronchodilator responsiveness – is only weakly correlated with patientcentered outcomes such as dyspnea [10] . In patients with COPD and expiratory fl ow limitation at rest, changes in inspiratory and forced vital capacities after bronchodilator use may represent an objective tool for prescribing Both the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines [1] and the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society position paper [2] recommend regular treatment with long-acting bronchodilators, including tiotropium, rather than short-acting bronchodilators, for moderate/very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These recommendations do not differentiate between long-acting 2 -agonists, e.g. salmeterol and formoterol, and tiotropium, although 2 -agonists and anticholinergics are distinct classes of drugs with different mechanisms of action [3] . This is the likely reason for Tennat et al. [4] to suggest that individual COPD patients may respond better to either tiotropium or salmeterol and that an acute bronchodilator test might help to choose the appropriate therapy. However, our group has documented that the bronchodilator effects of tiotropium and salmeterol, evaluated as mean changes from baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ), are similar in patients with stable COPD during the fi rst 3 h after their acute administration, and consequently the choice of prescribing a long-term therapy with a long-acting bronchodilator should not depend on the simple test of reversibility [5] . In the current issue of Respiration , the results of an open, randomized, crossover, clinical trial comparing formoterol and tiotropium in patients with moderate-severe COPD are presented [6] . The authors concluded that for-
Origin and levels of trypsin in amniotic fluid throughout pregnancy

Summary. Trypsin is present in midtrimester amniotic fluid with a mean level of 350±260 ng/ml, but has virtually disappeared by term. The trypsin originates in fetal pancreas and it is suggested that its mode of entry into the gestation sac is by passage of meconium which ceases as a physiological event by 16–18 weeks. The finding could form the basis of an antenatal test for the presence of cystic fibrosis in the fetus.
HaLock: Hardware-assisted lock contention detection in multithreaded applications

Multithreaded programming relies on locks to ensure the consistency of shared data. Lock contention is the main reason of low parallel efficiency and poor scalability of multithreaded programs. Lock profiling is the primary approach to detect lock contention. Prior lock profiling tools are able to track lock behaviors but directly store profiling data into local memory regardless of the memory interference on targeted programs.
Plasma Yasopressin Concentrations and Effects of Vasopressin Antiserum on Blood Pressure in Rats with Malignant Two‐Kidney Goldblatt Hypertension

Male Sprague-Dawley rats with unilateral renal artery stenosis and a contralateral untouched kidney develop a malignant hypertension (MH) which is characterized by high blood pressures, sodium and water depletion, and subsequent activation of the renin-angiotensin system. In the present studies we found plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations 3-fold higher than those in rats with benign renal hypertension, and 4- to 5-fold higher than those in normotensive control rats. Analysis of individual values showed considerable scatter; about 50% of the values fell in the range of benign hypertensive or control rats. When a specific AVP antiserum was injected, iv, into eight conscious unrestrained MH rats, BP transiently fell toward control values in four; in one, BP fell by only 10 mm Hg, and three other MH rats showed no response. In the same rats, injection of a specific angiotensin II antiserum always induced a transient fall in BP. On the basis of these and previously reported observations, we conclude that, subsequent to sodium and water loss and activation of the renin-angiotensin system, vasopressin release is stimulated in a significant number of MH rats and that, in these rats, vasopressin may cause significant systemic vasoconstriction. Thereby vasopressin may contribute to the development of malignant renal hypertension in rats.
Segmentation of Noisy Binary Images Containing Irregular Shaped Objects using Genetic Algorithm

Segmentation is one of the most important steps in image analysis. Image segmentation is the process of separating the foreground objects from the background. The earlier techniques use Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to separate the images containing regular, circular and elliptical-shaped objects from the background. The proposed technique uses the GA to segment the images containing irregular shaped objects. The Parallel Computing Genetic Algorithm (PCGA) implemented using Matlab PCT toolbox is also used to reduce computation time of image segmentation. The GA and PCGA are implemented using one-point, two-point and multiplepoint crossover operators. The proposed GA-based approach gives us good results for noisy images containing irregular shaped objects as well as circular or elliptical and rectangular objects. The results obtained give 94% to 99% segmentation accuracy for different types of noise (Poisson, salt and pepper, Gaussian and Speckle) and high noise levels (SNR ranging between 1.75 dB to 8.75 dB). A significant speedup is obtained by using PCGA compared with the serial GA implementation. General Terms Image Processing, Image Segmentation.
A Model Predictive Sliding Mode Control with integral action for slip suppression of Electric Vehicles

This paper proposes a new SMC (Sliding Mode Control) method with MPC (Model Predictive Control) algorithm for the slip suppression of EVs (Electric Vehicles). This method introducing the integral term with standard SMC gain, where the integral gain is optimized for each control period by solving an optimization problem based on the MPC algorithm to improve the acceleration performance and the energy consumption of EVs. Numerical simulation results are also included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor D Induces Cardiac Fibrosis and Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Heart-Specific Transgenic Mice

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-D is a member of the PDGF/vascular endothelial growth factor family that activates PDGF receptor β (PDGFR-β). We show that PDGF-D is highly expressed in the myocardium throughout development and adulthood, as well as by arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs). To obtain further knowledge regarding the in vivo response to PDGF-D, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing the active core domain of PDGF-D in the heart. Transgenic PDGF-D stimulates proliferation of cardiac interstitial fibroblasts and arterial vSMCs. This results in cardiac fibrosis followed by dilated cardiomyopathy and subsequent cardiac failure. Transgenic mice also display vascular remodeling, including dilation of vessels, increased density of SMC-coated vessels, and proliferation of vSMCs, leading to a thickening of tunica media. The thickening of arterial walls is a unique feature of PDGF-D, because this is not seen when PDGF-C is overexpressed in the heart. These results show that PDGF-D, via PDGFR-β signaling, is a potent modulator of both vascular and connective tissue growth and may provide both paracrine and autocrine stimulation of PDGFR-β. Our data raise the possibility that this growth factor may be involved in cardiac fibrosis and atherosclerosis.
Inventive Synthesis and Characterization of a Cesium Molybdate Compound: CsBi(MoO4)2

Cesium molybdates with general formula CsM(MoO4)2, where M = Bi, Dy, Pr, Er, exhibit rich polymorphism, and crystallize in a layered structure. These properties cause intensive studies on cesium molybdates. CsBi(MoO4)2 was synthesized by microwave method by using cerium sulphate, bismuth oxide and molybdenum (VI) oxide in an appropriate molar ratio. Characterizations were done by x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analyze (SEM/EDS), thermo gravimetric/differantial thermal analysis (TG/DTA). Keywords—Cesium bismuth dimolybdate, microwave synthesis, powder x-ray diffraction, rare earth dimolybdates.
Studying Multisensory Processing and Its Role in the Representation of Space through Pathological and Physiological Crossmodal Extinction

The study of crossmodal extinction has brought a considerable contribution to our understanding of how the integration of stimuli perceived in multiple sensory modalities is used by the nervous system to build coherent representations of the space that directly surrounds us. Indeed, by revealing interferences between stimuli in a disturbed system, extinction provides an invaluable opportunity to investigate the interactions that normally exist between those stimuli in an intact system. Here, we first review studies on pathological crossmodal extinction, from the original demonstration of its existence, to its role in the exploration of the multisensory neural representation of space and the current theoretical accounts proposed to explain the mechanisms involved in extinction and multisensory competition. Then, in the second part of this paper, we report recent findings showing that physiological multisensory competition phenomena resembling clinical crossmodal extinction exist in the healthy brain. We propose that the development of a physiological model of sensory competition is fundamental to deepen our understanding of the cerebral mechanisms of multisensory perception and integration. In addition, a similar approach to develop a model of physiological sensory competition in non-human primates should allow combining functional neuroimaging with more invasive techniques, such as transient focal lesions, in order to bridge the gap between works done in the two species and at different levels of analysis.