Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different apoptotic mechanisms are activated in male and female brains after neonatal hypoxia–ischaemia

Sex‐related brain injury was evaluated after unilateral hypoxia–ischaemia (HI) in C57/BL6 mice on postnatal day (P) 5, 9, 21 or 60, corresponding developmentally to premature, term, juvenile and adult human brains. There was no sex difference in brain injury when the insult was severe, as evaluated by pathological scoring or tissue loss, but when the insult was moderate, adult (P60) females displayed less injury. In the immature (P9) male brains, neurones displayed a more pronounced translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) (loss of AIF from the mitochondrial fraction and increase in nuclear AIF) after HI, whereas the female brain neurones displayed a stronger activation of caspase 3 (more pronounced loss of pro‐caspase 3, increase in cleaved caspase 3 and increase in caspase 3 enzymatic activity). Two other mechanisms of injury, peroxynitrite‐induced formation of nitrotyrosine and autophagy, were no different between males and females at P9. These data show that the CNS is more resistant to HI in adult females compared with males, whereas no sex differences were found in the extent of injury in neonatal mice. However, critical sex‐dependent differences were demonstrated in vivo with regard to cellular, apoptosis‐related mechanisms.
Magnetic levitation control including bogie roll motion

The uneven reaction surface profile facing the lift magnets in attractive maglev vehicle based on linear synchronous motor (LSM) naturally brings about roll motion of the bogie. In particular, in the configuration of placing the long stator of LSM on track for high-speed propulsion, the surface irregularities and the offsets between the stator packs make the measured airgaps, which is the clearance between magnet and stator, discontinuously extreme values, resulting in bogie roll motions. This paper incorporates bogie roll motion into the control law for each magnet controller to reduce the variations in both airgap and bogie roll angle. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a full-scale maglev vehicle.
SyCo: a collaborative learning tool for generating ideas in private and in public

In this paper a synchronous computer supported collaborative learning tool called SyCo is presented. It was designed to facilitate students in performing tasks according to the principles of various collaborative learning strategies, such as Jigsaw and eARMA. SyCo innovates because during the collaborative learning process it allows each student to have a private space to think and draw their ideas before presenting them to their peer-students in the public space. Thus, within SyCo peers can move into and out of a shared space, work privately, copy and paste parts of their own work that had been sketched in their private space in order to share them with others.
Learning to be Biased

We simulate societal opinion dynamics when there is confirmation bias in information gathering and spread. If decision making is influenced by confirmation bias, the agent puts more weight on positive information to confirm hypothesis or reservation in the learning process, which renders selectivity in information gathering. If the utility discovered post purchase is low, it is externalized rather than internalized (i.e., self blame) for the selectivity of information. This causes the agent to outweigh the negative information. These two mechanisms are simulated to investigate the societal opinion dynamics and explain behavioral patterns such as overconfidence, stickiness of response and ``success breeds success" phenomenon.
Helicobacter pylori urease is a potent stimulus of mononuclear phagocyte activation and inflammatory cytokine production.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Helicobacter pylori surface proteins induce the production of proinflammatory mediators by mononuclear phagocytes, but the protein responsible for this stimulation has not been identified. This study determined whether urease, the major component of the soluble proteins extracted from H. pylori grown in culture, activates mononuclear phagocytes and stimulates them to produce proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS Primary human blood monocytes were incubated with column-purified H. pylori urease and assayed by flow cytometry, Immunoassay, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for phenotypic, functional, and molecular evidence of activation. RESULTS H. pylori urease induced monocyte expression of surface interleukin 2 receptors and increased expression of HLA-DR, phenotypic changes consistent with activation. Urease also stimulated dose-dependent production of interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha peptides and messenger RNA. These urease-induced phenotypic and functional changes were inhibited by preincubation of the urease with antisera to H. pylori whole bacteria, purified urease, or the 31-kilodalton subunit of urease. CONCLUSIONS Among the soluble proteins released by H. pylori, urease is capable of activating monocytes for proinflammatory cytokines production. The local production of cytokines by urease-stimulated mononuclear phagocytes may play a central role in the development of H. pylori gastroduodenal inflammation.
Reflex to reflection : facillitating reflection in novice teachers

An apparatus for providing step-by-step movement has a block which is urged by an external bias to slide within a body. The block has two rows of staggered projections which are respectively engageable by a pair of electromagnetically operated latches. The block co-operates with the body to provide a sequential switching arrangement for the latches alternately, whereby operation of one latch allows the block to move to a position at which the switching arrangement operates the next latch. Means is provided for over-riding the stepping action of the apparatus.
In vitro Evaluation of Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Reciprocating and Rotary Single-file System

The application of nickel–titanium (NiTi) in endodontic rotary instrumentation was first envisioned by Civjan, Huget, and DeSimon in 1975. It was not until 1988, however, that Walia et al2 established the feasibility of producing NiTi endodontic files.1 These new NiTi hand files exhibited significantly greater elasticity and superior resistance to torsional fracture compared with stainless steel files. The concepts of cleaning and shaping of the root canal system were established by Schilder. For straight root canals, the stages of cleaning and shaping are relatively simple procedures, but the preparation of curved root canals may lead to ledging, perforation, or even instrument separation. Generally, these procedure failures are caused by the trend of the endodontic instrument to return to its original straight form when inserted into a curved root canal, due to the rigidity of the materials used for its manufacturing. Improvement in the manufacturing process or use of materials with superior mechanical properties might increase instrument resistance to failure. Since the introduction of NiTi in 1988,3 varied instrument designs with claims of superior cyclic fatigue resistance have been propagated. Torsional failure is characterized by a maximum torsional load and angle of rotation. This last property reveals the capability of the file to twist before fracture.4-6 The purpose of this in vitro study is to evaluate the cyclic fatigue resistance of reciprocating and rotary single-file system [Wave One Gold (WOG), Reciproc, Hyflex electrical discharge machining (EDM) file systems] utilizing cyclic fatigue testing device.
One-repetition maximum test and isokinetic leg extension and flexion: Correlations and predicted values

The most typical maximum tests for measuring leg muscle performance are the one-repetition maximum leg press test (1RMleg) and the isokinetic knee extension/flexion (IKEF) test. Nevertheless, their inter-correlations have not been well documented, mainly the predicted values of these evaluations. This correlational and regression analysis study involved 30 healthy young males aged 18-24y, who have performed both tests. Pearson's product moment correlation between 1RMleg and IKEF varied from 0.20 to 0.69 and the more exact predicted test was to 1RMleg (R 2 = 0.71). The study showed correlations between 1RMleg and IKEF although these tests are different (isotonic vs. isokinetic) and provided further support for cross determination of 1RMleg and IKEF by linear and multiple linear regression analysis.
Successful birth of South India's first twins after preimplantation genetic screening of embryos

We report the first documented successful birth of twins following preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) of cleavage stage embryos by array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) technology, in South India. The case was a 28-year-old woman with the previous history of preclinical pregnancy and a miscarriage in two attempted in vitro fertilization cycles. Day 3 cleavage stage embryos were generated by conventional long protocol with the use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog and a combination of recombinant folliculotropins and human menopausal gonadotropins. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection of oocytes thus obtained was performed, and 10 selected embryos underwent PGS using the array CGH technique. Two normal blastocysts were transferred to the patient, and she conceived twins. She delivered at 35 weeks of gestation by elective cesarean on November 19, 2014. She delivered a healthy male and female baby weighing 2.19 kg and 2.26 kg, respectively. Postnatal evaluation of babies was also normal, and the hospital course was uneventful. PGS has a definitive indication in assisted reproductive technology programs and can be utilized to improve pregnancy rates significantly.
Towards verified virtual memory in L4

We report on the initial stage of an on-going veri(cid:12)cation project: the formalisation and veri(cid:12)cation of the L4 (cid:22) -kernel. We describe an abstract model of the virtual memory subsystem in L4, prove safety properties about this model, and describe re(cid:12)nement of the abstract model towards the implementation of L4. All formalisations and proofs have been carried out in the theorem prover Isabelle
Endometrial Angiogenesis: From Physiology to Pathology

Abstract: Numerous factors have been implicated in angiogenesis. This article concentrates on the expression of the major angiogenic factors, namely, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the angiopoietins in the human endometrium. Particular emphasis is placed on the expression of the angiopoietins and their physiological and pathological expression.
Continuous practices and devops: beyond the buzz, what does it all mean?

DevOps and continuous practices are attracting steadily growing attention by both practitioners and researchers in the software engineering community. The terms are often used inconsistently, interchangeably and with unclear meaning, however. Taking the position that this ambiguity and miscommunication renders the community great harm, in that it impedes our ability to critically appraise these practices, their effects and interplay between them, we analyze how published literature on both continuous practices and DevOps treat the terms. Based on this analysis, along with statements by often cited sources in the community as well as personal experience from researching and practicing these concepts, we propose guidelines to help authors reduce ambiguity in their publications. Additionally, definitions designed to reflect mainstream interpretation while disentangling the terms from one another are presented.
Analysis of linear systems with saturation using convex optimization

We show how linear matrix inequalities (LMI) can be used to perform local stability and performance analysis of linear systems with saturating elements. This leads to less conservative information on stability regions, disturbance rejection, and L/sub 2/-gain than standard global stability and performance analysis. The circle and Popov criteria are used to obtain Lyapunov functions whose sublevel sets provide regions of guaranteed stability and performance within a restricted state space region. Our LMI formulation leads directly to simple convex optimization problems that can be solved efficiently as semidefinite programs. The results cover both single and multiple saturation elements and can be immediately extended to discrete time systems. An obvious application of these techniques is in the analysis of control systems with saturating control inputs.
Cystic thyroid nodules. The dilemma of malignant lesions.

In contrast to opinions expressed even less than 10 years ago, present sentiment and publications endorse the general technique of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. 1,2 Following verification that both aspirationist and cytopathologist have achieved a high degree of accuracy and reliability, the results of FNA usually form the principal basis on which thyroid nodules are managed. Recent publications have focused on identifying and further refining the inadequacies of FNA. 3,4 De los Santos et al5 have correctly pointed out a potential problem with the technique, that of establishing a firm diagnosis on thyroid nodules that are at least partially cystic. In contradistinction to nonbloody simple breast cysts that are virtually always benign, the possibility of a partially cystic thyroid malignancy is clearly a real concern. See also p 1422. This retrospective study of 221 surgically resected thyroid nodules demonstrated that nearly one third were cystic,
Enhanced Early Neuronal Processing of Food Pictures in Anorexia Nervosa: A Magnetoencephalography Study

Neuroimaging studies in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) have shown increased activation in reward and cognitive control regions in response to food, and a behavioral attentional bias (AB) towards food stimuli is reported. This study aimed to further investigate the neural processing of food using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Participants were 13 females with restricting-type AN, 14 females recovered from restricting-type AN, and 15 female healthy controls. MEG data was acquired whilst participants viewed high- and low-calorie food pictures. Attention was assessed with a reaction time task and eye tracking. Time-series analysis suggested increased neural activity in response to both calorie conditions in the AN groups, consistent with an early AB. Increased activity was observed at 150 ms in the current AN group. Neuronal activity at this latency was at normal level in the recovered group; however, this group exhibited enhanced activity at 320 ms after stimulus. Consistent with previous studies, analysis in source space and behavioral data suggested enhanced attention and cognitive control processes in response to food stimuli in AN. This may enable avoidance of salient food stimuli and maintenance of dietary restraint in AN. A later latency of increased activity in the recovered group may reflect a reversal of this avoidance, with source space and behavioral data indicating increased visual and cognitive processing of food stimuli.
Clustered multiple generalized expected improvement: A novel infill sampling criterion for surrogate models

Surrogate model-based optimization is a well-known technique for optimizing expensive black-box functions. By applying this function approximation, the number of real problem evaluations can be reduced because the optimization is performed on the model. In this case two contradictory targets have to be achieved: increasing global model accuracy and exploiting potentially optimal areas. The key to these targets is the criterion for selecting the next point, which is then evaluated on the expensive black-box function - the dasiainfill sampling criterionpsila. Therefore, a novel approach - the dasiaClustered Multiple Generalized Expected Improvementpsila (CMGEI) - is introduced and motivated by an empirical study. Furthermore, experiments benchmarking its performance compared to the state of the art are presented.
Motivation during videogame play: analysing player experience in terms of cognitive action

This paper describes a method for analysing videogames based on game activities. It examines the impact of these activities on the player experience. The research approach applies heuristic checklists that deconstruct games in terms of cognitive processes that players engage in during gameplay (e.g., addressing goals, interpreting feedback). For this study we examined three puzzle games, Portal 2, I-Fluid and Braid. The Player Experience of Need Satisfaction (PENS) survey is used to measure player experience following gameplay. Cognitive action provided within games is examined in light of reported player experiences to determine the extent to which these activities influence players' feelings of competence, autonomy, intuitive control and presence. Findings indicate that the positive experiences are directly influenced by game activity design. Our study also demonstrates the value of expert review in deconstructing gameplay activity as a means of providing direction for game design that enhances the player experience.
Computing Spatial Distance Histograms for Large Scientific Data Sets On-the-Fly

This paper focuses on an important query in scientific simulation data analysis: the Spatial Distance Histogram (SDH). The computation time of an SDH query using brute force method is quadratic. Often, such queries are executed continuously over certain time periods, increasing the computation time. We propose highly efficient approximate algorithm to compute SDH over consecutive time periods with provable error bounds. The key idea of our algorithm is to derive statistical distribution of distances from the spatial and temporal characteristics of particles. Upon organizing the data into a Quad-tree based structure, the spatiotemporal characteristics of particles in each node of the tree are acquired to determine the particles' spatial distribution as well as their temporal locality in consecutive time periods. We report our efforts in implementing and optimizing the above algorithm in graphics processing units (GPUs) as means to further improve the efficiency. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm is backed by mathematical analysis and results of extensive experiments using data generated from real simulation studies.
Matrix2 Coils in Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms: 1-Year Outcome and Comparison with Bare Platinum Coil Group in a Single Institution

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The endosaccular occlusion by using BPC has been useful in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, but its limited durability remains a deep-seated drawback. The Matrix2 coil, one of the bioactive-coated coils, had been developed to improve this limited durability. To evaluate durability of Matrix2 coils after embolization of intracranial aneurysms, we retrospectively compared 1-year outcomes with that of BPC groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 121 aneurysms in 114 patients were embolized by using Matrix2 coils between April 2006 and September 2008. The BPC group consisted of 151 aneurysms in 137 patients embolized by using BPCs alone between October 2007 and October 2008. The initial outcomes including packing densities, occlusion grades, and periprocedural complications, and the 1-year outcomes on MR angiography were retrospectively compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The Matrix2 coil group and BPC group with similar baseline demographic characteristics revealed comparable initial outcomes. The rates of overall recurrence, major recanalization, and retreatment were 17.4%, 14.0%, and 10.7% versus 7.3%, 5.3%, and 4.6%, respectively (P = .066). However, the rates of subgroups with aneurysm volumes between 50 and 200 mm3 were 23.7%, 13.1%, and 10.5% versus 2.2%, 0%, and 0% (P = .022), respectively. The rates of subgroups with packing attenuation <30% were 38.3%, 31.9%, and 23.4% versus 13.3%, 11.7%, and 10% (P = .025), respectively. There were no differences in packing attenuation (P = .152), initial occlusion grade (P = .098), and 1-year outcomes (P = .209) according to the length of Matrix2 coils used. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, initial and 1-year outcomes of the Matrix2 coil group were comparable to those of the BPC group. However, in certain subgroups of aneurysm volume and packing attenuation, the 1-year durability of Matrix2 coils was inferior to that of the BPC group.
Increased Neutrophil Secretion Induced by NLRP3 Mutation Links the Inflammasome to Azurophilic Granule Exocytosis

Heterozygous mutations in the NLRP3 gene in patients with cryopyrin associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) lead to hyper-responsive inflammasome function. CAPS is a systemic auto-inflammatory syndrome characterized by the activation of the innate immune system induced by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, but the involvement of selective innate immune cells in this process is not fully understood. Neutrophil secretion and the toxic components of their granules are mediators of inflammation associated with several human diseases and inflammatory conditions. Here, using the Nlrp3A350V inducible mouse model (MWS CreT) that recapitulates human patients with the A352V mutation in NLRP3 observed in the Muckle-Wells sub-phenotype of CAPS, we studied the relationship between hyper-activation of the inflammasome and neutrophil exocytosis. Using a flow cytometry approach, we show that Nlrp3A350V (MWS) neutrophils express normal basal levels of CD11b at the plasma membrane and that the upregulation of CD11b from secretory vesicles in response to several plasma membrane or endocytic agonist including the bacterial-derived mimetic peptide formyl-Leu-Met-Phe (fMLF) and the unmethylated oligonucleotide CpG is normal in MWS neutrophils. Significant but modest CD11b upregulation in MWS neutrophils compared to wild type was only observed in response to GM-CSF and CpG. The same pattern was observed for the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from gelatinase granules in that MMP-9 secretion in MWS neutrophils was not different from that observed in wild-type neutrophils except when stimulated with GM-CSF and CpG. In contrast, azurophilic granule secretion, whose cargoes constitute the most toxic secretory and pro-inflammatory factors of the neutrophil, was markedly dysregulated in MWS neutrophils under both basal and stimulated conditions. This could not be attributed to paracrine effects of secretory cytokines because IL-1β secretion by neutrophils was undetectable under these experimental conditions. The increased azurophilic granule exocytosis in MWS neutrophils was attenuated by treatment with the neutrophil exocytosis inhibitor Nexinhib20. In agreement with a possible neutrophil contribution to systemic inflammation in CAPS, the levels of neutrophil secretory proteins were significantly elevated in the plasma from Nlrp3A350V mice. Altogether, our data indicates an azurophilic granule-selective dysregulation of neutrophil exocytosis in CAPS.
Gender Differences in Strategic Reasoning

This paper studies gender differences in strategic situations. In two experimental guessing games - the beauty contest and the 11-20 money request game - we analyze the depth of strategic reasoning of women and men. We use unique data from an internet experiment with more than 1,000 participants. We find that men, on average, perform more steps of reasoning than women. Our results also suggest that women behave more consistently across both games.