Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Traumatic Brain Injury and Prospective Memory: An Examination of the Influences of Executive Functioning and Retrospective Memory

Abstract This study investigated the effect of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) on prospective memory. It also sought to identify the relative contributions of executive functioning and retrospective memory to prospective memory. Thirteen patients with severe TBI and 13 matched control subjects were assessed on two novel, yet ecologically valid, experimental measures of prospective memory and standard tests of neuropsychological functioning. Participants with TBI performed significantly worse than did controls on neuropsychological tests and a time-based prospective memory task, indicating that TBI affected not only retrospective but also prospective memory functioning. Multiple regression analyses identified relationships between executive functioning and time-based prospective memory and between retrospective memory and event-based prospective memory. Implications of these findings for the assessment and rehabilitation of memory impairment in individuals with TBI are discussed.
The reliability and relative validity of a diet index score for 4–11-year-old children derived from a parent-reported short food survey

Abstract Objective To assess the reliability and relative validity of a diet index score derived from a Short Food Survey (SFS). Design The thirty-eight-item SFS was designed to assess recent dietary intake of 4–11-year-olds to enable calculation of the Dietary Guideline Index for Children and Adolescents. Reliability was assessed based on two online administrations of the SFS, one week apart. Relative validity was assessed by comparing intakes derived from the SFS with those from the mean of three 24 h recalls. Intra-class correlations, Bland–Altman plots and estimated biases were assessed. Cohen's κ coefficients were used to determine the level of agreement between the two methods. Setting Adelaide, Australia. Subjects Sixty-three parents reported on their children's intake (mean age 7·1 (sd 2·1) years). Results The intra-class correlation for reliability ranged from 0·43 for dairy foods to 0·94 for beverages, and was 0·92 for total diet index score (all P < 0·01). The intra-class correlation for validity ranged from 0·04 for meat and alternatives to 0·41–0·44 for fruit, beverages and extra foods, and was 0·44 for the total diet index score. The SFS overestimated the mean diet index score by 16 %, and the bias was consistent across levels of compliance. The percentage agreement into tertiles of index scores was 84% between the administrations of the two SFS, but only 43 % when comparing the SFS with the mean of the recalls. Conclusions The SFS can provide a consistent estimate of overall compliance to dietary guidelines for children aged 4–11 years, but overestimated the total diet index score by 16 % across all levels of compliance.
NOD mice contain an elevated frequency of iNKT17 cells that exacerbate diabetes

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a distinct lineage of innate‐like T lymphocytes and converging studies in mouse models have demonstrated the protective role of iNKT cells in the development of type 1 diabetes. Recently, a new subset of iNKT cells, producing high levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐17, has been identified (iNKT17 cells). Since this cytokine has been implicated in several autoimmune diseases, we have analyzed iNKT17 cell frequency, absolute number and phenotypes in the pancreas and lymphoid organs in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. The role of iNKT17 cells in the development of diabetes was investigated using transfer experiments. NOD mice exhibit a higher frequency and absolute number of iNKT17 cells in the lymphoid organs as compared with C57BL/6 mice. iNKT17 cells infiltrate the pancreas of NOD mice where they express IL‐17 mRNA. Contrary to the protective role of CD4+ iNKT cells, the CD4− iNKT cell population, which contains iNKT17 cells, enhances the incidence of diabetes. Treatment with a blocking anti‐IL‐17 antibody prevents the exacerbation of the disease. This study reveals that different iNKT cell subsets play distinct roles in the regulation of type 1 diabetes and iNKT17 cells, which are abundant in NOD mice, exacerbate diabetes development.
Communication in the Third Dimension: Song Perch Height of Rivals Affects Singing Response in Nightingales

Many animals use long-range signals to compete over mates and resources. Optimal transmission can be achieved by choosing efficient signals, or by choosing adequate signalling perches and song posts. High signalling perches benefit sound transmission and reception, but may be more risky due to exposure to airborne predators. Perch height could thus reflect male quality, with individuals signalling at higher perches appearing as more threatening to rivals. Using playbacks on nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos), we simulated rivals singing at the same height as residents, or singing three metres higher. Surprisingly, residents increased song output stronger, and, varying with future pairing success, overlapped more songs of the playback when rivals were singing at the same height than when they were singing higher. Other than expected, rivals singing at the same height may thus be experienced as more threatening than rivals singing at higher perches. Our study provides new evidence that territorial animals integrate information on signalling height and thus on vertical cues in their assessment of rivals.
Multicast Tree Repair and Maintenance in the Cloud

Network virtualization enables the multi-tenancy concept where multiple tenants's services can cohabit the same substrate network and share its resources. With multi-tenancy, the problem of allocating resources to the various tenants emerges as a challenging problem. This former is commonly known as the virtual network embedding problem (VNE), which has attracted numerous effort from the research industry due to its NP-Hard nature. Yet, most of the existing work overlook the various modes of communication a virtual network (VN) can exhibit, assuming it is always a one-to-one communication between virtual machines (VMs). The recent technological advancements (such as Software Defined Networks (SDNs)) have paved the way for efficient multicast in data center networks, thereby leveraging the support of services and applications which multicast data in large volumes. While much work has been devoted for studying the problem of multicast virtual network (MVN) embedding in the cloud, little attention has been paid to investigating the impact of failure on this service class. In this paper, we study the impact of facility node failure on embedded MVNs, and introduce a novel post-failure restoration scheme to repair failed MVNs while maintaining their requested Quality of Service (QoS). Our numerical results prove that our suggested method achieves encouraging restoration ratio in considerably fast execution time.
What good are shared-memory models?

Shared memory models have been criticized for years for failing to model essential realities of parallel machines. Given the current wave of popular message-passing and distributed memory models (e.g., BSP, LOGP), it is natural to ask whether shared memory models have outlived any usefulness they may have had. In this paper we discuss the continuing importance of shared memory models in the design and analysis of parallel algorithms. We describe a new model, the Queuing Shared Memory (QSM) model, that accounts for limited communication bandwidth while still providing a shared memory abstraction, and provide evidence of its practicality. Finally, we discuss important areas for future models research. We argue that the compelling need for parallel computing in large scale data analysis (e.g., decision support, data mining) implies that the most important modeling issue going forward concerns how best to model disk I/O.
Decomposition of regular hypergraphs

An r-block is a 0, 1-matrix in which every row has sum r. Let Sn be the set of pairs (k, l) such that the columns of any (k+l)-block with n rows split into a k-block and an l-block. We determine Sn for n ≤ 5. In particular, S3 = {(k, l) : 2 | kl}, S4 = {(k, l) : (6 | k or l) and (1 / ∈ {k, l})}, and S5 = {(k, l) : 11 6= min{k, l} > 7 and each value in {3, 4, 5} divides k or l}. The problem arose from a list-coloring problem in digraphs and is a refinement of the notion of indecomposable hypergraphs. This is joint work with Douglas B. West.
METHOXSALEN PLUS ULTRAVIOLET A RADIATION

Chem. Abstr. Serv. Reg. No.: 298-81-7 Chem. Abstr. Name: 9-Methoxy-7Hfuro[3,2-g][1]benzopyran-7-one IUPAC Systematic Name: 9-Methoxyfuro[3,2-g]chromen-7-one Synonyms: 5-Benzofuranacrylic acid, 6-hydroxy-7-methoxy-, δ-lactone; Meladinine; 8-methoxy-6,7-furanocoumarin; 8-methoxypsoralen; 8-methoxy[furano3′,2′:6,7-coumarin]; 8-MOP; 8-MP; Oxsoralen; Puvasoralen; Uvadex Description: Silky needles or long rhombic prisms; odourless with a bitter taste followed by a tingling sensation (O’Neil, 2006) 1.1. 1 Structural and molecular formulae, and relative molecular mass
Random Beamforming in MIMO Broadcast Channels with Cooperating Receive Antennas

In a Gaussian multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast channel, the sum rate capacity can be achieved by dirty paper coding (DPC). Nevertheless, DPC is computationally intensive and requires that full channel state information (CSI) from all users in the system is available at the transmitter. However, with partial CSI at the transmitter, random beamforming [1] can exploit the inherent multiuser diversity in the MIMO broadcast channel with several users. In this work we show that with random beamforming the cooperation of the multiple receive antennas is a better policy than no cooperation at all. To this end, we consider two receive filters: the maximum ratio combiner and the Wiener filter.
Probabilistic CTSS: analysis of timing error probability in asynchronous logic circuits

We propose a new technique of calculating timing error probabilities named probabilistic CTSS. We are concerned with timing verification of logic circuits consisting of gates whose delay values are uncertain but specified by their minimum and maximum values. This technique is based on coded time-symbolic simulation(CTSS), which was proposed in our previous work. Probabilistic CTSS calculates timing error probabilities closer to reality than a conventional method which fails to do the task because of reconvergences in the circuits.
Surface Assignment Modulates Object Formation for Visual Short-Term Memory

Recent results have suggested that the operational units of visual short-term memory (VSTM) are whole objects, rather than features or the total amount of information to be remembered. Here, for the first time, the influence of surface assignment on object formation for VSTM was investigated. The observers had to memorize the features of four briefly presented (300 ms) two-part objects, followed by a mask and a cue indicating which object to report on. The experiments contrasted whether there were any apparent depth differences between the two parts of each object, and whether observers had to report on only one or both features of the post-cued target object. Depth differences induced with stereoscopic disparity, and with a pictorial depth cue (simple interposition of object features), interfered strongly with performance when both features of an object needed to be memorized, but aided performance when only a single feature needed to be remembered. Furthermore, there was considerable within-feature interference consistent with some previous findings, but contradicting others. The potential implications for conceptions of VSTM are discussed in the light of two hypothesized stages: an early feature-based stage, as well as a higher-level object-based stage where the depth manipulations exert their effects. The results argue for a strong modulatory influence of surface assignment on object formation for a VSTM task.
Evidence that ship noise increases stress in right whales

Baleen whales (Mysticeti) communicate using low-frequency acoustic signals. These long-wavelength sounds can be detected over hundreds of kilometres, potentially allowing contact over large distances. Low-frequency noise from large ships (20–200 Hz) overlaps acoustic signals used by baleen whales, and increased levels of underwater noise have been documented in areas with high shipping traffic. Reported responses of whales to increased noise include: habitat displacement, behavioural changes and alterations in the intensity, frequency and intervals of calls. However, it has been unclear whether exposure to noise results in physiological responses that may lead to significant consequences for individuals or populations. Here, we show that reduced ship traffic in the Bay of Fundy, Canada, following the events of 11 September 2001, resulted in a 6 dB decrease in underwater noise with a significant reduction below 150 Hz. This noise reduction was associated with decreased baseline levels of stress-related faecal hormone metabolites (glucocorticoids) in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). This is the first evidence that exposure to low-frequency ship noise may be associated with chronic stress in whales, and has implications for all baleen whales in heavy ship traffic areas, and for recovery of this endangered right whale population.
Seeing Beyond Your Visual Field

Previous research has suggested that the layout of urban spaces can have a substantial influence on how people navigate through those spaces. However, to date, few studies have directly investigated how changes in layout interact with changes in visual field to shape a person’s route choice. Across two experiments, the influence of visual field and spatial layout was manipulated using virtual reality. It was found that route choice was significantly influenced by the configuration of a space—The more consistently organized environment led to more systematic route choices. However, limiting the perception of distant visual information was found to influence route choice in a similar but completely independent way. These findings suggest that navigation in urban spaces is dependent on the interaction between topology and the visual features of the space, where greater visual field and a consistently organized spatial layout lead to maximally efficient route choices.
Direct Observations of North Pacific Ventilation: Brine Rejection in the Okhotsk Sea

Brine rejection that accompanies ice formation in coastal polynyas is responsible for ventilating several globally important water masses in the Arctic and Antarctic. However, most previous studies of this process have been indirect, based on heat budget analyses or on warm-season water column inventories. Here, we present direct measurements of brine rejection and formation of North Pacific Intermediate Water in the Okhotsk Sea from moored winter observations. A steady, nearly linear salinity increase unambiguously caused by local ice formation was observed for more than a month.
Patellofemoral joint contact area is influenced by tibiofemoral rotation alignment in individuals who have patellofemoral pain.

STUDY DESIGN Observational, cohort study. OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that patellar alignment and tibiofemoral rotation alignment explain unique portions of variance in patellofemoral joint contact area in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and in pain-free control subjects. BACKGROUND PFP has been proposed to result from increased patellofemoral joint stress due to decreased contact area. Patellar malalignment (lateral displacement and tilt) is believed to be the main contributor to decreased contact area. Recent studies suggest that transverse plane rotation of the femur and/or tibia may also contribute to decreased contact area. METHODS AND MEASURES Twenty-one subjects with PFP (16 female, 5 male) and 21 pain-free subjects (14 female, 7 male) participated. Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging with the knee in full extension and the quadriceps contracted. Measures of patellofemoral joint contact area, lateral patellar displacement, patellar tilt angle, tibiofemoral rotation angle, and patellar width were obtained. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed for each group using contact area as the dependent variable. The order of independent variables was patellar width, patellar tilt angle, and tibiofemoral rotation angle. To avoid multicolinearity, lateral patellar displacement was not included. RESULTS In the PFP group, patellar width and tibiofemoral rotation angle explained 46% of the variance in contact area. In pain-free subjects, patellar width was the only predictor of contact area, explaining 31% of its variance. Patellar tilt angle did not predict contact area in either group. CONCLUSION Addressing factors that control tibiofemoral rotation may be indicated to increase contact area and reduce pain in individuals with PFP. Future studies should investigate the contributions of patellar alignment and tibiofemoral rotation to patellofemoral joint contact area at a variety of knee flexion angles.
Clinical Considerations When Tailoring Cognitive Behavioral Treatment For Young Children With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Research on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and in particular, exposure with response prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), has only been systematically evaluated in children and adolescents ages 7–17. These treatments do not address the unique characteristics of young children with OCD. This paper discusses clinical considerations for treating OCD in young children (ages 5–8), including cognitive developmental differences, family context, unique symptom correlates, and initial contact with the mental health system. A family-based treatment program consisting of psychoeducation about OCD in young children, parent education, and exposure with response prevention for young children and their parents is described. Issues to consider regarding implementation of this treatment, research with a young population, and future directions for research are presented.
The effect of payer status on utilization of hospital resources in trauma care.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of payer status on outcome and resource utilization in motor vehicle-related trauma patients. DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis that assessed the effect of payer status on outcome and resource utilization. SETTING The single level I trauma center in a regionalized statewide system. PATIENTS Consecutive patients (N = 3141) who were hospitalized after a motor vehicle crash during a 3-year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The mortality rate, disposition, total hospital length of stay (LOS), total intensive care unit LOS, and total hospital charges were examined for 2 categories of payers: "commercial insurance" (commercial, labor and industry, and contract pay) and "noncommercial insurance" (Medicaid and self-pay). RESULTS After controlling for age, sex, race, and the Injury Severity Score, the payer status had no overall effect on the mortality rate, disposition, total hospital charges, total hospital LOS, or total intensive care unit LOS. However, there was a significantly (11.4%; P < .05) longer LOS for those patients with noncommercial insurance who required transfer to another facility for rehabilitation or long-term care. CONCLUSIONS The utilization of hospital trauma care resources in a level I facility in a regionalized system was not associated with insurance status. Patients with noncommercial insurance who required transfer to elective long-term care facilities had a longer LOS due to delays in obtaining subsequent access. Health care policy should provide appropriate reimbursement for all aspects of regionalized trauma care systems to ensure maintenance of an egalitarian approach to care.
Structure-preserving eigenvalue solvers for robust stability and controllability estimates

Structured eigenvalue problems feature a prominent role in many algorithms for the computation of robust measures for the stability or controllability of a linear control system. Structures that typically arise are Hamiltonian, skew-Hamiltonian, and symplectic. The use of eigenvalue solvers that preserve such structures can enhance the reliability and efficiency of algorithms for robust stability and controllability measures. This aspect is the focus of the present work, which summarizes and extends existing structure-preserving eigenvalue solvers. Also, a new method for estimating the distance to uncontrollability in a cheap manner is presented. The structured eigenvalue algorithms described in this paper are intented to become part of HAPACK, a software package for solving structured eigenvalue problems and applications
Robust H∞ control of a 2RT parallel robot for eye surgery

This paper aims at designing a robust controller for a 2RT parallel robot for eye telesurgery. It presents two robust controllers designs and their performance in presence of actuator saturation limits. The nonlinear model of the robot is encapsulated with a linear model and multiplicative uncertainty using linear fractional transformations (LFT). Two different robust control namely, H∞ and μ-synthesis are used and implemented. Results reveal that the controllers are capable to stabilize the closed loop system and to reduce the tracking error in the presence of the actuators saturation. Simulation results are presented to show that effectiveness of the controllers compared to that of conventional controller designs. Furthermore, it is observed that μ-synthesis controller has superior robust performance.
Home‐School Links: family‐oriented or business‐oriented?

The family orientation in education is described under a number of headings relating to ways in which parents are encouraged to become actively involved in school. As this develops the term parental involvement becomes almost an irrelevance as it seems as if the. family has embarked on a teacher involvement programme. Current government legislation seems to lack any respect for the family orientation approach preferring to promote a business‐oriented philosophy.
Osteochondral Tissue Cell Viability Is Affected by Total Impulse during Impaction Grafting

Objective: Osteochondral graft transplantation has garnered significant attention because of its ability to replace the lesion with true hyaline cartilage. However, surgical impaction of the graft to anchor it into the defect site can be traumatic and lead to cell death and cartilage degeneration. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that increasing impulse magnitude during impaction of osteochondral plugs has a direct effect on loss of cell viability. Design: In this controlled laboratory study, the impaction force was kept constant while the impulse was varied. Ninety-six osteochondral plugs were extracted from the trochlea of bovine stifle joints and were randomly assigned into 3 experimental and 1 (nonimpacted) control group. The transferred impulse of the experimental groups reflected the median and the lower and upper quartiles of preceding clinical measurements. Data were obtained at day 0, day 4, and day 8; at each point, cell viability was assessed using the Live/Dead staining kit and histological assessments were performed to visualize matrix structural changes. Results: After impaction, cartilage samples stayed intact and did not show any histological signs of matrix disruption. As expected, higher impulse magnitudes introduced more cell death; however, this relationship was lost at day 8 after impaction. Conclusion: Impulse magnitude has a direct effect on cell viability of the graft. Because impulse magnitude is mostly governed by the press-fit characteristics of the recipient site, this study aids in the definition of optimal insertion conditions for osteochondral grafts.