Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Repeated ultrasound treatment of tau transgenic mice clears neuronal tau by autophagy and improves behavioral functions

Intracellular deposits of pathological tau are the hallmark of a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders collectively known as tauopathies, with Alzheimer's disease, a secondary tauopathy, being further characterized by extracellular amyloid plaques. A major obstacle in developing effective treatments for tauopathies is the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which restricts the access of therapeutic agents to the brain. An emerging technology to overcome this limitation is the application of low-intensity ultrasound which, together with intravenously injected microbubbles, transiently opens the blood-brain barrier, thereby facilitating the delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain. Interestingly, even in the absence of therapeutic agents, ultrasound has previously been shown to reduce amyloid plaques and improve cognitive functions in amyloid-depositing mice through microglial clearance. Ultrasound has also been shown to facilitate the delivery of antibody fragments against pathological tau in P301L tau transgenic mice; however, the effect of ultrasound alone has not been thoroughly investigated in a tauopathy mouse model. Methods: Here, we performed repeated scanning ultrasound treatments over a period of 15 weeks in K369I tau transgenic mice with an early-onset tau-related motor and memory phenotype. We used immunohistochemical and biochemical methods to analyze the effect of ultrasound on the mice and determine the underlying mechanism of action, together with an analysis of their motor and memory functions following repeated ultrasound treatments. Results: Repeated ultrasound treatments significantly reduced tau pathology in the absence of histological damage. Associated impaired motor functions showed improvement towards the end of the treatment regime, with memory functions showing a trend towards improvement. In assessing potential clearance mechanisms, we ruled out a role for ubiquitination of tau, a prerequisite for proteasomal clearance. However, the treatment regime induced the autophagy pathway in neurons as reflected by an increase in the autophagosome membrane marker LC3II and a reduction in the autophagic flux marker p62, along with a decrease of mTOR activity and an increase in beclin 1 levels. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the interaction of tau and p62 in the ultrasound-treated mice, suggesting removal of tau by autophagosomes. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a neuronal protein aggregate clearance mechanism induced by ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening operates for tau, further supporting the potential of low-intensity ultrasound to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
User-Level Transaction Scheduling in Haskell

Transactional Memory is an abstraction that helps concurrent programming, however, in high contention sceneries, it presents low performance because of the high conflict rate between transactions. In this work, we present four transactional schedulers implemented entirely in Haskell using different abstraction levels. The results present, despite the inherent overheadof high-level implementations, a reduction in the conflict rates.
A novel computational model for SRAM PUF min-entropy estimation

Min-entropy is the standard for quantisation of uncertainty of security key source under the worst case. It indicates the upper bound of length of security key that is able to be extracted from its source. The openly published min-entropy estimation methods are all based on experimental data or statistical tests to obtain the underlying probability distribution of the security key source, where huge number of samples are required and therefore are not feasible from engineering perspective. Aimed at computational complexity optimisation, this paper proposes a novel model for SRAM PUF min-entropy estimation based on the generic coupling relationship between entropy and average energy consumption of the SRAM cell. The model mainly investigates the way of min-entropy evaluation derived from the average energy consumption of memory cell during power-up stage via simulation. We apply the model to estimate the min-entropy of IS62WV51216BLL SRAM chip. The experimental results demonstrated that the accuracy of the proposed min-entropy estimation model is in parallel with that of conventional methods while its computational efficiency surpasses them to a large extent.
The global tree restoration potential

The potential for global forest cover The restoration of forested land at a global scale could help capture atmospheric carbon and mitigate climate change. Bastin et al. used direct measurements of forest cover to generate a model of forest restoration potential across the globe (see the Perspective by Chazdon and Brancalion). Their spatially explicit maps show how much additional tree cover could exist outside of existing forests and agricultural and urban land. Ecosystems could support an additional 0.9 billion hectares of continuous forest. This would represent a greater than 25% increase in forested area, including more than 200 gigatonnes of additional carbon at maturity.Such a change has the potential to store an equivalent of 25% of the current atmospheric carbon pool. Science, this issue p. 76; see also p. 24 There is room on the planet for an extra 0.9 billion hectares of tree cover, supporting 517 billion trees and storing 205 Gt of carbon. The restoration of trees remains among the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation. We mapped the global potential tree coverage to show that 4.4 billion hectares of canopy cover could exist under the current climate. Excluding existing trees and agricultural and urban areas, we found that there is room for an extra 0.9 billion hectares of canopy cover, which could store 205 gigatonnes of carbon in areas that would naturally support woodlands and forests. This highlights global tree restoration as one of the most effective carbon drawdown solutions to date. However, climate change will alter this potential tree coverage. We estimate that if we cannot deviate from the current trajectory, the global potential canopy cover may shrink by ~223 million hectares by 2050, with the vast majority of losses occurring in the tropics. Our results highlight the opportunity of climate change mitigation through global tree restoration but also the urgent need for action.
Composants pour la grille

L'objectif de cette these est de faciliter la conception et le deploiement d'applications distribuees sur la Grille, en utilisant une approche orientee composants. Les problematiques du calcul sur grilles abordees dans notre proposition sont : la complexite de conception, le deploiement, la flexibilite et la performance. Nous proposons et justifions un modele de composants et son implantation. Le modele propose repose sur le modele de composants Fractal et sur le modele des objets actifs. Il beneficie d'une part, de la structure hierarchique et de la definition precise du modele Fractal, et d'autre part, de l'identification des composants comme activites configurables. Nous proposons un modele de deploiement et nous specifions un ensemble de primitives pour les communications collectives, grâce a la definition d'interfaces collectives. Les interfaces collectives permettent de gerer la distribution des donnees, le parallelisme et la synchronisation des invocations. Nous avons developpe une implantation du modele propose avec l'intergiciel de grille ProActive. Le framework de composants beneficie ainsi des fonctionnalites sous-jacentes offertes par l'intergiciel ProActive. Nous demontrons la capacite de passage a l'echelle et l'efficacite de notre framework en deployant sur plusieurs centaines de machines des applications intensives en termes de calcul et de communications. Nous mettons a profit les interfaces collectives pour developper une application SPMD a base de composants, dont nous evaluons les performances.
The value of a second reviewer for study selection in systematic reviews

Although dual independent review of search results by two reviewers is generally recommended for systematic reviews, there are not consistent recommendations regarding the timing of the use of the second reviewer. This study compared the use of a complete dual review approach, with two reviewers in both the title/abstract screening stage and the full‐text screening stage, as compared with a limited dual review approach, with two reviewers only in the full‐text stage.
Muscle wasting: A review of exercise, classical and non‐classical RAS axes

This review identifies how the classical/non‐classical renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) and exercise influence muscle wasting. The classical RAS axis enhances muscle loss through the interaction with NADPH oxidase (NOX), ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), protein synthesis and fibrosis pathways. The mainstream hypothesis identifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the key pathway in muscle, this review recognizes alternative pathways that lead to an increase in muscle wasting through the classical RAS axis. In addition, pathways in which the non‐classical RAS axis and exercise inhibit the classical RAS axis are also explored. The non‐classical RAS axis and exercise have a significant negative impact on ROS production and protein synthesis. The non‐classical RAS axis has been identified in this review to directly affect protein synthesis pathways not by altering the pre‐existing intracellular ROS level, further supporting the idea that muscle wasting caused by the classical RAS system is not entirely due to ROS production. Exercise has been identified to modify the RAS axes making it a therapeutic option.
Risk of newly detected infections and cervical abnormalities in adult women seropositive or seronegative for naturally acquired HPV‐16/18 antibodies

Infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 account for ~70% of invasive cervical cancers but the degree of protection from naturally acquired anti‐HPV antibodies is uncertain. We examined the risk of HPV infections as defined by HPV DNA detection and cervical abnormalities among women >25 years in the Human Papilloma VIrus Vaccine Immunogenicity ANd Efficacy trial's (VIVIANE, NCT00294047) control arm.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: A case study and discussion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) was first described in the literature in 2004. The pathophysiology of CHS remains largely unknown. The syndrome is becoming more prevalent in inpatient settings and emergency departments as the legal usage of cannabis proliferates, although it is often not recognized when encountered. While symptoms of CHS are becoming better defined, early recognition and comprehensive treatment plans with reproducible outcomes remain elusive. Symptoms can be further complicated by the presence of chronic conditions or comorbidities. The purpose of this article is to consolidate findings from the literature, identify commonalities in clinical characteristics and pathogenesis, and highlight diagnostic and treatment approaches. METHODS Data collection methods include a review of the literature on CHS published in the past 10 years. Case study data were gathered from a patient interview and chart review. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Through better recognition of CHS, nurse practitioners and other providers can promptly and accurately diagnosis the condition and improve treatment plans for these patients.
Analysis of the Impact of Antiretroviral Drug Changes on Survival of Patients with Advanced-Stage AIDS with Multidrug-Resistant HIV Infection

Objectives: This article aims to elucidate the relationship between antiretroviral (ARV) medication changes and all-cause mortality using a total of 368 patients recruited from the United States (78%), United Kingdom (11%), and Canada (11%). Methods: Data sources included demographic characteristics, ARV treatment history and modifications, and clinical biomarker data from the completed OPTions In Management with Antiretrovirals clinical trial. Descriptive analysis and graphical trajectory representation of ARV drug modifications and biomarker changes were undertaken. Three hypotheses aimed at assessing the impact of ARV modification parameters on clinical outcomes were tested. Kaplan-Meier survival techniques as well as Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed. Results: Results from the analyses suggest that (1) switching therapy strategy from an intensified ARV regimen to a less intense one or vice versa, (2) having a moderate number (up to 2) of ARV drug changes per 6 months, and (3) changes based on clinical/HIV-related reasons or nonclinical reasons compared to ARV drug regimen changes due to clinical non-HIV reasons improved survival. Conclusion: Modifications in the ARV regimens of HIV-infected patients with multidrug resistance are associated with improved survival.
Multivariate Base Rates of Low Scores and Reliable Decline on ImPACT in Healthy Collegiate Athletes Using CARE Consortium Norms

Abstract Objectives: To describe multivariate base rates (MBRs) of low scores and reliable change (decline) scores on Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) in college athletes at baseline, as well as to assess MBR differences among demographic and medical history subpopulations. Methods: Data were reported on 15,909 participants (46.5% female) from the NCAA/DoD CARE Consortium. MBRs of ImPACT composite scores were derived using published CARE normative data and reliability metrics. MBRs of sex-corrected low scores were reported at <25th percentile (Low Average), <10th percentile (Borderline), and ≤2nd percentile (Impaired). MBRs of reliable decline scores were reported at the 75%, 90%, 95%, and 99% confidence intervals. We analyzed subgroups by sex, race, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or learning disability (ADHD/LD), anxiety/depression, and concussion history using chi-square analyses. Results: Base rates of low scores and reliable decline scores on individual composites approximated the normative distribution. Athletes obtained ≥1 low score with frequencies of 63.4% (Low Average), 32.0% (Borderline), and 9.1% (Impaired). Athletes obtained ≥1 reliable decline score with frequencies of 66.8%, 32.2%, 18%, and 3.8%, respectively. Comparatively few athletes had low scores or reliable decline on ≥2 composite scores. Black/African American athletes and athletes with ADHD/LD had higher rates of low scores, while greater concussion history was associated with lower MBRs (p < .01). MBRs of reliable decline were not associated with demographic or medical factors. Conclusions: Clinical interpretation of low scores and reliable decline on ImPACT depends on the strictness of the low score cutoff, the reliable change criterion, and the number of scores exceeding these cutoffs. Race and ADHD influence the frequency of low scores at all cutoffs cross-sectionally.
Surgical Pleth Index And Analgesia Nociception Index for intraoperative analgesia in patients undergoing neurosurgical spinal procedures, a comparative randomized study.

BACKGROUND The Surgical Plethysmographic Index (SPI) and the Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) have been suggested for the non-invasive intraoperative monitoring of nociception/anti-nociception balance. We aimed to compare patterns of intraoperative use of opioids, postoperative cortisol levels and postoperative pain scores after intraoperative analgesia guided either by ANI, SPI or anaesthesiologist's judgment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy two adult ASA I - III patients scheduled for elective neurosurgical spinal procedures were randomized into the ANI group, SPI group and control group. Anaesthesia and intraoperative use of opioids (sufentanil boluses based on body weight) were managed according to a strict protocol. The use of sufentanil was targeted to keep ANI value 50 - 70 in the ANI group, SPI value below individual postinduction baseline value plus 10 points in the SPI group. In the control group, the use of opioids was left at anaesthesiologist's discretion. RESULTS Additional sufentanil boluses were administered earlier in the ANI and SPI groups in comparison to the control group (3rd dose after 51.8 ± 22.1 vs 52.7 ± 14.8 vs 84.5 ± 24.8 min respectively, p = 0.001; 4th dose after 61.3 ± 30.1 vs 57.2 ± 14.1 vs 120.0 ± 26.2 min, p = 0.003, and 5th dose after 78.8 ± 33.7 vs 74.0 ± 11.6 vs 146.7 ± 23.2 min respectively, p = 0.009). There were no differences in postoperative cortisol levels, time to spontaneous breathing at the end of anaesthesia and postoperative pain scores. CONCLUSIONS Both ANI and SPI guidance significantly modified intraoperative opiod use, but no modification of postoperative cortisol levels and postoperative pain was observed.
Effect of Portal Venous Pressure on Liver Function of Donors in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background We assessed the alterations in portal hemodynamics associated with donor right hepatectomy and its effects on functional regeneration of the remnant liver. Material/Methods This prospective study included 30 adult living donors who underwent right hepatectomy in the Liver Transplantation Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University from June 2015 to October 2016. During donor surgery, portal venous pressure (PVP) was measured using an antithrombotic catheter inserted into the main portal vein, and was measured before and after clamping of the right portal vein. Postoperatively, liver function tests were done daily until normalization. The outcome measures were the time to normalization of liver function tests and effect of residual volume and steatosis on PVP. Results All donors had normal PVP before clamping and changed significantly after clamping (p<0.001). After clamping, 25 donors (83%) had a PVP above 12 mmHg; i.e. had high portal pressure. The median percentage of change was 55%. There were obvious increases in liver enzymes and bilirubin after surgery, but albumin and international normalized ratio showed progressive decreases postoperatively. The percent change in PVP was positively correlated with the levels of liver enzymes, time to normalization of liver enzymes, albumin, and bilirubin, and with the degree of steatosis, bit it was negatively correlated with residual liver volume. Conclusions During living donor liver transplantation, PVP increases by over 50% after clamping of the right portal vein of the donor’s liver. This increase is associated with temporary delay of normalization of liver function of the donors.
Missing expectations: Windlass tourniquet use without formal training yields poor results

BACKGROUND Despite significant attempts to educate civilians in hemorrhage control, the majority remain untrained. We sought to determine if laypersons can successfully apply one of three commercially available tourniquets; including those endorsed by the United States Military and the American College of Surgeons. METHODS Preclinical graduate health science students were randomly assigned a commercially available windless tourniquet: SAM XT, Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT), or Special Operation Forces Tactical Tourniquet (SOFT-T). Each was given up to 1 minute to read package instructions and asked to apply it to the HapMed Leg Tourniquet Trainer. Estimated blood loss was measured until successful hemostatic pressure was achieved or simulated death occurred from exsanguination. Simulation survival, time to read instructions and stop bleeding, tourniquet pressure, and blood loss were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 150 students recruited, 55, 46, and 49 were randomized to the SAM XT, CAT, SOFT-T, respectively. Mean overall simulation survival was less than 66% (65%, 72%, 61%; p = 0.55). Of survivors, all three tourniquets performed similarly in median pressure applied (319, 315, and 329 mm Hg; p = 0.54) and median time to stop bleeding (91, 70, 77 seconds; p = 0.28). There was a statistical difference in median blood loss volume favoring SOFT-T (SAM XT, 686 mL; CAT, 624 mL; SOFT-T, 433 mL; p = 0.03). All 16 participants with previous experience were able to successfully place the tourniquet compared with 81 (62%) of 131 first-time users (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION No one should die of extremity hemorrhage, and civilians are our first line of defense. We demonstrate that when an untrained layperson is handed a commonly accepted tourniquet, failure is unacceptably high. Current devices are not intuitive and require training beyond the enclosed instructions. Plans to further evaluate this cohort after formal “Stop the Bleed” training are underway.
Embodying the Police: The Effects of Enclothed Cognition on Shooting Decisions

The theory of enclothed cognition proposes that wearing physical articles of clothing can trigger psychological processes and behavioral tendencies connected to their symbolic meaning. Furthermore, past research has found that increases in power are associated with greater approach orientation and action tendencies. In this study, we integrate these two literatures to examine how embodying the role of a police officer through wearing a uniform would affect responses on a reaction-time measure known as the Shooter Task. This first-person video game simulation requires participants to shoot or not shoot targets holding guns or objects. The task typically elicits a stereotypical pattern of responses, such that unarmed Black versus White targets are more likely to be mistakenly shot and armed Black versus White targets are more likely to be correctly shot. Based on the relationship between power and action, we hypothesized that participants who were randomly assigned to wear a police uniform would show more shooting errors, particularly false alarms, than control participants. Consistent with our hypotheses, participants in uniform were more likely to shoot unarmed targets, regardless of their race. Moreover, this pattern was partially moderated by attitudes about the police and their abuse of power. Specifically, uniformed participants who justified police use of power were more likely to shoot innocent targets than those who were wary of it. We discuss implications for police perceptions and the theory of enclothed cognition more broadly.
Continuous and Reinforcement Learning Methods for First-Person Shooter Games

Machine learning is now widely studied as the basis for artificial intelligence systems within computer games. Most existing work focuses on methods for learning static expert systems, typically emphasizing candidate selection. This paper extends this work by exploring the use of continuous and reinforcement learning techniques to develop fully-adaptive game AI for first-person shooter bots. We begin by outlining a framework for learning static control models for tanks within the game BZFlag, then extend that framework using continuous learning techniques that allow computer controlled tanks to adapt to the game style of other players, extending overall playability by thwarting attempts to infer the underlying AI. We further show how reinforcement learning can be used to create bots that learn how to play based solely through trial and error, providing game engineers with a practical means to produce large numbers of bots, each with individual intelligences and unique behaviours; all from a single initial AI model.