Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Asymptotic Spectrum of Finite Element Matrix Sequences

We derive a new formula for the asymptotic eigenvalue distribution of stiffness matrices obtained by applying $P_1$ finite elements with standard mesh refinement to the semielliptic PDE of second order in divergence form $- \nabla (K \nabla^T u ) = f$ on O, $u = g$ on $\partial \Omega$. Here $\Omega \subset \R^2$, and $K$ is supposed to be piecewise continuous and pointwise symmetric semipositive definite. The symbol describing this asymptotic eigenvalue distribution depends on the PDE, but also both on the numerical scheme for approaching the underlying bilinear form and on the geometry of triangulation of the domain. Our work is motivated by recent results on the superlinear convergence behavior of the conjugate gradient method, which requires the knowledge of such asymptotic eigenvalue distributions for sequences of matrices depending on a discretization parameter $h$ when $h \to 0$. We compare our findings with similar results for the finite difference method which were published in recent years. In particular we observe that our sequence of stiffness matrices is part of the class of generalized locally Toeplitz sequences for which many theoretical tools are available. This enables us to derive some results on the conditioning and preconditioning of such stiffness matrices.
An analytical hybrid GORT model for bidirectional reflectance over discontinuous plant canopies

The geometric optical (GO) bidirectional reflectance model, combined with a new component spectral signature submodel, can be used to estimate the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of discontinuous canopies. This approach retains the GO approach of incorporating the effect of shadows cast by crowns on the background. The newly developed submodel uses an analytical approximation of the radiative transfer (RT) within the plant canopies to model the spectral properties of each scene component. A multiple scale-hotspot function that incorporates effects for smaller canopy objects like branches, stems and leaves was also well modeled. Comparison of model results with field measurements (ASAS, POLDER and PARABOLA) over an old black spruce forest in central Canada demonstrated that the model ran predict the basic features of the BRDF, i.e., bowl shape and the hotspot. The benefits of the model presented are simplicity, improved treatment of multiple scattering and a new method of estimating the component signatures.
Dissemination of the Phage-Associated Novel Superantigen Gene speL in Recent Invasive and Noninvasive Streptococcus pyogenes M3/T3 Isolates in Japan

ABSTRACT In Japan, more than 10% of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) cases have been caused by Streptococcus pyogenes M3/T3 isolates since the first reported TSLS case in 1992. Most M3/T3 isolates from TSLS or severe invasive infection cases during 1992 to 2001 and those from noninvasive cases during this period are indistinguishable in pulsed-field gel electropherograms. The longest fragments of these recent isolates were 300 kb in size, whereas those of isolates recovered during or before 1973 were 260 kb in size. These 260- and 300-kb fragments hybridized to each other, suggesting the acquisition of an about 40-kb fragment by the recent isolates. The whole part of the acquired fragment was cloned from the first Japanese TSLS isolate, NIH1, and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The 41,796-bp fragment is temperate phage φNIH1. 1, containing a new superantigen gene speL near its right attachment site. The C-terminal part of the deduced amino acid sequence of speL has 48 and 46% similarity with well-characterized erythrogenic toxin SpeC and the most potent superantigen, SmeZ-2, respectively. None of 10 T3 isolates recovered during or before 1973 has speL, whereas all of 18 M3/T3 isolates recovered during or after 1992 and, surprisingly, Streptococcus equi subsp. equi ATCC 9527 do have this gene. Though plaques could not be obtained from φNIH1. 1, its DNA became detectable from the phage particle fraction upon mitomycin C induction, showing that this phage is not defective. A horizontal transfer of the phage carrying speL may explain the observed change in M3/T3 S. pyogenes isolates in Japan.
Increased intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory capacity in skeletal muscle from rats with streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia

Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disorder, characterized by an almost or complete insulin deficiency. Widespread tissue dysfunction and deleterious diabetes‐complications are associated with long‐term elevations of blood glucose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of type I diabetes, as induced by streptozotocin, on the mitochondria in skeletal muscles that predominantly consist of either slow or fast twitch fibers. Soleus (primarily slow twitch fiber type) and the plantaris muscle (mainly fast twitch fiber type) were removed in order to measure mitochondrial protein expression and integrated mitochondrial respiratory function. Mitochondrial capacity for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) was found to be higher in the slow (more oxidative) soleus muscle from STZ rats when evaluating lipid and complex I linked OXPHOS capacity, whereas no difference was detected between the groups when evaluating the more physiological complex I and II linked OXPHOS capacity. These findings indicate that chronic hyperglycemia results in an elevated intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory capacity in both soleus and, at varying degree, plantaris muscle, findings that are consistent with human T1DM patients.
Imperfection sensitivity to elastic buckling of wind loaded open cylindrical tanks

This paper considers the buckling and post-buckling behavior of empty metal storage tanks under wind load. The structures of such tanks may be idealized as cantilever cylindrical shells, and the structural response is investigated using a computational model. The modeling employs a doubly curved finite element based on a theory by Simo and coworkers, which is capable of handling large displacements and plasticity. Buckling results for tanks with four different geometric relations are presented to consider the influence of the ratios between the radius and the height of the shell ( R/L), and between the radius and the thickness ( R/t). The studies aim to clarify the differences in the shells regarding their imperfection-sensitivity. The results show that thin-walled short tanks, with R/L =3 , display high imperfection sensitivity, while tanks with R/L = 0.5 are almost insensitive to imperfections. Changes in the total potential energy of tanks that would buckle under the same high wind pressures are also considered.
Fast Classification of Electrocardiograph Signals via Instance Selection

In clinical practice, electrocardiographs (ECG)are used in various ways. In the most simple case, directly after the ECG has been recorded, the doctor analyses it and makes the diagnosis. In other cases, e.g. when the abnormality can only be observed occasionally, at a previously unknown time, the ECG is being recorded continuously. Fast automatic recognition of abnormalities of ECG signals may substantially support doctors' work in both cases: either by immediately displaying a warning or calling the emergency service in case of danger or by pointing to the abnormal parts of a long ECG-signal in order to support analysis and diagnosis. In this paper, we focus on the (semi-)automated recognition of abnormal ECG signals. We formulate the task as a time-series classification problem, point out that state-of-the-art solutions are capable to solve this problem with a high accuracy. The recognition time is, however, crucial in our case. Therefore, as major contribution, we aim at speeding up the recognition by a new instance selection technique. We describe this technique and discuss its theoretical background. In our experiments on publicly available real ECG-data, we empirically evaluate our approach and show that it outperforms a state-of-the-art instance selection technique.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) belongs to the neurotrophic factor family. GDNF functions are not restricted to neurons but are also implicated in glial cell development (1). We observed high expression levels of GDNF receptor family α-component 2 (GFRα2) in epiretinal membranes (ERMs) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), indicating the involvement of GFRα2 in ERM formation in PDR (2). Here, we examined the vitreous of patients with PDR for the presence of GDNF. We assayed GDNF levels in …
Practice parameters for hemodynamic support of sepsis in adult patients: 2004 update

Objective:To provide the American College of Critical Care Medicine with updated guidelines for hemodynamic support of adult patients with sepsis. Data Source:Publications relevant to hemodynamic support of septic patients were obtained from the medical literature, supplemented by the expertise and experience of members of an international task force convened from the membership of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Study Selection:Both human studies and relevant animal studies were considered. Data Synthesis:The experts articles reviewed the literature and classified the strength of evidence of human studies according to study design and scientific value. Recommendations were drafted and graded levels based on an evidence-based rating system described in the text. The recommendations were debated, and the task force chairman modified the document until <10% of the experts disagreed with the recommendations. Conclusions:An organized approach to the hemodynamic support of sepsis was formulated. The fundamental principle is that clinicians using hemodynamic therapies should define specific goals and end points, titrate therapies to those end points, and evaluate the results of their interventions on an ongoing basis by monitoring a combination of variables of global and regional perfusion. Using this approach, specific recommendations for fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and inotropic therapy of septic in adult patients were promulgated.
Retinopathy and risk of dementia

Objective: To investigate the relation between retinopathy and the risk of dementia. Methods: We investigated the associations between retinopathy and dementia and its subtypes Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia both cross-sectionally and prospectively in the Rotterdam Study, a large population-based cohort study. Digitized retinal images were available for 195 participants with prevalent dementia and 6,078 participants without dementia at baseline (1990–1993). Participants were reexamined in 1993–1994, 1997–1999, and 2002–2004 and were continuously monitored for development of dementia until January 1, 2007. Retinopathy was graded on fundus photographs and was defined as the presence of one or more dot/blot hemorrhages, microaneurysms, cotton wool spots, or evidence of laser treatment for retinopathy. Results: Retinopathy was associated with prevalent dementia (age and sex-adjusted odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–3.09). Results were similar for AD and vascular dementia. During a mean follow-up of 11.4 years, 735 participants developed incident dementia, of whom 583 had AD and 80 had vascular dementia. There was no association of retinopathy at baseline with the risk of incident dementia during follow-up (age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio 1.15, 95% CI 0.88–1.48) or the risk of incident AD or vascular dementia. Conclusions: Retinopathy is more prevalent in persons with dementia but is not associated with an increased risk of dementia over time.
Association of biomarkers with pre-radiographically defined and radiographically defined knee osteoarthritis in a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate 10 biomarkers in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-determined, pre-radiographically defined osteoarthritis (pre-ROA) and radiographically defined OA (ROA) in a population-based cohort of subjects with symptomatic knee pain. METHODS Two hundred one white subjects with knee pain, ages 40-79 years, were classified into OA subgroups according to MRI-based cartilage (MRC) scores (range 0-4) and Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grades of radiographic severity (range 0-4): no OA (MRC score 0, K/L grade<2), pre-ROA (MRC score>or=1, K/L grade<2), or ROA (MRC score>or=1, K/L grade>or=2). Urine and serum samples were assessed for levels of the following biomarkers: urinary biomarkers C-telopeptide of type II collagen (uCTX-II), type II and types I and II collagen cleavage neoepitopes (uC2C and uC1,2C, respectively), and N-telopeptide of type I collagen, and serum biomarkers sC1,2C, sC2C, C-propeptide of type II procollagen (sCPII), chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and hyaluronic acid. Multicategory logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of OA subgroup with individual biomarker levels and biomarker ratios, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS The risk of ROA versus no OA increased with increasing levels of uCTX-II (odds ratio [OR] 3.12, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.35-7.21), uC2C (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.04-4.37), and uC1,2C (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.06-4.04), and was reduced in association with high levels of sCPII (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.94). The risk of pre-ROA versus no OA increased with increasing levels of uC2C (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.05-4.01) and uC1,2C (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.12-3.77). The ratios of type II collagen degradation markers to collagen synthesis markers were better than individual biomarkers at differentiating the OA subgroups, e.g., the ratio of [uCTX-II][uC1,2C] to sCPII was associated with a risk of ROA versus no OA of 3.47 (95% CI 1.34-9.03) and a risk of pre-ROA versus no OA of 2.56 (95% CI 1.03-6.40). CONCLUSION Different cartilage degradation markers are associated with pre-ROA than are associated with ROA, indicating that their use as diagnostic markers depends on the stage of OA. Biomarker ratios contrasting cartilage degradation with cartilage synthesis are better able to differentiate OA stages compared with levels of the individual markers.
A study on the use of a voice interactive system for teaching English to Italian children

We report on a study whose objectives were first to investigate the interaction of children with a multimedia system designed for learning a foreign language and featuring automatic speech recognition functionality. Second, we investigated if, using such a system, users meet some particular difficulties in dealing with the microphone or in solving tasks which implies voice interaction. The study was based on the Italian version of "Tell me more. Kids: the city", a multimedia system dedicated to children aged 8 to 10. The results of the study indicate that, when learners were involved in tasks where they could freely decide if and how many times to use the vocal interaction modality, they did not hesitate to use this modality. The study also revealed the importance of the form of feedback chosen to report the system's judgment on the learner's pronunciation to her.
Interfacial reactions between Sn‐based solders and AgPt thick film metallizations on LTCC

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the metallurgical reactions between two commercial AgPt thick films used as a solder land on a low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) module and solder materials (SnAgCu, SnInAgCu, and SnPbAg) in typical reflow conditions and to clarify the effect of excessive intermetallic compound (IMC) formation on the reliability of LTCC/printed wiring boards (PWB) assemblies.Design/methodology/approach – Metallurgical reactions between liquid solders and AgPt metallizations of LTCC modules were investigated by increasing the number of reflow cycles with different peak temperatures. The microstructures of AgPt metallization/solder interfaces were analyzed using SEM/EDS investigation. In addition, a test LTCC module/PWB assembly with an excess IMC layer within the joints was fabricated and exposed to a temperature cycling test in a −40 to 125°C temperature range. The characteristic lifetime of the test assembly was determined using DC resistance measurements. The failure mechan.
Acetaminophen induces JNK/p38 signaling and activates the caspase-9-3-dependent cell death pathway in human mesenchymal stem cells

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug. Generally, the therapeutic dose of APAP is clinically safe, however, high doses of APAP can cause acute liver and kidney injury. Therefore, the majority of previous studies have focussed on elucidating the mechanisms of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, in addition to examining ways to treat these conditions in clinical cases. However, few studies have reported APAP-induced intoxication in human stem cells. Stem cells are important in cell proliferation, differentiation and repair during human development, particularly during fetal and child development. At present, whether APAP causes cytotoxic effects in human stem cells remains to be elucidated, therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the cellular effects of APAP treatment in human stem cells. The results of the present study revealed that high-dose APAP induced more marked cytotoxic effects in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) than in renal tubular cells. In addition, increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38, and activation of caspase-9/-3 cascade were observed in the APAP-treated hMSCs. By contrast, antioxidants, including vitamin C reduced APAP-induced augmentations in H2O2 levels, but did not inhibit the APAP-induced cytotoxic effects in the hMSCs. These results suggested that high doses of APAP may cause serious damage towards hMSCs.
Palliative care research: Lessons learned by our team over the last 25 years

Background: In the last 25 years, palliative care has made major progress as an interdisciplinary specialty that addresses quality-of-life issues for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Research by numerous investigators has contributed to our increasing body of knowledge to support an evidence-based practice. Aim: We highlight some lessons learned by our group in the process of conducting palliative care research, focusing in particular on symptom assessment; the management of pain, fatigue, cachexia, dyspnea, delirium, and opioid-induced neurotoxicity; and outcomes of our palliative care program. Design: Narrative review of selected literature, focusing on studies conducted by our group. Data sources: This article is based on the Second Vittorio Ventafridda Memorial Lecture by Dr Eduardo Bruera, delivered at the European Association for Palliative Care, Trondheim, Norway on 8 June 2012. Results: For each topic, we review some of the pivotal studies in palliative care, discuss the challenges in research design, and outline possible directions for future research. Conclusions: We conclude by sharing some of what we learned about the processes, pearls, and pitfalls of palliative care research.
DURABILITY OF CORROSION RESISTING STEELS IN CONCRETE.

A ten-year exposure study has examined the performance of reinforcing steels with higher than normal corrosion resistance embedded in concrete. The steels included in the programme were a weathering steel, galvanized steel, types 405 and 430 ferritic and types 302, 315 and 316 austenitic stainless steels. The performance was compared with that of grit-blast cleaned and pre-rusted high-yield steel. The concretes examined (1:6 and 1:8 cement : aggregate mixes) contained a range of added chloride to enhance corrosion activity. The results have illustrated the excellent resistance of the austenitic stainless steels in comparison with all the other steels when embedded in concrete containing the highest concentrations of chloride. They have also indicated the corrosive nature of the chloride ion and underline the need to control chloride concentrations to the limits now set in BS 8110. (a)
Fatigue Damage and Cracking of Asphalt Pavement on Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck

This paper deals with the evolutive behaviour of bituminous mixture on steel orthotropic plate, such as the Millau viaduct. This is of great importance when dealing with durability : fatigue cracks in the asphalt layer at right angles of the orthotropic plate stiffeners and shear cracks between steel and pavement. Therefore, a five-point bending fatigue test was developed by the French Laboratoire des Ponts et Chaussees (LCPC) in the 70’s. It has been improved since 2003 at the ENTPE laboratory, to test bituminous mix which will be able to support large strains on this kind of steel bridge. Test temperatures are -10°C and +10°C. The sample (580 x 200mm) is constituted by a 12 or 14mm thick steel plate reinforced at the center, a 3 mm thick sealing sheet and specific bituminous mix. This test is characterized by a sine load (e.g. : -320 to -3 200daN for a steel deck of 12mm) over several million cycles. Bituminous mix is good if there is no damage at -10°C after 1 million cycles, and at 10°C after 2 million cycles. Measurements on samples and in situ observations on real steel deck are very consistent. The aim of this study is to detect cracks through the asphalt but also to obtain a continuous follow-up of the mechanical changes in the material properties during the test. Consequently, two displacement sensors (Linear Variation of Differential Tension) are positioned on the upper side of the sample where cracks are likely to appear. It is shown that significant strain increases and decreases are observed when cracks are created and propagated in the thickness of the asphalt pavement. Moreover, a non-destructive test with ultrasonic wave transducers will be presented. P-wave (compression) and S-wave (shear) are used in transmission in a homogeneous area with an adequate excitation frequency. This original method allows us to calculate Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio in the asphalt layer by inverse analysis with the assumption of linear viscoelasticity. P-wave and S-wave velocities increase and their amplitude decrease clearly as the number of load cycles grows. Then, signals stabilize before significant amplitude decrease. These measurements help damage evolution curve plotting as a function of the material. Finally, results of displacement sensors and wave transducers are shown to be very consistent and complementary. Nevertheless, the interest is that ultrasonic waves address to the mechanical evolutive behaviour of the material.