Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Optimization of the Number of Clusters in Fuzzy Clustering

In this paper, we present a local, adaptive optimization scheme for adjusting the number of clusters in fuzzy C-means clustering. This method is especially motivated by online applications in which a potentially changing clustering structure must be maintained over time, though it turns out to be useful in the static case as well. As part of the method, we propose a new validity measure for fuzzy partitions which is a modification of the commonly used Xie-Beni index and overcomes some deficiencies thereof.
A reliability-based model to predict scatter in fatigue crack nucleation life

This paper investigates the scatter inherent in the early stages of fatigue life. A probabilistic fatigue model is proposed which relates the microstructural heterogeneity to the scatter in crack nucleation life. The crack nucleation life is defined as the number of cycles necessary to develop a crack with a length equal to the grain size. The model assumes homogeneity at the level of the grain size. A fracture mechanics-based microstructural model is used to describe the response of the grains. The primitive random variables which drive crack nucleation are identified and recent developments recorded in the literature are used to describe their statistical characteristics. First order reliability methods are used to predict the statistical distribution of fatigue crack nucleation life. Comparisons are made with trends in experimental observations.
Nest Making and Oxytocin Comparably Promote Wound Healing in Isolation Reared Rats

Background Environmental enrichment (EE) fosters attachment behavior through its effect on brain oxytocin levels in the hippocampus and other brain regions, which in turn modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). Social isolation and other stressors negatively impact physical healing through their effect on the HPA. Therefore, we reasoned that: 1) provision of a rat EE (nest building with Nestlets®) would improve wound healing in rats undergoing stress due to isolation rearing and 2) that oxytocin would have a similar beneficial effect on wound healing. Methodology/Principal Findings In the first two experiments, we provided isolation reared rats with either EE or oxytocin and compared their wound healing to group reared rats and isolation reared rats that did not receive Nestlets or oxytocin. In the third experiment, we examined the effect of Nestlets on open field locomotion and immediate early gene (IEG) expression. We found that isolation reared rats treated with Nestlets a) healed significantly better than without Nestlets, 2) healed at a similar rate to rats treated with oxytocin, 3) had decreased hyperactivity in the open field test, and 4) had normalized IEG expression in brain hippocampus. Conclusions/Significance This study shows that when an EE strategy or oxytocin is given to isolation reared rats, the peripheral stress response, as measured by burn injury healing, is decreased. The findings indicate an association between the effect of nest making on wound healing and administration of the pro-bonding hormone oxytocin. Further elucidation of this animal model should lead to improved understanding of how EE strategies can ameliorate poor wound healing and other symptoms that result from isolation stress.
Uniqueness, Renormalization, and Smooth Approximations for Linear Transport Equations

Transport equations arise in various areas of fluid mechanics, but the precise conditions on the vector field for them to be well‐posed are still not fully understood. The renormalized theory of DiPerna and Lions for linear transport equations with an unsmooth coefficient uses the tools of approximation of an arbitrary weak solution by smooth functions, and also uses the renormalization property; that is, the possibility of writing an equation on a nonlinear function of the solution. Under some $W^{1,1}$ regularity assumption on the coefficient, well‐posedness holds. In this paper, we establish that these properties are indeed equivalent to the uniqueness of weak solutions to the Cauchy problem, without any regularity assumption on the coefficient. Coefficients with unbounded divergence but with bounded compression are also considered.
Effect of Rosmarinus Officinalis on Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered as one of the main threats to human health in the 21 st century. The use of herbs as medicines has increased all over the world, gaining popularity and played an important role in disease treatment especially in diabetes mellitus. Aim: The present research was designed to evaluate the effects of dried rosemary leaves powder on blood sugar and lipid profile of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: One hundred (100) male Sprague Dawly rats aged 3 months, weighing 184±11 g, divided into 5 groups (20 rats/group) as follow: G 1: Normal Control; G 2: STZ-induced Diabetics; G 3: STZ-induced Diabetic+ Glibenclamide; G 4: STZ-induced Diabetic+ Dried rosemary leaves powder; G: Normal Control+ Dried rosemary leaves powder. At the end of the experiments ( ≈6 weeks, 45 days), rats were fasted overnight, and then sacrificed under ethyl ether and blood was taken for further biochemical analysis. Results and Discussion: The body weight and High density lipoprotein were decreased significantly in STZ-induced diabetic group of rats (-39.13%) when compared to normal control rats. Diabetes induced by STZ resulted in a significant elevation in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile (Cholesterol, low, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and triacylglycerol in comparison to STZinduced diabetic rats. Treatment of STZ-induced diabetic rats with dried rosemary leaves powder improved levels of the affected parameters (decreased level of the increased one as glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, LDL-C and VLDL-C), trying to reach normal level but still significantly different from normal control group. The treatment reduced the elevated blood glucose, HbA1c, triacylglycerol, cholesterol and LDL-C by 53.97, 24.56, 45.43, 39.31 and 33.89 % respectively in respect to untreated STZ-induced diabetic group. Dried rosemary powder leaves have no significant influence on body weight, plasma glucose level and lipid profile of normal rats. Conclusion: The results of this experiment may indicate that the dried rosemary leaves powder has a beneficial effect as an anti-diabetic agent and its complications as well as improving lipid metabolism in diabetics with no effect on normal rats.
Interaction between Maternal Cigarette Smoking and Apgar Scores in Predicting Offending Behavior

Research has shown that various perinatal conditions increase the likelihood of offending behavior; however, results have been mixed, but interactions among perinatal risk factors in predicting offending behavior have been neglected. The purpose was to examine the interaction of maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and 1-min. Apgar scores at birth in predicting individuals' later offending behavior. The longitudinal data set was taken from the Philadelphia portion of the Collaborative Perinatal Project and consisted of 832 inner-city, African-American youths. A logistic regression analysis indicated that the combined effect of maternal cigarette smoking and low Apgar scores had a significant influence in predicting offending behavior, whereas the independent effects of the component variables did not.
CD 126 and Targeted Therapy with Tocilizumab in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Purpose: IL6 promotes tumor growth and signal transduction via both its membrane-bound (CD126) and soluble receptors (sCD126). We aimed to study whether the levels of CD126 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemic (CLL) cells can predict in vitro and in vivo treatment response. Experimental Design: The levels of membrane-bound CD126 expression were determined on freshly isolated CLL B cells (n 1⁄4 58) using flow cytometry. These CLL cells were treated with chlorambucil or fludarabine with or without anti-CD126 antibody tocilizumab for 24 hours and IL6-mediated STAT3 transcriptional activity and cell-cycle alteration were evaluated. Results: CD126 surface expression was found in all cases and positively correlated with the levels of in vivo constitutive STAT3 activity. The levels of CD126 expression were significantly and positively correlated with the resistance of CLL cells to in vitro treatment with chlorambucil or fludarabine and poor in vivo treatment response of CLL patients. Blocking IL6 signaling with the anti-CD126 antibody, tocilizumab, had profound effects on STAT3-mediated survival and growth signals: decreasedMcl-1 and Bcl-xL, favoring an apoptotic profile; and decreased p27 with increased cyclin E and CDK2 expression, leading to cell-cycle shift from G0–G1. These tocilizumab-mediated changes induced chemosensitization in resistant CLL cells, with the greatest effect seen in cells with higher CD126 expression (P < 0.001). Conclusions:CLL cells with higherCD126 expression aremore resistant to treatment in vivo and in vitro via IL6–CD126–STAT3 axis. Blocking CD126 using tocilizumab sensitizes CLL cells to chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2462–9. 2015 AACR.
Pediatric Underdosing of Efavirenz: A Pharmacokinetic Study in Uganda

ObjectivesTo evaluate international pediatric efavirenz dosing recommendations using full pharmacokinetic (PK) information. DesignOpen-label, multicenter, PK study. MethodsForty-one HIV-infected Ugandan children (3–12 years) on efavirenz + lamivudine + abacavir were enrolled in a study of twice-daily to once-daily lamivudine + abacavir 36 weeks after antiretroviral therapy initiation in the ARROW trial. Once-daily efavirenz doses were 200, 250, 300, 350 mg for children weighing 10 to <15, 15 to <20, 20 to <25, 25 to <30 kg, respectively, using 200/50 mg capsules or halved 600 mg tablets in case of 300 and 350 mg doses. Intensive plasma PK sampling (t = 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 hours postobserved ingestion) was performed at steady state (PK1) and repeated 4 weeks later (PK2, including a further 24-hour sample). ResultsForty-one and 39 children had evaluable efavirenz profiles at PK1 and PK2, respectively. Seventeen (41%) were boys. Five, 16, 17, 3 were in the 10 to <15, 15 to <20, 20 to <25, 25 to <30 kg weight bands. The geometric mean (%CV) the area under the concentration–time curve 0–24 hours postdose was 50.8 (90.8%) and 55.5 (82.7%) h·mg·L-1 at PK1 and PK2, respectively. Six children at PK1 and 7 at PK2 had subtherapeutic C8h and/or C12h (<1.0 mg/L), 7 of 41 (17%) at either visit. At PK2, 15 of 39 (38%) children had C24h <1.0 mg/L (median (interquartile range) [range] 1.1 (0.7–2.9) [0.3–18.4]). Ten children at PK1 and 11 at PK2 had C8h and/or C12h >4.0 mg/L; 12 of 41 (29%) at either visit. ConclusionsAfrican children aged 3–12 years, on efavirenz dosed according to 2006 WHO/manufacturer's recommendations, had lower and highly variable efavirenz PK parameters compared with adult data from manufacturer's leaflet. There were no differences across weight bands, suggesting no major effect of using half tablets. Higher pediatric efavirenz doses, as per WHO 2010 recommendations, should be used and investigated further but may risk increasing the proportion of children with potentially toxic levels.
Asymmetries in functional hop tests, lower extremity kinematics, and isokinetic strength persist 6 to 9 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN Within-subject and between-subject cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES To investigate symmetry in hop-test performance, strength, and lower extremity kinematics 6 to 9 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). BACKGROUND Despite the extensive body of literature involving persons following ACLR, no study has comprehensively evaluated measures of strength, lower extremity kinematics, and functional performance of functional hop tests in this population. METHODS The subjects were 22 men (mean ± SD age, 28.8 ± 11.2 years) who had ACLR using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft 6 to 9 (7.01 ± 0.93) months previously and 22 healthy male controls (age, 24.8 ± 9.1 years). Participants completed a self-report questionnaire and underwent isokinetic strength testing and functional and kinematic assessment of the single-, triple-, and crossover-hop tests. Two-way analyses of variance were used to test for differences between the ACLR group and the control group, and between the 2 lower extremities of the ACLR group. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the ACLR group had greater isokinetic knee extension torque deficits at all speeds (P ≤.001) and greater performance asymmetry for all 3 hop tests (P<.001). Compared to the noninvolved lower extremity, the involved lower extremity of the ACLR group exhibited less ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion in the phases of propulsion (P ≤.014) and landing (P ≤.032). When compared to the control group, the involved lower extremity exhibited less ankle dorsiflexion in the propulsion phase (P<.001) but higher hip flexion in the landing phase (P = .014). CONCLUSION Six to 9 months following ACLR, patients continue to demonstrate functional hop and isokinetic knee extension deficits, as well as kinematic differences, during the propulsion and landing phases of the hop tests.
In-Silico Trials for Glucose Control in Hospitalized Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Although various basal-bolus insulin therapy (BBIT) protocols have been used in the clinical environment, safer and more effective BBIT protocols are required for glucose control in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Modeling approaches could provide an evaluation environment for developing the optimal BBIT protocol prior to clinical trials at low cost and without risk of danger. In this study, an in-silico model was proposed to evaluate subcutaneous BBIT protocols in hospitalized patients with T2D. The proposed model was validated by comparing the BBIT protocol and sliding-scale insulin therapy (SSIT) protocol. The model was utilized for in-silico trials to compare the protocols of adjusting basal-insulin dose (BBIT1) versus adjusting total-daily-insulin dose (BBIT2). The model was also used to evaluate two different initial total-daily-insulin doses for various levels of renal function. The BBIT outcomes were superior to those of SSIT, which is consistent with earlier studies. BBIT2 also outperformed BBIT1, producing a decreased daily mean glucose level and longer time-in-target-range. Moreover, with a standard dose, the overall daily mean glucose levels reached the target range faster than with a reduced-dose for all degrees of renal function. The in-silico studies demonstrated several significant findings, including that the adjustment of total-daily-insulin dose is more effective than changes to basal-insulin dose alone. This research represents a first step toward the eventual development of an advanced model for evaluating various BBIT protocols.
Measurement and analysis of nonhydrostatic lattice strain component in niobium to 145 GPa under various fluid pressure-transmitting media

The d spacings in niobium have been measured to 145 GPa with a diamond anvil cell using a fluid pressure-transmitting medium [methanol–ethanol–water (MEW) mixture, or helium]. The conventional geometry, wherein the primary x-ray beam passes parallel to the load axis with image plate, has been used to record the diffraction patterns. The analysis of the d spacings using the lattice strain equations indicates the presence of nonhydrostatic stress component (with both MEW and He pressure-transmitting media) in the pressure ranges that are well below the freezing pressure of the pressure-transmitting medium. A method to correct the measured d spacings for the nonhydrostatic pressure effect is suggested. This study clearly emphasizes the need to carefully analyze the data for the nonhydrostatic compression effects even if the experiments are performed with fluid pressure-transmitting medium.
Noninvasive Index of Cryorecovery and Growth Potential for Human Follicles In Vitro1

Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is commonly used to preserve fertility. However, women undergoing cancer treatment may not have the time or may not be good candidates for these options. Ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation and subsequent tissue transplant has been proven successful yet inefficient in preserving larger secondary follicles, and is not recommended as a fertility preservation option for women with certain cancers. We evaluated cryopreservation of individual follicles as an alternative option in rodents, nonhuman primates, and human primates. Under optimal conditions, cryopreserved mouse secondary follicles were able to reestablish granulosa cell-oocyte interactions, which are essential for subsequent follicle growth. Individual secondary follicles survived cryopreservation, were able to be cultured in a three-dimensional alginate hydrogel matrix to the antral stage, and the enclosed oocytes were competent for fertilization. Using a vital imaging technique (pol-scope) employed in many fertility centers, we were able to bioassay the thawed, cultured follicles for the presence of transzonal connections between the somatic and germ cells. Perturbations in these linkages were shown to be reversed when follicles were cryopreserved under optimal freezing conditions. We applied the optimized cryopreservation protocol to isolated rhesus monkey and human secondary follicles, and using the birefringent bioassay, we were able to show good correlation between early follicle growth and healthy somatic cell-oocyte connections. Our results suggest that ovarian follicles can be cryopreserved, thawed, and analyzed noninvasively, making follicle preservation an additional option for young cancer patients.
Solar-like differential rotation and equatorward migration in a convective dynamo with a coronal envelope

Abstract We present results of convective turbulent dynamo simulations including a coronal layer in a spherical wedge. We find an equatorward migration of the radial and azimuthal fields similar to the behavior of sunspots during the solar cycle. The migration of the field coexist with a spoke-like differential rotation and anti-solar (clockwise) meridional circulation. Even though the migration extends over the whole convection zone, the mechanism causing this is not yet fully understood.
The Influence of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction in Theme Parks Design of Taiwan

This study adopted E-Da Theme Park, a popular Taiwan theme park newly established in 2010, as a research case setting to explore the relationship between theme parks’ service quality and customer satisfaction. In addition, it also explored whether visitors’ satisfaction would be influenced by amusement parks’ service quality. By using a questionnaire survey, and regarding those tourists of E-Da Theme Park as a research object, this study explored the influence of the park’s service quality on its customer satisfaction. Research results showed that the aspects of a theme park’s service quality, including tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy, had a significant influence on customer satisfaction. Those research outcomes can be provided as a reference to theme park practitioners in terms of their management and operation planning, and draft appropriate strategies of service quality to improve customers’ satisfaction and create a better brand image of theme park.
Risk of developing multiple sclerosis after uncomplicated optic neuritis

We prospectively studied 60 white patients living in New England who presented with uncomplicated optic neuritis (ON) to determine the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The diagnoses of ON and MS were made solely on the basis of clinical criteria. Patients were followed for a mean of 14.9 years. Life table analysis indicated that 74% of the women and 34% of the men will have developed MS 15 years after their attack of ON. The risk of developing MS was 3. 4 times greater for women than for men. Onset of ON between the ages of 21 and 40 years may have had a modest effect in increasing the risk of developing MS. Recurrence of ON did not appear to affect the risk.
Leaving a Legacy: Position Imprints and Successor Turnover in Young Firms

This article considers how local firm histories influence individual turnover rates in organizations. We argue that position imprints—the legacies left by the first incumbents of particular functional positions—constrain subsequent position holders. We show that the functional experience of the person who creates a position influences the turnover rate of successors who later occupy that position. When the first position holder has an atypical background, all successors experience high turnover rates. Individuals who are both typical with respect to the normative environment and similar to the position imprint have the lowest turnover rates. Surprisingly, we find lower turnover rates among individuals who match the position imprint even if they violate normative expectations. Thus, contrary to institutional theory predictions, we find that local firm histories dominate. In revealing how social structures emerge within firms and affect individual outcomes, our research revisits core topics of bureaucratization and organizational stratification including idiosyncratic jobs, occupational segregation, and differential mobility. In addition, we integrate structuralist and interactionist perspectives on role theory by considering how roles are created. Finally, in demonstrating the effects of position imprints on successor mobility we add a temporal dimension to theories of turnover.
Mindfulness-based Intervention for Female Adolescents with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility of a randomized-controlled trial measuring the impact of an adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in female adolescents with chronic pain. METHODS This was a single center, single-blind, prospective, experimental, longitudinal trial conducted in a pediatric tertiary care center. Participants had a history of chronic pain during at least three months. They were randomized into an intervention group or a wait-list control group. Both groups successively followed an adapted eight-week MBI designed specifically for adolescents with chronic pain. Pre-determined criteria were established to assess the feasibility, validity and acceptability of the study model. Data evaluating changes in quality of life, depression, anxiety, pain perception, psychological distress and salivary cortisol were collected throughout the 4-month study period. RESULTS Nineteen female participants completed the study and had a mean age of 15.8 years (range 13.9 -17.8). Attrition rate was low (17%). Attendance to mindfulness sessions (84%) and compliance to study protocol (100%) were high. All participants reported a positive change in the way they coped with pain. No changes in quality of life, depression, anxiety, pain perception, and psychological distress were detected. Significant reductions in pre-and post-mindfulness session salivary cortisol levels were observed (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness is a promising therapeutic approach for which limited data exist in adolescents with chronic pain. Our study indicates the feasibility of conducting such interventions in teenage girls. A large trial is needed to demonstrate the efficacy and bio-physiological impacts of MBIs in teenagers with chronic pain.