Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Response of Playa and Sabkha Hydraulics and Mineralogy to Climate Forcing

Dry playa lakes and sabkhat often represent the terminus of large ground water flow systems and act as integrators of both upgradient (recharge) and downgradient discharge (evaporation). Ground water levels beneath playa/sabkha systems show a variety of surprising responses driven by large evaporation demands and chemical processes not typically encountered in more humid regions. When the water table is very close to the land surface, almost instantaneous rises can be observed with little observed change in either upgradient ground water recharge or potential evaporation. Conversely, when water tables are several meters below the playa surface, water table responses to interannual variability of recharge can be damped and lag significantly behind such changes. This review of the dynamics of shallow water tables in playa lakes and sabkhat discusses the pertinent hydraulic and solute processes and extracts a simple but comprehensive model based on soil physics for predicting the water table response to either upstream recharge changes or changes in potential evaporation at the playa/sabkha. Solutes and associated authigenic minerals are also shown to be important in discriminating both the causes and effects of water level fluctuations.
Nonlinear optical properties of a gold-silica composite with high gold fill fraction and the sign change of its nonlinear absorption coefficient

We study the intensity-dependent absorption coefficient of gold-silica composites as a function of fill fraction at frequencies near the plasmon resonance. The samples we have studied act as saturable absorbers at all wavelengths and all fill fractions, whereas pure gold is an optical limiter. We provide an explanation based on the intensity-dependent damping of the surface plasmon for this reversal of the sign of the nonlinear absorption.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of AMG 102, a Fully Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor–Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody, in a First-in-Human Study of Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Purpose: The aims were to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, maximum tolerated dose, and antitumor activity of AMG 102, a fully human hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF)–neutralizing monoclonal antibody, in patients with solid tumors. Experimental Design: Patients (N = 40) with refractory advanced solid tumors were enrolled into six sequential dose-escalation cohorts (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg AMG 102 i.v. every 2 weeks) and a dose-expansion cohort (20 mg/kg AMG 102 every 2 weeks). Safety, anti–AMG 102 antibody formation, pharmacokinetics, tumor response, and exploratory biomarkers were assessed. Results: AMG 102 was well tolerated up to the planned maximum dose of 20 mg/kg, and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Treatment-related adverse events were generally mild and included fatigue (13%), constipation (8%), nausea (8%), vomiting (5%), anorexia (5%), myalgia (5%), and hypertension (5%). Two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities: one patient (0.5 mg/kg cohort) experienced grade 3 hypoxia and grade 3 dyspnea and one patient (1 mg/kg cohort) experienced grade 3 upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. No anti–AMG 102 antibodies were detected, and AMG 102 had linear pharmacokinetics within the dose range investigated. Sixteen of 23 (70%) evaluable patients had a best response of stable disease with progression-free survival ranging from 7.9 to 40 weeks. Circulating levels of the biomarker HGF/SF (bound and unbound) increased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas soluble c-Met concentrations were generally similar across doses. Conclusions: AMG 102 is safe and well tolerated, has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and will be further investigated as a monotherapy and in combination with other agents. Clin Cancer Res; 16(2); 699–710
Expression of individual Ia specificities on T and B cells. I. Studies with mitogen-induced blast cells

Ia specificities 1-10 were detected on LPS-stimulated splenic lymphocytes and on Con A-stimulated spleen, lymph node, and thymus blasts by direct cytotoxic tests. Since Ia antigens are not readily detectable on resting thymocytes, our results suggest that T cells require some signal before they exhibit full expression of Ia specificities. Absorption-elution studies indicated that most of the Ia specificities detected on T and B cells may be identical. Ia antigens detected by homologous antisera gave much stronger reactions than those detected by cross-reacting antisera.
The Kappa Opioid Receptor: From Addiction to Depression, and Back

Comorbidity is a major issue in psychiatry that notably associates with more severe symptoms, longer illness duration, and higher service utilization. Therefore, identifying key clusters of comorbidity and exploring the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms represent important steps toward improving mental health care. In the present review, we focus on the frequent association between addiction and depression. In particular, we summarize the large body of evidence from preclinical models indicating that the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), a member of the opioid neuromodulatory system, represents a central player in the regulation of both reward and mood processes. Current data suggest that the KOR modulates overlapping neuronal networks linking brainstem monoaminergic nuclei with forebrain limbic structures. Rewarding properties of both drugs of abuse and natural stimuli, as well as the neurobiological effects of stressful experiences, strongly interact at the level of KOR signaling. In addiction models, activity of the KOR is potentiated by stressors and critically controls drug-seeking and relapse. In depression paradigms, KOR signaling is responsive to a variety of stressors, and mediates despair-like responses. Altogether, the KOR represents a prototypical substrate of comorbidity, whereby life experiences converge upon common brain mechanisms to trigger behavioral dysregulation and increased risk for distinct but interacting psychopathologies.
Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor: Identification and Mechanisms of Action in Human Subcutaneous Resistance Arteries

BackgroundBoth a vascular endothelial cytochrome P450 (CYP450) product of arachidonic acid metabolism and the potassium ion (K+) have been identified as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs) in animal vascular tissues. We studied the relative importance of EDHF, nitric oxide (NO), and prostacyclin (PGI2) as vasodilators in human subcutaneous arteries. We also examined the mechanisms underlying the vasodilator action of EDHF to elucidate its identity. Methods and ResultsSubcutaneous resistance arteries were obtained from 41 healthy volunteers. The contribution of EDHF to the vasodilation induced by acetylcholine was assessed by inhibiting production of NO, PGI2, and membrane hyperpolarization. The mechanisms underlying the relaxation evoked by K+ and EDHF were elucidated. EDHF was found to account for ≈80% of acetylcholine-mediated vasorelaxation. Its action was insensitive to the combination of barium and ouabain, whereas barium and ouabain reversed K+-mediated vasorelaxation. EDHF-mediated vasorelaxation, however, was sensitive to the phospholipase A2 inhibitor oleyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and the CYP450 inhibitor ketoconazole. ConclusionsEDHF is the major contributor to endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in human subcutaneous resistance arteries. A product of phospholipase A2/CYP450-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid and not K+ is the likely identity of EDHF in human subcutaneous resistance arteries.
Canagliflozin Compared With Sitagliptin for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Who Do Not Have Adequate Glycemic Control With Metformin Plus Sulfonylurea

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, compared with sitagliptin in subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin plus sulfonylurea. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this 52-week, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 3 study, subjects using stable metformin plus sulfonylurea (N = 755) received canagliflozin 300 mg or sitagliptin 100 mg daily. Primary end point was change from baseline in A1C at 52 weeks. Secondary end points included change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and systolic blood pressure (BP), and percent change in body weight, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. Safety was assessed based on adverse event (AE) reports. RESULTS At 52 weeks, canagliflozin 300 mg demonstrated noninferiority and, in a subsequent assessment, showed superiority to sitagliptin 100 mg in reducing A1C (−1.03% [−11.3 mmol/mol] and −0.66% [−7.2 mmol/mol], respectively; least squares mean difference between groups, −0.37% [95% CI, −0.50 to −0.25] or −4.0 mmol/mol [−5.5 to −2.7]). Greater reductions in FPG, body weight, and systolic BP were observed with canagliflozin versus sitagliptin (P < 0.001). Overall AE rates were similar with canagliflozin (76.7%) and sitagliptin (77.5%); incidence of serious AEs and AE-related discontinuations was low for both groups. Higher incidences of genital mycotic infections and osmotic diuresis–related AEs were observed with canagliflozin, which led to one discontinuation. Hypoglycemia rates were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that canagliflozin may be a new therapeutic tool providing better improvement in glycemic control and body weight reduction than sitagliptin, but with increased genital infections in subjects with type 2 diabetes using metformin plus sulfonylurea.
Body-Machine Interfaces after Spinal Cord Injury: Rehabilitation and Brain Plasticity

The purpose of this study was to identify rehabilitative effects and changes in white matter microstructure in people with high-level spinal cord injury following bilateral upper-extremity motor skill training. Five subjects with high-level (C5–C6) spinal cord injury (SCI) performed five visuo-spatial motor training tasks over 12 sessions (2–3 sessions per week). Subjects controlled a two-dimensional cursor with bilateral simultaneous movements of the shoulders using a non-invasive inertial measurement unit-based body-machine interface. Subjects’ upper-body ability was evaluated before the start, in the middle and a day after the completion of training. MR imaging data were acquired before the start and within two days of the completion of training. Subjects learned to use upper-body movements that survived the injury to control the body-machine interface and improved their performance with practice. Motor training increased Manual Muscle Test scores and the isometric force of subjects’ shoulders and upper arms. Moreover, motor training increased fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the cingulum of the left hemisphere by 6.02% on average, indicating localized white matter microstructure changes induced by activity-dependent modulation of axon diameter, myelin thickness or axon number. This body-machine interface may serve as a platform to develop a new generation of assistive-rehabilitative devices that promote the use of, and that re-strengthen, the motor and sensory functions that survived the injury.
Online interprofessional learning: The student experience

Health and social care students in a faculty in the United Kingdom learn together in an interprofessional module through online discussion boards. The module assessment encourages engagement with technology and with group members through peer review. An evaluation of student experience of the module gathered data from 48 students participating in 10 online groups. Analysis of contributions to discussion boards, and transcripts of interviews with 20 students revealed differing levels of participation between individuals and groups. Many students were apprehensive about the technology and there were different views about the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. Students interacted in a supportive manner. Group leadership was seen as associated with maintaining motivation to complete work on time. Students reported benefiting from the peer review process but were uncomfortable with critiquing each other's work. Sensitivity about group process may have inhibited the level of critical debate. Nevertheless the module brought together students from different professions and different sites. Examples of sharing professional knowledge demonstrated successful interprofessional collaboration online.
Model-based Analysis of Effects of Systolic Blood Pressure on Frequency Characteristics of the Second Heart Sound

Previous studies have shown that it is possible to estimate pulmonary and systemic blood pressure using the spectral information of the second heart sound. A mathematical model for the vibration of the closed aortic valve is proposed in the paper with the introduction of the nonlinear elasticity of the aortic wall tissue. Based on the parametric analysis, the effect of the aortic blood pressure at the moment of valve closure on vibration of aortic valve and produced sound is examined. The simulation results show that the increasing aortic pressure results in an increase in frequency and amplitude of produced sound. The results of this study also suggest that it is the increasing resonant frequency of the blood column induced by elevated distending pressure that plays significant role in the process. The application of the modeling study could be extended to interpret the relations of the second heart sound to pulmonary blood pressure
Volcanic hydrothermal systems as potential analogues of Martian sulphate-rich terrains

Abstract Remote sensing observations and rover missions have documented the presence of sulphate-rich mineral associations on Mars. Many of these minerals are paleo-indicators of hydrous, acidic and oxidising environments that must have prevailed in Mars´ distant past, contrary to the present conditions. Furthermore, occurrences of silica together with high Cl and Br concentrations in Martian soils and rocks represent fingerprints of chemically atypical fluids involved in processes operating on the surface or at shallow depth. From field observations at representative active volcanoes in subduction settings, supported by geochemical modelling, we demonstrate that volcanic hydrothermal systems are capable of producing Mars-like secondary mineral assemblages near lakes, springs and fumaroles through the action of acidic fluids. Water–gas-rock interactions, together with localised flow paths of water and fumarolic gas emitted from associated subaerial vents, lead to deposition of a range of sulphates, including gypsum, jarosite, alunite, epsomite and silica. Evaporation, vapour separation and fluid mixing in (near-) surface environments with strong gradients in temperature and fluid chemistry further promote the diversity of secondary minerals. The mineralogical and chemical marks are highly variable in space and time, being subject to fluctuations in ambient conditions as well as to changes in the status of volcanic-hydrothermal activity. It is concluded that active processes in modern volcanic-geothermal systems may be akin to those that created several of the sulphate-rich terrains in the early history of Mars.
Design and Evaluation of a Low-Latency AVB Ethernet Endpoint Based on ARM SoC

Communication requirements in automotive electronics are steadily increasing. To satisfy this demand and enable future automotive embedded architectures, new interconnect technologies are needed. Audio Video Bridging (AVB) Ethernet is a promising candidate to accomplish this as it features timesensitive and synchronous communication in combination with high bit rates. However, there is a lack of commercial products as well as research regarding AVB-capable system-on-chips (SoCs). In this paper, we investigate how and at what cost a legacy Ethernet MAC can be enhanced into an AVB Ethernet controller. Using FPGA prototyping and a real system based on an ARM Cortex-A9 SoC running Linux, we conducted a series of experiments to evaluate important performance metrics and to validate our design decisions. We achieved frame release latencies of less than 6 μs and time-synchronization with an endpoint-induced inaccuracy of up to 8 μs.
Usefulness of video-EEG in the paediatric emergency department

Over the past two decades the EEG has technically improved from the use of analog to digital machines and more recently to video-EEG systems. Despite these advances, recording a technically acceptable EEG in an electrically hostile environment such as the emergency department (ED) remains a challenge, particularly with infants or young children. In 1996, a meeting of French experts established a set of guidelines for performing an EEG in the ED based on a review of the available literature. The authors highlighted the most suitable indications for an emergency EEG including clinical suspicion of cerebral death, convulsive and myoclonic status epilepticus, focal or generalized relapsing convulsive seizures as well as follow-up of known convulsive patients. They further recommended emergency EEG in the presence of doubt regarding the epileptic nature of the presentation as well as during the initiation or modification of sedation following brain injury. Subsequently, proposals for expanding the use of EEG in emergency patients have been advocated including trauma, vascular and anoxic-ischemic injury due to cardiorespiratory arrest, postinfective encephalopathy and nonconvulsive status epilepticus. The aim of this review is to show the diagnostic importance of video-EEG, as well as highlighting the predictive prognostic factors for positive and negative outcomes, when utilized in the pediatric ED for seizures as well as other neurological presentations.
Final solutions : mass killing and genocide in the twentieth century

Acknowledgments -- Introduction: mass killing in historical and theoretical perspective -- Ch. 1. Mass killing and genocide - - Ch. 2. The perpetrators and the public -- Ch. 3. The strategic logic of mass killing -- Ch. 4. Communist mass killings: the Soviet Union, China, and Cambodia -- Ch. 5. Ethnic mass killings: Turkish Armenia, Nazi Germany, and Rwanda -- Ch. 6. Counterguerrilla mass killings: Guatemala and Afghanistan -- Conclusion: anticipating and preventing mass killing -- Notes -- Index
Master's Thesis : Deep Learning for Visual Recognition

The goal of our research is to develop methods advancing automatic visual recognition. In order to predict the unique or multiple labels associated to an image, we study different kind of Deep Neural Networks architectures and methods for supervised features learning. We first draw up a state-of-the-art review of the Convolutional Neural Networks aiming to understand the history behind this family of statistical models, the limit of modern architectures and the novel techniques currently used to train deep CNNs. The originality of our work lies in our approach focusing on tasks with a low amount of data. We introduce different models and techniques to achieve the best accuracy on several kind of datasets, such as a medium dataset of food recipes (100k images) for building a web API, or a small dataset of satellite images (6,000) for the DSG online challenge that we've won. We also draw up the state-of-the-art in Weakly Supervised Learning, introducing different kind of CNNs able to localize regions of interest. Our last contribution is a framework, build on top of Torch7, for training and testing deep models on any visual recognition tasks and on datasets of any scale.
Abscisic acid accumulation maintains maize primary root elongation at low water potentials by restricting ethylene production.

Previous work showed that primary root elongation in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings at low water potentials (psi(w)) requires the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) (R.E. Sharp, Y. Wu, G.S. Voetberg, I.N. Saab, M.E. LeNoble [1994] J Exp Bot 45: 1743-1751). The objective of the present study was to determine whether the inhibition of elongation in ABA-deficient roots is attributable to ethylene. At a psi(w) of -1.6 MPa, inhibition of root elongation in dark-grown seedlings treated with fluridone to impose ABA deficiency was largely prevented with two inhibitors of ethylene synthesis (aminooxyacetic acid and aminoethoxyvinylglycine) and one inhibitor of ethylene action (silver thiosulfate). The fluridone treatment caused an increase in the rate of ethylene evolution from intact seedlings. This effect was completely prevented with aminooxyacetic acid and also when ABA was supplied at a concentration that restored the ABA content of the root elongation zone and the root elongation rate. Consistent results were obtained when ABA deficiency was imposed using the vp5 mutant. Both fluridone-treated and vp5 roots exhibited additional morphological symptoms of excess ethylene. The results demonstrate that an important role of ABA accumulation in the maintenance of root elongation at low psi(w) is to restrict ethylene production.
Insulating property of polypropylene nanocomposites filled with nano-MgO of different concentration

Polypropylene (PP) has special advantages in replacing conventional crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) to be insulation material of power cable. In order to reveal the effects of nano-filler addition on PP, five kinds of experiments, namely TEM, DSC, breakdown strengths (BDs), space charge and dielectric measurement were investigated to evaluate the insulating properties of PP and its nanocomposites with surface-treated nano-MgO of different concentration. It is revealed that, with the addition of nano-MgO, favorable dispersibility of nano-filler and significant increase of crystallinity of polymer are observed. BDs under dc voltage increase apparently with loading of nano MgO, but when the nano concentration reaches higher than 1 wt%, the BDs have a slight decline compared with 1 wt%. It is clarified that space charge and electric field distortion are well restricted with the addition of nano-MgO, while this effect is not obvious with the nano concentration reaches 6 wt%. Permittivity has trends of increase with the rise of temperature at first and then decrease when the temperature reaches about 333 K, and the addition of nano-filler MgO could also decrease permittivity. When the nano-filler concentration reaches high, dielectric loss increases to a high level. Low nano-filler concentration in MgO/PP shows better electrical insulation properties compared with PP and high nano-filler concentration composites.