Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Wide-Field Hubble Space Telescope Study of the Cluster Cl 0024+16 at z = 0.4. I. Morphological Distributions to 5 Mpc Radius

We describe a new wide-field Hubble Space Telescope survey of the galaxy cluster Cl 0024+16 (z ≈ 0.4) consisting of a sparsely sampled mosaic of 39 Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images that extends to a cluster radius of ~5 Mpc. Together with extensive ground-based spectroscopy taken from the literature, augmented with over a hundred newly determined redshifts, this unique data set enables us to examine environmental influences on the properties of cluster members from the inner core to well beyond the virial radius (~1.7 Mpc). We catalog photometric measures for 22,000 objects to I ≳ 25 and assign morphological types for 2181 to I = 22.5, of which 195 are spectroscopically confirmed cluster members. We examine both the morphology-radius (T-R) and morphology-density (T-Σ) relations and demonstrate sensitivities adequate for measures from the core to a radius of ~5 Mpc, spanning over 3 decades in local projected density. The fraction of early-type galaxies declines steeply from the cluster center to 1 Mpc radius and more gradually thereafter, asymptoting toward the field value at the periphery. We discuss our results in the context of three distinct cluster zones, defined according to different physical processes that may be effective in transforming galaxy morphology in each. By treating infalling galaxies as isolated test particles, we deduce that the most likely processes responsible for the mild gradient in the morphological mix outside the virial radius are harassment and starvation. Although more data are needed to pin down the exact mechanisms, starvation seems more promising in that it would naturally explain the stellar and dynamical homogeneity of cluster E/S0s. However, we find significant scatter in the local density at any given radius outside ~0.5 Mpc and that the same T-Σ relation holds in subregions of the cluster, independent of location. In this hitherto unprobed region, where the potential of the cluster is weak, galaxies apparently retain their identities as members of infalling subgroups whose characteristic morphological properties remain intact. Only upon arrival in the central regions is the substructure erased, as indicated by the tight correlation between cluster radius and Σ.
Patch-Based Video Denoising With Optical Flow Estimation

A novel image sequence denoising algorithm is presented. The proposed approach takes advantage of the self-similarity and redundancy of adjacent frames. The algorithm is inspired by fusion algorithms, and as the number of frames increases, it tends to a pure temporal average. The use of motion compensation by regularized optical flow methods permits robust patch comparison in a spatiotemporal volume. The use of principal component analysis ensures the correct preservation of fine texture and details. An extensive comparison with the state-of-the-art methods illustrates the superior performance of the proposed approach, with improved texture and detail reconstruction.
Maximization of the Mechanical Properties of Birch-Polypropylene Composites with Additives by Statistical Experimental Design

A systematic study of effects of concentrations of maleated polypropylene (MAPP), dicumyl peroxide (DCP), Nanoblend concentrate (MB1001) and birch fibers on the mechanical properties of birch-polypropylene (PP) composite was undertaken with the objective to protect or increase the impact strength without losing tensile strength. Using Stagraphic Plus, the Central Composite Design made it possible to determine the optimum concentrations of additives and to maximize both the impact as well as tensile properties to reach values well above that of virgin PP.
Exploiting the Secondary Codes to Improve Signal Acquisition Performance in Galileo Receivers

In GNSS, longer integrations are required to obtain better signal-to-noise ratio during the signal synchronization process. However the presence of secondary codes on the top of primary codes puts a constraint on the coherent integration duration for pilot channels in a similar way to the effect of data bits in data-carrying channels. In this paper we explore the problem of coherent integration over periods longer than one primary code length and the acquisition of secondary code chip position. We propose an acquisition engine architecture which can handle both these problems together.
Pancreas Transplantation From Donors After Circulatory Death From the United Kingdom

This study reports the comparative short‐term results of pancreas transplantation from donors after circulatory death (DCD) (Maastricht III & IV), and pancreases from brainstem deceased donors (DBD). Between January 2006 and December 2010, 1009 pancreas transplants were performed in the United Kingdom, with 134 grafts from DCD and 875 from DBD. DCD grafts had no premortem pharmacological interventions performed. One‐year pancreas and patient survival was similar between DCD and DBD, with pancreas graft survival significantly better in the DCD cohort if performed as an SPK. Early graft loss due to thrombosis (8% vs. 4%) was mainly responsible for early graft loss in the DCD cohort. These results from donors with broader acceptance criteria in age, body mass index, premortem interventions, etc. suggest that DCD pancreas grafts may have a larger application potential than previously recognized.
Gate sizing by lagrangian relaxation revisited

In this paper, we formulate the generalized convex sizing (GCS) problem that unifies and generalizes the sizing problems. We revisit the approach to solve the sizing problem by Lagrangian relaxation, point out several misunderstandings in the previous works, and extend the approach to handle general convex delay functions in the GCS problems. We identify a class of proper GCS problems whose objective functions in the simplified dual problem are differentiable and show many practical sizing problems, including the simultaneous sizing and clock skew optimization problem, are proper. We design an algorithm based on the method of feasible directions to solve proper GCS problems. The algorithm will provide evidences for infeasible GCS problems according to a condition derived by us. Experimental results confirm the efficiency and the effectiveness of our algorithm when the Elmore delay model is used.
Effects of quercetin on polychlorinated biphenyls-induced liver injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), used as pesticides in agriculture, can lead to irreversible injuries in living organisms, particularly in liver. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the liver pathogenesis induced by different molecules, including PCBs. It has been demonstrated that quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid found in the diet, exhibits a potent antioxidant effect in different liver pathologies. OBJECTIVE To evaluate oxidative stress caused by PCBs in liver and the antioxidant activity of quercetin. METHODOLOGY We used male Wistar rats (n = 36), divided in 4 groups: control, quercetin (50 mg/kg/day), PCBs (0.4 ml/kg/day), and rats treated with both PCBs and quercetin. On day 25 blood was collected to assess liver integrity (enzymes AST, ALT and ALP), and liver samples to measure oxidative stress (TBARS), activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and DNA damage (micronucleus assay), and histological damage. RESULTS TBARS concentration and SOD activity were significantly higher in PCBs animals as compared to the PCB group receiving quercetin. CAT and GPx decreased in PCBs and increased when quercetin was added. The histological analysis showed damage to hepatocytes in PCBs, but quercetin was able to afford protection against such damage. The micronucleus test showed there was an increase in the production of microclenucleus compared to control, and quercetin was able to reduce this effect. CONCLUSION Contamination with PCBs led to increased lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, and the use of antioxidant quercetin was effective in reducing PCBs-induced liver injury.
Functional connectivity of the main intercalated nucleus of the mouse amygdala

Non‐technical summary The amygdala plays a key role in the formation and storage of memories associated with emotions. Recently, so‐called intercalated clusters of GABAergic neurons in the amygdala have been shown to play an important role in emotional regulation attracting broad interest. We report here novel information on the largest of the intercalated cluster called the main intercalated nucleus of amygdala. Specifically, we study the anatomy, physiology, connectivity and responses to the neuromodulator dopamine of the neurons with the soma in this nucleus. Our results imply that the main intercalated nucleus of the mouse amygdala can participate in the emotional processing.
Benchmarking of a Real-Time System that utilises a booster

Application speedups can be achieved by speeding up the hardware, e.g. by utilising an Operating System co-processor. The paper present results from a comparison of executing benchmark programs on a system with and without a coprocessor, but which otherwise are identical. The observed speedup is mostly due to the fact that there is no need for clock tick administration, in the system with co-processor, and that the booster scheduler is faster than the software based one. In general the system calls are faster without the coprocessor for the benchmark considered in this paper. This is mostly due to the slow bus accesses when communicating with the co-processor.
The Indentation Behaviour of Carbon Fibre Composite Tubes-Experiments & Modelling

Metallic tubes have been extensively studied for their crashworthiness as they closely resemble automotive crash rails. Recently, the demand to produce lighter weight, yet safer vehicles has led to the need to understand the crash behaviour of novel materials, such as fibre reinforced polymer composites, metallic foams and sandwich structures. This paper discusses the static indentation response of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) tubes. The side impact on a CFRP tube involves various failure mechanisms. This paper highlights these mechanisms and compares the energy absorption of CFRP tubes with similar Aluminium tubes. The response of the CFRP tubes during bending was modelled using ABAQUS finite element software with a composite fabric material model. The material inputs were given based on standard tension and compression test results and the in-plane damage was defined based on cyclic shear tests. The failure modes and energy absorption observed during the tests were well represented by the finite element model.
Rectal and parenteral paracetamol, and paracetamol in combination with NSAIDs, for postoperative analgesia.

BACKGROUND We have reviewed the analgesic efficacies of rectal and parenteral paracetamol and tested the evidence for a possible additive analgesic effect of the combination of paracetamol with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in postoperative pain. METHODS Randomized controlled trials were evaluated. Outcome measures were pain scores and demand for supplementary analgesia. RESULTS Eight studies compared rectal paracetamol with placebo. One study of single-dose administration of rectal paracetamol 40-60 mg kg(-1) and three studies of repeat dosing with 14-20 mg kg(-1) showed significant analgesic efficacy, while studies of a single dose of 10-20 mg kg(-1) were negative. Ten studies compared parenteral paracetamol with placebo and eight studies showed improved pain relief with paracetamol. Of the nine studies comparing paracetamol with a combination of paracetamol and an NSAID, six studies showed improved pain relief for the combination while only two of the six studies comparing an NSAID with a combination of an NSAID and paracetamol showed improved pain relief for the combination. CONCLUSIONS Considering the few studies available, evidence was found of a clinically relevant analgesic effect of rectal and parenteral paracetamol. Concurrent use of paracetamol and an NSAID was superior to paracetamol alone but no evidence was found of superior analgesic effect of the combination compared with the NSAID alone.
Mutations of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene in Iranian Azeri Turkish patients with phenylketonuria.

AIM Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency is caused by mutations in the PAH gene resulting in a primary deficiency of the PAH enzyme activity, intolerance to the dietary intake of phenylalanine (Phe), and production of the phenylketonuria disease. To date there have been no reports on the molecular analysis of phenylketonuria in the Iranian Azeri Turkish population. In this study, a total of 88 independent alleles from this ethnic group were investigated. RESULTS Thirteen different mutations have been detected, which account for 75% of the total mutant alleles. Two mutations were found at high frequencies: IVS10-11G>A (19.3%) and P281L (19.3%), possibly due to consanguinity and genetic drift, among other factors. The frequencies of the other mutations were c. 590_612del (5.7%), R261Q (5.7%), R261X (4.5%), R243X (4.5%), IVS2+5G>C (3.4%), IVS4+1G>A (3.4%), R158Q (2.3%), E280K (2.3%), G247D (2.3%), IVS11+1G>C (1.1%), and R270K (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS These intriguing preliminary findings confirm IVS10-11G>A as a major mutation among Mediterranean mutations. For this population, exons 7 and 11 and adjacent introns, which carry more than 75% of the mutations, would have to be primarily screened. However, the other exons must be studied when either one or no mutations are found in the primary screening. The mutation spectrum in the patients with Azeri Turkish ethnic origin differed from that observed in patients from other Mediterranean countries and further defined the molecular heterogeneity of this disease.
Sintering behaviour, mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance of alkaline earth doped lanthanum gallate

In the present paper, the effects of the mixed powders prepared from solid state reaction method and glycine–nitrate combustion technique on properties of electrolyte, including sintering behaviour, mechanical property and electrical conductivity, were investigated. The results denoted that the relative density, the flexural strength and the electrical conductivity decreased with increasing powder content prepared by the glycine–nitrate combustion technique. The fracture mode also changed from intergranular to transgranular. The thermal shock resistance was also studied. The results denoted that Sr- and Mg doped lanthanum gallate had a weak thermal shock resistance. The phase constitution was conducted by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The microstructure was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the electrical conductivity was measured using impedance analyser.
Association between periodontal disease and stroke

Periodontal disease is an inﬂammatory disorder and characterized by the destruction of periodontal support tissue which consists of gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. About 70% of all Japanese people suf-fered from some degree of periodontal disease. It was traditionally thought that systemic illness such as blood disease, developmental disease, metabolic disorder, and infection aggravated periodontal condition. However, scientiﬁc stud-ies regarding the association between oral condition and whole body showed that periodontal disease deeply influ-ences cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, respiratory dysfunction, and preterm low birth weight. It was also reported that patients with periodontal disease had high risk of fatal coronary vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke in comparison to healthy subjects. Periodontal disease increases CRP level in blood and promotes the development of atherosclerotic plaque, which might connect periodontal disease to cardiovascular disease such as stroke. は明らかである．歯周病の予防が，脳卒中をはじめとし
COPD exacerbation frequency and its association with health care resource utilization and costs

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations account for a substantial proportion of COPD-related costs. Objective To describe COPD exacerbation patterns and assess the association between exacerbation frequency and health care resource utilization (HCRU) and costs in patients with COPD in a Medicare population. Methods A retrospective cohort study utilizing data from a large US national health plan was conducted including patients with a COPD diagnosis during January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012, aged 40–89 years and continuously enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan. Exacerbation frequency, HCRU, and costs were assessed during a 24-month period following the first COPD diagnosis (follow-up period). Four cohorts were created based on exacerbation frequency (zero, one, two, and ≥three). HCRU and costs were compared among the four cohorts using chi-square tests and analysis of variance, respectively. A trend analysis was performed to assess the association between exacerbation frequency and costs using generalized linear models. Results Of the included 52,459 patients, 44.3% had at least one exacerbation; 26.3%, 9.5%, and 8.5% had one, two, and ≥three exacerbations in the 24-month follow-up period, respectively. HCRU was significantly different among cohorts (all P<0.001). In patients with zero, one, two, and ≥three exacerbations, the percentages of patients experiencing all-cause hospitalizations were 49.7%, 66.4%, 69.7%, and 77.8%, respectively, and those experiencing COPD-related hospitalizations were 0%, 40.4%, 48.1%, and 60.5%, respectively. Mean all-cause total costs (medical and pharmacy) were more than twofold greater in patients with ≥three exacerbations compared to patients with zero exacerbations ($27,133 vs $56,033; P<0.001), whereas a greater than sevenfold difference was observed in mean COPD-related total costs ($1,605 vs $12,257; P<0.001). Conclusion COPD patients frequently experience exacerbations. Increasing exacerbation frequency is associated with a multiplicative increase in all-cause and COPD-related costs. This underscores the importance of identifying COPD patients at risk of having frequent exacerbations for appropriate disease management.
Reversed Processes of Multiple Agent Cooperations

The Reversed Compound Agent Theorem (RCAT) is a compositional result that uses Markovian process algebra (MPA) to derive the reversed process of a cooperation between two agents. The equilibrium state probability distribution follows directly from a reversed process, resulting in a product-form solution for the joint state probabilities. This paper generalizes RCAT to multiple (more than two) cooperating agents. This greatly reduces the complexity of applying the original RCAT in multiple agent cooperations, removing the need for multiple applications and inductive proofs. The principle advantage is the potential of mechanically applying Multiple Agents RCAT to complicated networks, such as G-networks and BCMP networks, giving automated proofs of product-forms.
Screening for people with glucose metabolism disorders within the framework of the DEMOJUAN project (DEMOnstration area for primary prevention of type 2 diabetes, JUAN Mina and Barranquilla, Colombia).

BACKGROUND Until now, no systematic screening for T2D or prevention activities targeting T2D has been implemented in Colombia. The aims of this study were i) describe the feasibility of implementing the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) as a screening tool for glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) in the primary health care system in Barranquilla in Colombia during 2011 and 2012, and ii) to describe the risk factors for T2D in the population screened. METHODS This screening was opportunistic among people aged 34-60 years living in five primary health care catchment areas in Barranquilla, Colombia. People with 13 or more FINDRISC points were invited to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS Out of 14193 participants with the FINDRISC completed, 35% (n=4915) had a score of 13 points or higher (men 23%, women 40%). Among those with FINDRISC completed, the percentage of people with BMI<25 kg/m2 was 46% in men and 35% in women. The prevalence of screen-detected T2D was 18% in men and 12% in women, respectively, among those with FINDRISC >12 attending an OGTT. In both sexes the prevalence of isolated IGT, isolated IFG, and IFG and IGT combined were 8%, 11%, and 8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In total, 2% of all 14 193 screened participants had undetected T2D and 7% GMD. This figure would potentially be 4.6% (T2D), respectively 15% (GMD) if all with a FINDRISC>12 attend the OGTT. Thus, we found the FINDRISC to be a useful tool to identify people with GMD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The meaning of spikes from the neuron’s point of view: predictive homeostasis generates the appearance of randomness

The conventional interpretation of spikes is from the perspective of an external observer with knowledge of a neuron’s inputs and outputs who is ignorant of the contents of the “black box” that is the neuron. Here we consider a neuron to be an observer and we interpret spikes from the neuron’s perspective. We propose both a descriptive hypothesis based on physics and logic, and a prescriptive hypothesis based on biological optimality. Our descriptive hypothesis is that a neuron’s membrane excitability is “known” and the amplitude of a future excitatory postsynaptic conductance (EPSG) is “unknown”. Therefore excitability is an expectation of EPSG amplitude and a spike is generated only when EPSG amplitude exceeds its expectation (“prediction error”). Our prescriptive hypothesis is that a diversity of synaptic inputs and voltage-regulated ion channels implement “predictive homeostasis”, working to insure that the expectation is accurate. The homeostatic ideal and optimal expectation would be achieved when an EPSP reaches precisely to spike threshold, so that spike output is exquisitely sensitive to small variations in EPSG input. To an external observer who knows neither EPSG amplitude nor membrane excitability, spikes would appear random if the neuron is making accurate predictions. We review experimental evidence that spike probabilities are indeed maintained near an average of 0.5 under natural conditions, and we suggest that the same principles may also explain why synaptic vesicle release appears to be “stochastic”. Whereas the present hypothesis accords with principles of efficient coding dating back to Barlow (1961), it contradicts decades of assertions that neural activity is substantially “random” or “noisy”. The apparent randomness is by design, and like many other examples of apparent randomness, it corresponds to the ignorance of external macroscopic observers about the detailed inner workings of a microscopic system.
Progressive failure monitoring of E-glass/vinylester curve composites using embedded FBG sensors

In this paper, we report our recent work in an application of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in progressive failure monitoring of E-glass/vinylester top-hat stiffener (THS) composites. FBG sensor arrays were embedded at strategic points within the THS to monitor the onset and progress of failure modes as the THS undergone a transverse loading. Techniques to embed FBGs in-situ during composite structure fabrication are developed. Our experiments demonstrated that key structural failure information can be obtained from the analysis and assessment of data, such as average strain, strain gradient and full spectrum measurements, collected by the embedded FBG sensors.