Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fictitious Domain Method with Mixed Finite Elements for Elastodynamics

We consider in this paper the wave scattering problem by an object with Neumann boundary conditions in an anisotropic elastic body. To obtain an efficient numerical method (permitting the use of regular grids) we follow a fictitious domain approach coupled with a first order velocity stress formulation for elastodynamics. We first observe that the method does not always converge when the $Q_1^{\rm div}-Q_0$ finite element is used. In particular, the method converges for some scattering object geometries but not for others. Note that the convergence of the $Q_1^{\rm div}-Q_0$ finite element method was shown in [E. Becache, P. Joly, and C. Tsogka, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. , 39 (2002), pp. 2109-2132] for the elastodynamic problem in the absence of a scattering object (i.e., without the coupling of the mixed finite elements with the fictitious domain method). Therefore we propose here a modification of the $Q_1^{\rm div}-Q_0$ element following the approach in [E. Becache, J. Rodriguez, and C. Tsogka, On the convergence of the fictitious domain method for wave equation problems, Technical report 5802, INRIA, 2006], where the simpler acoustic case was considered. To study the numerical properties of the new element we carry out a dispersion analysis. Several numerical simulations as well as a numerical convergence analysis show that the proposed method provides a good approximate solution.
Web-conferencing as a viable method for group decision research

Studying group decision-making is challenging for multiple reasons. An important logistic difficulty is studying a sufficiently large number of groups, each with multiple participants. Assembling groups online could make this process easier and also provide access to group members more representative of real-world work groups than the sample of college students that typically comprise lab Face-to-Face (FtF) groups. The main goal of this paper is to compare the decisions of online groups to those of FtF groups. We did so in a study that manipulated gain/loss framing of a risky decision between groups and examined the decisions of both individual group members and groups. All of these dependent measures are compared for an online and an FtF sample. Our results suggest that web-conferencing can be a substitute for FtF interaction in group decision-making research, as we found no moderation effects of communication medium on individual or group decision outcome variables. The effects of medium that were found suggest that the use of online groups may be the preferred method for group research. To wit, discussions among the online groups were shorter, but generated a greater number of thought units, i.e., they made more efficient use of time.
Characterization of prototype BTeV silicon pixel sensors before and after irradiation

We report on measurements performed on silicon pixel sensor prototypes exposed to a 200 MeV proton beam at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility. The sensors are of n/sup +//n/p/sup +/ type with multi-guard ring structures and p-stop electrode isolation. Electrical characterization of such devices was performed before and after irradiation up to proton fluence of 4/spl times/10/sup 14/ p cm/sup -2/. We tested pixel sensors fabricated from normal and oxygen-enriched silicon wafers and with two different p-stop isolation layouts: common p-stop and individual p-stop.
Subword unit representations for spoken document retrieval

This paper investigates the feasibility of using subword unit representations for spoken document retrieval as an alternative to using words generated by either keyword spotting or word recognition. Our investigation is motivated by the observation that word-based retrieval approaches face the problem of either having to know the keywords to search for a priori, or requiring a very large recognition vocabulary in order to cover the contents of growing and diverse message collections. In this study, we examine a range of subword units of varying complexity derived from phonetic transcriptions. The basic underlying unit is the phone; more and less complex units are derived by varying the level of detail and the length of sequences of the phonetic units. We measure the ability of the di(cid:11)erent subword units to e(cid:11)ectively index and retrieve a large collection of recorded speech messages. We also compare their performance when the underlying phonetic transcriptions are perfect and when they contain phonetic recognition errors.
Mice doubly deficient in the genes for P0 and myelin basic protein show that both proteins contribute to the formation of the major dense line in peripheral nerve myelin

In search for the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the major dense line in peripheral nerve myelin we investigated mice deficient in the myelin proteins P0 and MBP. In mice lacking both molecules axons were enwrapped by myelin-like processes devoid of the major dense line, while mice deficient in either protein showed, respectively, partial and normal compaction. Mice heterozygous for P0 but devoid of MBP showed myelin of reduced thickness around axons of normal caliber. Both molecules thus contribute to the formation of the major dense line and to the determination of myelin thickness. Furthermore, our observations modify the view that axon caliber is dependent on normal myelin.
The Association between Inappropriate Weight Control Behaviors and Suicide Ideation and Attempt among Korean Adolescents

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents globally, and body weight is also a recognized reason for adolescent suicide. Therefore, we investigated the association between weight control behaviors (WCB) and suicide ideation and attempt, focusing on inappropriate weight control measures. We used data from the 2014 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, representing a total of 35,224 boys and 34,361 girls aged 12 to 18 years. Adolescents were classified into groups based on WCB: appropriate WCB, inappropriate WCB, and no WCB. We performed logistic regression models to examine associations between WCB and suicide ideation and attempt, controlling for covariates. Both boys and girls with inappropriate WCB were more likely to report suicide ideation and attempt. Underweight and normal weight boys with inappropriate WCB were more likely to think or attempt suicide, and underweight girls with inappropriate WCB were also more likely to attempt suicide. Among five common WCB combinations, the combination of "regular exercise, fasting, eating less" was highly associated with suicide ideation and attempt. We confirmed that inappropriate WCB is associated with suicide ideation and attempt among Korean adolescents. Given the high incidence rate of suicide among adolescents and the adverse effect of inappropriate WCB, encouraging adolescents to control their weight in healthy ways is imperative.
Beneficial Effect of Erythropoietin on Sensorimotor Function and White Matter After Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice

There are mixed reports on the neuroprotective properties of erythropoietin (EPO) in animal models of birth asphyxia. We investigated the effect of EPO on short- and long-term outcome after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in mice and compared the effect of two different dose regimens of EPO. Nine-day-old mice were subjected to HI, and EPO was injected i.p. at 0, 24, and 48 h after HI in a dose of either 5 or 20 kU/kg. Paw preference in the cylinder rearing test (CRT) was used as a measure of sensorimotor function. Only in female mice, administration of EPO at 5 kU/kg but not 20 kU/kg improved sensorimotor function, reduced striatum atrophy and hippocampal lesion volume, and enhanced myelin basic protein (MBP) staining as determined at 4 and 9 wk after HI. In addition, at 72 h after HI, more Ki67 cells were found in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus after EPO 5 kU/kg treatment, indicating an increase in progenitor cell proliferation. In conclusion, EPO improves sensorimotor function after neonatal HI and protects against striatum atrophy, hippocampus injury, and white matter loss. The protective effect of EPO is dose-dependent and only present in females.
Electrical modeling of mercury for optimal machine design and performance estimation

Mercury is a new pulsed-power generator at NRL, having been transferred from FZK (Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Germany) where it was known as KALIFHELIA [R. J. Commisso et al., 2003; P. Hoppe et al., 2001]. Mercury is an MIVA (magnetically-insulated inductive voltage adder) designed to produce 50-ns pulses with load voltages up to 6 MV at a current of 360 kA and deliver 100-kJ of energy to the load [J. Fockler et al., 1993]. The inductive and resistive components connecting the Marx bank and the intermediate stores have been reconfigured to fit into one "machine tank" and to improve energy transfer, allowing for a reduced Marx charge voltage. A detailed circuit model was developed for Mercury based on an earlier model for KALIF-HELIA and updated to include new information and data from FZK. Circuit element values for the MIVA and the load were determined through PIC simulations. Good agreement between measured and calculated current and voltage peaks was found using the model fed by voltage signals measured upstream of the MIVA on KALIF-HELIA. Detailed modeling has shown that the original design parameters of the machine can be met at NRL.
Importance of the changes in joint effusion shown by magnetic resonance imaging before and after arthroscopic lysis and lavage of the temporomandibular joint.

We investigated the changes in the amount of joint effusion estimated from T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after arthroscopic lysis and lavage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We studied 29 consecutive patients, each with internal derangement and osteoarthritis in one TMJ. Before operation, the MRI showed joint effusions in 22 of the patients (76%). After operation, the amount of the effusion decreased in 16 and increased in 2 patients. Effusions developed postoperatively in four of the seven patients who had no effusion before operation. In four of the six patients in whom the effusion increased, the symptoms had almost resolved by the time the MRI was taken. There was no significant correlation between changes in the amount of joint effusion and the clinical condition of the patients before and after the operation. In conclusion, changes in the amount of joint effusion in the TMJ are not related to the patient's clinical condition.
Impact of Atmospheric Forcing on Antarctic Continental Shelf Water Masses

The Antarctic continental shelf seas feature a bimodal distribution of water mass temperature, with the Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas flooded by Circumpolar Deep Water that is several degrees Celsius warmer than the cold shelf waters prevalent in the Weddell and Ross Seas. This bimodal distribution could be caused by differences in atmospheric forcing, ocean dynamics, ocean and ice feedbacks, or some combination of these factors. In this study, a highly simplified coupled sea ice–mixed layer model is developed to investigate the physical processes controlling this situation. Under regional atmospheric forcings and parameter choices the 10-yr simulations demonstrate a complete destratification of the Weddell Sea water column in winter, forming cold, relatively saline shelf waters, while the Amundsen Sea winter mixed layer remains shallower, allowing a layer of deep warm water to persist. Applying the Weddell atmospheric forcing to the Amundsen Sea model destratifies the water column after two years, and applying the Amundsen forcing to the Weddell Sea model results in a shallower steady-state winter mixed layer that no longer destratifies the water column. This suggests that the regional difference in atmospheric forcings alone is sufficient to account for the bimodal distribution in Antarctic shelf-sea temperatures. The model prediction of mixed layer depth is most sensitive to the air temperature forcing, but a switch in all forcings is required to prevent destratification of the Weddell Sea water column.
The PACARDO research project: youthful drug involvement in Central America and the Dominican Republic.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the occurrence and school-level clustering of drug involvement among school-attending adolescent youths in each of seven countries in Latin America, drawing upon evidence from the PACARDO research project, a multinational collaborative epidemiological research study. METHODS During 1999-2000, anonymous self-administered questionnaires on drug involvement and related behaviors were administered to a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample that included a total of 12,797 students in the following seven countries: Costa Rica (n = 1,702), the Dominican Republic (n = 2,023), El Salvador (n = 1,628), Guatemala (n = 2,530), Honduras (n = 1,752), Nicaragua (n = , 419), and Panama (n = 1,743). (The PACARDO name concatenates PA for Panamá, CA for Centroamérica, and RDO for República Dominicana). Estimates for exposure opportunity and actual use of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine (crack/coca paste), amphetamines and methamphetamines, tranquilizers, ecstasy, and heroin were assessed via responses about questions on age of first chance to try each drug, and first use. Logistic regression models accounting for the complex survey design were used to estimate the associations of interest. RESULTS Cumulative occurrence estimates for alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, and illegal drug use for the overall sample were, respectively: 52%, 29%, 5%, 4%, and 5%. In comparison to females, males were more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, and illegal drugs; the odds ratio estimates were 1.3, 2.1, 1.6, 4.1, and 3.2, respectively. School-level clustering was noted in all countries for alcohol and tobacco use; it was also noted in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama for illegal drug use. CONCLUSIONS This report sheds new light on adolescent drug experiences in Panama, the five Spanish-heritage countries of Central America, and the Dominican Republic, and presents the first estimates of school-level clustering of youthful drug involvement in these seven countries. Placed in relation to school survey findings from North America and Europe, these estimates indicate lower levels of drug involvement in these seven countries of the Americas. For example, in the United States of America 70% of surveyed youths had tried alcohol and 59% had smoked tobacco. By comparison, in these seven countries, only 51% have tried alcohol and only 29% have smoked tobacco. Future research will help to clarify explanations for the observed variations across different countries of the world. In the meantime, strengthening of school-based and other prevention efforts in the seven-country PACARDO area may help these countries slow the spread of youthful drug involvement, reduce school-level clustering, and avoid the periodic epidemics of illegal drug use that have been experienced in North America.
Global Analysis of Small Molecule Binding to Related Protein Targets

We report on the integration of pharmacological data and homology information for a large scale analysis of small molecule binding to related targets. Differences in small molecule binding have been assessed for curated pairs of human to rat orthologs and also for recently diverged human paralogs. Our analysis shows that in general, small molecule binding is conserved for pairs of human to rat orthologs. Using statistical tests, we identified a small number of cases where small molecule binding is different between human and rat, some of which had previously been reported in the literature. Knowledge of species specific pharmacology can be advantageous for drug discovery, where rats are frequently used as a model system. For human paralogs, we demonstrate a global correlation between sequence identity and the binding of small molecules with equivalent affinity. Our findings provide an initial general model relating small molecule binding and sequence divergence, containing the foundations for a general model to anticipate and predict within-target-family selectivity.
Electroacupuncture Promotes Remyelination after Cuprizone Treatment by Enhancing Myelin Debris Clearance

Promoting remyelination is crucial for patients with demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis. However, it is still a circuitous conundrum finding a practical remyelinating therapy. Electroacupuncture (EA), originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to treat CNS diseases all over the world, but the role of EA in demyelinating diseases is barely known. In this study, we examined the remyelinating properties and mechanisms of EA in cuprizone-induced demyelinating model, a CNS demyelinating murine model of multiple sclerosis. By feeding C57BL/6 mice with chow containing 0.2% cuprizone for 5 weeks, we successfully induce demyelination as proved by weight change, beam test, pole test, histomorphology, and Western Blot. EA treatment significantly improves the neurobehavioral performance at week 7 (2 weeks after withdrawing cuprizone chow). RNA-seq and RT-PCR results reveal up-regulated expression of myelin-related genes, and the expression of myelin associated protein (MBP, CNPase, and O4) are also increased after EA treatment, indicating therapeutic effect of EA on cuprizone model. It is widely acknowledged that microglia exert phagocytic effect on degraded myelin debris and clear these detrimental debris, which is a necessary process for subsequent remyelination. We found the remyelinating effect of EA is associated with enhanced clearance of degraded myelin debris as detected by dMBP staining and red oil O staining. Our further studies suggest that more microglia assemble in demyelinating area (corpus callosum) during the process of EA treatment, and cells inside corpus callosum are mostly in a plump, ameboid, and phagocytic shape, quite different from the ramified cells outside corpus callosum. RNA-seq result also unravels that most genes relating to positive regulation of phagocytosis (GO:0050766) are up-regulated, indicating enhanced phagocytic process after EA treatment. During the process of myelin debris clearance, microglia tend to change their phenotype toward M2 phenotype. Thus, we also probed into the phenotype of microglia in our study. Immuno-staining results show increased expression of CD206 and Arg1, and the ratio of CD206/CD16/32 are also higher in EA group. In conclusion, these results demonstrate for the first time that EA enhances myelin debris removal from activated microglia after demyelination, and promotes remyelination.
Weighted sum rate maximization for interfering broadcast channel via successive convex approximation

We consider the weighted throughput maximization with general convex transmit power constraints in multi-cell multi-user multiple-input multiple-output system. The problem formulation is separated into receive beamformer and transmit precoder design problems. The non-convex precoder design problem is reformulated as a difference of convex functions program and solved with successive convex approximation. The convex approximation of the precoder design problem can be further formulated as a second-order cone program. Distributed and iterative solution via Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions for the precoder design with sum transmit power constraints is also proposed. It is shown that the rate of convergence can be significantly improved with the proposed algorithm while achieving comparable sum rate when compared to other recently published methods. This is an import factor in practical solutions as this increases the achievable sum rate with respect to required signaling iterations.
A Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Technical Variations of Double-Row Rotator Cuff Fixation

Background Previous studies have shown comparable biomechanical properties of double-row fixation versus double-row fixation with a knotless lateral row. SutureBridge is a construct that secures the cuff with medial row mattress suture anchors and knotless lateral row fixation of the medial suture ends. Recent completely knotless constructs may lead to lesser clinical outcomes if the construct properties are compromised from lack of suture knots. Hypothesis A completely knotless construct without medial row knots will compromise the biomechanical properties in both cyclic and failure-testing parameters. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Six matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders were randomized to 2 groups of double row fixation with SutureBridge: group 1 with medial row knots, and group 2 without medial row knots. The specimens were placed in a materials test system at 30° of abduction. Cyclic testing to 180 N at 1 mm/sec for 30 cycles was performed, followed by tensile testing to failure at 1 mm/sec. Results Data included cyclic and failure data from the materials test system and gap data using a video digitizing system. All data from paired specimens were compared using paired Student t tests. Group 1 had a statistically significant difference (P < .05) for gap formation for the 1st (3.47 vs 5.05 mm) and 30th cycle (4.22 vs 8.10 mm) and at yield load (5.2 vs 9.1 mm). In addition, there was a greater energy absorbed (2805 vs 1648 N-mm), yield load (233 vs 183.1 N), and ultimate load (352.9 vs 253.9 N) for group 1. The mode of failure for the majority (4/6) of group 2 was lateral row failure, whereas all group 1 specimens failed at the clamp. Conclusion Although lateral row knotless fixation has been shown not to sacrifice structural integrity of this construct, the addition of a knotless medial row compromises the construct leading to greater gapping and failure at lower loads. Clinical Relevance This may raise concerns regarding recently marketed completely knotless double row constructs.
A functional central limit theorem for interacting particle systems on transitive graphs

A finite range interacting particle system on a transitive graph is considered. Assuming that the dynamics and the initial measure are invariant, the normalized empirical distribution process converges in distribution to a centered diffusion process. As an application, a central limit theorem for certain hitting times, interpreted as failure times of a coherent system in reliability, is derived.
Comparison of posaconazole serum concentrations from haematological cancer patients on posaconazole tablet and oral suspension for treatment and prevention of invasive fungal infections

Posaconazole tablet formulation (PTF) was developed to optimise bioavailability. This study compared posaconazole levels between patients on the PTF and oral suspension formulation (OSF). We also examined factors that may impact posaconazole levels. The primary and secondary objectives were analysed by comparing trough levels and attainment of target level between the formulation groups. For the 86 patients on PTF and 176 on OSF, the mean first levels was 1.32 μg ml−1 (SD = 0.69) and 0.81 μg ml−1 (SD = 0.59), P < 0.0001 respectively. PTF group was more likely to achieve levels ≥0.7 μg ml−1 than OSF group (OR 7.97 [95 CI; 3.75–16.93], P < 0.0001). Levels from patients on PTF and with presence of acid suppression, GI GVHD, mucositis or diarrhoea were not statistically different from those without these factors. For PTF, no correlation was found between patient's weight (kg) and levels (R2 = 0.0536, P = 0.035). The incidences of elevation in ALT/AST or Tbili were similar between the formulation groups. In conclusion, PTF should be considered the preferred formulation because it demonstrated better absorption than the OSF. Patients on PTF for prophylaxis are more likely to attain target level and may not routinely require therapeutic drug monitoring during prophylaxis.