Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Late middle Miocene caviomorph rodents from Tarapoto, Peruvian Amazonia

Miocene deposits of South America have yielded several species-rich assemblages of caviomorph rodents. They are mostly situated at high and mid- latitudes of the continent, except for the exceptional Honda Group of La Venta, Colombia, the faunal composition of which allowed to describe the late middle Miocene Laventan South American Land Mammal Age (SALMA). In this paper, we describe a new caviomorph assemblage from TAR-31 locality, recently discovered near Tarapoto in Peruvian Amazonia (San Martín Department). Based on mammalian biostratigraphy, this single-phased locality is unambiguously considered to fall within the Laventan SALMA. TAR-31 yielded rodent species found in La Venta, such as the octodontoid Ricardomys longidens Walton, 1990 (nom. nud.), the chinchilloids Microscleromys paradoxalis Walton, 1990 (nom. nud.) and M. cribriphilus Walton, 1990 (nom. nud.), or closely-related taxa. Given these strong taxonomic affinities, we further seize the opportunity to review the rodent dental material from La Venta described in the Ph.D. volume of Walton in 1990 but referred to as nomina nuda. Here we validate the recognition of these former taxa and provide their formal description. TAR-31 documents nine distinct rodent species documenting the four extant superfamilies of Caviomorpha, including a new erethizontoid: Nuyuyomys chinqaska gen. et sp. nov. These fossils document the most diverse caviomorph fauna for the middle Miocene interval of Peruvian Amazonia to date. This rodent discovery from Peru extends the geographical ranges of Ricardomys longidens, Microscleromys paradoxalis, and M. cribriphilus, 1,100 km to the south. Only one postcranial element of rodent was unearthed in TAR-31 (astragalus). This tiny tarsal bone most likely documents one of the two species of Microscleromys and its morphology indicates terrestrial generalist adaptations for this minute chinchilloid.
Asymptotic Fourier decomposition of tooth forces in terms of convolved air gap field harmonics for noise diagnosis of electrical machines

Purpose – The electromagnetic excited audible noise of electrical machines can be mostly attributed to radial forces on stator tooth‐heads. The methodology proposed in this paper uses numerical field simulation to obtain the magnetic air gap field of electrical machines and an analytical‐based post‐processing approach to reveal the relationship between air gap field harmonics and the resulting force wave.Design/methodology/approach – The simulated air gap field is sampled in space and time and a two‐dimensional Fourier transform is performed. The convolution of the Fourier transformed air gap field by itself represents a multiplication in space time domain. During the convolution process, all relevant combinations of field waves are stored and displayed using space vectors.Findings – The effectiveness of the proposed approach is shown on an example machine. Particular examples of individual force waves demonstrate how the approach can be used for practical application in analysis of noise and vibration pr.
A rare and reversible cause of third-degree atrioventricular block: a case report

Abstract Background Cardiac involvement of Lyme disease (LD) typically results in atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbance, mainly third-degree AV block. Case summary A 54-year-old patient presented to our emergency department due to recurrent syncope. Third-degree AV block with a ventricular escape rhythm (33 b.p.m.) was identified as the underlying rhythm. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was normal. To rule out common reversible causes of complete AV block, a screening test for Lyme borreliosis was carried out. Elevated levels for borrelia IgG/IgM were found and confirmed by western blot analysis. Lyme carditis (LC) was postulated as the most likely cause of the third-degree AV block given the young age of the patient. Initiation of antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone resulted in a gradual normalization of the AV conduction with stable first-degree AV block on Day 6 of therapy. The patient was changed on oral antibiotics (doxycycline) and discharged without a pacemaker. After 3 months, the AV conduction recovered to normal. Discussion Lyme carditis should always be considered, particularly in younger patients with new-onset AV block and without evidence of structural heart disease. Atrioventricular block recovers in the majority of cases after appropriate antibiotic treatment.
On the stability of queues with the dropping function

In this paper, the stability of the queueing system with the dropping function is studied. In such system, every incoming job may be dropped randomly, with the probability being a function of the queue length. The main objective of the work is to find an easy to use condition, sufficient for the instability of the system, under assumption of Poisson arrivals and general service time distribution. Such condition is found and proven using a boundary for the dropping function and analysis of the embedded Markov chain. Applicability of the proven condition is demonstrated on several examples of dropping functions. Additionally, its correctness is confirmed using a discrete-event simulator.
Loss of ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) expression as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of endometrial carcinoma

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecological cancer. However, there is currently no routinely used biomarker for differential diagnosis of malignant and premalignant endometrial lesions. Ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins, especially TET1, were found to play a significant role in DNA demethylation, via conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). TET1, 5-mC, and 5-hmC expression profiles in endometrial carcinogenesis are currently unclear. We conducted a hospital-based retrospective review of the immunohistochemical expression of TET1, 5-mC, and 5-hmC in 181 endometrial samples. A “high” TET1 and 5-hmC expression score was observed in all cases of normal endometrium (100.0% and 100.0%, respectively) and in most samples of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (90.9% and 78.8%, respectively) and atypical hyperplasia (90.6% and 93.8%, respectively), but a “high” score was found in only less than half of the EC samples (48.8% and 46.5%, respectively). The TET1 and 5-hmC expression scores were significantly higher in normal endometrium and premalignant endometrial lesions than in ECs (p < 0.001). A “high” 5-mC expression score was observed more frequently for ECs (81.4%) than for normal endometrium (40.0%), endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (51.5%), and atypical hyperplasia (53.1%) (p < 0.001). We also found that TET1 mRNA expression was lower in ECs compared to normal tissues (p = 0.0037). TET1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) scores were highly proportional to the TET1 mRNA levels and we summarize that the TET1 IHC scoring can be used for biomarker determinations. Most importantly, a higher TET1 score in EC cases was associated with a good overall survival (OS) rate, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.31 for death (95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.84). Our findings suggest that TET1, 5-mC, and 5-hmC expression is a potential histopathology biomarker for the differential diagnosis of malignant and premalignant endometrial lesions. TET1 is also a potential prognostic marker for EC.
Evaluation of the FCCS crown fire potential equations in Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) stands in Greece.

This paper evaluates the conceptual crown fire potential equations developed by Schaaf et al against observations and modelling results in Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) stands in Greece. The equations, integrated into the Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS) in the United States, are currently used to rank the potential for passive or active crowning across a diverse set of wildland fuelbeds. The framework is based on an extension of the work by Van Wagner and Rothermel but introduces several new physical concepts to the modelling of crown fire behaviour, including the reformulated Rothermel surface fire modelling concepts proposed by Sandberg et al. A sensitivity analysis comparing the FCCS Torching Potential (TP) and Active Crown Fire Potential (AP) against field observations and CFIS modelling outputs has produced encouraging results, suggesting that the FCCS crown fire potentials might be a useful tool for fire managers in the Mediterranean region to consider when evaluating the relative behaviour of crown fires in vegetated canopies.
Terminology in friction stir welding

In an attempt to avoid confusion and duplication, TWI proposed an initial basic terminology at an early stage of the development of friction stir welding (FSW). This terminology has since been revised and extended in consultation with licensees and other interested parties, to the form summarised in this paper. A definitive standard on FSW is being prepared by Working Group B1 of Commission III of the International Institute of Welding, and it is expected that this will be adopted as an ISO standard.
k-MACE Clustering for Gaussian Clusters

Conventional clustering approaches require a preprocessing step that estimates the correct number of cluster prior to the cluster center allocation step. In these approaches, the preprocessing step minimizes one objective function while the second step concentrates on optimization of another objective function. Inspired by MACE-means, we use a single objective function to simultaneously estimate the Correct Number of Cluster (CNC) and acquire the cluster centers. Similarly, we use the Average Central Error (ACE) as ourcost function. The proposed method, denoted by k-minimum ACE (k-MACE), improves MACE-means by rigorous calculation of probabilistic estimate of ACE. While MACE-means (Minimum ACE) only concentrates on Independent Indentically Distributed (IID) clusters, k 􀀀 MACE is a solution for Gaussian clusters with any covariance structure. Simulation results show superiority of k 􀀀 MACE over MACE means and over conven- tional clustering methods such as G-means, DBSCAN, and validity indices methods such as Calinkski Harabaz, Silhoutte, and gap index. Performance is evaluated in terms of
Closed-form expressions for pull-in parameters of two-degree-of-freedom torsional microactuators

In order to provide the pull-in voltage, angle and height of two-degree-of-freedom (two-DOF) torsional microactuators, closed-form expressions for the pull-in parameters have been successfully obtained from numerical analysis with new formulation of the microactuator. Force and moment balance equations governing the behaviors of the microactuator are obtained as functions of dimensionless force and moment. Thereafter, a mode equation to easily solve the angle and height of the 2-DOF torsional microactuator is derived. A set of the mode equation and the force balance equation is numerically solved for the height and angle of the two-DOF torsional microactuator. For design convenience, closed-form expressions for the pull-in voltage, angle and height are given as functions of the applied voltage and geometry. The theoretical height and angle are in good agreement with experimental data within an error of 2.6% and 4.3%, respectively. As such, the closed-form expressions as well as the developed theory can be used for design and analysis of two-DOF torsional microactuators.
“Ecologically Acceptable Concentrations” When Assessing the Environmental Risks of Pesticides Under European Directive 91/414/EEC

ABSTRACT Pesticides are authorized in the European Union under Directive 91/414/EEC. This is a two-stage process that involves EU-wide assessment for Annex I listing followed by individual Member State assessment. Recently the concept of an Ecologically Acceptable Concentration (EAC) has been used during both stages of environmental risk assessments. The EAC is a concentration at which no “unacceptable” ecological effects occur and has been interpreted as a concentration at which “acceptable” effects may be allowed to occur. This article reviews the implications of the EAC concept for pesticides risk assessment and proposes improvements to make its use more objective.
Artificial Life

From the Publisher: Artificial life, a field that seeks to increase the role of synthesis in the study of biological phenomena, has great potential, both for unlocking the secrets of life and for raising a host of disturbing issues -- scientific and technical as well as philosophical and ethical. This book brings together a series of overview articles that appeared in the first three issues of the groundbreaking journal Artificial Life, along with a new introduction by Christopher Langton, Editor-in-Chief of Artificial Life, founder of the discipline, and Director of the Artificial Life Program at the Santa Fe Institute.
Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matter Concentrations at Schools in the Athens Area

Simultaneous indoor and outdoor PM10 and PM2.5 concentration measurements were conducted in seven primary schools in the Athens area during the winter of 2003-04 and 2004-05. The measurements were performed during school hours with the use of Harvard PEMs. Indoor PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were also monitored continuously by a DustTrak monitor. Mean PM10 concentration was 236. 13μg·m-3 indoors and 162. 89μg·m-3 outdoors. The corresponding mean values for PM2.5 were 82. 65μg·m-3 indoors and 56. 25μg·m-3 outdoors. Indoor/Outdoor (I/O) ratios were close or above 1.00 at almost all sites. Indoor PM levels were greatly influenced by the presence of people and intensity of indoor activities. Moreover, PM concentrations exhibited significant short-term variability, underlying the need to include short-term measurements in children’s exposure studies.
Serum vitamin D level and hypertensive crises

Introduction :Vitamin D deficiency is associated with hypertension; however, there is no study on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hypertensive crises. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and hypertensive crises. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 individuals in Shafa Hospital in 2016 within the age range of 40-80 years, selected through simple random sampling technique. The research population was divided into two groups of hypertensive crises (n=60) with blood pressure over 180/120 mm/Hg and hypertensive patients without history of hypertension crises (n=60). For the purpose of the study, 5 ml peripheral venous blood samples were collected. The blood serum was isolated by a centrifugal device, and the serum vitamin D levels were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Results: The meanlevels ofvitamin D in hypertensive and non- hypertensive crises groups were 29.73 and 30.23 ng/ml, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of vitamin D levels (P>0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups considering gender (P>0.05). Serum vitamin D levels showed a direct correlationwith theduration of hypertension and age (P Conclusion:There is evidence on the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Nonetheless, in the present study, no significant relationship was observed between serum vitamin D level and hypertensive crises.
The Improvement of Parturition Progress by High Intake of Dietary Fibre in Late Gestation is Associated with the Altered Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Sows

Background: Gestational intake of dietary fibre improves the parturition progress, which largely affects developmental outcomes of the offspring. Dietary fibre can alter the gut microbiome and production of symbiotic metabolites, e.g. short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). We hypothesized that the improvement of parturition progress by dietary fibre is associated with the symbiotic metabolites generated by the gut microbiome. Methods: Yorkshire sows were randomly given diet containing normal level of fibre (NDF, 16.2% dietary fibre, n = 20) or high level (HDF, 30.1%, n = 20) with other nutrients identical from days 90 of gestation to parturition. Faecal microbiome profiled with 16S amplicon sequencing, SCFAs and metabolome in the faeces and plasma around parturition were compared between the dietary groups. Correlation analysis was conducted to further explore the potential associations between specific bacterial taxa and metabolites. Results: HDF significantly improved the parturition progress, indicated by the shorter parturition duration. HDF increased abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes and multiple genera. Except for butyrate, SCFAs levels in the faeces and plasma of sows at parturition were increased in HDF group. The abundances of 15 and 12 metabolites in the faeces and plasma, respectively, markedly differ between HDF and NDF sows. These metabolites are involved in the bacterial metabolism of amino acids, bile acids, SCFAs and dietary fibre. Correlation analysis also showed associations between specific taxa (genera Cellulosilytica and Lachnoclostridia) and metabolites (acetate and isobutyrate). Conclusions: The improvement of parturition process by high fibre intake in late gestation is associated with altered gut microbiome, production of SCFAs and other metabolites, potentially serving for energy metabolism.
Gemcitabine-Resistance Reversion of Cucurmosin in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Objective To investigate the effects of cucurmosin (CUS) on proliferation and drugs resistance in gemcitabine (GEM) human pancreatic cancer cell PANC-1RG7. Methods The ultrastructural changes of PANC-1RG7 cells after CUS intervention were observed by transmission electron microscope. Flow Cytometer (FCM) was used to detect the effect of CUS on the growth cycle of PANC-1RG7 cells. We used colony formation experiment, Sulforhodamine B assays and subcutaneous implantation tumor model to observe the proliferation inhibition and reversal drug-resistance reversion of CUS on PANC-1RG7 in vitro and in vivo. Western blot was used to observe the expressions of RRM1, RRM2, PI3K, Akt, mTOR and other proteins related to apoptosis after CUS intervention. Results After CUS intervention, PANC-1RG7 cells were obviously apoptotic with large number of vacuoles and apoptotic bodies. Compared with parental cell PANC-1, GEM-resistant cell PANC-1 was more sensitive to CUS. The combination of GEM and CUS at different concentrations showed synergistic effect. At the concentration of CUS with the inhibition rate of 10%, the reversal multiples and the reversal efficiency were 1.78±0.65 and 50.13±16.87%, respectively. Subcutaneous implantation tumor model confirmed the proliferation inhibitory effect of CUS in vitro. Western blot confirmed that CUS down-regulated the expressions of RRM1, RRM2, PI3K, Akt and mTOR. Conclusion CUS can significantly inhibit PANC-1RG7 cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro, and can reverse cell GEM-resistance.
On Aerodynamic Modelling and Simulation of the Dynamic Interface

Abstract The past decade has seen significant advancements in modelling and simulation of the dynamic interface. The goal of the initial work in this area was to reduce the costs associated with first-of-class flight trials, and to deal with the backlog of aircraft-ship combinations for which flight-clearance envelopes were minimal or non-existent. A decade ago, piloted simulation of the dynamic interface appeared to be the obvious way to overcome these deficiencies. Validated models of fixed-wing and rotorcraft were in existence, and work began to combine these models with prescribed weather/lighting conditions (wind, rain, snow, fog, night, etc.), ship visuals, and motion. It had been envisioned that through the use of high-fidelity flight simulation, a test pilot could rapidly and safely determine the flight envelope boundaries without resorting to, or at least minimizing, flight trials. During the past decade, significant advancements in simulation fidelity did transpire due to increased computational power, an improved understanding of airwakes, and enhanced simulation capabilities. The article describes some of the fundamental and applied research that contributed to the improved fidelity, much of it gained in a collaborative fashion. To date, modelling and simulation technologies have not advanced to the state where they can replace flight tests to derive flight-clearance envelopes, but they have approached the point where they can augment flight tests and serve in a training capacity. The accrual of a training benefit has recently emerged and is a significant, though unplanned, dividend from the efforts directed towards flight-envelope prediction. This article sets out to examine some of the strengths and deficiencies of the current capabilities, and provides a discussion of the way forward. Modelling and simulation of the dynamic interface are discussed in a broad context, wherein they are defined to include non-piloted, non-real-time activities. The article will provide a critical review of many of these efforts to date, focusing primarily on aerodynamic issues. The article also discusses the challenges which are present for rotary-wing operations, for both small and large ships. It compares the environment in both cases and how that impacts the simulation requirements.
ESTIMATING THE EQUITY RISK PREMIUM: THE CASE OF GREATER CHINA

The expected equity risk premium is a key input in various financial applications. Different methods exist for estimating the risk premium. This paper applies two approaches to estimate it in the markets of Greater China. More specifically, the historical average and relative estimation are carefully examined. The first approach is applied to estimate the equity risk premium when the markets are recovering from a trough. Then the relative estimation approach is applied to justify those findings, taking into consideration the lower rate of return required of Chinese investors due to a lack of investment opportunities. After these adjustments, the risk premium in Mainland China is found to be close to those in Hong Kong and Taiwan. All of these markets have a higher risk premium than in the US market. The risk premiums for the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets are about 8% and 10%, respectively. The risk premiums for the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets are 8% and 9% compared to a long-term forward-looking risk premium of about 4% for the US market.
Sub-band coding of monochrome and color images

An efficient subband coding method for encoding monochrome and color images is presented. In this method, the spectrum of the input image signal is decomposed nonuniformly into seven bands. In the coding process the lowest band is DPCM (differential pulse-code modulation)-coded while the higher bands are PCM-coded. The PCM quantizer is designed such that it reduces the subjective effect of quantization noise, and it also helps in an efficient transmission of higher band signals at low transmission rates. For encoding color images, the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components of color images are first transferred to luminance (Y) and two chrominance components (I.Q). Each component is then decomposed separately into seven narrowbands. The higher-band signals corresponding to the luminance component are retained and coded separately, while the higher bands associated with I and Q components are discarded. The computer simulation results are presented in terms of average b/pixel and the quality of the reconstructured pictures. These results indicate that good quality reproduction can be achieved at high compression rates. >