Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pioglitazone Attenuates Vascular Fibrosis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Objective. We sought to investigate whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) ligand pioglitazone can attenuate vascular fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and explore the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods. SHRs (8-week-old males) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8 each) for treatment: pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/day), hydralazine (25 mg/kg/day), or saline. Normal male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (n = 8) served as normal controls. Twelve weeks later, we evaluated the effect of pioglitazone on vascular fibrosis by Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical staining of collagen III and real-time RT-PCR analysis of collagen I, III and fibronectin mRNA.Vascular expression of PPAR-γ and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, western blot analysis, and real-time RT-PCR. Results. Pioglitazone and hydralazine treatment significantly decreased systolic blood pressure in SHRs. Masson's trichrome staining for collagen III and real-time RT-PCR analysis of collagen I, III and fibronectin mRNA indicated that pioglitazone significantly inhibited extracellular matrix production in the aorta. Compared with Wistar Kyoto rats, SHRs showed significantly increased vascular CTGF expression. Pioglitazone treatment significantly increased PPAR-γ expression and inhibited CTGF expression but had no effect on TGF-β expression. Conclusions. The results indicate that pioglitazone attenuated vascular fibrosis in SHRs by inhibiting CTGF expression in a TGF-β-independent mechanism.
Dynamic network provisioning for time-varying traffic

In this paper, we address the question of dynamic net- work provisioning for time-varying traffic rates, with the objective of maximizing the system throughput. We assume that the network is capable of providing bandwidth guaranteed traffic tunnels for an ingress-egress pair and present an approach that (1) updates the tunnel routes and (2) adjusts the tunnel bandwidths, in an incremental, adaptive manner, based on the variations in the incoming traffic. First, we consider a simpler scenario where tunnel routes are fixed, and present an approach for adjusting the tunnel bandwidths dynamically. We show, through simulations, that our dynamic bandwidth assignment algorithm significantly outperforms the optimal static bandwidth provisioning policy, and yields a performance close to that of the optimal dynamic bandwidth provisioning policy. We also propose an adaptive route update algorithm, which can be used in conjunction with our dynamic bandwidth assignment policy, and leads to further improvement in the overall system performance.
Applying a user-centered, rapid-prototyping methodology with quantified self: A case study with triathletes

This workshop paper discusses how we applied a user-centered, rapid-prototyping methodology to design and evaluate a Quantified Self dashboard for triathletes. Quantified Self barriers as discussed by Li and Forlizzi [1] and Choe et al. [2] are taken into account. A dashboard is designed for and evaluated with in total 25 triathletes and fourteen regular persons. Our results confirm that this methodology is successful and a well designed dashboard can be used to help users analyze their own data.
Interaction of Motility, Directional Sensing, and Polarity Modules Recreates the Behaviors of Chemotaxing Cells

Chemotaxis involves the coordinated action of separable but interrelated processes: motility, gradient sensing, and polarization. We have hypothesized that these are mediated by separate modules that account for these processes individually and that, when combined, recreate most of the behaviors of chemotactic cells. Here, we describe a mathematical model where the modules are implemented in terms of reaction-diffusion equations. Migration and the accompanying changes in cellular morphology are demonstrated in simulations using a mechanical model of the cell cortex implemented in the level set framework. The central module is an excitable network that accounts for random migration. The response to combinations of uniform stimuli and gradients is mediated by a local excitation, global inhibition module that biases the direction in which excitability is directed. A polarization module linked to the excitable network through the cytoskeleton allows unstimulated cells to move persistently and, for cells in gradients, to gradually acquire distinct sensitivity between front and back. Finally, by varying the strengths of various feedback loops in the model we obtain cellular behaviors that mirror those of genetically altered cell lines.
Residual Stresses in a Cu–CFC Component for Thermonuclear Application: Numerical Prediction and Experimental Evaluation Using an Indentation Technique

Abstract: The present work concerns the assessment of residual stresses (RS) in a component for thermonuclear applications, made by casting of copper on a carbon fibre‐reinforced carbon composite and intended to be subjected to severe cycles of thermal, mechanical and neutron loads. The magnitude of RS left at the interface between the two materials in the production process, due to thermal expansion mismatch, has to be carefully assessed. In the present investigation, the likely spatial distribution of the RS has been predicted first using numerical analysis and has been validated experimentally, then, on the basis of the results of indentation tests performed at the micron scale on the metal layer. It is shown that this simple and fast methodology can return reliable results in the present context.
Grey-scale 1-d dilations with spatially-variant structuring elements in linear time

Spatially variant morphological operators can significantly improve filtering capabilities or object detection score of various applications. Whereas an effort has been made to define the theoretical background, the efficient implementation of adaptable algorithms remained far less considered. In this paper, we present an efficient, one-scan, linear algorithm for 1-D grey-scale dilations/erosions with spatially variant structuring elements. The proposed algorithm processes data in stream, can work in place and produces results with minimal latency. The computing time is independent of the structuring element size.
TRIUNDULOIDS: EMBEDDED CONSTANT MEAN CURVATURE SURFACES WITH THREE ENDS AND GENUS ZERO

We construct the entire three-parameter family of embedded constant mean curvature surfaces with three ends and genus zero. They are classified by triples of points on the sphere whose distances are the necksizes of the three ends. Because our surfaces are transcendental, and are not described by any ordinary dierential equation, it is remarkable to obtain such an explicit determination of their moduli space. (AMS Classification 2000: 53A10, 58D10)
A SPME‐based method for rapidly and accurately measuring the characteristic parameter for DEHP emitted from PVC floorings

Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are present in many indoor materials. SVOC emissions can be characterized with a critical parameter, y0 , the gas-phase SVOC concentration in equilibrium with the source material. To reduce the required time and improve the accuracy of existing methods for measuring y0 , we developed a new method which uses solid-phase microextraction (SPME) to measure the concentration of an SVOC emitted by source material placed in a sealed chamber. Taking one typical indoor SVOC, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), as the example, the experimental time was shortened from several days (even several months) to about 1 day, with relative errors of less than 5%. The measured y0 values agree well with the results obtained by independent methods. The saturated gas-phase concentration (ysat ) of DEHP was also measured. Based on the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, a correlation that reveals the effects of temperature, the mass fraction of DEHP in the source material, and ysat on y0 was established. The proposed method together with the correlation should be useful in estimating and controlling human exposure to indoor DEHP. The applicability of the present approach for other SVOCs and other SVOC source materials requires further study.
Finding Similar Research Papers using Language Models

The task of assessing the similarity of research papers is of interest in a variety of application contexts. It is a challenging task, however, as the full text of the papers is often not available, and similarity needs to be determined based on the papers' abstract, and some additional features such as authors, keywords, and journal. Our work explores the possibility of adapting language modeling techniques to this end. The basic strategy we pursue is to augment the information contained in the abstract by interpolating the corresponding language model with language models for the authors, keywords and journal of the paper. This strategy is then extended by finding topics and additionally interpolating with the resulting topic models. These topics are found using an adaptation of Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), in which the keywords that were provided by the authors are used to guide the process.
Fibrin gels engineered with pro‐angiogenic growth factors promote engraftment of pancreatic islets in extrahepatic sites in mice

With a view toward reduction of graft loss, we explored pancreatic islet transplantation within fibrin matrices rendered pro‐angiogenic by incorporation of minimal doses of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A165 and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB presented complexed to a fibrin‐bound integrin‐binding fibronectin domain. Engineered matrices allowed for extended release of pro‐angiogenic factors and for their synergistic signaling with extracellular matrix‐binding domains in the post‐transplant period. Aprotinin addition delayed matrix degradation and prolonged pro‐angiogenic factor availability within the graft. Both subcutaneous (SC) and epididymal fat pad (EFP) sites were evaluated. We show that in the SC site, diabetes reversal in mice transplanted with 1,000 IEQ of syngeneic islets was not observed for islets transplanted alone, while engineered matrices resulted in a diabetes median reversal time (MDRT) of 38 days. In the EFP site, the MDRT with 250 IEQ of syngeneic islets within the engineered matrices was 24 days versus 86 days for islets transplanted alone. Improved function of engineered grafts was associated with enhanced and earlier (by day 7) angiogenesis. Our findings show that by engineering the transplant site to promote prompt re‐vascularization, engraftment and long‐term function of islet grafts can be improved in relevant extrahepatic sites. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1916–1926. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variation of Ultimate Concrete Strain at RC Columns Subjected to Axial Loads with Bi-Directional Eccentricities

The distribution of stress in a nonrectangular compressed area, such as a section under a biaxial moment, is different than that of a rectangular compressed area. The properties of the compressive stress distribution of concrete have only a minor effect on the pure bending moment capacity of reinforced concrete beams, but they are important influencing factors for columns subjected to a combined axial load and a biaxial bending moment. The variation of ultimate strain of concrete according to the angle and depth of a neutral axis was investigated. Thus, the modified rectangular stress block (MRSB) model for nonrectangular compressed areas is formulated and compared to the experimental results and the existing RSB model. The MRSB method is able to provide more accurate predictions of test results for the biaxial bending moment strength than the RSB method.
Career Plans of Graduating Plastic Surgery Trainees in 2009: The Impact of an Uncertain Economic Climate

Background: Trainees in plastic surgery graduating in the midst of the current economic recession face unique financial challenges. These issues have the potential to affect future training and practice plans. Methods: A 13-item questionnaire regarding issues influencing career plans was administered to senior plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees attending the 2009 American Society of Plastic Surgery Senior Residents Conference, in Austin, Texas. Results: Of 97 conference attendees, 57 (58.7 percent) completed the survey representing all regions of the United States (33.3 percent of trainees nationwide). Trainees in the traditional training model (i.e., plastic surgery fellowship after surgery residency) were significantly less likely to pursue additional subspecialty training (29.6 percent) compared with trainees in integrated (76.9 percent) or combined programs (58.8 percent) (p = 0.012). Trainees who have dependents were significantly more likely to go into practice without fellowship (69 versus 38.2 percent, p = 0.031). Outstanding educational debt (>$50,000 or >$100,000) did not influence future practice plans. Trainees who are concerned about the national economic recession trended toward entering practice without fellowship training (70.0 versus 40.5 percent, p = 0.052). Of the factors surveyed, only anticipated fellowship training was significantly associated with plans to pursue academic practice (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The majority of graduating trainees enter private practice without additional subspecialty fellowship training. Neither exceptional debt nor concern about the current economic recession was the primary determinant of future career plans, whereas trainees in a traditional model of plastic surgery and trainees with dependents were more likely to enter practice without further fellowship training.
A Generalization of a Fast RNS Conversion for a New 4-Modulus Base

A generalization of a new generic 4-modulus base for residue number systems (RNS) is presented in this paper. An efficient RNS to binary conversion algorithm and a hierarchical architecture for these bases are also described. The key features of our conversion architecture compared to previous published architectures of the same output range are a larger moduli set selection and savings on the critical delay, area and power. The FPGA implementation and the detailed proof supporting it are also discussed.
Sample preparation method for polymerase chain reaction-based semiquantitative detection of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo subtype hardjobovis in bovine urine

An improved method of preparing bovine urine samples was developed for the rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo (subtype hardjobovis) DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 100 leptospire-free cows, 4 experimentally infected cows, and 2 negative control cows were used. PCR results were improved by (i) using 10-ml urine samples instead of 1-ml samples, (ii) adding 10(7) to 10(8) Leptospira biflexa serovar patoc cells as a carrier to each treated sample, (iii) preventing the loss of pelleted leptospires, and (iv) minimizing the presence of PCR-inhibiting factors in the samples. The preparation method enabled us to use the PCR to reproducibly detect as few as 5 to 10 leptospires per ml of urine without the need for dot blot hybridization. In addition, we were able to estimate the number of leptospires shed by experimentally infected cows.
Quasilocal mass and surface Hamiltonian in spacetime

and asymptotics properties. The definition makes use of the surface Hamiltonian term which arises from Hamilton-Jacobi analysis of the gravitation action. The reference surface Hamiltonian is associated with an isometric embedding of the 2-surface into the Minkowski space. We discuss this new definition of mass as well as the reference surface Hamiltonian. Most of the discussion is based on joint work with PoNing Chen and Shing-Tung Yau.
Burden of ischemic heart diseases in Iran, 1990-2010: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease study 2010

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are viewed worldwide as one of the main causes of death. This study aims to report the burden of ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) in Iran by using data of the global burden of disease (GBD) study, 1990-2010. Materials and Methods: The GBD study 2010 was a systematic effort to provide comprehensive data to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for diseases and injuries in the world. Years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature mortality were computed on the basis of cause-of-death estimates, using Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm). Years lived with disability (YLDs) were assessed by the multiplication of prevalence, the disability weight for a sequel, and the duration of symptoms. A systematic review of published and unpublished data was performed to evaluate the distribution of diseases, and consequently prevalence estimates were calculated with a Bayesian meta-regression method (DisMod-MR). Data from population-based surveys were used for producing disability weights. Uncertainty from all inputs into the calculations of DALYs was disseminated by Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Results: The age-standardized IHDs DALY specified rate decreased 31.25% over 20 years from 1990 to 2010 [from 4720 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 4,341-5,099) to 3,245 (95% UI: 2,810-3,529) person-years per 100,000]. The decrease were 38.14% among women and 26.87% among men. The age-standardized IHDs death specefied rate decreased by 21.17% [from 222) 95% UI: 207-243 (to 175 (95% UI:152-190) person-years per 100,000] in both the sexes. The age-standardized YLL and YLD rates decreased 32.05% and 4.28%, respectively, in the above period. Conclusion: Despite decreasing age-standardized IHD of mortality, YLL, YLD, and DALY rates from 1990 to 2010, population growth and aging increased the global burden of IHD. YLL has decreased more than IHD deaths and YLD since 1990 but IHD mortality remains the greatest contributor to disease burden.
Optimization Analysis on the Transmission Characteristics of Semi-Circle Long-Range Dielectric-Loaded Surface Plasmon-Polariton Waveguides

Semi-circle long-range dielectric-loaded surface plasmon-polariton waveguide (LR-DLSPPW) is proposed, in which a thin and narrow metal stripe (15-nm-thick and 500-nm-wide) is sandwiched between a semi-circle dielectric ridge(with the refractive index of 1.535 ,the radius of 777 nm) and a dielectric film (with the refractive index of 1.493) supported by low-index substrate (with the refractive index of 1.34). The mode effective index, propagation length, mode width and figures of merit of the fundamental mode supported using the finite-element method are calculated at the telecom wavelength λ =1. 55μm for different dimensions (t) of the dielectric film. It was calculated that the optimized structure have the maximized parameters with figures of merit 3.75×10¬6and propagation length 3.7mm at t=570 nm. The semi-circle LR-DLSPPW structure is found to exhibit about 20% increase of the propagation length as compared to the conventional rectangular LR-DLSPPW while ridge thickness t≤600 nm. The proposed configuration allows for easy connection to electrodes enabling, and is technologically simple being compatible with planar fabrication using UV-lithography.
Fitness inheritance-based evolutionary algorithm and its application in hybrid electric vehicle design

In this paper, we present a Fitness Inheritance-Based Evolutionary Algorithm FIEA for optimisation of component size and control parameters in designing a Hybrid Electric Vehicle HEV. FIEA is an intelligent optimisation tool for adjusting the component size and the control strategy parameters to minimise the weighted sum of fuel consumption FC and emissions. In this paper, the simulation tool ADVISOR and the driving cycles FTP, ECE-EUDC, and UDDS were used to evaluate FC, emission and dynamic performance. The experimental results show that the FIEA algorithm is a powerful tool in optimising a parallel HEV. At the same time, FC and the emissions can be improved clearly while the performance of the vehicle is not sacrificed.
Adaptive supply serial links with sub-1 V operation and per-pin clock recovery

Adaptive power-supply regulation is extended to serial links, by using 5:1 multiplexing and low-voltage transceivers for power saving, and by scaling link properties with bit rate, especially in per-pin clock recovery PLL/DLLs. The serial link operates at 0.45-3.5 Gb/s for 0.9-2.5 V supply and dissipates 9.2-197 mW.
Gata4 and Sp1 regulate expression of the erythropoietin receptor in cardiomyocytes

Experimental studies indicate significant cardioprotective effects of recombinant erythropoietin (Epo) by binding to the Epo receptor (EpoR) and by inducing various molecular mechanisms, including activation of Gata4, a transcription factor that induces anti‐apoptotic genes. However, specific molecular mechanisms of EpoR regulation in cardiomyocytes are unknown. We identified a 774 bp regulatory domain in the EpoR 5′ flanking region by reporter gene assays in murine HL‐1 cardiomyocytes. The binding sites for Gata and Sp transcription factors both significantly contributed to EpoR promoter activity. DNA‐binding studies (EMSA and ChIP assays) identified Gata4 and Sp1 as EpoR promoter‐binding proteins in HL1 cardiomyocytes. Although Sp1 alone stimulates EpoR only slightly, forced expression of Gata4 significantly induced EpoR mRNA expression. In addition, knockdown of Gata4 (but also of Sp1) resulted in a significant decrease of EpoR transcript levels in HL‐1 cardiomyocytes. Cumulative in vitro data suggest that function of the Sp1 site is essential for the Gata4‐mediated transcription. In vivo, analysis of transgenic mice expressing an inducible small‐hairpin RNA against Gata4 confirmed suppression of EpoR expression in the heart. Treating mice with high‐dose doxorubicin not only resulted in Gata4 protein depletion, but also down‐regulated EpoR, followed by up‐regulation of EpoR transcripts when Gata4 levels recovered. In conclusion, we identified Gata4 as novel regulator of EpoR transcription in cardiomyocytes. In models of cardiac injury, down‐regulation of Gata4 or Sp1 may limit the accessibility of the EpoR for binding of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA). Thereby our data underline the essential role of Gata4 in mediating cardioprotective effects.
Investigating Spectral Amplitude Modulation Phase Hierarchy Features in Speech Synthesis

Keywords: deep neural networks ; probabilistic amplitude demodulation ; spectral amplitude modulation phase hierarchy ; speech prosody ; speech synthesis Reference EPFL-CONF-222449 Related documents: http://publications.idiap. ch/index.php/publications/showcite/Lazaridis_Idiap-RR-22-2016 Record created on 2016-10-19, modified on 2017-05-10
Using simulation to craft a national organ transplantation policy

For many years, we have been able to use simulations for studying manufacturing and service systems, resulting in the ability to make better managerial decisions. As simulation methods have become more sophisticated, we have talked about the benefits of conducting large-scale simulations to support the selections of alternative public and corporate policies. This paper presents a description and analysis of what can be accomplished when simulations are used to support policy analysis and selection. The National Liver Allocation and Distribution Policy is used as the vehicle for presenting specific details of how simulation can be used to support policy selection.