Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Method for Choosing the Best Samples for Mars Sample Return

Abstract Success of a future Mars Sample Return mission will depend on the correct choice of samples. Pyrolysis-FTIR can be employed as a triage instrument for Mars Sample Return. The technique can thermally dissociate minerals and organic matter for detection. Identification of certain mineral types can determine the habitability of the depositional environment, past or present, while detection of organic matter may suggest past or present habitation. In Mars' history, the Theiikian era represents an attractive target for life search missions and the acquisition of samples. The acidic and increasingly dry Theiikian may have been habitable and followed a lengthy neutral and wet period in Mars' history during which life could have originated and proliferated to achieve relatively abundant levels of biomass with a wide distribution. Moreover, the sulfate minerals produced in the Theiikian are also known to be good preservers of organic matter. We have used pyrolysis-FTIR and samples from a Mars analog ferrous acid stream with a thriving ecosystem to test the triage concept. Pyrolysis-FTIR identified those samples with the greatest probability of habitability and habitation. A three-tier scoring system was developed based on the detection of (i) organic signals, (ii) carbon dioxide and water, and (iii) sulfur dioxide. The presence of each component was given a score of A, B, or C depending on whether the substance had been detected, tentatively detected, or not detected, respectively. Single-step (for greatest possible sensitivity) or multistep (for more diagnostic data) pyrolysis-FTIR methods informed the assignments. The system allowed the highest-priority samples to be categorized as AAA (or A*AA if the organic signal was complex), while the lowest-priority samples could be categorized as CCC. Our methods provide a mechanism with which to rank samples and identify those that should take the highest priority for return to Earth during a Mars Sample Return mission. Key Words: Mars—Astrobiology—Search for Mars' organics—Infrared spectroscopy—Planetary habitability and biosignatures. Astrobiology 18, 556–570.
Electrospinning of nanofibers

Nanotechnology is the study and development of materials at nano levels. It is one of the rapidly growing scientific disciplines due to its enormous potential in creating novel materials that have advanced applications. This technology has tremendously impacted many different science and engineering disciplines, such as electronics, materials science, and polymer engineering. Nanofibers, due to their high surface area and porosity, find applications as filter medium, adsorption layers in protective clothing, etc. Electrospinning has been found to be a viable technique to produce nanofibers. An in-depth review of research activities on the development of nanofibers, fundamental understanding of the electrospinning process, and properties of nanostructured fibrous materials and their applications is provided in this article. A detailed account on the type of fibers that have been electrospun and their characteristics is also elaborated. It is hoped that the overview article will serve as a good reference tool for nanoscience researchers in fibers, textiles, and polymer fields. Furthermore, this article will help with the planning of future research activities and better understanding of nanofiber characteristics and their applications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 557–569, 2005
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sapindus mukorossi

Abstract The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sapindus mukorossi, a critical Chinese medicine, was reported here. The total length of the chloroplast genome is 160,481 bp long with 37.7% overall GC content. A pair of IRs (inverted repeats) of 27,979 bp were separated by SSC (18,873 bp) and LSC (85,650 bp). It contains 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. Sixteen genes contain one or two introns.
Vitamin-D-fortified liquid milk--a highly effective method of vitamin D administration for house-bound and institutionalised elderly.

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and acceptability of vitamin-D-fortified liquid milk in the management of hypovitaminosis D in an elderly institutionalised population. The design was a single-blind randomised controlled study. In phase I, patients were encouraged to drink an increased quantity of either fortified or unsupplemented milk for 3 months. In phase II, patients were continued on either fortified or on unsupplemented milk which was given as part of the everyday diet for a further 6 months with no extra encouragement of any patient to take additional amounts. Ninety-eight patients (mean age 84 years) from extended care wards at the Department of Medicine for the Elderly, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, participated in the study. Seventy-eight patients completed phase I, and 62 completed phase II. A general biochemical screen and 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurements were performed at entry and repeated 3 and 9 months later. The average milk intake per patient in phase I was 454 ml/day in the unsupplemented group and 359 ml/day in the fortified milk group. In phase II, the average daily milk intake per patient was 235 ml in the unsupplemented milk group and 140 ml in the fortified milk group. Seventy-four patients (94%) of the total who completed phase I had serum vitamin D baseline levels below the normal range. In the fortified milk group, mean vitamin D levels rose from 2.4 to 14.80 ng/ml (p < 0.001) at the end of phase I and remained significantly elevated at 10.2 ng/ml (p < 0.001) at the end of phase II. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Improvement of Eye Alignment in Adult Strabismic Monkeys by Sustained IGF-1 Treatment

Purpose The goal of this study was to determine if continuous application of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) could improve eye alignment of adult strabismic nonhuman primates and to assess possible mechanisms of effect. Methods A continuous release pellet of IGF-1 was placed on one medial rectus muscle in two adult nonhuman primates (M1, M2) rendered exotropic by the alternating monocular occlusion method during the first months of life. Eye alignment and eye movements were recorded for 3 months, after which M1 was euthanized, and the lateral and medial rectus muscles were removed for morphometric analysis of fiber size, nerve, and neuromuscular density. Results Monkey 1 showed a 40% reduction in strabismus angle, a reduction of exotropia of approximately 11° to 14° after 3 months. Monkey 2 showed a 15% improvement, with a reduction of its exotropia by approximately 3°. The treated medial rectus muscle of M1 showed increased mean myofiber cross-sectional areas. Increases in myofiber size also were seen in the contralateral medial rectus and lateral rectus muscles. Similarly, nerve density increased in the contralateral medial rectus and yoked lateral rectus. Conclusions This study demonstrates that in adult nonhuman primates with a sensory-induced exotropia in infancy, continuous IGF-1 treatment improves eye alignment, resulting in muscle fiber enlargement and altered innervational density that includes the untreated muscles. This supports the view that there is sufficient plasticity in the adult ocular motor system to allow continuous IGF-1 treatment over months to produce improvement in eye alignment in early-onset strabismus.
Analytical Determination of Initial Conditions Leading to Firing in Nerve Fibers

An analytical solution characterizing initial conditions leading to action potential firing in smooth nerve fibers is determined, using the bistable equation. In the first place, we present a nontrivial stationary solution wave, then, using the perturbative method, we analyze the stability of this stationary wave. We show that it corresponds to a frontier between the initiation of the travelling waves and a decay to the resting state. Eventually, this analytical approach is extended to FitzHugh–Nagumo model.
Damage Investigation in Drilling of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Laminates

Abstract Machining of fiber reinforced plastic is a process that is substantially different from metals. The inherent anisotropy in the material system makes the material removal mechanism quite complex. Drilling composite materials is necessary to ascertain the structural integrity of intricate composite products. Drilling of laminated structures results in extensive damage around the drilled hole. This study is an attempt to quantify and propose mathematical models for drilling-induced damage in terms of the cutting speed and the feed speed. Mathematical models have also been proposed for the resulting thrust force and the torque. Four different drill point geometries, namely 4-faceted, 8-faceted, parabolic, and Jodrill, are investigated in this study.
Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus based on Risk Factors

Diabetes mellitus, in simple terms called as diabetes, is a metabolic disease, where a person is affected with high blood glucose level. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused due to the failure of body to produce insulin or to properly utilize insulin. This condition arises when the body does not produce enough insulin, or because the cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Blood glucose test is the crucial method for diagnosing diabetes. Also, there have been many computerized methods proposed for diagnosis of diabetes. All these methods have some input values which would be the result of different tests that should be carried out in hospitals. This paper proposes a methodology that aims to ease the patients undergoing various medical tests, which most of them consider as a tedious task and time consuming. The parameters identified for diagnosing diabetes have been designed in such a way that, the user can predict if he is affected with diabetes himself. Back Propagation algorithm is used for diagnosis.
Influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in COMT, MAO-A and BDNF Genes on Dyskinesias and Levodopa Use in Parkinson's Disease

Background: Clinical heterogeneity in the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) suggests endogenous factors play a significant role in determining their overall prevalence. Objective: We hypothesised that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in specific genes may result in a clinical phenotype conducive to an increased risk of LID. Methods: We examined the influence of SNPs in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes on LID in a cohort of 285 pathologically confirmed Parkinson's disease patients, using data from their complete disease course. Results: Dyskinetic patients demonstrated younger age at disease onset (60.3 vs. 66.4 years, p < 0.0001), a longer disease duration (17.0 vs. 12.0 years, p < 0.0001) and a higher maximum daily levodopa equivalent dose (LED; 926.7 vs. 617.1 mg/day, p < 0.0001) than patients without dyskinesias. No individual SNP was found to influence prevalence or time to onset of dyskinesias, including after adjustment for known risk factors. We observed that patients carrying alleles conferring both high COMT activity and increased MAO-A mRNA expression received significantly higher maximum and mean daily LEDs than those with low enzyme activity/mRNA expression (max LED: 835 ± 445 vs. 508 ± 316 mg; p = 0.0056, mean LED: 601 ± 335 vs. 398 ± 260 mg; p = 0.025). Conclusions: Individual SNPs in BDNF, COMT and MAO-A genes did not influence prevalence or time to onset of dyskinesias in this cohort. The possibility that combined COMT and MAO-A genotype is a significant factor in determining an individual's lifetime levodopa exposure warrants further investigation.
Towards New Mappings between Emotion Representation Models

There are several models for representing emotions in affect-aware applications, and available emotion recognition solutions provide results using diverse emotion models. As multimodal fusion is beneficial in terms of both accuracy and reliability of emotion recognition, one of the challenges is mapping between the models of affect representation. This paper addresses this issue by: proposing a procedure to elaborate new mappings, recommending a set of metrics for evaluation of the mapping accuracy, and delivering new mapping matrices for estimating the dimensions of a Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance model from Ekman’s six basic emotions. The results are based on an analysis using three datasets that were constructed based on affect-annotated lexicons. The new mappings were obtained with linear regression learning methods. The proposed mappings showed better results on the datasets in comparison with the state-of-the-art matrix. The procedure, as well as the proposed metrics, might be used, not only in evaluation of the mappings between representation models, but also in comparison of emotion recognition and annotation results. Moreover, the datasets are published along with the paper and new mappings might be created and evaluated using the proposed methods. The study results might be interesting for both researchers and developers, who aim to extend their software solutions with affect recognition techniques.
Expression level of valosin-containing protein (VCP) as a prognostic marker for gingival squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is associated with anti-apoptotic function and metastasis via activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway. In the present study, association of VCP expression with prognosis of gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) was examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS VCP expression in 74 patients with GSCC (34 males and 40 females) with ages ranging from 42 to 85 (median 66) years was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, in which staining intensity in tumor cells was categorized as either weaker (level 1) or equal to/stronger (level 2) than that in the endothelial cells. RESULTS Twenty-four (32.4%) cases showed level 1 and 50 (67.6%) level 2 VCP expression. Patients with level 1 GSCC showed a significantly better 5-year survival rate than those with level 2 GSCC (5-year overall survival: 100% versus 84.9%, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed VCP expression level, lymph node metastasis and pT(TNM) to be independent factors for overall survival. Patients with GSCC at stages I and II showed favorable prognosis regardless of VCP expression status, whereas at stages III and IV, patients with level 1 VCP expression showed better survival rates than those with level 2 expression. CONCLUSION Prognostic significance of VCP expression level in GSCC was demonstrated.
Dimensionless units in the SI

The International System of Units (SI) is supposed to be coherent. That is, when a combination of units is replaced by an equivalent unit, there is no additional numerical factor. Here we consider dimensionless units as defined in the SI, e.g. angular units like radians or steradians and counting units like radioactive decays or molecules. We show that an incoherence may arise when different units of this type are replaced by a single dimensionless unit, the unit ‘one’, and suggest how to properly include such units into the SI in order to remove the incoherence. In particular, we argue that the radian is the appropriate coherent unit for angles and that hertz is not a coherent unit in the SI. We also discuss how including angular and counting units affects the fundamental constants.
Effect of Simvastatin on 5-HT and 5-HTT in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Background/Aims: To investigaterole of serotonin (5-HT) and serotonin transporter (5-HTT) in a rat model of cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and the effect of statins on regulating 5HT and 5-HTT. Methods: A rat model of COPD comorbid with PAH was established by cigarette smoke exposure with or without simvastatin administration. The smoking and the simvastatin plus smoking groups were exposed to cigarette smoke daily, and the latter received simvastatin at 5mg/kg, once a day. After 16 weeks of cigarette smoke exposure, body weight and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) were measured, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, and lung tissues and blood samples were collected to determine cardiopulmonary pathology, physiological indices, blood levelof 5-HT and expression of 5-HTT in the lung. Results: In addition to alveolar structural damage (COPD-like injury), chronic cigarette smoke exposure lead to pulmonary artery remodeling and PAH as evidenced by significant elevation of mPAP, RVHI, WT%and WA%. Cigarette smoke exposure resulted in significant reduction in animal body weight, and simvastatin significantly prevented smoke-induced weight loss. The number of inflammatory cells in BALF was dramatically increased in smoke exposed rats, and simvastatin dampened the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. In addition, circulating 5-HTand expression of 5-HTT in the lung were significantly increased in the smoked rats compared to control rats, and it was significantly reduced by simvastatin. Alteration of BALF inflammatory cells, 5-HT and 5-HTT was significantly correlated with changes of mPAP, RVHI, WT% and WA%. Conclusions: Cigarette smoke exposure could result in not only COPD, but also PAH, which may attribute to the alteration of blood 5-HT and lung tissue 5-HTT. Simvastatin could significantly inhibited 5-HT and 5-HTT expression, and by which mechanism, it may protect animals from development of PAH.
A tensorial approach to access cognitive workload related to mental arithmetic from EEG functional connectivity estimates

The association of functional connectivity patterns with particular cognitive tasks has long been a topic of interest in neuroscience, e.g., studies of functional connectivity have demonstrated its potential use for decoding various brain states. However, the high-dimensionality of the pairwise functional connectivity limits its usefulness in some real-time applications. In the present study, the methodology of tensor subspace analysis (TSA) is used to reduce the initial high-dimensionality of the pairwise coupling in the original functional connectivity network to a space of condensed descriptive power, which would significantly decrease the computational cost and facilitate the differentiation of brain states. We assess the feasibility of the proposed method on EEG recordings when the subject was performing mental arithmetic task which differ only in the difficulty level (easy: 1-digit addition v.s. 3-digit additions). Two different cortical connective networks were detected, and by comparing the functional connectivity networks in different work states, it was found that the task-difficulty is best reflected in the connectivity structure of sub-graphs extending over parietooccipital sites. Incorporating this data-driven information within original TSA methodology, we succeeded in predicting the difficulty level from connectivity patterns in an efficient way that can be implemented so as to work in real-time.
Air meshes for robust collision handling

We propose a new method for both collision detection and collision response geared towards handling complex deformable objects in close contact. Our method does not miss collision events between time steps and solves the challenging problem of untangling automatically and robustly. It is conceptually simple and straight forward to parallelize due to the regularity of the algorithm. The main idea is to tessellate the air between objects once before the simulation and by considering one unilateral constraint per element that prevents its inversion during the simulation. If large relative rotations and translations are present in the simulation, an additional dynamic mesh optimization step is needed to prevent mesh locking. This step is fast in 2D and allows the simulation of arbitrary scenes. Because mesh optimization is expensive in 3D, however, the method is best suited for the subclass of 3D scenarios in which relative motions are limited. This subclass contains two important problems, namely the simulation of multi-layered clothing and tissue on animated characters.
Correlation between Material Properties and Breakage Rate Parameters Determined from Grinding Tests

The present study investigates four materials, namely quartz, marble, quartzite and metasandstone and aims to establish correlations, with the use of simple and multiple regression analysis, between their properties and breakage rate parameters. The material properties considered in this study derived from the application of destructive and non-destructive tests and include P-wave velocity (Vp), Schmidt rebound value (RL), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and tangent modulus of elasticity (Et), while the breakage rate parameters determined from batch grinding tests, include breakage rate Si, maximum breakage rate Sm, αT and α, and optimum particle size xm. The results indicate that the properties of all materials examined show very good correlation and can be used to predict Si or αT. Furthermore, parameter α is well correlated with Vp, RL and Et using inverse exponential functions, while Sm is strongly correlated with RL and UCS. Overall, it is deduced that multiple regression analysis involving two independent variables is a reliable approach and can be used to identify correlations between properties and breakage rate parameters for quartz, quartzite and metasandstone, which are silica rich materials. The only exception shown is the determination of xm for marble.
Costs of diarrheal disease and the cost-effectiveness of a rotavirus vaccination program in kyrgyzstan.

INTRODUCTION We examined the cost-effectiveness of a rotavirus immunization program in Kyrgyzstan, a country eligible for vaccine funding from the GAVI Alliance. METHODS We estimated the burden of rotavirus disease and its economic consequences by using national and international data. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from government and societal perspectives, along with a range of 1-way sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Rotavirus-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits cost US$580,864 annually, of which $421,658 (73%) is direct medical costs and $159,206 (27%) is nonmedical and indirect costs. With 95% coverage, vaccination could prevent 75% of rotavirus-related hospitalizations and deaths and 56% of outpatient visits and could avert $386,193 (66%) in total costs annually. The medical break-even price at which averted direct medical costs equal vaccination costs is $0.65/dose; the societal break-even price is $1.14/dose for a 2-dose regimen. At the current GAVI Alliance-subsidized vaccine price of $0.60/course, rotavirus vaccination is cost-saving for the government. Vaccination is cost-effective at a vaccine price $9.41/dose, according to the cost-effectiveness standard set by the 2002 World Health Report. CONCLUSIONS Addition of rotavirus vaccines to childhood immunization in Kyrgyzstan could substantially reduce disease burden and associated costs. Vaccination would be cost-effective from the national perspective at a vaccine price $9.41 per dose.
Repairing of Fractured Metal Ceramic Restorations: Techniques Review

Metal ceramic restorations (MC) have been one of the most common restorations used in fixed prosthodontics because of their casting accuracy, high strength properties of the metal, durability and the cosmetic appearance of porcelain. Considering the vast differences in modulus between metal and ceramic materials, it is not surprising that mechanical failure of PFM system can occur. Clinically, such failures often begin as porcelain fracture that may be caused by inappropriate coping design, poor abutment preparation, technical errors, contamination, physical trauma or occlusal prematurity. In spite of the progress of dental materials in the strength of the bonding of PFM restorations, they still have 5% failure rate after 10 years. Patients may view the loss or fracture of porcelain from a crown or bridge as a dental problem in need of urgent repair.