Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Galling Behavior of Advanced Coating Contacts with Aluminium Alloy during Sliding Wear

This paper investigates the galling behaviour of a range of hard coatings applied to tooling surfaces during the sheet forming of an aluminium alloy workpiece. A total of three types of tooling materials were investigated, two of which were subject to PVD deposited coatings of AlCrN, CrN and DLC applied to the working surface. The third tooling material had undergone induction heating, plasma-nitriding and polishing. To evaluate the galling behaviour of the applied coatings, a tribological evaluation was conducted using a pin-on-disc test set-up at a constant load and varying temperature. The coated discs, replicating the tooling material, were tested against aluminium alloy pins AA6082 and AA7075 representing the workpiece material. This investigation indicated that the friction and galling behaviour of aluminium is highly dependent on temperature, and the use of two different aluminium pins had no significant effect. At room temperature, it was found that carbon-based coatings provide the lowest friction and the best protection against galling, whilst nitride-based treatments exhibit better performance at high temperature. Moreover, at elevated temperatures, coated tools exhibit superior anti-galling properties compared to uncoated tools.
Probing Memory and Executive Functions with Virtual Reality: Past and Present Studies

The technology of virtual reality (VR) has been used to develop interactive programs that simulate everyday life environments, where healthy subjects and patients with central nervous system dysfunctions are asked to carry out tasks that probe incidental memory and executive functions. The results of three studies support previous claims that VR-based tests overcome several limitations of traditional paper-and-pencil tests, are at least as sensitive to target cognitive impairments, while providing a richer range of opportunities for measuring behavior. Preliminary analyses also suggest that results of VR-based memory tests are replicable across laboratories and subjects samples and that the technology is well-accepted and tolerated by both healthy and impaired subjects.
Tracking a benchmark index – using a spreadsheet‐based decision support system as the driver

This paper presents a two‐phase quantitative approach for enhanced index investing based on the mean‐variance model and the goal programming method. In the first stage, we use the mean‐variance theory to select better performing stocks for an investment pool. Then, in the second stage, we use a goal programming method to weight the selected stocks by balancing both the tracking error and the rate of return. In addition to the theoretical formulation, we construct a spreadsheet‐based decision support system (DSS) based on the transaction data to help resolve the index tracking problem. The paper contributes to the literature in two ways. For academics, we present original discussions on combining an interdisciplinary mean‐variance model and a goal programming method. Unlike the conventional approach used for enhanced index investing that requires a fund manager to actively buy and sell stocks to improve returns, our approach is based on historical data and deduces subjective judgments. Meanwhile, for practitioners, we present an original discussion on using a DSS to support index investing. The results of an empirical survey of the Taiwan stock market are also presented.
Asian Leadership in Chronic Kidney Disease

Asian Pacific countries include those with the highest incidence of renal failure in the world, the richest and poorest economies and unparalleled diversity of economy, culture and geography. From this come many challenges, but also a strong basis for the introduction of strategies to combat renal diseases. With a rapidly developing scientific community, Asia needs to accept the challenge of becoming a global leader in nephrology in the near future.
Frequency of takeaway food consumption and its association with major food group consumption, anthropometric measures and blood pressure during adolescence

Abstract We prospectively assessed the (1) frequency and socio-economic correlates of takeaway food consumption during adolescence; and (2) association between frequent takeaway food consumption with intakes of major food groups and anthropometric measures and blood pressure (BP). In total, 699 Sydney schoolchildren (380 girls and 319 boys) who had dietary data at both 12 and 17 years of age were included for analyses. Takeaway food consumption was self-reported and based on a single question. Anthropometric measures and BP were collected. The proportion of participants who ate takeaway foods once per week or more increased significantly over 5 years from the age of 12 to 17 years: 35·5–44·1 % (P<0·0001). In total, 12-year-old girls compared with boys had reduced odds of takeaway foods once per week or more at the age of 17 years (P=0·01), multivariable-adjusted OR 0·63 (95 % CI 0·44, 0·90). In total, 12-year-old children who ate takeaway foods once per week or more had significantly lower mean fruit (220·3 v. 253·0 g/d; P=0·03) and vegetable consumption (213·2 v. 247·7 g/d; P=0·004), 5 years later (at 17 years of age). Frequent takeaway food consumption at the age of 12 years was not associated with anthropometric indices and BP at the age of 17 years. Consumption of takeaway foods became more frequent during adolescence, particularly among boys, and it was associated with reduced intake of fruits and vegetables.
The hypoxia‐inducible miR‐429 regulates hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α expression in human endothelial cells through a negative feedback loop

Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) 1 and 2 are dimeric α/β transcription factors that regulate cellular responses to low oxygen. HIF‐1 is induced first, whereas HIF‐2 is associated with chronic hypoxia. To determine how HIF1A mRNA, the inducible subunit of HIF‐1, is regulated during hypoxia, we followed HIF1A mRNA levels in primary HUVECs over 24 hours using quantitative PCR. HIF1A and VEGF A (VEGFA) mRNA, a transcriptional target of HIF‐1, increased ~2.5‐ and 8‐fold at 2‐4 hours, respectively. To determine how the mRNAs were regulated, we identified a microRNA (miRNA), miR‐429, that destabilized HIF1A message and decreased VEGFA mRNA by inhibiting HIF1A. Target protector analysis, which interferes with miRNA‐mRNA complex formation, confirmed that miR‐429 targeted HIF1A message. Desferoxamine treatment, which inhibits the hydroxylases that promote HIF‐1α protein degradation, stabilized HIF‐1 activity during normoxic conditions and elevated miR‐429 levels, demonstrating that HIF‐1 promotes miR‐429 expression. RNA‐sequencing‐based transcriptome analysis indicated that inhibition of miRNA‐429 in HUVECs up‐regulated 209 mRNAs, a number of which regulate angiogenesis. The results demonstrate that HIF‐1 is in a negative regulatory loop with miR‐429, that miR‐429 attenuates HIF‐1 activity by decreasing HIF1A message during the early stages of hypoxia before HIF‐2 is activated, and this regulatory network helps explain the HIF‐1 transition to HIF‐2 during chronic hypoxia in endothelial cells. —Bartoszewska, S. , Kochan, K. , Piotrowski, A. , Kamysz, W. , Ochocka, R. J., Collawn, J. F. , Bartoszewski, R. The hypoxia‐inducible miR‐429 regulates hypoxia hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α expression in human endothelial cells through a negative feedback loop. FASEB J. 29, 1467‐1479 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Do school resources influence the relationship between adolescent financial background and their school perceptions?

BACKGROUND Socioeconomic status (SES) influences students' school perceptions and affects their performance, engagement, and personal beliefs. This study examined the effects of school population SES and school resources on the association between student SES and student perceptions. METHODS School liking, classmate social relationships, family affluence, and experience of hunger were assessed in a nationally representative sample of 12,642 students (grades 5-10) in the 2009-2010 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study. School characteristics included school meal program, Title 1 dollars received per student, school resources, and urban/rural status. Multilevel analysis was used. RESULTS At the individual level, both school liking and social relationships were negatively associated with student grade level. Boys liked school less and had more positive perceptions of social relationships than girls. Students in rural schools and who experienced hunger liked schools less and had poorer perceptions of social relationships than their respective counterparts. School-level percentage of students eligible for free/reduced meals accounted for 33% of the between-school variance in social relationships. CONCLUSIONS Family and school economic characteristics and grade level influenced students' school perceptions. The associations between student SES, school population SES, and school perceptions suggests that school health professionals should recognize and address student economic issues at school.
Event detection from MPEG video in the compressed domain

The paper describes two techniques for detecting dynamic events using the motion vectors obtained from the MPEG video encoding. In the first technique, feature vectors from motion information form a high dimensional curve for a video clip, and curve simplification allows us to browse the clip along portions where interesting events are likely to happen. In the second technique, the camera motion, pan, tilt, and zoom are computed from the motion vectors, and the residual vectors which are not explained by the camera motion are regarded as generated by moving blobs. Events are detected from these moving blobs.
Lymphoproliferative disorders in individuals with chronic hepatitis b and C in the Turkish population

The aims of this cohort study were to evaluate the association of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and to compare the results with those in individuals with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. A total of 3,873 patients with chronic liver disease who were seen consecutively in the Liver Disease Outpatient Clinic between January 2001 and July 2007 were assessed retrospectively. The frequency of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders including non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in these patients was investigated. Of the total, 1,999 patients had chronic hepatitis B infection (male/female: 1,226/773, mean age: 45.1 ± 13.2 years), 978 had chronic hepatitis C infection (male/female: 437/541, mean age: 53.8 ± 13.7 years), and the remaining 896 had non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (male/female: 450/446, mean age: 50.8 ± 11.2 years). A malignant lymphoproliferative disorder was identified in 13 patients (male/female: 9/4, mean age: 52.8 ± 16.8 years) with chronic viral hepatitis, while no case of malignant lymphoproliferative disorder was identified in individuals with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (P = 0.048). Among the patients with malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, seven had chronic hepatitis B infection and six had chronic hepatitis C infection; 11 had non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and two had chronic lymphocytic leukemia. All non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma cases were B‐cell lymphoma. Based on the data obtained in this investigation, the association with malignant lymphoproliferative disorders in chronic viral hepatitis seems to be high as compared to that occurring in individuals with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. J. Med. Virol. 83:974–980, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Address-Predictive Vector Quantization of Images by Topology-Preserving Codebook Ordering

Address vector quantization is a recently proposed image coding technique based on vector quantization (VQ) which exploits the interblock dependence by jointly encoding groups of VQ addresses. In this paper, by further developing the idea of address encoding, a new image coding technique is proposed. It is based upon the design of an ordered VQ codebook such that co-devectors which are similar to each other have close addresses. As a result, the performance in terms of bit-rate is very close to that of Address VQ, but much lower computational complexity and memory storage are required.
Beneficial effects of dexpanthenol on mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion injury in experimental rat model

ABSTRACT Background and aim It has been reported that intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury results from oxidative stress caused by increased reactive oxygen species. Dexpanthenol (Dxp) is an alcohol analogue with epitelization, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and increasing peristalsis activities. In the present study, the aim was to investigate protective and therapeutic effects of Dxp against intestinal I/R injury. Materials and methods Overall, 40 rats were assigned into five groups including one control, one alone Dxp, and three I/R groups (40-min ischemia; followed by 2-h reperfusion). In two I/R groups, Dxp (500 mg/kg, i.m.) was given before or during ischemia. The histopathological findings including apoptotic changes, and also tissue and serum biochemical parameters levels, were determined. Oxidative stress and ileum damage were assessed by biochemical and histological examination. In the control (n = 8) and alone Dxp (n = 8; 500 mg/kg, i.m. of Dxp was given at least 30 min before recording), groups were incised via laparotomy, and electrical activity was recorded from their intestines. In this experiment, the effect of Dxp on the motility of the intestine was examined by analyzing electrical activity. Results In ileum, oxidant levels were found to be higher, while antioxidant levels were found to be lower in I/R groups when compared with controls. Dxp approximated high levels of oxidants than those in the control group, while it increased antioxidant values compared with I/R groups. Histopathological changes caused by intestinal I/R injury and histological improvements were observed in both groups given Dxp. In the Dxp group, electrical signal activity markedly increased compared with the control group. Conclusions Here, it was seen that Dxp had protective and therapeutic effects on intestinal I/R injury and gastrointestinal system peristaltism.
What reviews are satisfactory: novel features for automatic helpfulness voting

This paper focuses on exploring the features of product reviews that satisfy users, by which to improve the automatic helpfulness voting for the reviews on commercial websites. Compared to the previous work, which single-mindedly adopts the textual features to assess the review helpfulness, we propose that user preferences are more explicit clues to infer the opinions of users on the review helpfulness. By using the user-preference based features, we firstly implement a binary helpfulness based review classification system to divide helpful reviews and useless, and on the basis, we secondly build a Ranking SVM based automatic helpfulness voting system (AHV) which rank reviews based on their helpfulness. Experiments used a large scale dataset containing over 34,266 reviews on 1289 products to test the systems, which achieves promising performances with accuracy of up to 0.72 and NDCG@10 of 0.25, and at least 9% accuracy improvement compared to the textual-feature based helpfulness assessment.
Mesh infection in ventral incisional hernia repair: incidence, contributing factors, and treatment.

BACKGROUND Prosthetic mesh infection is a catastrophic complication of ventral incisional hernia (VIH) repair. METHODS The current surgical literature was reviewed to determine the incidence, microbiology, risk factors, and treatment of mesh infections. RESULTS Mesh infections tend to present late. Diagnosis depends on high clinical suspicion and relies on culture of the fluid surrounding the mesh or of the mesh itself. Risk factors may include a high body mass index (obesity); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; prior surgical site infection; use of larger, microporous, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh; performance of other procedures via the same incision at the time of repair; longer operative time; lack of tissue coverage of the mesh; enterotomy; and enterocutaneous fistula. The best treatment is prevention. Treatment of mesh infection is evolving on a case-by-case basis from explantation toward mesh salvage, to prevent complications such as hernia recurrence. CONCLUSION Higher-quality reporting on mesh infection in VIH repair must be achieved through better classification and quantification of these infections. Tactics to avoid mesh infection should be based on best evidence and high-quality prospective trials and observational studies.
Spike Timing Dependent Competitive Learning in Recurrent Self Organizing Pulsed Neural Networks Case Study: Phoneme and Word Recognition

Synaptic plasticity seems to be a capital aspect of the dynamics of neural networks. It is about the physiological modifications of the synapse, which have like consequence a variation of the value of the synaptic weight. The information encoding is based on the precise timing of single spike events that is based on the relative timing of the pre- and post-synaptic spikes, local synapse competitions within a single neuron and global competition via lateral connections. In order to classify temporal sequences, we present in this paper how to use a local hebbian learning, spike-timing dependent plasticity for unsupervised competitive learning, preserving self-organizing maps of spiking neurons. In fact we present three variants of self-organizing maps (SOM) with spike-timing dependent Hebbian learning rule, the Leaky Integrators Neurons (LIN), the Spiking_SOM and the recurrent Spiking_SOM (RSSOM) models. The case study of the proposed SOM variants is phoneme classification and word recognition in continuous speech and speaker independent.
Free motion of sequence of similar aperiodic blocks

In the theory and practice of control systems design a model of the desired behavior which state matrix has the Newton's binary distribution of eigenvalues has found its widespread usage. Using the transfer functions apparatus in a structural representation of these systems yields systems in the form of a sequence of similar first order aperiodic blocks. The transient response of the system is characterized by the absence of overshoot. The situation changes considerably if the control system with a binomial distribution of eigenvalues is in a nonzero initial state. The system in the form of the sequence of similar first order aperiodic blocks mathematically turns out to be a three-parameter system with the following parameters: the absolute value of the negative real number, its multiplicity which is equal to the order of the system and the transfer coefficient. It was determined that in the three-parameter system, which is a present work research object, peaks of the state vector norm in the free motion trajectories may occur for any values of the absolute value of the negative eigenvalue.
Scattered PET data for attenuation-map reconstruction in PET/MRI: Fundamentals

It is well-known that attenuation correction is important in Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and particularly challenging when the latter is combined with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Recently, we have presented techniques to use scattered PET coincidences for reconstruction of attenuation maps. These techniques primarily rely on scatter-to-attenuation back-projection of scattered coincidences on potential scattering locations in image space. In this article, we present some of the fundamentals not included in, but useful for comprehending these previous publications. This comprises examples illustrating the need for additional information in PET-based PET attenuation correction (in particular, sinogram and image-space ambiguities), a scatter coordinate system used for expressing integral terms, and the derivation of a single-scatter measurement equation similar to those found earlier by other authors.
Intraocular pressure, ultrasonographic and echobiometric findings of juvenile Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) eye.

OBJECTIVE The aim was to determine the intraocular pressure (IOP), the ultrasonographic and echobiometric findings in the eyes of juvenile Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare). ANIMALS Twenty-two healthy caimans from a breeding farm in Brazilian Pantanal. PROCEDURES Intraocular pressure was measured under physical restraint and topical anesthesia by applanation tonometry. Five individual measurements of each eye were recorded by the same examiner. B-mode ultrasonography was performed with a 10-MHz linear transducer, and the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous depth, and axial globe length were measured. Unpaired and paired t-tests were used to assess data. Pearson's test was used to assess correlations between IOP and ocular structures (P < 0.05). RESULTS Mean ± SD IOP of the 44 eyes studied was 9.56 ± 2.69 mmHg, (range 5.4-15.6 mmHg). IOP did not differ significantly between right and left eyes or between genders (P > 0.05). Echobiometric measurements did not differ significantly between eyes and genders (P > 0.05). Intraocular structures measured in male and female subjects were, respectively, 2.61 ± 0.13 and 2.55 ± 0.18 mm for anterior chamber depth, 7.60 ± 0.17 and 7.54 ± 0.20 mm for lens thickness, 6.83 ± 0.20 and 6.90 ± 0.22 mm for vitreous chamber depth, and 17.55 ± 0.25 and 17.54 ± 0.29 mm for axial globe length. Correlations were not observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Reference values of tonometry and distances of intraocular structures of Yacare caiman were described. IOP did not correlate with echobiometric measurements in this crocodilian. The ultrasonographic appearance was similar to other domestic and wild species.
The Temporal Logic of Token Causes

While type causality helps us to understand general relationships such as the etiology of a disease (smoking causing lung cancer), token causality aims to explain causal connections in specific instantiated events, such as the diagnosis of a patient (Ravi's developing lung cancer after a 20-year smoking habit). Understanding why something happened, as in these examples, is central to reasoning in such diverse cases as the diagnosis of patients, understanding why the US financial market collapsed in 2007 and finding a causal explanation for Obama's victory over Clinton in the US primary. However, despite centuries of work in philosophy and decades of research in computer science, the problem of how to rigorously formalize token causality and how to automate such reasoning has remained unsolved. In this paper, we show how to use type-level causal relationships, represented as temporal logic formulas, together with philosophical principles, to reason about these token-level cases.