Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The interplay between local and landscape scales on the density of pond‐dwelling anurans in subtropical grasslands

We investigated the role of local and landscape environmental variables on anurans density classified as habitat specialists and generalists in grassland landscapes, known as South Brazilian grasslands (SBG). In this region, we surveyed 187 ponds distributed over 40 landscape sampling units. For each pond, 31 local environmental variables were measured. Each landscape sampling unit was embedded within a larger regional sampling unit with different landscape properties. For each landscape and regional sampling units, 16 landscape metrics were extracted from a land cover and use map. We recorded 35 species, eleven of which are specialists in the SBG. The specialists were affected by 11 local and 2 landscape environmental variables, while generalists were affected by 14 local and one landscape environmental variable. Thus, specialists and generalists presented different relationships with local and landscape variables, but in general local variables had a greater influence on the density of anurans than the landscape variables. However, the landscape indirectly influenced local variables because higher quality ponds were in landscapes with higher percentages of natural habitat. In conclusion, reproductive sites with higher local quality and located within landscapes with higher percentages of natural grasslands are essential to conserve anurans in this habitat. Effective conservation of such sites would benefit from further studies that assess effects of land use and biotic integrity of ponds, which can help to determine (a) the relative effects of local habitat quality of ponds and (b) the effectiveness of protecting ponds and their local surroundings for anuran conservation in SBG.
Efficient Configuration of Multi-Branch Wireless Cooperative Networks

One of the challenging issues in the development of wireless cooperative diversity networks is the design of practical algorithms for link configuration. In this paper, we consider the problem of selecting the most suitable relay terminals in a multi- branch wireless amplify-and-forward cooperative network, so that the overall symbol error rate is minimized. Simulation results which compare the performance of the proposed algorithm to the case when the relay nodes are selected randomly are presented which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Quantitative analysis of fetal DNA in maternal plasma in gestational diabetes mellitus, iron deficiency anemia and gestational hypertension pregnancies

Abstract Objective: To quantify circulating fetal DNA (fDNA) levels in the second and third trimesters of normal healthy pregnant individuals and pregnant women with the following clinical conditions: gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), iron deficiency anemia and gestational hypertension (GHT). Methods: The SRY gene located on the Y chromosome was used as a unique fetal marker. The fDNA was extracted from maternal plasma and the SRY gene concentrations were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using TaqMan dual labeled probe system. Results: No significant differences were observed in the mean fDNA concentration between normal and GDM pregnancy samples (p > 0.05) and also between normal and anemic pregnancy samples (p > 0.05) in both trimesters, but significant differences were observed between the third trimester normal and GHT pregnancy samples (p = 0.001). GDM and iron deficiency anemia do not affect the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma while GHT significantly elevates the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma. Conclusions: Increased amount of circulating fDNA in maternal plasma could be used for early identification of adverse pregnancies. GDM and anemia do not affect the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma while GHT significantly elevates the levels of fDNA in maternal plasma. Hence, the elevated fDNA values could be used as a potential screening marker in pregnancies complicated with GHT but not with GDM and iron deficiency anemia.
Homogenous arm model in impedance analysis of electrodes for Human Body Communication

In Human Body Communication, it is important to investigate the input impedance characteristics of the electrodes for improving the qualities of communication. For rapid analysis and development of phantom, an approximation model is needed. In this paper, we proposed newly developed homogenous human arm model which consists of single material. Input impedance characteristics of the homogenous model were compared with that of conventional model which has a multilayered cylindrical structure. As a result, it was found that the input impedance characteristics obtained from two models were well consistent at 10 MHz. On the other hand, it was found that transmission characteristics and electric fields around the model were different in each model.
Concept Linking for Clinical Text

Concept linking, or linking spans of text to concepts in a knowledge graph (KG), is an important ﬁrst step in tapping into the wealth of information stored within KGs. Use of terminologies and vocabularies is especially prominent in the biomedical domain, where signiﬁcant engineering effort has been made to ensure that rich KGs with standardized vocabularies are available. In this project, we present an approach based on recurrent neural networks (RNNs) that learn mappings from textual spans to concepts of a knowledge graph. Our method achieves generalization by using vector-based representations for concepts, and predicting all concepts along a hierarchy traversal, which is a richer prediction target that can also enable the model to gracefully handle unseen concepts. Our main result is that we are successfully able to train a RNN-based model to mimic a complex set of morphological and syntactic transformations applied by a state-of-the-art rule-based system, and generalize better than the rule-based sys-tem on concepts not present during training time. The RNN also learned embed-dings of phrases which are invariant several of the phenomena required to normalize text, such as word order inversion, synonym replacement, and noise in the span boundary. Unfortunately, we are not able to outperform the rule-based method on the original task when the train and test sets overlap.
3D-Analysis of Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction in Layered Soil

The analysis of building structure in contact with soil involves an interactive process of stresses and strains developed within the structure and the soil field. The response of Piled-Raft Foundation system to the structure is very challenging because there is an important interplay between the component of building structure and the soil field. Herein, soil-foundation-structure interaction of buildings founded on Piled-Raft Foundation is evaluated through 3D-Nonlinear Finite Element Analyses using PLAXIS3D FOUNDATION code. The soil settlements and forces demand of the high-rise building structures and foundation is computed. The parametric study affecting the soil-foundation-structure response has been carried out. The parameters such as construction phasing, sequential loading, building aspect ratios, soil failure models and thickness proportion of soil field stiff layer, are considered. It is concluded that the interaction of building foundation-soil field and super-structure has remarkable effect on the structure.
Nicotine-induced CCN2: from Smoking to Periodontal Fibrosis

Since fibrosis is observed in smokers’ gingiva, it was hypothesized that fibrosis was caused by nicotine in the periodontium. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of nicotine on the induction of a profibrotic molecule, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF), in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. With 1 μg/mL nicotine, vacuolization and attenuated proliferation were observed. Interestingly, 1 μg/mL nicotine increased the production of CCN2/CTGF protein in both cells without increasing mRNA expression. Furthermore, type I collagen mRNA and protein were also increased and were significantly blocked by a CCN2/CTGF neutralizing antibody. This is the first report to describe a relationship between nicotine and CCN2/CTGF in periodontal tissue cells. Analysis of our data also indicated that nicotine was cytotoxic, while it increased CCN2/CTGF and, eventually, type I collagen production. These findings suggest that periodontal fibrosis can be promoted by nicotine from smoking via effects on CCN2/CTGF.
The prognosis of depression in old age: Outcome six to eight years after clinical treatment

Previous studies suggest that the short-term outcome in severely depressed elderly in The Netherlands is worse compared to other studies in the Western world. The present study examines the long-term prognosis of hospitalized elderly patients with major depressive disorder and possible predictors of outcome. One hundred and five elderly inpatients with unipolar major depression, admitted by regional mental health services in a geographically delimited area, were evaluated six to eight years after index episode by trained residents using a structured diagnostic interview (C.I.D.I.) The GP was interviewed using a standard questionnaire. At follow-up 40% of the original sample had died. Of the survivors 33% had fared well, 24% had a relapsing course, 22% had residual symptoms, 11% were continuously ill, and 9% had probable dementia. With respect to prognostic factors, personality disorder predicted a worse outcome. All patients with a major depressive disorder at follow-up received specialised care and used antidepressants. None of the patients received ECT. The mortality rate in clinically treated elderly with major depressive disorder is high. Among survivors the long-term prognosis in The Netherlands is comparable with other studies to date. The presence of a personality disorder predicts worse outcome. Though the accessibility of services seems to be good, more vigorous treatment was not applied.
M best solutions for optimization problem A survey

The problem of finding the m best solutions for optimization problem was studied using a large variety of different approaches. The following report presents an attempt of a systematical overview of the most influential or recent works on the subject. This study does not claim to be exhaustive and will be extended as new relevant works come to out attention. The following parameters are used throughout to describe complexity of the algorithms: n is the number of variables in the problem, m is the number of solutions, k is the largest domain size, w∗ is the induced width of the graph, deg is the degree of the pseudo-tree or the bucket tree, where applicable. In Section 1 we describe two general algorithms that can be used for solving a large variety of optimization problem by pluggin in the appropriate algorithms for finding a single solution. In Section 2 the most prominent algorithms for finding the m shortests paths in simple graphs are presented. In Section 3 we present algorithms that are specifically designed for solving problems that are formulated as graphical models. All algorithms are exact, unless explicitly specified otherwise.
Building geometric world models with graph synthesis for sensor fusion in mobile robots 1

This paper presents a description of the application of an attributed graph based approach to the synthesis of a geometric world model for use in navigation by a mobile robot. Our aim is to develop the theoretical aspects of graph synthesis for mobile robot world knowledge acquisition, and to demonstrate the validity of the approach with a simulation before implementation on the rover. A boundary representation of free space consisting of directed line segments organized into a directed attributed graph is used. The synthesis problem can be considered as having two parts: matching of a local model with a global model and the construction of a new global model. Structural and geometric local and global constraints are used to limit and direct the search for valid graph mappings. The constraints are the source of rules for matching primitives and graphs and are used in the process of constructing a new world model graph. An algorithm for graph synthesis is implemented in a software simulation for testing and experimentation.
Sixty-Four–Multislice Computed Tomography Image of a Ruptured Coronary Plaque

Noninvasive investigation with 64-multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed in a 57-year-old patient with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension because of suspected ischemic heart disease. A severe short stenosis of the distal right coronary artery was visualized. A density parallel to the true lumen was observed at the region (Figure 1). On the cross-sectional image, the plaque appeared eccentric with a complex signal-density pattern: a …
Understanding self and others: from origins to disorders

In order to interpret and engage with the social world, individuals must understand how they relate to others. Self–other understanding forms the backbone of social cognition and is a central concept explored by research into basic processes such as action perception and empathy, as well as research on more sophisticated social behaviours such as cooperation and intergroup interaction. This theme issue integrates the latest research into self–other understanding from evolutionary biology, anthropology, psychology, neuroscience and psychiatry. By gathering perspectives from a diverse range of disciplines, the contributions showcase ways in which research in these areas both informs and is informed by approaches spanning the biological and social sciences, thus deepening our understanding of how we relate to others in a social world.
Di-μ-iodido-bis[(dimethyl 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylate-κ2 N,N′)copper(I)]

In the centrosymmetric dinuclear title complex, [Cu2I2(C22H16N2O4)2], the CuI atom is coordinated in a distorted tetrahedral geometry by an N,N′-bidentate dimethyl 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylate ligand and two symmetry-related I atoms, which act as bridges to a symmetry-related CuI atom. The distance between the CuI atoms within the dinuclear unit is 2.6723 (11) Å.
Unsupervised Denoising via Wiener Entropy Masking in the STFT Domain

A completely blind, adaptive, and unsupervised interference nulling and denoising technique is presented. This technique works by discriminating between sub-bands belonging to narrow band pulses/pulse-trains, narrow band constant amplitude interference, and Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN), in the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) domain. Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on energy measures in the time, frequency, or joint time-frequency domains, this method utilizes the Wiener Entropy (WE) metric to isolate interference and AWGN sub-bands from those belonging to narrow band pulsed signals of interest. The Modified Wiener Entropy (MWE) can then also be used to null out sub-bands belonging to interferences in a completely threshold-less and unsupervised manner. The resulting modified STFT can then be inverse transformed back into the time-domain via the LSE method, thereby yielding a denoised instance of the original signal. As this method masks the complex-valued STFT, phase preservation of the original signal is guaranteed.
Flagellar Movement: A Sliding Filament Model

A sliding filament mechanism appears to provide the most satisfactory basis for a simple feedback mechanism for the control of bend propagation and bend initiation by flagella, and is supported by strong experimental evidence. A computer simulation of the movements of a flagellar model based on the sliding filament mechanism demonstrates that this mechanism offers a sufficient explanation for the automatic generation of flagellar bending waves. Further computer simulation studies may provide insight into questions such as the applicability of the sliding filament mechanism to the generation of the more complicated asymmetrical bending patterns of cilia, and the control of the bending pattern by interaction between several sliding filament systems within a flagellum.
Extended RAS Gene Mutation Testing in Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma to Predict Response to Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion Update 2015 Summary.

Purpose An American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion (PCO) offers timely clinical direction after publication or presentation of potentially practice-changing data from major studies. This PCO update addresses the utility of extended RAS gene mutation testing in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) to detect resistance to anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody (MoAb) therapy. Clinical Context Recent results from phase II and III clinical trials in mCRC demonstrate that patients whose tumors harbor RAS mutations in exons 2 (codons 12 and 13), 3 (codons 59 and 61), and 4 (codons 117 and 146) are unlikely to benefit from therapy with MoAbs directed against EGFR, when used as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy.
Validation of QwikStar Catheter for left ventricular electromechanical mapping with NOGA XP system.

Left ventricular electromechanical mapping (LVEM) is a method for mapping the left ventricular cavity in 3 dimensions by use of a catheter that samples points on the endocardial surface. These points provide data on unipolar voltage and linear local shortening, which can then be used to evaluate myocardial ischemia and viability. The new QwikStar multi-electrode catheter, which acquires data from multiple points simultaneously, potentially improves map quality and decreases mapping time in comparison with the single-point NogaStar catheter. Our study sought to validate the QwikStar catheter's LVEM capabilities in a porcine model of chronic ischemia.Eight pigs underwent ameroid placement over the proximal left circumflex artery, to induce chronic ischemia. In 60 days, LVEM was performed on each animal with the NogaStar and QwikStar catheters. Unipolar voltage and linear local shortening results were displayed in 9-segment polar maps. The unipolar voltage data from both maps were then correlated by means of linear regression.There were no adverse events during LVEM. Mapping time was similar for both groups (QwikStar, 44.6 +/- 25.62 min; NogaStar, 65.75 +/- 25.33 min; P = 0.13). Results of mean unipolar voltage maps acquired with the 2 catheters showed a moderate correlation (r =0.59, P <0.001). Selecting segments with more than 6 point samples increased the Pearson coefficient to 0.69 (P <0.001). Our findings show that the QwikStar catheter enables the reproducible performance of LVEM by sampling fewer points, which shortens procedure time, decreases manipulation of the left ventricular cavity, and might increase procedural safety.
The Anesthetic Management of Ocular Trauma

Ocular trauma is a worldwide problem that affects people of all ages. Approximately 2 million eye injuries occur each year in the United States. According to one study looking at ocular trauma from 1992 to 2001, the most frequent type of eye injury was superficial injury to the eye and adnexa (41.6%), followed by a foreign body on the external eye (25.4%), contusions (16%), and open wounds (10.1%). The most common etiology of these ocular injuries was foreign body (41.7%), followed by, strike by an object (19.4%), fight or assault (6.8%), fall (5.9%), vehicle-related (4.0%), and cutting/piercing objects (3.1%). The morbidity and economic impact of ocular injuries is significant, accounting for approximately 1 to 3 billion dollars annually. The purpose of this review is to focus on the relevant ocular anatomy/ physiology and anesthetic management of the most common injuries associated with ocular trauma.
Intracellular distribution of heat‐induced stress glycoproteins

Cellular heat stress results in elevated heat‐shock protein (HSP) synthesis and in thermotolerance development. Recently, we demonstrated that protein glycosylation is also an integral part of the stress response with the identification of two major stress glycoproteins, GP50, associated with thermotolerance, and P‐SG67, the “prompt” stress glycoprotein induced immediately during acute heat stress. In the present study, we characterized the subcellular location and redistribution of these proteins during the cellular injury and recovery phase. In unheated and heated CHO cells, both stress glycoproteins were present in each subcellular fraction isolated by differential centrifugation. However, the subcellular redistribution in the course of cellular recovery after heat stress was specific for each stress glycoprotein. GP50 was present in all subcellular fractions before heat stress, but showed relatively little redistribution after heat stress. By 24 h of recovery following stress, GP50 showed partial depletion from lysosomes and microsomes, and was mainly present in the mitochondria. Glycosylated P‐SG67 was redistributed in a more complex fashion. It was seen predominantly in the lysosomes and microsomes immediately following heat‐stress, but after 6 h of recovery following heat stress, it largely disappeared from the microsomes and was present mainly in the cytosol. By 24 h of recovery following heat stress, it was found predominantly in the nucleus‐rich fraction and mitochondria. The localization of GP50 and P‐SG67 by subcellular fractionation is consistent with immunolocalization studies and contrasts with the translocation of HSP70 after heat stress from cytosol to nuclei and nucleoli. These results reflect a characteristic distribution for each stress glycoprotein; their presence in virtually all subcellular fractions suggests multifunctional roles for the various stress glycoproteins in the cellular heat stress response. J. Cell. Biochem. 66:98–111, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal Policy for a Multiechelon Inventory System with Batch Ordering and Fixed Replenishment Intervals

In many production/distribution systems, materials flow in fixed lot sizes (e.g., in full truckloads or full containers) and under regular schedules (e.g., delivery every week). In this paper, we study a multiechelon serial system with batch ordering and fixed replenishment intervals. We derive the optimal inventory control policy, provide a distribution-function solution for its optimal control parameters, and present an efficient algorithm for computing those parameters. Further, we show that the optimal expected system cost is minimized when the ordering times for all stages are synchronized. In contrast to the known approach in the literature that develops a lower bound for the average cost of a given period for the classical serial system, we develop a lower bound for the average total cost over an appropriately defined cycle and then construct a policy that reaches the lower bound. We also discuss its extension to the nonlinear shortage cost case (i.e., the nonlinear cost case). This paper generalizes several recent results on the analysis of multiechelon systems.
[Significance of the haversian number].

The aim of this work is to show that the measurement of the haversian number, i.e. the number of haversian canals per unit surface in transverse sections of compact bone, is not suffisantly accurate to determine the degree of compact bone remodelling. At the beginning of adult life, the aspect of the interstitial bone indicates that one haversian canal can correspond to one to four osteons (fig. 1). With increasing age, the diameter of the osteons decreases (fig. 2) and, consequently, for a same remodelled surface of bone the number of haversian canals varies greatly. In the elderly, the dissociation between osteon production and that of haversian canals increases (fig. 3). Moreover, the presence of large, irregular cavities which are difficult to assimilate to one or more haversian canals tends also to diminish, in terms of remodeling, the significance of the haversian number.