Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic Treatment with Ethanolic Extract of the Leavesof Azadirachta indica Ameliorates Lesions of Pancreatic Islets in Streptozotocin Diabetes

Los medicamentos a base de plantas son terapias complementarias en el manejo de la diabetes mellitus. En este trabajo se estudiaron los efectos del tratamiento cronico de ratas diabeticas con A. indica (Neem) sobre la glucosa de la sangre, la histopatologia de los islotes pancreaticos, y el estado oxidativo del pancreas. Cincuenta y cuatro ratas Wistar (5-8 semanas de edad) fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a 5 grupos de tratamiento. La hiperglucemia fue inducida en 34 ratas en ayunas con una unica inyeccion IP de STZ (70 mg/kg peso corporal/d). El extracto etanolico de hojas de A. indica (500 mg/kg de peso corporal/dia) fue administrado por via oral a ratas diabeticas (n=12) por 50d. Glibenclamida fue dada (PO) a 600 mg/kg peso corporal/d. En cada grupo, la glucosa en la sangre, la histopatologia de los islotes, y el estado oxidativo de pancreas, se evaluaron. Todas las ratas de hiperglucemia en el grupo tratado con el Neem se habian convertido en normoglucemicas al final de la semana 2. Por 50d, el numero de celulas b viables fue mayor en el Neem ratas tratadas con diabetes (en comparacion con los grupos de diabeticos y glibenclamida). Del mismo modo, la histologia de los islotes mostro una notable mejoria en este grupo, ademas de mejorar el estres oxidativo. Nuestros resultados confirman el efecto hipoglucemiante de Neem. Ademas, la mejora de la morfologia de los islotes y el estado de oxidacion en el neem tratados con ratas diabeticas sugieren el potencial de esta hierba en la mejora de las lesiones de los islotes pancreaticos en la diabetes mellitus.
ARE MUSCLE FORCES RELEVANT IN THE AGE RELATED RISE OF INJURIES IN ADOLESCENT SOCCER PLAYERS

The purpose of this study was the comparison of the kinematics and kinetics in soccer inside passes between three age groups (U12, U16, U23). Using 3D movement analysis and inverse dynamics, hip joint kinematics and adductor muscle forces were calculated. SPM analysis showed significant differences in adduction angle and velocity and in muscle forces of adductor longus and gracilis. Comparison of the muscle forces shows a rapid increase in muscle forces from the youngest children to the adolescents while the difference between the adolescents and adults is only minor. It seems reasonable, that the fast development of muscle forces in adolescents compared to the slower development of the tendons is a factor in the sudden rise in injury incidence at the beginning of puberty. Therefore, adolescent players should be trained with caution to avoid early injuries.
Surface-based general 3D object detection and pose estimation

3D object detection and pose estimation often requires a 3D object model, and even so, it is a difficult problem if the object is heavily occluded in a cluttered scene. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for recognizing and localizing 3D objects based on their appearances through segmentation of 3D surfaces. The approach can identify multiple occluded objects in a scene, which may include different instances of the same object, and estimate the pose of each entire object even if the object can only be seen partially due to occlusion.
Discrepancy-Based Additive Bounding Procedures

We model portions of the search tree via so-called search constraints. We focus on a particular kind of search constraint, the k-discrepancy constraint appearing in discrepancy-based search. The property that a node has an associated discrepancy k can be modeled (and enforced) through a linear constraint. Our key result is the exploitation of the k-discrepancy constraint to improve the bound given by any relaxation of a combinatorial optimization problem through the additive bounding technique (Fischetti and Toth 1989). We show how this simple idea can be effectively exploited to tighten relaxations in CP solvers and speed up the proof of optimality by performing a large variety of computational experiments on test problems involving the AllDifferent constraint. In this view, the additive bounding technique represents a non-trivial link between search and bound. Moreover, such a technique is general because it does not depend on either the AllDifferent constraint or the discrepancy search technique.
The Nucleus Reuniens Controls Long-Range Hippocampo–Prefrontal Gamma Synchronization during Slow Oscillations

Gamma oscillations are involved in long-range coupling of distant regions that support various cognitive operations. Here we show in adult male rats that synchronized bursts of gamma oscillations bind the hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during slow oscillations and slow-wave sleep, a brain state that is central for consolidation of memory traces. These gamma bursts entrained the firing of the local HPC and mPFC neuronal populations. Neurons of the nucleus reuniens (NR), which is a structural and functional hub between HPC and mPFC, demonstrated a specific increase in their firing before gamma burst onset, suggesting their involvement in HPC–mPFC binding. Chemical inactivation of NR disrupted the temporal pattern of gamma bursts and their synchronization, as well as mPFC neuronal firing. We propose that the NR drives long-range hippocampo–prefrontal coupling via gamma bursts providing temporal windows for information exchange between the HPC and mPFC during slow-wave sleep. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Long-range coupling between hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is believed to support numerous cognitive functions, including memory consolidation occurring during sleep. Gamma-band synchronization is a fundamental process in many neuronal operations and is instrumental in long-range coupling. Recent evidence highlights the role of nucleus reuniens (NR) in consolidation; however, how it influences hippocampo–prefrontal coupling is unknown. In this study, we show that HPC and mPFC are synchronized by gamma bursts during slow oscillations in anesthesia and natural sleep. By manipulating and recording the NR–HPC–mPFC network, we provide evidence that the NR actively promotes this long-range gamma coupling. This coupling provides the hippocampo–prefrontal circuit with a novel mechanism to exchange information during slow-wave sleep.
A Thermal Conductivity Model for Hydrating Concrete Pavements

Hydrating concrete pavement is typically subjected to temperature-induced stresses that drive cracking mechanisms at early concrete ages. Undesired cracking plays a key role in the long-term performance of concrete pavement systems. The loss of support beneath the concrete pavement due to curling caused by temperature changes in the pavement may induce several significant distresses such as punch out pumping, and erosion. The effect of temperature on these distress mechanisms is both significant and intricate. Because thermal conductivity dominates temperature flow in hydrating concrete over time, this material property is back-calculated by transforming governing equation of heat transfer and test data measured in laboratory. Theoretically, the back- calculated thermal conductivity simulates the heat movements in concrete very accurately. Therefore, the back- calculated thermal conductivity can be used to calibrate concrete temperature predicted by models.
On the Redundancy Strategies of Modular Multilevel Converters

The modular multilevel converters (MMCs) have become an attractive topology in recent years. The MMC has been employed in several applications as HVdc, energy storage, renewable energy, electrical drives, and static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs). One advantage of MMC-based topologies is the inherited fault-tolerant operation associated with the high number of submodules (SMs). This work proposes the study of four redundancy strategies, which can be employed in modular multilevel converters: standard redundancy, redundancy strategy based on additional submodules (RAS), redundancy strategy based on additional submodules optimized (RASO), and redundancy strategy based on spare submodules. These strategies are compared through a case study of a 15 MVA MMC STATCOM. A new approach for the SM capacitance design is proposed, including the effect of the negative sequence current in the converter storage energy variations. The comparisons of the redundancy strategies are accomplished based on dynamic behavior, capacitor voltage balancing, control complexity, and power losses. Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of each redundancy strategy are presented.
Facilitating Partnerships With Community- and Faith-Based Organizations for Disaster Preparedness and Response: Results of a National Survey of Public Health Departments

Abstract Objective We identify characteristics of local health departments, which enhance collaborations with community- and faith-based organizations (CFBOs) for emergency preparedness and response. Methods Online survey data were collected from a sample of 273 disaster preparedness coordinators working at local health departments across the United States between August and December 2011. Results Using multiple linear regression models, we found that perceptions of CFBO trust were associated with more successful partnership planning (β=0.63; P=0.02) and capacity building (β=0.61; P=0.01). Employee layoffs in the past 3 years (β=0.41; P=0.001) and urban location (β=0.41; P=0.005) were positively associated with higher ratings of resource sharing between health agencies and CFBOs. Having 1-3 full-time employees increased the ratings of success in communication and outreach activities compared with health departments having less than 1 full-time employee (β=0.33; P=0.05). Positive attitudes toward CFBOs also enhanced communication and outreach (β=0.16; P=0.03). Conclusions Staff-capacity factors are important for quick dissemination of information and resources needed to address emerging threats. Building the trust of CFBOs can help address large-scale disasters by improving the success of more involved activities that integrate the CFBO into emergency plans and operations of the health department and that better align with federal-funding performance measures. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:57–66)
Defensive Traits in Young Pine Trees Cluster into Two Divergent Syndromes Related to Early Growth Rate

The combination of defensive traits leads to the evolution of ‘plant defense syndromes’ which should provide better protection against herbivores than individual traits on their own. Defense syndromes can be generally driven by plant phylogeny and/or biotic and abiotic factors. However, we lack a solid understanding of (i) the relative importance of shared evolution vs. convergence due to similar ecological conditions and (ii) the role of induced defense strategies in shaping defense syndromes. We investigate the relative roles of evolutionary and ecological factors shaping the deployment of pine defense syndromes including multiple constitutive and induced chemical defense traits. We performed a greenhouse experiment with seedlings of eighteen species of Pinaceae family, and measured plant growth rate, constitutive chemical defenses and their inducibility. Plant growth rate, but not phylogenetic relatedness, determined the deployment of two divergent syndromes. Slow-growing pine species living in harsh environments where tissue replacement is costly allocated more to constitutive defenses (energetically more costly to produce than induced). In contrast, fast-growing species living in resource-rich habitats had greater inducibility of their defenses, consistent with the theory of constitutive-induced defense trade-offs. This study contributes to a better understanding of evolutionary and ecological factors driving the deployment of defense syndromes.
Laser Microtexturing of Implant Surfaces for Enhanced Tissue Integration

Dental and orthopaedic implants rely on combinations of bone and soft tissue integration for mechanical support. While polished metal surfaces have been shown to encourage fibrous tissue encapsulation, roughened surfaces encourage bone integration. It is an accepted practice to roughen or texture regions of implants to encourage bone integration and produce smooth regions to promote soft tissue integration. We have developed a laser microtexturing technique that can be used to produce precision microtextured surfaces.
Meeting browsers and meeting assistants

The previous chapter (Chapter 11) explained how user requirements directed our development of meeting support technology, more specifically meeting browsers and assistants. Chapters 3 to 9 discussed the enabling components, i.e. the multimodal signal processing necessary to build meeting support technology. In the following, we will present an overview of the meeting browsers and assistants developed both in AMI and related projects, as well as outside this consortium.
Mechanical Behavior of Micronanoscaled Metallic Glasses

In this paper, research on the mechanical behavior of micronanoscaled metallic glasses (MGs) is reviewed, with an emphasis on works achieved through in situ transmission electron microscope. It was found that the strength of micronanoscaled MGs has a nonlinear dependence on sample size. Corresponding to the transition of size-dependent strength, the deformation mechanism of MGs changes gradually from brittle to ductile with the critical transition size being affected by strain rate, e-beam irradiation and thermal history of the sample. Besides monotonic loading, the mechanical behaviors of MGs in response to cyclic loadings and fatigue tests are also reviewed.
Shape of the subducted Rivera and Cocos plates in southern Mexico: Seismic and tectonic implications

The geometry of the subducted Rivera and Cocos plates beneath the North American plate in southern Mexico was determined based on the accurately located hypocenters of local and teleseismic earthquakes. The hypocenters of the teleseisms were relocated, and the focal depths of 21 events were constrained using a body wave inversion scheme. The suduction in southern Mexico may be approximated as a subhorizontal slab bounded at the edges by the steep subduction geometry of the Cocos plate beneath the Caribbean plate to the east and of the Rivera plate beneath North America to the west. The dip of the interplate contact geometry is constant to a depth of 30 km, and lateral changes in the dip of the subducted plate are only observed once it is decoupled from the overriding plate. On the basis of the seismicity, the focal mechanisms, and the geometry of the downgoing slab, southern Mexico may be segmented into four regions : (1) the Jalisco region to the west, where the Rivera plate subducts at a steep angle that resembles the geometry of the Cocos plate beneath the Caribbean plate in Central America ; (2) the Michoacan region, where the dip angle of the Cocos plate decreases gradually toward the southeast, (3) the Guerrero-Oaxaca region, bounded approximately by the onshore projection of the Orozco and O'Gorman fracture zones, where the subducted slab is almost subhorizontal and underplates the upper continental plate for about 250 km, and (4) the southern Oaxaca and Chiapas region, in southeastern Mexico, where the dip of the subduction gradually increases to a steeper subduction in Central America. These drastic changes in dip do not appear to take place on tear faults, suggesting that smooth contortions accommodate these changes in geometry. The inferred 80 and 100 km depth contours of the subducted slab lie beneath the southern front of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, suggesting it is directly related to the subduction. Thus the observed nonparallelism with the Middle American Trench is apparently due to the changing geometry of the Rivera and Cocos plates beneath the North American plate in southern Mexico, and not to zones of weakness in the crust of the North American plate as some authors have suggested.
Generative adversarial network based novelty detection usingminimized reconstruction error

Generative adversarial network (GAN) is the most exciting machine learning breakthrough in recent years, and it trains the learning model by finding the Nash equilibrium of a two-player zero-sum game. GAN is composed of a generator and a discriminator, both trained with the adversarial learning mechanism. In this paper, we introduce and investigate the use of GAN for novelty detection. In training, GAN learns from ordinary data. Then, using previously unknown data, the generator and the discriminator with the designed decision boundaries can both be used to separate novel patterns from ordinary patterns. The proposed GAN-based novelty detection method demonstrates a competitive performance on the MNIST digit database and the Tennessee Eastman (TE) benchmark process compared with the PCA-based novelty detection methods using Hotelling’s T2 and squared prediction error statistics.
Cortical structural involvement and cognitive dysfunction in early Parkinson's disease

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in early Parkinson's disease (PD) have shown promise in the detection of disease‐related brain changes in the white and deep grey matter. We set out to establish whether intrinsic cortical involvement in early PD can be detected with quantitative MRI. We collected a rich, multi‐modal dataset, including diffusion MRI, T1 relaxometry and cortical morphometry, in 20 patients with early PD (disease duration, 1.9 ± 0.97 years, Hoehn & Yahr 1–2) and in 19 matched controls. The cortex was reconstructed using FreeSurfer. Data analysis employed linked independent component analysis (ICA), a novel data‐driven technique that allows for data fusion and extraction of multi‐modal components before further analysis. For comparison, we performed standard uni‐modal analysis with a general linear model (GLM). Linked ICA detected multi‐modal cortical changes in early PD (p = 0.015). These comprised fractional anisotropy reduction in dorsolateral prefrontal, cingulate and premotor cortex and the superior parietal lobule, mean diffusivity increase in the mesolimbic, somatosensory and superior parietal cortex, sparse diffusivity decrease in lateral parietal and right prefrontal cortex, and sparse changes to the cortex area. In PD, the amount of cortical dysintegrity correlated with diminished cognitive performance. Importantly, uni‐modal analysis detected no significant group difference on any imaging modality. We detected microstructural cortical pathology in early PD using a data‐driven, multi‐modal approach. This pathology is correlated with diminished cognitive performance. Our results indicate that early degenerative processes leave an MRI signature in the cortex of patients with early PD. The cortical imaging findings are behaviourally meaningful and provide a link between cognitive status and microstructural cortical pathology in patients with early PD.
Optimising explicit finite difference option pricing for dynamic constant reconfiguration

This paper demonstrates a novel optimisation methodology to adjust stencil based numerical procedures from the algorithm level, so as to reduce not only the amount of hardware resource consumption per kernel but also the amount of computation required to achieve desired result accuracy, when mapping the algorithm to reconfigurable hardware using dynamic constant reconfiguration. As a result, less area is needed to support run-time reconfiguration, and less computational steps are required in the numerical procedure to obtain a result with given error tolerance. We analyse one thousand fixed point implementations on a Virtex-6 XC6VLX760 FPGA for randomly generated option pricing problems, which are representative of industrial computation. When comparing optimised implementations to the un-optimised ones, the reconfiguration area upper bound is reduced by 22%; the average number of computational steps is reduced by 23%; and the area-computation-time product is reduced by 40%; while the numerical errors of the results are kept below the error tolerant level used in industry.
Investigation of Acceleration Dependent Nonlinear Lubricated Friction in Hydraulic Actuation Systems

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v LIST OF TABLES . 11 LIST OF FIGURES . xii NOMENCLATURE . xxv CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Research Background . 1 1.2 Brief Introduction of Friction . 5 1.2. 1 Classical Friction Models . 5 1.2. 2 Experimental Techniques to Measure Friction . 10 1.3 Limitations of the Stribeck Model . 12 1.3. 1 Acceleration Effect on Friction . 12 1.4 Hypothesis of the Research. 14 1.5 Objectives and Scope of Thesis . 14 1.6 Outline of Thesis . 15 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW OF LUBRICATED FRICTION MEASUREMENTS AND MODELING. 17 2.
Beyond the World Health Organization grading of infiltrating gliomas: advances in the molecular genetics of glioma classification.

BACKGROUND Traditional classification of diffuse infiltrating gliomas (DIGs) as World Health Organization (WHO) grades II-IV is based on histological features of a heterogeneous population of tumors with varying prognoses and treatments. Over the last decade, research efforts have resulted in a better understanding of the molecular basis of glioma formation as well as the genetic alterations commonly identified in diffuse gliomas. METHODS A systematic review of the current literature related to advances in molecular phenotypes, mutations, and genomic analysis of gliomas was carried out using a PubMed search for these key terms. Data was studied and synthesized to generate a comprehensive review of glioma subclassification. RESULTS This new data helps supplement the existing WHO grading scale by subtyping gliomas into specific molecular groups. The emerging molecular profile of diffuse gliomas includes the studies of gene expression and DNA methylation in different glioma subtypes. The discovery of novel mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) provides new biomarkers as points of stratification of gliomas based on prognosis and treatment response. Gliomas that harbor CpG island hypermethylator phenotypes constitute a subtype of glioma with improved survival. The difficulty of classifying oligodendroglial lineage of tumors can be aided with identification of 1p/19q codeletion. Glioblastomas (GBMs) previously described as primary or secondary can now be divided based on gene expression into proneural, mesenchymal, and classical subtypes and the identification of mutations in the promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERTp) have been correlated with poor prognosis in GBMs. CONCLUSIONS Incorporation of new molecular and genomic changes into the existing WHO grading of DIGs may provide better patient prognostication as well as advance the development of patient-specific treatments and clinical trials.