Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
recent advances in imaging of acute ischemic stroke

The need for early accurate diagnosis of AIS has motivated the development of new advanced imaging techniques for the early diagnosis of the condition and the selection of patients who might present outside the window for systemic thrombolytic therapy. During the last decade, the state of art imaging techniques has developed for the imaging of patients with hyperacute stroke including both angiographic and perfusion imaging. The imaging modalities, which are in widespread use in primary stroke imaging include; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging can be categorized into structural imaging, vascular imaging and perfusion imaging. Important signs of early stroke on brain CT include; insular ribbon sign, the hypedense artery sign, and the development of hypo-attenuation lesions. MRI is more sensitive than CT for the demonstration of these lesions especially diffusion weighted images which are currently the gold standard for the evaluation of the extent of infarct core. Susceptibility weighted images are highly sensitive for the demonstration of hyperacute bleed within the infarct. CT and MR angiography are highly sensitive for the demonstration of large vessel occlusion which is very important for selection of patients for endovascular treatment. Perfusion studies can be performed using CT or MRI and are showing an increasing role in the identification of salvageable brain tissue (penumbra) and target mismatch between hypoperf used volume and infarct core, an important criterion for selection of patient who might benefit from endovascular treatment.
Physically-based modeling techniques for interactive digital painting

In this dissertation I present a novel, physically-based approach to digital painting. With the interactive simulation techniques I present, digital painters can work with digital brushes and paints whose behavior is similar to real ones. Using this physically-based approach, a digital painting system can provide artists with a versatile and expressive creative tool, while at the same time providing a more natural style of interaction enabled by the emulation of real-world implements. I introduce several specific modeling techniques for digital painting. First, I present a physically-based, 3D, deformable, virtual brush model based on non-linear quasi-static constrained energy minimization. The brush dynamics are computed using a skeletal physical model, which then determines the motion of a more complex geometric model. I also present three different models for capturing the dynamic behavior of viscous paint media, each offering a different trade-off between speed and fidelity—from 2D heuristics, to 3D partial differential equations. Accurate modeling of the optical behavior of paint mixtures and glazes is also important, and for this I present a real-time, physically-based rendering technique, based on the Kubelka-Munk equations and an eight-sample color space. Finally, I present techniques for modeling the haptic response of brushes in an artist's hand, and demonstrate that all these techniques can be combined to provide the digital painter with an interactive, virtual painting system with a working style similar to real-world painting.
MRI Assessment of Motor Capabilities in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy According to the Motor Function Measure Scale

The research was aimed on the study of motor capabilities on the Motor Function Measure (MFM) scale in ambulant and non-ambulant patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and to conduct a correlation analysis between the results of the MFM scale and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. A total of 46 boys who had genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (age from 2.1 to 16.7 years) and were in clinical rehabilitation were investigated. An assessment was performed according to the Motor Function Measure scale (subsections D1, D2, D3, and the total score), an MRI obtaining T1-VI of the muscles of the pelvic girdle was conducted, and the thighs and lower legs were further assessed in terms of the severity of fibrous-fat degeneration according to the Mercuri scale. In ambulant patients, the ability to stand up and move (D1) was 74.4%, axial and proximal motor functions (D2)—97.6%, distal motor functions (D3)—96.2%, and total score was 87.9%. In non-ambulant patients, the ability to stand up and move (D1) was 1.7%, axial and proximal motor functions (D2)—47%, distal motor functions (D3)—67.5%, and the total score—33.1%. A high inverse correlation (r = −0.7, p < 0.05) of the MRI data of the pelvic girdle and thighs with tasks D1, as well as a noticeable inverse correlation with tasks D2 (r = −0.6, p < 0.05) of the scale MFM, were revealed in the ambulant group of patients. In the non-ambulant group of patients, the MRI data of the lower legs muscles were characterized by a high inverse correlation (r = −0.7, p < 0.05) with tasks D3 and a noticeable inverse correlation (r = −0.6, p < 0.05) with tasks D1 of the MFM scale. Conclusion: The Motor Function Measure scale allows effective assessment of the motor capabilities of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at different stages of the disease, which is confirmed by visualization of fibro-fatty muscle replacement.
Pdx1 Is Transcriptionally Regulated by EGR-1 during Nitric Oxide-Induced Endoderm Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

The transcription factor, early growth response-1 (EGR-1), is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in response to different stimuli. EGR-1 is described to be involved in pancreatic endoderm differentiation, but the regulatory mechanisms controlling its action are not fully elucidated. Our previous investigation reported that exposure of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to the chemical nitric oxide (NO) donor diethylenetriamine nitric oxide adduct (DETA-NO) induces the expression of early differentiation genes such as pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1). We have also evidenced that Pdx1 expression is associated with the release of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and P300 from the Pdx1 promoter; these events were accompanied by epigenetic changes to histones and site-specific changes in the DNA methylation. Here, we investigate the role of EGR-1 on Pdx1 regulation in mESCs. This study reveals that EGR-1 plays a negative role in Pdx1 expression and shows that the binding capacity of EGR-1 to the Pdx1 promoter depends on the methylation level of its DNA binding site and its acetylation state. These results suggest that targeting EGR-1 at early differentiation stages might be relevant for directing pluripotent cells into Pdx1-dependent cell lineages.
The Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on PK–12 Students: A Systematic Review of Emerging Literature

The mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on PK–12 youth is likely an urgent and enduring concern, yet research on this topic is still emerging. To synthesize current knowledge, the researchers conducted a systematic review of empirical studies exploring the mental health impacts of COVID-19. Five themes emerged across 104 included studies: (a) the pandemic proved widely disruptive to PK–12 youth; (b) there was a clear connection between the mental health of caregivers (e.g., parents) and children; (c) the pandemic broadly increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in PK–12 youth; (d) students were particularly affected on the basis of age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and previous mental health or disability diagnosis; and (e) youth demonstrated negative and positive coping strategies and even saw some positive mental health outcomes during the pandemic. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.
Paper‐Based Digital Microfluidic Chip for Multiple Electrochemical Assay Operated by a Wireless Portable Control System

The printing and modular fabrication of a paper‐based active microfluidic lab on a chip implemented with electrochemical sensors (ECSs) is developed and integrated on a portable electrical control system. The electrodes of a chip plate for active electrowetting actuation of digital drops and an ECS for multiple analysis assays are fabricated by affordable printing techniques. For enhanced sensitivity of the sensor, the working electrode is modified through the electrochemical method, namely by reducing graphene with voltammetry and coating gold nanoparticles by amperometry. Detachable sensor and absorber modules are assembled modularly on an open chip plate, forming various novel hybridized open–closed chip formats. By varying the coupled or decoupled sensor modules, excellent detection of three diagnostic biological molecules is demonstrated (glucose, dopamine, and uric acid in human serum). With a newly designed portable power supply and wireless control system, the active paper‐based chip platform can be utilized as an advanced point‐of‐care device for multiple assays in digital microfluidics.
Multi-Stream Convolutional Neural Networks for Rotating Machinery Fault Diagnosis under Noise and Trend Items

In recent years, rotating machinery fault diagnosis methods based on convolutional neural network have achieved much success. However, in real industrial environments, interfering signals are unavoidable, which may reduce the accuracy of fault diagnosis seriously. Most of the current fault diagnosis methods are of single input type, which may lead to the information contained in the vibration signal not being fully utilized. In this study, theoretical analysis and comprehensive comparative experiments are completed to investigate the time domain input, frequency domain input, and two types of time–frequency domain input. Based on this, a new fault diagnosis model, named multi-stream convolutional neural network, is developed. The model takes the time domain, frequency domain, and time–frequency domain images as input, and it automatically fuses the information contained in different inputs. The proposed model is tested based on three public datasets. The experimental results suggested that the model achieved pretty high accuracy under noise and trend items without the help of signal separation algorithms. In addition, the positive implications of multiple inputs and information fusion are analyzed through the visualization of learned features.
Kinetics of Lignin Removal from Rice Husk Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Combined Hydrogen Peroxide–Aqueous Ammonia Pretreatments

The rice husk has the potential to be used for converting agricultural wastes into renewable energy. Therefore, this study aims to improve the hydrolysis of rice husk through Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) and Combined Hydrogen Peroxide–Aqueous Ammonia (CHPA) pretreatments. The removal of lignin from rice husks was determined using SEM–EDS examination of the samples. At a specific concentration of H2O2, (CHPA) pretreatment eliminated a significantly larger amount of lignin from biomass. The percentage of lignin removal of HP varied from 48.25 to 66.50, while CHPA ranged from 72.22 to 85.73. Hence, the use of batch kinetics of lignin removal of both pretreatments is recommended, where the kinetic parameters are determined by fitting the experimental data. Based on the results, the activation energies for HP and CHPA pretreatments were 9.96 and 7.44 kJ/mol, which showed that the24 model is appropriate for the experimental data. The increase in temperatures also led to a higher pretreatment value, indicating their positive correlation. Meanwhile, CHPA pretreatment was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis of 6% enzyme loading for the production of 6.58 g glucose/L at 25 h.
Variations in the Intensity of Specialized Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) High Schools

Educators and policymakers in the United States advocate the development of specialized STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) schools, but little is known about the unique features and practices of these schools. Because no meaningful differences have been found attributable to model type (Tofel-Grehl & Callahan, 2014), the current study purposefully sampled 6 specialized STEM schools in the United States that provided different levels of STEM experiences for students related to highly varied goals and missions using a grounded theory approach. Schools were found to fall into two categories, high and low STEM intensity, based on five major traits. Schools categorized as “higher STEM intensity and focus” had students who reported a stronger interest in a future STEM career, offered substantially more high-level STEM classes, and retained a faculty with a higher number of terminal area content degrees compared to schools categorized as “lower STEM intensity. ” Although there are significant common themes and programmatic themes and features among different STEM schools, substantial differences exist between the nature and intensity of the STEM experiences of schools. Categorizing STEM schools into higher and lower STEM experience intensity provides a useful mechanism for examining those differences. Students in schools with a higher STEM intensity appear to spend more time on the “doing” of science.
Excellent Cooperation between Carboxyl-Substituted Porphyrins, k-Carrageenan and AuNPs for Extended Application in CO2 Capture and Manganese Ion Detection

Significant tasks of the presented research are the development of multifunctional materials capable both to detect/capture carbon dioxide and to monitor toxic metal ions from waters, thus contributing to maintaining a sustainable and clean environment. The purpose of this work was to synthesize, characterize (NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, AFM) and exploit the optical and emission properties of a carboxyl-substituted A3B porphyrin, 5-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-methyl-phenyl)–porphyrin, and based on it, to develop novel composite material able to adsorb carbon dioxide. This porphyrin-k-carrageenan composite material can capture CO2 in ambient conditions with a performance of 6.97 mmol/1 g adsorbent. Another aim of our research was to extend this porphyrin- k-carrageenan material’s functionality toward Mn2+ detection from polluted waters and from medical samples, relying on its synergistic partnership with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The plasmonic porphyrin-k-carrageenan-AuNPs material detected Mn2+ in the range of concentration of 4.56 × 10−5 M to 9.39 × 10−5 M (5–11 mg/L), which can be useful for monitoring health of humans exposed to polluted water sources or those who ingested high dietary manganese.
Analysis of the extranucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles of Cycas revoluta Thunb. (Cycadaceae) and Ceratozamia mexicana Brongn. (Zamiaceae)

Background: Nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles play a key role in RNA processing and in the gene expression pathway. Interchromatin granules (GICs) involved in the metabolism of pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) were described in Allium cepa and Chiranthodendron pentadactylon. Other particles as Lacandonia granules (LGs) were found in Lacandonia schismatica as well as Ginkgo biloba and Welwitschia mirabilis. LGs are structures equivalent to perichromatin granules (PCGs) described in mammals and to Balbiani ring granules (BRGs) described in the midge Chironomus tentans. PCGs and BRGs are involved in the metabolism of messenger RNA (mRNA). Here, we analyze the extranucleolar particles from Cycas revoluta and Ceratozamia mexicana and compare them to GICs and LGs using conventional electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Species study: Cycas revoluta (Cycadaceae) and Ceratozamia mexicana (Zamiaceae) Hypothesis: The extranucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles in the nuclei of C. revoluta and C. mexicana are equivalent to GICs or GLs. Methods: Fragments of young leaves of C. revoluta and C. mexicana were processed for standard transmission electron microscopy. Thin sections were stained with the EDTA technique preferential for ribonucleoproteins and osmium amine specific for DNA. From the semithin sections the samples were studied with the AFM and images of them were obtained. Results: Ribonucleoprotein particles 32 nm in diameter are present in the interchromatin and perichromatin space in C. revoluta and C. mexicana. Conclusion: Ribonucleoprotein particles present in the cell nuclei of C. mexicana and C. revoluta are ultrastructurally equivalent to LGs. Translate stop Translate stop Translate stop
Miniaturized Bandpass Filter Using a Combination of T–Shaped Folded SIR Short Loaded Stubs

The consumption of multimedia content is ubiquitous in modern society. This is made possible by wireless local area networks (W–LAN) or wire service systems. Bandpass filters (BPF) have become very popular as they solve certain data transmission limitations allowing users to obtain reliable access to their multimedia content. The BPFs with quarter–wavelength short stubs can achieve performance; however, these BPFs are bulky. In this article, we propose a compact BPF with a T–shaped stepped impedance resonator (SIR) transmission line and a folded SIR structure. The proposed BPF uses a T–shaped SIR connected to a J–inverter structure (transmission line); this T–shaped SIR structure is used to replace the λg/4 transmission line seen in conventional stub BPFs. In addition, a folded SIR is added to the short stubs seen in conventional stub BPFs. This approach allows us to significantly reduce the size of the BPF. The advantage of a BPF is its very small size, low insertion loss, and wide bandwidth. The overall size of the new BPF is 2.44 mm × 1.49 mm (0.068λg × 0.059λg). The proposed BPF can be mass produced using semiconductors due to its planar structure. This design has the potential to be widely used in various areas including military, medical, and industrial systems.
Identification and Mapping of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in the AZORES Volcanic Archipelago (Portugal)

Groundwater contributes to the maintenance of the functioning of ecosystems, through aspects related to hydrodynamics and chemical composition. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDE) also offer a wide spectrum of ecosystem services to populations; therefore, their identification and mapping, which is the focus of the present paper, is of high value to environmental policies; for example, WFD envisages protecting both water bodies and GDE. An ecosystem dependence index was applied to proceed with this task in the Azores archipelago, being estimated by adding the values of three partial variables (spring density; wetlands/lakes; river baseflow) over a 10 by 10 m2 grid; with this methodology avoiding pitfalls due to lack of data. The results enabled the identification and mapping of five GDE, in Flores and São Miguel islands, supported by only three of the 28 groundwater bodies delimited in the Azores RBD. Those groundwater bodies are considered to have a good status according to the WFD requirements; thus, GDE, regardless of their typology, are not at risk of deterioration as a result of the interaction with groundwater. Nevertheless, other studies have shown that some GDE are in conflicting ecological areas and require specific management and protection measures, coupling land use and water resource planning.
Adjustments in physiological and morphological traits suggest drought‐induced competitive release of some California plants

Abstract Drought and competition affect how morphological and physiological traits are expressed in plants. California plants were previously found to respond less negatively to resource limitation compared to invasive counterparts. In a glasshouse in Santa Cruz, CA, USA, we exposed five native California C3 grassland species to episodic drought and competition (via five locally invasive species). We hypothesized that leaf morphology would be more affected by competition, and leaf photosynthetic gas exchange more so by drought, consistent with optimal partitioning and environmental filter theories. We expected that traits would exhibit trade‐offs along a spectrum for resource conservatism versus acquisition. Bromus carinatus had greater photosynthetic recovery, while Diplacus aurantiacus had lower percent loss of net assimilation (PLA) and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) during drought and competition simultaneously compared to just drought. Stipa pulchra and Sidalcea malviflora gas exchange was unaffected by drought, and leaf morphology exhibited drought‐related adjustments. Lupinus nanus exhibited trait adjustments for competition but not drought. Functional traits sorted onto two principal components related to trade‐offs for resource conservatism versus acquisition, and for above‐ versus belowground allocation. In summary, morphological traits were affected by competition and drought, whereas physiological traits, like leaf gas exchange, were primarily affected by drought. The grassland plants we studied showed diverse responses to drought and competition with trait trade‐offs related to resource conservatism versus acquisition, and for above‐ versus belowground allocation consistent with optimal partitioning and environmental filter theories. Diplacus aurantiacus experienced competitive release based on greater iWUE and lower PLA when facing drought and competition.
CMOS and BiCMOS Building blocks for a microwave efficient frequency conversion, up to millimeter-Waves

This work presents the design of building blocks that may be used in a microwave frequency translation front-end including LO signal generation. The first part of this work is dedicated to the design and the characterization of a 15 GHz PLO (Phase Locked Oscillator) which may be used as the local oscillator (LO) of a mixer. It has been implemented on a 130 nm CMOS process from STMicroelectronics. The main goals was to design a low power consumption while maintaining near state-of-the-art phase noise performances. Measurements, as well as electrical simulations, have revealed a phase noise of -68.9 dBc/Hz at an offset frequency of 100 kHz and an output frequency of 15 GHz. The output range is from 14.2 GHz to 15.1 GHz. An improvement of -20 dBc/Hz has been further demonstrated by simulation thanks to a slight rework in the charge pump. The PLO power consumption is 28 mW. The second part of this work is dedicated to the design of a double-balanced resistive mixer exhibiting very low losses. The circuit is intended to down-convert an RF signal from K-band or V-band into an intermediate frequency of 1 GHz. The voltage sampling (K-band) and sub-sambling (V-band) technique is used to drastically reduce conversion losses from an RF signal. However, such mixer requires a low-duty cycle LO voltage. A pulse shaper is then designed to drive this mixer at a frequency up to 26 GHz. The down-converter has been processed in a 130 nm BiCMOS technology from IBM. Measurements demonstrate conversion losses of -2.1 dB and a noise figure of 6.3 dB at an RF frequency of 19 GHz. The RF frequency range extends from 4 to 27 GHz. The same circuit has also been tested in a sub-harmonic configuration. The available RF frequency range then extends from 16 to 64 GHz range. Conversion losses reach 8 dB with a noise figure of 9.5 dB at an RF frequency of 58 GHz.