Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dichotomous mechanisms of aortic stiffening in high‐fat diet fed young and old B6D2F1 mice

Advancing age is associated with increased stiffness of large elastic arteries as assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). Greater PWV, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, may result from altered expression of the extracellular matrix proteins, collagen and elastin, as well as cross‐linking of proteins by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Indeed, aortic PWV is greater in old (28–31 months) normal chow (NC, 16% fat by kcal)‐fed male B6D2F1 mice compared with young (Y: 5–7 months) NC‐fed mice (397 ± 8 vs. 324 ± 14 cm/s, P < 0.05). Aging also induces a ~120% increase in total aortic collagen content assessed by picosirius red stain, a ~40% reduction in medial elastin assessed by Verhoeff's Van Geison stain, as well as a 90% greater abundance of AGEs in the aorta (P < 0.05). The typical American diet contains high dietary fat and may contribute to the etiology of arterial stiffening. To that end, we hypothesized that the age‐associated detriments in arterial stiffening are exacerbated in the face of high dietary fat. In young animals, high‐fat (40% fat by kcal) diet increases aortic stiffness by 120 ± 18 cm/s relative to age‐matched NC‐fed mice (P < 0.001). High‐fat was without effect on aortic collagen or AGEs content in young animals; however, elastin was greatly reduced (~30%) after high‐fat in young mice. In old animals, high‐fat increased aortic stiffness by 108 ± 47 cm/s but was without effect on total collagen content, medial elastin, or AGEs. These data demonstrate that both aging and high‐fat diet increase aortic stiffness, and although a reduction in medial elastin may underlie increased stiffness in young mice, stiffening of the aorta in old mice after high‐fat diet does not appear to result from a similar structural modification.
Stress Dual-Energy Computed Tomography-Myocardial Perfusion Imaging to Identify Coronary Artery Stenoses Causing Ischemia: A Direct Comparison between Invasive Coronary Angiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval and informed patient consent were obtained before patient enrollment in the study. One hundred ninety-two consecutive patients (135 males, 63.1±8.0 years) underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), stress DECT-MPI, and a combined invasive coronary angiography (ICA)/cardiac magnetic resonance-myocardial perfusion imaging (CMR-MPI) for further comparison. Stress DECT-MPI and CMR-MPI were evaluated for perfusion deficits, whereas CCTA and ICA were evaluated for coronary stenosis ≥50%. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic performance of combined CCTA/stress DECT-MPI compared with combined ICA/CMR-MPI at the per-vessel level. Individual direct comparisons of CCTA to ICA and stress DECT-MPI to CMRMPI were explored.
Approximate Riemann Solvers, Parameter Vectors, and Difference Schemes

Several numerical schemes for the solution of hyperbolic conservation laws are based on exploiting the information obtained by considering a sequence of Riemann problems. It is argued that in existing schemes much of this information is degraded and that only certain features of the exact solution are worth striving for. It is shown that these features can be obtained by constructing a matrix with a certain “Property U. ” Matrices having this property are exhibited for the equations of steady and unsteady gasdynamics. In order to construct them, it is found helpful to introduce “parameter vectors” which notably simplify the structure of the conservation laws.
Video Self-Modeling on an iPad to Teach Functional Math Skills to Adolescents With Autism and Intellectual Disability

Researchers suggest that video-based interventions can provide increased opportunity for students with disabilities to acquire important academic and functional skills; however, little research exists regarding video-based interventions on the academic skills of students with autism and intellectual disability. We used a multiple-baseline-across-participants design to investigate the effects of video self-modeling (VSM) on the mathematics skill acquisition of adolescents with autism. Four adolescent male students viewed videos of themselves on an iPad solving mathematical problems to estimate the amount of money used to pay for a given item and the amount to receive in change. Findings support a functional relationship between VSM and performance on math skills for each participant. Subsequently, the VSM was systematically faded during maintenance sessions, with little deterioration of skill. Follow-up data probes were interpreted to conclude that student characteristics may affect retention of skill. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ACUTE ROSIGLITAZONE TREATMENT

1 Acute Rosiglitazone Treatment is Cardioprotective against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by 1 Modulating AMPK, Akt, and JNK Signaling in Non-diabetic Mice 2 3 4 Alex Morrison, Xiaoyan Yan, Chao Tong, Ji Li 5 6 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 7 University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY 8 9 10 11 Running title: Cardioprotective effects of acute rosiglitazone treatment 12 13 14 15 16 17 Address correspondence to: 18 Ji Li, Ph.D. 19 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology 20 School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 21 University at Buffalo-SUNY 22 Buffalo, NY 14214 23 Telephone: 716-829-5711; Fax: 716-829-2801 24 Email: jli23@buffalo.edu 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Articles in PresS. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol (June 10, 2011). doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00137. 2011
Ares I-X Upper Stage Simulator Residual Stress Analysis

The structural analyses described in the present report were performed in support of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Critical Initial Flaw Size (CIFS) assessment for the Ares I-X Upper Stage Simulator (USS) common shell segment. An independent assessment was conducted to determine the critical initial flaw size (CIFS) for the flange-to-skin weld in the Ares I-X Upper Stage Simulator (USS). The Ares system of space launch vehicles is the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration s plan for replacement of the aging space shuttle. The new Ares space launch system is somewhat of a combination of the space shuttle system and the Saturn launch vehicles used prior to the shuttle. Here, a series of weld analyses are performed to determine the residual stresses in a critical region of the USS. Weld residual stresses both increase constraint and mean stress thereby having an important effect on fatigue and fracture life. The results of this effort served as one of the critical load inputs required to perform a CIFS assessment of the same segment.
High-resolution mapping of forest carbon stocks in the Colombian Amazon

Abstract. High-resolution mapping of tropical forest carbon stocks can assist forest management and improve implementation of large-scale carbon retention and enhancement programs. Previous high-resolution approaches have relied on field plot and/or light detection and ranging (LiDAR) samples of aboveground carbon density, which are typically upscaled to larger geographic areas using stratification maps. Such efforts often rely on detailed vegetation maps to stratify the region for sampling, but existing tropical forest maps are often too coarse and field plots too sparse for high-resolution carbon assessments. We developed a top-down approach for high-resolution carbon mapping in a 16.5 million ha region (> 40%) of the Colombian Amazon – a remote landscape seldom documented. We report on three advances for large-scale carbon mapping: (i) employing a universal approach to airborne LiDAR-calibration with limited field data; (ii) quantifying environmental controls over carbon densities; and (iii) developing stratification- and regression-based approaches for scaling up to regions outside of LiDAR coverage. We found that carbon stocks are predicted by a combination of satellite-derived elevation, fractional canopy cover and terrain ruggedness, allowing upscaling of the LiDAR samples to the full 16.5 million ha region. LiDAR-derived carbon maps have 14% uncertainty at 1 ha resolution, and the regional map based on stratification has 28% uncertainty in any given hectare. High-resolution approaches with quantifiable pixel-scale uncertainties will provide the most confidence for monitoring changes in tropical forest carbon stocks. Improved confidence will allow resource managers and decision makers to more rapidly and effectively implement actions that better conserve and utilize forests in tropical regions.
A stability analysis of sparse K-means

Sparse K-Means clustering is an established method of simultaneously excluding uninformative features and clustering the observations. This is particularly useful in a high dimensional setting such as micro-array. However the subsets of features selected is often inaccurate when there are overlapping clusters, which adversely affects the clustering results. The current method also tends to be inconsistent, yielding high variability in the number of features selected. We propose to combine a stability analysis with Sparse K-Means via performing Sparse K-Means on subsamples of the original data to yield accurate and consistent feature selection. After reducing the dimensions to an accurate, small subset of features, the standard K-Means clustering procedure is performed to yield accurate clustering results. Our method demonstrates improvement in accuracy and reduction in variability providing consistent feature selection as well as a reduction in the clustering error rate (CER) from the previously established Sparse K-Means clustering methodology. Our method continues to perform well in situations with strong cluster overlap where the previous methods were unsuccessful. Public health significance: Clustering analysis on transcriptomic data has shown success in disease phenotyping and subgroup discovery. However, with current methodology, there is a lack of confidence in terms of the accuracy and reliability of the results, as they can be highly variable. With our methodology, we hope to allow the researcher to use cluster analysis to achieve disease phenotyping and subgroup discovery with confidence that they are uncovering accurate and stable results thus ensuring that their findings will allow reliable public health decisions to be made from their work.
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION 11-22 August 2008 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea THE USE OF UNDERWATER VIDEO TO CHARACTERIZE THE SPECIES, SIZE COMPOSITION AND VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF TUNAS AND NON-TUNA BYCATCH AROUND FLOATING OBJECTS WCPFC-SC4-FT-SWG/WP-3

Research surveys attempting to use acoustic devices (i.e. echo sounders and sonar) to avoid bycatch and STFO are significantly hindered by the lack of any way to accurately verify what is actually under their vessel and being recorded on their instruments. Purse seine fishermen have a distinct advantage as they can refine catch estimates with every successful set and no doubt become quite proficient at determining fish species by acoustic means. However, their ability to do so or to estimate fish size is difficult to test and has not been adequately documented. A self contained underwater video and recording system was tested on tuna schools aggregated to two anchored oceanographic buoys that act like FADs at 2°N and 5°N, 155°W. Skipjack and bigeye tuna were easily identified by body and fin morphology, swimming behaviour and the appearance of echo sounder images. Bigeye tuna were often observed to swim with a characteristic " waddling " movement with clearly visible tail beats. Yellowfin tuna were more difficult to positively identify but this was not fairly tested as few yellowfin were aggregated to the buoys visited during the cruise. Judging fish size from video images was found to be more difficult but could be greatly assisted by the development of identification guides based on external, visual characteristics of live tuna. The short duration of observations indicates that much more field work will be required in different areas and under a variety of conditions, including trials on commercial purse seine vessels. However, these preliminary tests were highly encouraging and will be continued in Hawaii and on the PTTP tagging vessel in the western Pacific during 2008/09.
A propos du centre ou de la direction fonctionnelle

A propos du centre ou de la direction fonctionnelle Le centre Inria Sophia Antipolis Méditerranée compte 37 équipes de recherche, ainsi que 9 services d’appui à la recherche. Le personnel du centre (600 personnes environ dont 400 salariés Inria) est composé de scientifiques de différentes nationalités (250 personnes étrangères sur 50 nationalités), d’Ingénieurs, de Techniciens et d’Administratifs. 1/3 du personnel est fonctionnaire, les autres sont contractuels. La majorité des équipes de recherche du centre sont localisées à Sophia Antipolis et Nice dans les Alpes-Maritimes. Six équipes sont implantées à Montpellier et une équipe est hébergée par le département d'informatique de l'université de Bologne en Italie. Le Centre est membre de la Communauté d’Université et d’Établissement (ComUE) « Université Côte d’Azur (UCA) ».
Context based personalized ranking in academic search

This thesis focuses on two problems related to academic information retrieval systems. The first part is dedicated to data sets for search engine evaluation. We propose an automatic method to generate queries from the content of a scientific article and evaluate the relevant results. A test collection is generated, but its power to discriminate between relevant and non relevant results is limited. In the second part of the thesis Scopus performance is improved through personalization. We focus on the academic background of researchers that interact with Scopus since information about their academic profile is already available.
A visual and portable tool for robot programming

Abstract Programming software for complex robotic systems requires powerful tools that allow the programmers to focus on the functionality of their application without getting lost in low-level details (communication software, operating systems, etc), while guaranteeing robustness, flexibility, and efficiency. In previous works a software integrating system called NEXUS was presented that achieves these characteristics. This paper presents a visual programming tool called BABEL that fulfills the NEXUS specifications and in addition exhibits multilanguage and multidistribution features. It decouples the OS, communication network, and hardware-dependent parts of the modules of the application from their intended functionality.
Plasma generation by household microwave oven for surface modification and other emerging applications

In this paper we describe a simple and inexpensive method to generate plasma using a kitchen microwave. The microwave-generated plasma is characterized by spectroscopic analysis and compared with the absorption spectra of a gas discharge tube. A Paschen-like curve is observed leading to a hypothesis of the microwave plasma generation mechanism in air. We have also demonstrated that this microwave generated air plasma can be used in a multitude of applications such as: a) surface modification of a substrate to change its wettability; b) surface modification to change electrical/optical properties of a substrate; and c) enhancement of adhesive forces for improved bonding of polymeric microfluidic molds, such as bonding polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips to glass covers. These simple techniques of plasma generation and subsequent surface treatment and modification may lead to new opportunities to conduct research not only in advanced labs, but also in undergraduate and even high school research labs.
BUDDHIST FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING

This paper reports on research conducted on the impact of Buddhism on teaching, exploring the educational philosophy and approach, the daily practice of teaching, and the challenge of bringing together the mainstream education curriculum with Buddhist worldview in the first school in Australia being guided by Buddhist philosophy. Although there has been a concerted research agenda within the sociology of education internationally that has focussed on teachers and the comparative impacts of globalisation, culture and religion on their work, there has been little attention paid to the particular impact of Buddhism, even though this sphere of education is growing globally. This research is a descriptive, interpretative study of the narratives of teachers about their views and understandings of Buddhism in their new school, and the impact of Buddhism on their teaching. The key research question asks ‘In what ways does a Buddhist perspective change mainstream teaching practice in Australia? ’ This paper will focus the theme of The Foundational Elements of Teaching which were identified as being: its pioneering school status and its conflict management practices that focus on self-responsibility and compassionate communication with others as foundational behaviors for creating a peaceful, mindful school culture of belonging. The findings suggest that there are similarities with other start-up schools regardless of the influence of Buddhist philosophy in terms of the need for planning and leadership that involves teachers. What is distinct about this school is that, unlike other Buddhist inspired schools with available comparative research, this is not a faith-based school. This has posed particular challenges, and freedoms, for teachers.
Stochastic Geometry and Wireless Networks, Volume 1: Theory

Volume I first provides a compact survey on classical stochastic geometry models, with a main focus on spatial shot-noise processes, coverage processes and random tessellations. It then focuses on signal to interference noise ratio (SINR) stochastic geometry, which is the basis for the modeling of wireless network protocols and architectures considered in Volume II. It also contains an appendix on mathematical tools used throughout Stochastic Geometry and Wireless Networks, Volumes I and II.
Cultures and Beliefs Influencing Practices of Southern Thai Folk Healers in Treating Stroke Patients

This research focuses on the culture and beliefs that influence the practices of the folk healers in treating stroke patients in southern Thailand. It was conducted using Spradley’s ethnographic methods (1979). In-depth interviews and participant observations were the method of data collection. The participants were 10 folk healers who treating stroke patients from various communities in Thailand and other neighboring countries such Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia etc. Ethnographic analysis was used to describe the findings. Thai folk medicine is influenced by its’ deep-rooted belief of Buddhism, Brahmanism, and supernatural powers. Most rituals are also influenced by those beliefs especially Brahmanism such as paying respect to Jivaka Komarabhacca (the great teacher of Thai traditional medicine). The belief in moral and ethics influenced by the belief of Buddhism makes healers behave themselves in order to gain benefit from making merit. Treatment outcome is not only the result of the healer’s ability but also the patients’ negative karma. In the beliefs of supernatural powers, there is a requirement that healers who use sorcery for healing should behave themselves strictly within the scope of morality otherwise the sorcery, incantation and knowledge they possess would be deteriorated. Most folk healers believe in Kru Mhor (ancient teacher) and also have conducted many ceremonies and practices to show on this respect. They use incantation and the sacred to get rid of evil spirits, or to treat illness and combine the ritual and incantation to enhance willpower of patients. These beliefs have influenced the thinking and practice of folk healers both in daily life and pattern of healing. The findings in this study were used to increase understanding of Thai folk medicine in treating stroke and develop more appropriate health care service to support the needs of Thais as well as those from other countries.
Fast in-memory spectral clustering using a fixed-size approach

Spectral clustering represents a successful approach to data clustering. Despite its high performance in solving complex tasks, it is often disregarded in favor of the less accurate k-means algorithm because of its computational inefficiency. In this article we present a fast in-memory spectral clustering algorithm, which can handle millions of datapoints at a desktop PC scale. The proposed technique relies on a kernel-based formulation of the spectral clustering problem, also known as kernel spectral clustering. In particular, we use a fixed-size approach based on an approximation of the feature map via the Nystrom method to solve the primal optimization problem. We experimented on several small and large scale real-world datasets to show the computational efficiency and clustering quality of the proposed algorithm.
Towards In-Network Security for Smart Homes

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the context of smart homes entails new security risks threatening the privacy and safety of end users. In this paper, we explore the design space of in-network security for smart home networks, which automatically complements existing security mechanisms with a rule-based approach, i. e. , every IoT device provides a specification of the required communication to fulfill the desired services. In our approach, the home router as the central network component then enforces these communication rules with traffic filtering and anomaly detection to dynamically react to threats. We show that in-network security can be easily integrated into smart home networks based on existing approaches and thus provides additional protection for heterogeneous IoT devices and protocols. Furthermore, in-network security relieves users of difficult home network configurations, since it automatically adapts to the connected devices and services.
Modelling, identification and performance analysis of a glass fibre bushing

Abstract This paper is devoted to the identification and control of a glass fibre bushing. First a mathematical model, based on physical equations (electric, hydraulic and thermal balances), allows to predict the throughput, the electric power consumed and the temperature of the tip plate of the bushing. Then controls oriented linear models are obtained via experimental identification on the industrial process. Performance analysis of the existing control system is then provided by identifying the usual sensitivity functions on real data.
RESONANT FREQUENCY CALCULATION FOR CIRCULAR MICROSTRIP ANTENNAS WITH A DIELECTRIC COVER USING ADAPTIVE NETWORK-BASED FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM OPTIMIZED BY VARIOUS ALGORITHMS

This paper presents a method based on adaptive-networkbased fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to calculate the resonant frequency of a circular microstrip antenna (MSA) with a dielectric cover. The ANFIS is a class of adaptive networks which are functionally equivalent to fuzzy inference systems (FISs). Six optimization algorithms, hybrid learning, least-squares, nelder-mead, genetic, differential evolution and particle swarm, are used to determine optimally the design parameters of the ANFIS. The resonant frequency results predicted by ANFIS are in very good agreement with the results reported elsewhere. When the performances of ANFIS models are compared with each other, the best result is obtained from the ANFIS model optimized by the LSQ algorithm. 280 Guney and Sarikaya