Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NURBS modeling for higher-order basis functions

A novel scheme of combining non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) model with higher-order moment method (HOMM) is presented. The mesh precision of conforming to practical object is an important factor for HOMM to yield accurate results. In this paper, NURBS technique is employed to model complex objects accurately with large curved Bezier patches and no factitious geometric discontinuities are introduced between the adjoining patches. The higher-order modified Legendre basis functions are defined on Bezier patch. As a result of the combination of NURBS model with HOMM, the accuracy of results is greatly improved compared with HOMM on bilinear quadrilateral (BQ) model, meanwhile, the number of unknowns is much reduced. Numerical results show that NURBS-HOMM is an efficient technique to solve the electromagnetic (EM) problems of complex electrically large objects.
Acute Pressure Block of the Sciatic Nerve Relieves Clinical Pain But Not Cold Pressor Pain

ObjectivesAcute pressure applied to the sciatic nerve has been recently reported to offer immediate short-term pain relief in patients with various diseases. This study examined the analgesic effect of this novel method on cold pressor pain compared with clinical pain. MethodsWe conducted 2 randomized, parallel, group studies. The cold pressor study involved 152 undergraduate students and the clinical study included 22 cancer patients. Acute pressure of 11 to 20 kg was simultaneously applied to the sciatic nerves at the back of both thighs for 2 minutes. The placebo intervention was pressure applied to parallel regions on the fronts of the thighs. Next, patients rated pain attributable to their diseases and the students evaluated pain after their hands were submerged in cold water. ResultsAcute pressure applied to the sciatic nerve produced immediate clinical pain relief, but did not alleviate cold pressor pain. DiscussionOur study indicated that cold pressor pain and clinical pain responded differently to acute pressure blockade of the sciatic nerve. Our findings indicate that caution should be exercised when attempting to extrapolate cold pressor pain findings to clinical pain.
Histopathologic effect of high-energy-particle microbeams on the visual cortex of the mouse brain.

A histopathologic study was made of the radiogenic lesions produced in the mouse visual cortex with highenergy-particle beams 1 mm, 0.250 mm, 0.075 mm, and 0.025 mm in diameter. Irradiation with the smallest microbeams results in a complete and definite destruction of nerve cell bodies only. Irradiated nerve fibers are not destroyed; neither is there permanent damage to vessels. Interstitial glia cells are partly preserved. The dosages necessary to produce such a lesion in 24 days are extremely high, 400,000 rads for a 0.025-mm beam. The threshold dose is very constant. This is in contrast to lesions produced by larger beams. Here, either total tissue necrosis results from the irradiatlon, or destruction of nerve cell bodies is very scant and patchy in distribution. Acute circulatory disturbances and delayed radiation damage of vessels are constant findings. The dosage required to produce a complete destruction of nerve cells withln 24 days is 14000 rads for 1-mm beams, but this dose also renders the other tlssue components necrotic. This threshold dose has a wide range from 9300 rads to 26000 rads. From the observations it is apparent that, the larger the irradiated tissue volume, the greater are the fluctuations in tissue radiosensitivity; andmore » that tissue radiosensitivity is inversely related to the tissue volume being irradiated. Radiosensitivity of mouse brain cortex to 1- mm beams seems to be largely determined by the radiosensitivity of the vascular apparatus; direct nerve cell necrosis by radiation appears to be of secondary importance but it is demonstrable. Wlth microbeam irradiation the radiosensitivity seems to be determined exclusively by the radiosensitivity of the nerve cells themselves. « less
An Efficient Key Escrow-Free Identity-Based Signature Scheme

There are mainly two drawbacks of identity-based cryptosystem. First one is that it suffers from key escrow problem and the second one is that it uses a secure channel at the stage of private key issuance by the Private Key Generator (PKG). In this paper, we propose a key escrow-free identity-based signature scheme without using secure channel in the process of private key issuance stage. The bilinear pairing is used for the construction of the proposed scheme. The scheme is secure against adaptive chosen message attack and given 𝐼𝐷 attack under the assumption that the computation Diffie-Hellman problem is hard.
Characterization of Vibrio cholerae Strains Isolated from the Nigerian Cholera Outbreak in 2010

ABSTRACT We examined clinical samples from Nigerian patients with acute watery diarrhea for Vibrio cholerae during the 2010 cholera outbreak. A total of 109 suspected isolates were characterized, but only 57 V. cholerae strains could be confirmed using multiplex real-time PCR as well as rpoB sequencing and typed as V. cholerae O:1 Ogawa biotype El Tor. This finding highlighted the need for accurate diagnosis of cholera in epidemic countries to implement life-saving interventions.
Visible Foliar Injury and Physiological Responses to Ozone in Italian Provenances of Fraxinus excelsior and F. ornus

We compared leaf visible injury and physiological responses (gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence) to high O3 exposure (150 nmol mol–1 h, 8 h day–1, 35–40 days) of two woody species of the same genus with different ecological features: the mesophilic green ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and the xerotolerant manna ash (F. ornus). We also studied how provenances from northern (Piedmont) and central (Tuscany) Italy, within the two species, responded to O3 exposure. Onset and extent of visible foliar injury suggested that F. excelsior was more O3 sensitive than F. ornus. The higher stomatal conductance in F. ornus than in F. excelsior suggested a larger potential O3 uptake, in disagreement to lower visible foliar injury. The higher carbon assimilation in F. ornus suggested a higher potential of O3 detoxification and/or repair. Contrasting geographical variations of ash sensitivity to O3 were recorded, as Piedmont provenances reduced gas exchange less than Tuscan provenances in F. excelsior and more in F. ornus. Visible injury was earlier and more severe in F. excelsior from Piedmont than from Tuscany, while the provenance did not affect visible injury onset and extent in F. ornus.
Interference Aware Optimisation of Throughput in Cognitive Radio System

In the cognitive radio (CR) system where spectrum sensing and data transmissions are performed simultaneously, the proper selection of frame duration (τ) is of utmost importance. Small τ leads to an increased false alarm probability while large value of it delays implementation of sensing decision of the current frame to the next. The former case decreases the achievable throughput of the CR user while latter one may disturb the licensed user communication. Under the constraints of maintaining a target detection probability of dP, this paper attempts to design a frame duration τ where achieved throughput of the CR system is maximised. To do so, an analysis of achievable throughput with τ was performed which reveals that, initially, with the increase in τ, the achievable throughput increases sharply, but after its certain value, the increments are negligible and achievable throughput appears to maintain a constant value. The performed analysis shows that, it is not possible to perfectly optimize τ, however, a close optimisation can still be performed which can maximise the achievable throughput. From the realistic point of view, the CR system is further modelled under uncertain noise conditions. The achieved simulation results well justify the presented analysis. Defence Science Journal, Vol. 65, No. 4, July 2015, pp. 312-318, DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.14429/dsj.65. 8739
[Intraoperative rupture of cerebral aneurysm--incidence and risk factors].

OBJECTIVE To reveal and assess risk factors for intraoperative rupture (IOA) of aneurysms, which will reduce the incidence of this complication and improve the outcome of treatment. METHODS Direct surgical interventions made in 610 cerebral aneurysms at the Vascular Department of N.N. Burdenko Research Institute of Neurosurgery, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, in 2002 to 2005 were analyzed in 519 patients. Under study were the following factors: onset of IOA; site and anatomic and topographic features of aneurysms; time of an operation (acute or cold subarachnoidal hemorrhage), presence or absence of hemorrhage in the history, rate and severity of hemorrhage (according to the Hunt-Hess classification), temporary clipping of the nutrient arteries. RESULTS The incidence of IOR was 11.7% of the operated aneurysms and 13.7% of the patients. Ruptures occurred during aneurysmal manipulations in 96% of cases. Moderate and significant hemorrhages requiring a surgeon to make additional measures to improve them more frequently occurred in IOR. The highest rate of IOR was recorded at surgery for aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery--the anterior communicating artery. The incidence of ruptures increased with their greater sizes. There was a significant increase in the incidence of IOR in aneurysms with diverticula (p = 0.004) and with wide necks (p = 0.04). The level of IOR in the patients operated on within the first 3 weeks after SAK was 3 times higher than in those operated on in the cold period (p < 0.05). The incidence of IOR was rather low in the treatment of asymptomatic aneurysms (2.5%). The risk for IOR was higher in patients with recurring hemorrhage. Preventive temporary occlusion substantially lessens the risk of IOR. CONCLUSION The low rate of IOA in the treatment of asymptomatic aneurysms is another argument in favor of the development of surgery for unruptured asymptomatic aneurysms. Timely temporary clipping of the nutrient artery at surgery substantially reduces the risk of IOR in all cases.
DNA Mismatch‐Specific Base Flipping by a Bisacridine Macrocycle

Most, if not all, enzymes that chemically modify nucleobases in DNA flip their target base from the inside of the double helix into an extrahelical position. This energetically unfavorable conformation is partly stabilized by specific binding of the apparent abasic site being formed. Thus, DNA base‐flipping enzymes, like DNA methyltransferases and DNA glycosylases, generally bind very strongly to DNA containing abasic sites or abasic‐site analogues. The macrocyclic bisacridine BisA has previously been shown to bind abasic sites. Herein we demonstrate that it is able to specifically recognize DNA base mismatches and most likely induces base flipping. Specific binding of BisA to DNA mismatches was studied by thermal denaturation experiments by using short duplex oligodeoxynucleotides containing central TT, TC, or TG mismatches or a TA match. In the presence of the macrocycle a strong increase in the melting temperature of up to 7.1 °C was observed for the mismatch‐containing duplexes, whereas the melting temperature of the fully matched duplex was unaffected. Furthermore, BisA binding induced an enhanced reactivity of the mispaired thymine residue in the DNA toward potassium permanganate oxidation. A comparable reactivity has previously been observed for a TT target base mismatch in the presence of DNA methyltransferase M⋅TaqI. This similarity to a known base‐flipping enzyme suggests that insertion of BisA into the DNA helix displaces the mispaired thymine residue into an extrahelical position, where it should be more prone to chemical oxidation. Thus, DNA base flipping does not appear to be limited to DNA‐modifying enzymes but it is likely to also be induced by a small synthetic molecule binding to a thermodynamically weakened site in DNA.
An Analysis of Global R&amp;D Activities of Japanese MNCs in the US From the Knowledge-Based View

We examined 79 Japanese MNCs' R&D subsidiaries in the US from the knowledge-based view. We found: 1) subsidiaries' R&D strategies encouraged some types of knowledge flows, but discouraged other types; 2) autonomous R&D subsidiaries promoted knowledge flows from local environments to the subsidiary; 3) process-oriented incentives promoted technical knowledge flows between a subsidiary and its headquarters; 4) knowledge flows and R&D strategies contributed to a subsidiary's knowledge accumulation; 5) organizational factors such as autonomy and process-oriented incentives contributed more to a subsidiary's overall performance than the subsidiary's R&D strategies did
Distributed Symmetric Function Computation in Noisy Wireless Sensor Networks

In this correspondence, we consider a wireless sensor network consisting of n sensors, and each sensor has a measurement, which is an integer value belonging to the set {(). m-1}, so that it can be represented by [log2 m] bits. The network has a special node called the fusion center whose goal is to compute a symmetric function of these measurements. The problem studied is to minimize the total transmission energy used by the network when computing this function, subject to the constraint that this computation be correct with high probability. We assume the wireless channels are binary symmetric channels with a probability of error p, and that each sensor uses ralpha units of energy to transmit each bit, where r is the transmission range of the sensor.
Genetic algorithm optimized PI and fuzzy logic speed vector control of Dual Stator Induction Generator in wind energy conversion system

This paper focuses on the design and analysis of optimized PI conventional and PI fuzzy logic speed vector control of Dual Stator Induction Generator (DSIG) in wind energy conversion system. In first step a field-oriented control of a DSIG is presented. In second step, in order to ensure an optimum operating point and a Maximum Power Point Track (MPPT) giving online a maximum production of electric power for different wind speeds, a conventional PI and then a fuzzy PI speed regulators are used. In the final step, to improve the design of these two regulators, the technique of genetic algorithms is used to facilitate the design parameters determination and reduced time consumption comparatively to the “trial-error” method. Simulation results show clearly the effectiveness and the performance of the suggested control algorithm.
Opioids and cancer: friend or foe?

Purpose of reviewMost cancer patients experience pain and many will require opioids. However, the effects of opioids on cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence is increasingly being questioned. There is evidence that opioids affect immune system function, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and invasion in a potentially deleterious manner. This review will examine the preclinical and clinical evidence. Recent findingsRecent clinical data have struggled to find robust evidence that opioids promote cancer progression. Although most study has involved morphine, differential effects of other opioids on immune function and cancer are revealing a more complex picture. SummaryAlthough there is a biologically plausible story, evidence for the action of opioids on cancer is mixed. Indeed, it may even be that in the chronic setting morphine has a beneficial effect on outcome in certain cancer types. This review critically examines and evaluates the evidence for the action of opioids on the processes involved in cancer progression. In the light of the uncertainty of opioid effect on cancer, any decision making should be tempered by knowing that stress and pain undoubtedly contribute to cancer progression.
Visuotopic organisation of striate cortex in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)

The visuotopic organisation of the primary visual cortex (V1) was studied by extracellular recordings in adult male marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) that were anaesthetised with sufentanil/nitrous oxide and paralysed with pancuronium bromide. Extensive sampling of the occipital region in four individuals and partial coverage of V1 in five others allowed not only the establishment of the normal visuotopy but also the study of interindividual variability. As in other primates, there was a single, continuous map of the contralateral hemifield in V1, with the upper visual quadrant represented ventrally and the lower quadrant represented dorsally. The surface area of V1, which was measured in two‐dimensional reconstructions of the cortical surface, varied from 192 to 217 mm2. There was a marked emphasis on the representation of the foveal and parafoveal visual fields: the representation of the central 5° of the visual field occupied 36–39% of the surface area of V1, whereas the central 10° occupied 57–59%. No asymmetry between the representations of the upper and lower quadrants was apparent. The visual topography of V1 was highly consistent between individuals, relative to both sulcal landmarks and stereotaxic coordinates. The entire contralateral hemifield was represented in V1; in addition, neurones with receptive fields whose borders invaded the ipsilateral hemifield were observed within V1, less than 800 μm from the V1/V2 boundary. The total invasion of the ipsilateral hemifield was less than 0.5° at the centre of the fovea but reached 8° at the periphery of the vertical meridian. Our results demonstrate that the organisation of V1 is similar in diurnal New and Old World simians, despite major variations in size, ecological niche, and timing of postnatal development across species. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of a transdiagnostic unguided Internet intervention (‘velibra’) for anxiety disorders in primary care: results of a randomized controlled trial

Background Internet-based cognitive–behavioural treatment (ICBT) for anxiety disorders has shown some promise, but no study has yet examined unguided ICBT in primary care. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated whether a transdiagnostic, unguided ICBT programme for anxiety disorders is effective in primary care settings, after a face-to-face consultation with a physician (MD). We hypothesized that care as usual (CAU) plus unguided ICBT would be superior to CAU in reducing anxiety and related symptoms among patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PDA) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Method Adults (n = 139) with at least one of these anxiety disorders, as reported by their MD and confirmed by a structured diagnostic interview, were randomized. Unguided ICBT was provided by a novel transdiagnostic ICBT programme (‘velibra’). Primary outcomes were generic measures, such as anxiety and depression symptom severity, and diagnostic status at post-treatment (9 weeks). Secondary outcomes included anxiety disorder-specific measures, quality of life, treatment adherence, satisfaction, and general psychiatric symptomatology at follow-up (6 months after randomization). Results CAU plus unguided ICBT was more effective than CAU at post-treatment, with small to medium between-group effect sizes on primary (Cohen's d = 0.41–0.47) and secondary (Cohen's d = 0.16–0.61) outcomes. Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up. In the treatment group, 28.2% of those with a SAD diagnosis, 38.3% with a PDA diagnosis, and 44.8% with a GAD diagnosis at pretreatment no longer fulfilled diagnostic criteria at post-treatment. Conclusions The unguided ICBT intervention examined is effective for anxiety disorders when delivered in primary care.
The Prolonged Effects of a Low Cholesterol, High Carbohydrate Diet Upon the Serum Lipids in Diabetic Patients

Vascular disease is the major complication of diabetes in the Western World. Increasing evidence from clinical, experimental and epidemiologic sources supports the belief in a correlation between diets rich in cholesterol and fat, and atherosclerosis. Because correlation does not imply cause and effect, there is a need for prolonged prospective studies designed to test the hypothesis that experimental diets will reduce the incidence of vascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus. Two years ago we started such a prospective study. We hope to continue it for at least eight more years. Our purpose is to determine the influence of an experimental diet on the serum lipids and on vascular, retinal, neurologic and renal complications in patients with diabetes. The experimental diet is restricted in cholesterol and fat. It contains much more carbohydrate than is usually prescribed for diabetic patients. This report describes our observations through April, 1962. The study is still in progress.
How Can We Define The “ Participles ” in Mongolic Languages : Two Problems In

This paper aims to examine the function of participles in Shinekhen Buryat, which is one of the Mongolic languages spoken in Manchuria, and suggests the following two points: first, we cannot define the prototypical participles in Shinekhen Buryat as inflectional verb to adjective transposition, since they contain certain features that differ from adjectives; second, we recommend a recategorization of the participles in Shinekhen Buryat as they differ with respect to the degree of deverbalization.
Crystal Zoetrope: New Visual Medium for Displaying 3D Animation

Abstract The authors have turned the Zoetrope, initially an optical toy from the pre-cinema era, into a three-dimensional (3D) animation display. “Crystal Zoetrope” is a new visual medium involving a glass disc with numerous engraved objects that displays a sophisticated 3D animation. It can be built in small sizes and even be embedded in everyday objects or environments. Using this new visual medium, the authors produced the 3D animation “Sea of Stars” that portrays the life cycle of planets in the universe.
An approach to model board-integrated multimode waveguides

Signal propagation within multimode waveguides with rectangular cross sections is modeled by an approximative determination of the propagating modes. Precondition for the approach is a small difference between the refractive indices of the waveguide's core and cladding leading to a small numerical aperture. The approximation yields good results for modes far away from cutoff. As the roughness between core and cladding of real board-integrated waveguides results in a stronger attenuation of the higher order modes compared to the modes of lower order, the approximation seems to be well suited for modeling this kind of waveguides.
Case Studies of Multilingual/Multicultural Asian Deaf Adults: Strategies for Success

Abstract:Case studies of adult d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners (DMLs) are few, especially studies of DMLs who learn more than one sign language and read logographic and alphabetic scripts. To reduce this paucity, two descriptive case studies are presented. Written questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and self-appraisals of language-use rubrics were used to explore (a) the language and literacy histories of two adult Asian DMLs who had learned multiple languages: Chinese (spoken/written), English (written), Chinese Sign Language, and American Sign Language; and (b) how each language was used in different cultural communities with diverse conversational partners. Home literacy environment, family support, visual access to languages, peer and sibling support, role models, encouragement, perseverance, and Deaf identity all played vital roles in the participants’ academic success. The findings provide insights into the acquisition of multiple languages and bi-literacy through social communication and academic content.
The DAWEX field campaign to study gravity wave generation and propagation

K. Hamilton, International Pacific Research Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States of America. (kph@soest.hawaii.edu) R. A. Vincent, Department of Physics and Mathematical Physics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia. (robert.vincent@physics.adelaide.edu.au) P. T. May, Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre, GPO Box 1289K, Melbourne 3001, Australia. (p.may@bom.gov.au)