Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of cataract surgery on aqueous TGF-beta and lens epithelial cell proliferation.

PURPOSE To study lens epithelial cell (LEC) regulation after experimental cataract surgery in rabbits. The effect of aqueous humor (AqH) on LECs in vitro was investigated and the AqH concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were determined. METHODS Aqueous humor was aspirated immediately before, and 1, 5, 10, 15, and 30 days after cataract surgery (n=8 each day). The effect of AqH on LEC proliferation was investigated by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine. The following concentrations were determined in AqH: bFGF, active and total TGF-beta, leukocytes, and total protein. RESULTS Aqueous humor collected after surgery triggered LEC growth on each occasion, except on (postoperative) day 30, in contrast to the effect of normal AqH. Lens epithelial cell proliferation peaked on day 1, displaying a sixfold increase. The bFGF concentration in AqH increased 6 to 10-fold after surgery and remained high throughout the experimental period. The AqH concentration of active TGF-beta decreased sevenfold 1 day after surgery. It then returned to normal levels on day 15. Total TGF-beta in postoperative AqH was twice as high as that in normal AqH on all days. Lens epithelial cell proliferation correlated with protein (r=0.685), leukocytes (r=0.565), and active TGF-beta (r=-0.418). CONCLUSIONS The stimulating effect of postoperative AqH on LEC proliferation may be caused by a reduction in the concentration of TGF-beta.
The development of language constancy: attention to native versus nonnative accents.

The time frame for infants' acquisition of language constancy was probed, using the phonetic variation in a rarely heard accent (South African English) or a frequently heard accent (American English). A total of 156 Australian infants were tested. Six-month-olds looked longer to Australian English than less commonly heard South African accent, but at 9 months, showed similar looking times. With the more frequently heard American accent, 3-month-olds looked longer to Australian and American English, whereas 6-month-olds looked equally. Together these results imply that in the 1st year, differential attention to native versus nonnative accents decreases as infants develop a sense of language constancy for the common native language. However, experience with the nonnative accent can expedite this process.
Study of Solid/Liquid Interface of Ti46Al0.5W0.5Si Ingot Directionally Solidified by a Near-Rectangular Cold Crucible

In this study, Ti46Al0.5W0. 5Si ingots were directionally solidified by a near-rectangular cold crucible under different process parameters. These process parameters include the electromagnetic stirring, the crucible configuration and the molten drop, all of them have important effect on the S/L interface. The effects of the parameters on the solid/liquid (S/L) interface morphology were investigated, and the mechanisms of the parameters influencing the S/L interface were discussed and revealed. Results showed that the typical S/L interface of the ingots was presented as a curved ‘W-type’ shape. The uneven temperature distribution in the front of the solidified interface is the main reason for a curved S/L interface. Further, the requirements for obtaining a planar S/L interface in the process of cold crucible directional solidification were given, which provided a guide for the future work.
Neural correlates of word production stages delineated by parametric modulation of psycholinguistic variables

Word production is a complex multistage process linking conceptual representations, lexical entries, phonological forms and articulation. Previous studies have revealed a network of predominantly left‐lateralized brain regions supporting this process, but many details regarding the precise functions of different nodes in this network remain unclear. To better delineate the functions of regions involved in word production, we used event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify brain areas where blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) responses to overt picture naming were modulated by three psycholinguistic variables: concept familiarity, word frequency, and word length, and one behavioral variable: reaction time. Each of these variables has been suggested by prior studies to be associated with different aspects of word production. Processing of less familiar concepts was associated with greater BOLD responses in bilateral occipitotemporal regions, reflecting visual processing and conceptual preparation. Lower frequency words produced greater BOLD signal in left inferior temporal cortex and the left temporoparietal junction, suggesting involvement of these regions in lexical selection and retrieval and encoding of phonological codes. Word length was positively correlated with signal intensity in Heschl's gyrus bilaterally, extending into the mid‐superior temporal gyrus (STG) and sulcus (STS) in the left hemisphere. The left mid‐STS site was also modulated by reaction time, suggesting a role in the storage of lexical phonological codes. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulatory solvency prediction in property-liability insurance: risk-based capital, audit ratios, and cash flow simulation

This paper analyzes the accuracy of the principal models used by U.S. insurance regulators to predict insolvencies in the property-liability insurance industry and compares these models with a relatively new solvency testing approach--cash flow simulation. Specifically, we compare the risk-based capital (RBC) system introduced by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 1994, the FAST (Financial Analysis and Surveillance Tracking) audit ratio system used by the NAIC, and a cash flow simulation model developed by the authors. Both the RBC and FAST systems are static, ratio-based approaches to solvency testing, whereas the cash flow simulation model implements dynamic financial analysis. Logistic regression analysis is used to test the models for a large sample of solvent and insolvent property-liability insurers, using data from the years 1990-1992 to predict insolvencies over three-year prediction horizons. We find that the FAST system dominates RBC as a static method for predicting insurer insolvencies. Further, we find the cash flow simulation variables add significant explanatory power to the regressions and lead to more accurate solvency prediction than the ratio-based models taken alone.
On physical principles of quantitative detection of algae bloom using radar

The influence of algae bloom on microwave radar backscattering from surface wind waves and on gravity-capillary wave damping was studied experimentally in field experiment on the Gorky Water Reservour and in laboratory. It was obtained that the intensity of X-band radar backscattering decreased with phytoplankton concentration in the upper water layer. Samples of phytoplankton from the upper water layer and of biogenic film from the water surface were collected nearly simultaneously and co-located with radar probing of surface waves. Concentrations of main phytoplankton constituents as well as total algae concentration and their variability in the studied area were measured. Laboratory studies of damping of gravity-capillary waves on the water samples with removed film and on clean (without plankton) water covered with the biogenic films were carried out, and an effective water viscosity and the film elasticity values were retrieved. The increase of water viscosity and of film elasticity in the presence of algae were concluded to be the main physical reasons of enhanced wave damping, the contributions of the two effects in total wave damping and correspondingly in radar backscatter depression appeared to be comparable to each other. Since both the effective viscosity and the film elasticity depend on algae concentration the latter can be estimated from measurements of radar backscatter.
Fiber bundle based fluorescence tomography system for human breast imaging

Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FT) is a promising molecular imaging technique that can spatially resolve both fluorophore concentration and lifetime parameters. In this phantom study, we built a photo-multiplier tube (PMT) based single detection system that uses fiber bundles to collect light. Measurements were acquired both with a 1 mm diameter single fiber and a 6 mm diameter fiber bundle using the very same detection unit for comparison purposes. We demonstratethat the fluorescence concentration and lifetime can be well recovered for 6 mm diameter objects deeply embedded in an 80 mm diameter breast-sized phantom when the fiber bundle is utilized.
Carotid Plaque Ultrasonic Heterogeneity and Severity of Stenosis

Background and Purpose— Several studies have reported on the correlation of ultrasonic carotid plaque morphology, cerebrovascular symptoms, and intraplaque hemorrhage. This study correlates ultrasonic carotid plaque morphology with the degree of carotid stenosis. Methods— Carotid arteries (n=2460) were examined by using color duplex ultrasound during a 1-year period. Carotid stenoses were classified into <50%, 50% to <60%, 60% to <70%, and >70% to 99%. Ultrasonic plaque morphology was characterized as either heterogeneous (mixed hyperechoic, hypoechoic, and isoechoic) or homogeneous. Results— Heterogeneous plaques were noted in 138 of 794 arteries with <50% stenosis, in 191 of 564 arteries with 50% to <60% stenosis, in 301 of 487 arteries with 60% to <70% stenosis, and in 496 of 615 arteries with 70% to 99% stenosis. The higher the degree of stenosis, the more likely it is to be associated with heterogeneous plaques. Heterogeneous plaques were present in 59% of the arteries with ≥50% stenoses versus 17% of the arteries with <50% stenoses, in 72% of the arteries with ≥60% stenoses versus 24% of the arteries with <60% stenosis, and in 80% of the arteries with ≥70% stenoses versus 34% of the arteries with <70% stenoses (P <0.0001 and odds ratios of 6.9, 8.1, and 8.0, respectively). Heterogeneous plaques were associated with an incidence of symptoms that was higher than that for homogeneous plaques for all grades of stenoses; percentages were, respectively, as follows: 68% versus 16% for <50% stenosis; 76% versus 21% for 50% to <60% stenosis; 79% versus 23% for 60% to <70% stenosis, and 86% versus 31% for ≥70% to 99% stenosis (P <0.0001 and odds ratios of 8.9, 11.9, 12.6, and 13.7, respectively). Heterogeneity of plaques was more positively correlated with symptoms than with any degree of stenosis (regardless of plaque structure). Eighty percent of all heterogeneous plaques were symptomatic versus 58% for all stenoses ≥50%, 68% for all stenoses ≥60%, and 75% for all stenoses ≥70% (P <0.0001, P <0.0001, and P =0.02, respectively). Conclusions— The higher the degree of carotid stenosis, the more likely it is to be associated with ultrasonic heterogeneous plaque and cerebrovascular symptoms. Heterogeneity of the plaque was more positively correlated with symptoms than with any degree of stenosis. These findings suggest that plaque heterogeneity should be considered in selecting patients for carotid endarterectomy.
Fibrinolytic therapy: is it a treatment of the past?

Fibrinolytic therapy has been an important means of establishing reperfusion for decades. However, limitations to the use of thrombolytic therapy include perceived or definite contraindications, intracranial bleeding, inability to establish Thrombosis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI-3) flow in many patients, and high rates of recurrent ischemia and reocclusion. Accordingly, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as the preferred reperfusion strategy. Nearly all acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are eligible for emergency catheterization. Knowledge of the coronary anatomy allows immediate triage to surgery, medical therapy, or primary PCI, when appropriate, and results in earlier hospital discharge compared to thrombolytic therapy.1 Primary PCI establishes TIMI-3 flow in >90% of patients and is associated with reduced rates of recurrent ischemia and reocclusion. With the addition of stenting, reocclusion has been further reduced to 5% at routine 6-month angiography.2,3 Small studies have suggested that pharmacological adjuncts to PCI such as abciximab may improve myocardial perfusion and limit infarct size4,5 without the risk of bleeding observed with thrombolytic therapy.6 Finally, new technologies such as coronary thrombectomy, distal projection, and systemic cooling are easily applied in the catheterization laboratory and may further improve myocardial perfusion and infarct size. Although primary PCI has been in use for more than 25 years, the first trials randomizing PCI to intravenous thrombolytics therapy were not published until 1993.7 A meta-analysis of the first 10 randomized trials demonstrated a reduction in death, reinfarction, and stroke with primary PCI in all subgroups, but the greatest absolute benefit was observed in high-risk patients.8 On the basis of these early results, many experienced interventionalists were no longer willing to randomize patients to thrombolytic therapy. Therefore, the next decade of research was focused on perfecting the primary PCI technique, with studies randomizing patients to intraaortic balloon pumps, stents, glycoprotein …
Capacity of symmetric finite input and continuous output channels

In this work we study channels with finite input alphabet and continuous output alphabet and we give step-by-step proofs on two results: 1. -The capacity of the channel can be computed by finding a random variable over the inputs in such a way that the Kullback-Leibler distance D(pY|xi (y)∥kpY (y)) is constant for any xi of the input alphabet. 2. -The capacity of the symmetric channel can be computed by making the random variable over the inputs be uniform, i.e., probability pX(xi) constant for any input xi.
Self-organized criticality - a model for recrystallization?

Abstract A novel X-ray diffraction method, allowing the position-resolved imaging of a polycrystalline specimen using the diffracted radiation, was applied for in situ investigation of recrystallization of cold-rolled copper. A large area of the specimen could be observed simultaneously, yielding information about nucleation and growth of many individual crystallites. The recrystallization process showed a stochastic behavior which can be described by the model of self-organized criticality.
Source number estimation based on clustering of speech activity sequences for microphone array processing

In this paper we introduce a novel technique for source number estimation based on the clustering of speech activity sequences. Speech activity sequences, represented by posterior probability time series of speech activity, are modeled as a mixture of Watson distributions. To enable source number estimation, an adaptive Dirichlet prior probability is imposed upon the mixture weights to promote the formation of empty clusters. The proposed source number estimation technique was evaluated on reverberant over-, even- and under-determined settings with accuracy between 75% and 100%.
Ultra-low power autonomous 2.4GHz RF energy harvesting and storage system

We present an autonomous end-to-end 2.4GHz RF energy harvesting and storage system suitable for harvesting energy from WiFi and similar devices. The system is designed to collect ultra-low power ambient RF input energy and automatically store it into a battery. Previous work in this area required a pushbutton switch for full functionality - RF energy is first stored in a capacitor and manually transferred into a battery. In this work, in addition to the main harvester, an auxiliary control system is developed to replace the pushbutton and achieve fully autonomous energy harvesting and storage. Two design approaches are proposed for the control system. The tradeoffs of each technique will be discussed. The designed control systems were integrated into the main harvesting structure. Experimental results indicate that the system autonomously stores 241μJ into a NiMH battery after 30 minutes with an incident power (at the feedpoint of the antenna) of -21dBm.
Anti-windup for linear systems with sensor saturation: sufficient conditions for global stability and L2 gain

This paper addresses the problem of sensor saturation, in otherwise linear systems, by using an anti-windup like design strategy. The focus is on obtaining sufficient conditions which guarantee global stability and L2 gain. It transpires that the sufficient conditions obtained, which are expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMI's), take the form of the nominal closed-loop bounded real lemma, and two other bounded real inequalities based on the open-loop characteristics of the plant and the controller. These bounded real inequalities are solvable if the closed-loop linear system (without saturation) is stable, the open-loop linear system is stable and there exists a something akin to a common Lyapunov function between the open and closed-loop systems. These results differ to those obtained in the literature hitherto
Multifunctional Polymer Composites for "Intellectual" Structures: Present State, Problems, Future

Strategy of the synthesis of multifunctional materials is developed on the basis of physical properties of composites, composition of fillers, the type of polymer matrix and distribution of ingredients in composite. Each of these factors is displayed in material in different extent depending on technological parameters of processing, and also properties and interaction of fillers in particular conditions. In homogeneous and, in particular in heterogeneous systems, such as metals and alloys, ferro - and ferrimagnetics, ferroelectrics, ferroelectromagnetics, polymer and ceramic matrix composites, high-temperature superconducting ceramics, etc. It is always possible to outline various types of hierarchy. Investigation of the effect of hierarchical structures on physical properties and the nature of interaction of various internal fields in inhomogeneous materials is inseparably linked with the development of methods of synthesis of new smart and intelligent structures.
Confined types

Sharing and transfer of object references is difficult to control in object-oriented languages. Unconstrained sharing poses serious problems for writing secure components in object-oriented languages. In this paper, we present a set of inexpensive syntactic constraints that strengthen encapsulation in object-oriented programs and facilitate the implementation of secure systems. We introduce two mechanisms: confined types to impose static scoping on dynamic object references and, for technical reasons, anonymous methods which are methods that do not reveal the identity of the current instance (this). Confined types protect objects from use by untrusted code, while anonymous methods allow standard classes to be reused from confined classes. We have implemented a verifier which performs a modular analysis of Java programs and provides a static guarantee that confinement is respected. We present security related programming examples.
New SynRM design approach based on behaviour maps analysis

A novel motor design methodology and optimization is proposed, which is applied to a SRM. It greatly reduces the finite element analysis use. A multi physics study is realized in order to couple the thermal, magnetic and electric motor analysis. Then, the information obtained with this study allows creating different behaviors maps in order to evaluate the motor in all operating area. With the joule and iron losses, the thermal network obtains a temperature map for each current and angular speed. Then, the electric model uses the parameters obtained on reluctances network and the phase resistance variation obtained on thermal lumped parameter. Finally, the optimal motor obtained is validated on FEA. To sum up, the motor design is obtained using multi physics analysis taking into account different operating points, i.e. it is a range operation optimization. In addition, reducing FEA computation time is achieved with the methodology proposed.
MAYA: A Fast Question-answering System Based on a Predictive Answer Indexer

We propose a Question-answering (QA) system in Korean that uses a predictive answer indexer. The predictive answer indexer, first, extracts all answer candidates in a document in indexing time. Then, it gives scores to the adjacent content words that are closely related with each answer candidate. Next, it stores the weighted content words with each candidate into a database. Using this technique, along with a complementary analysis of questions, the proposed QA system can save response time because it is not necessary for the QA system to extract answer candidates with scores on retrieval time. If the QA system is combined with a traditional Information Retrieval system, it can improve the document retrieval precision for closed-class questions after minimum loss of retrieval time.
Adding generic contextual capabilities to wearable computers

Context-awareness has an increasingly important role to play in the development of wearable computing systems. In order to better define this role we have identified four generic contextual capabilities: sensing, adaptation, resource discovery, and augmentation. A prototype application has been constructed to explore how some of these capabilities could be deployed in a wearable system designed to aid an ecologist's observations of giraffe in a Kenyan game reserve. However, despite the benefits of context-awareness demonstrated in this prototype, widespread innovation of these capabilities is currently stifled by the difficulty in obtaining the contextual data. To remedy this situation the Contextual Information Service (CIS) is introduced. Installed on the user's wearable computer, the CIS provides a common point of access for clients to obtain, manipulate and model contextual information independently of the underlying plethora of data formats and sensor interface mechanisms.
Sustained Virological Response after 8-Week Treatment of Simeprevir with Peginterferon α-2a plus Ribavirin in a Japanese Female with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1b and IL28B Minor Genotype

Direct-acting antivirals with or without peginterferon α (PEG-IFN α) plus ribavirin are now available for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Direct-acting antivirals are potent inhibitors of HCV replication, but some of them occasionally possess serious adverse events. We experienced a 64-year-old female with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection who showed elevated alanine aminotransferase of 528 IU/l at week 9 after the commencement of treatment of simeprevir with PEG-IFN α-2a plus ribavirin. However, she achieved sustained virological response at week 24 after the end of treatment. In Japan, we also have to treat elderly patients infected with HCV and/or advanced hepatic fibrosis. Until an effective interferon-free regimen is established, direct-acting antivirals with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin may still play a role in the treatment for certain patients. To avoid serious results from adverse events, careful attention and follow-up will be needed in the treatment course of simeprevir with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin for chronic HCV infection.