Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estudo de suspensões de bentonitas sob diferentes condições térmicas

Suspensoes argilosas sao utilizadas como fluidos de perfuracao de pocos nas primeiras camadas rochosas, geralmente constituidas por sedimentos inconsolidados. Em camadas mais profundas sao comumente utilizados fluidos base oleo devido sua resistencia termica. No entanto, em virtude das leis ambientais estes fluidos estao sendo substituidos e as suspensoes argilosas surgem como uma alternativa pelo carater ambientalmente correto e menor custo. Assim, torna-se de extrema importância o estudo das propriedades de suspensoes argilosas a temperaturas moderadas e elevadas. Desta forma, este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar as propriedades das suspensoes argilosas de bentonita sob diferentes condicoes termicas. Para tanto, foi empregado um planejamento fatorial do tipo 22 com tres experimentos no ponto central + configuracao estrela, totalizando 11 corridas experimentais para avaliar a influencia da temperatura e do teor de argila (variaveis de entrada) sobre as propriedades reologicas e de filtracao das suspensoes argilosas. As suspensoes foram preparadas com concentracao de bentonita variando de 8,75 g/350 mL a 22,4 g/350 mL e submetidas a temperaturas entre 38 °C e 176 °C durante 16 h. Foram estudados dois tipos de envelhecimento termico, dinâmico e estatico, em equipamento Roller Oven da Fann. As propriedades reologicas (viscosidades aparente - VA e plastica - VP) foram determinadas em viscosimetro Fann 35A e o volume de filtrado (VF) em filtro-prensa API. Concluiu-se que as variaveis de entrada influenciam estatisticamente, ao nivel de 95% de confianca, as propriedades das dispersoes, sendo observado que a combinacao de temperaturas elevadas e altas concentracoes de argila conduz a maiores valores de VA e VP, bem como que os maiores valores de VF foram obtidos com as suspensoes preparadas com baixa concentracao de argila e submetidas a elevada temperatura. Ficou evidenciado ainda que o tipo de envelhecimento tem influencia direta no comportamento reologico das dispersoes avaliadas.
Pulsatile Flow and Pressure in Human Systemic Arteries: Studies in Man and in a Multibranched Model of the Human Systemic Arterial Tree

This study seeks to explain mechanisms responsible for the contour of pressure and flow waves and the pattern of vascular impedance in human systemic arteries. Pulsatile pressure and flow were recorded from the ascending aorta of seven patients undergoing open heart surgery and from the ascending aorta and other arteries of 17 patients at diagnostic catheterization. Ascending aortic pressure/flow relationships in the seven surgical patients were expressed as input impedance to the systemic circulation. Pressure and flow wave contour and impedance results were interpreted with the aid of a multibranched model of the systemic arterial tree, whose parameters could be manipulated to simulate different physiological and pathological conditions. Our data and data previously published on pressure and flow waves and their relationship in human subjects could be explained on the basis of two reflecting sites in the systemic circulation-one representing the resultant of all arterial terminations in the upper part of the body, and the other, some 1.5 times further away, the resultant of all arterial terminations in the lower body. The concept of the arterial system as an asymmetric T tube with two discrete ends has been advanced previously to explain the main features of pressure and flow waves and their relationship in different experimental animals. This concept appears equally applicable to human subjects. Circ Res 46: 363-372, 1980
SUBSKY: Efficient Computation of Skylines in Subspaces

Given a set of multi-dimensional points, the skyline contains the best points according to any preference function that is monotone on all axes. In practice, applications that require skyline analysis usually provide numerous candidate attributes, and various users depending on their interests may issue queries regarding different (small) subsets of the dimensions. Formally, given a relation with a large number (e.g.,ge 10) of attributes, a query aims at finding the skyline in an arbitrary subspace with a low dimensionality (e.g., 2). The existing algorithms do not support subspace skyline retrieval efficiently because they (i) require scanning the entire database at least once, or (ii) are optimized for one particular subspace but incur significant overhead for other subspaces. In this paper, we propose a technique SUBSKY which settles the problem using a single B-tree, and can be implemented in any relational database. The core of SUBSKY is a transformation that converts multi-dimensional data to 1D values, and enables several effective pruning heuristics. Extensive experiments with real data confirm that SUBSKY outperforms alternative approaches significantly in both efficiency and scalability.
A mitochondrial-targeted cyclosporin A with high binding affinity for cyclophilin D yields improved cytoprotection of cardiomyocytes

Mitochondrial CyP-D (cyclophilin-D) catalyses formation of the PT (permeability transition) pore, a key lesion in the pathogenesis of I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion) injury. There is evidence [Malouitre, Dube, Selwood and Crompton (2010) Biochem. J. 425, 137–148] that cytoprotection by the CyP inhibitor CsA (cyclosporin A) is improved by selective targeting to mitochondria. To investigate this further, we have developed an improved mtCsA (mitochondrial-targeted CsA) by modifying the spacer linking the CsA to the TPP+ (triphenylphosphonium) (mitochondrial-targeting) cation. The new mtCsA exhibits an 18-fold increase in binding affinity for CyP-D over the prototype and a 12-fold increase in potency of inhibition of the PT in isolated mitochondria, owing to a marked decrease in non-specific binding. The cytoprotective capacity was assessed in isolated rat cardiomyocytes subjected to transient glucose and oxygen deprivation (pseudo-I/R). The new mtCsA was maximally effective at lower concentrations than CsA (3–15 nM compared with 50–100 nM) and yielded improved cytoprotection for up to 3 h following the pseudo-ischaemic insult (near complete compared with 40%). These data indicate the potential value of selective CyP-D inhibition in cytoprotection.
Monitoring different types of resistance training using session rating of perceived exertion.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to measure effort during different types of resistance training. METHOD Fifteen male subjects (age 26.7 +/- 4.3 years) performed 3 protocols. All protocols consisted of same 5 exercises but with different intensities, rest periods, and numbers of repetitions. One-repetition maximum (1-RM) was defined as the maximal amount of weight that an individual could lift 1 time without support. The strength protocol included 3 sets of 5 repetitions at 90% of 1-RM with 3 min rest between. The hypertrophy session included 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% with 1 min of rest, and the power session included 3 sets of 5 repetitions at 50% with 3 min of rest. Session RPE is a modification of the standard RPE scale. Session and standard RPE were measured after the completion of each set and 30 min postexercise, respectively. RESULTS Results showed a difference between both the 2 RPE values of the strength and hypertrophy protocols (P ? .05) but no difference between mean and session RPE values for the power protocol. During the familiarization session, session RPE was measured at 5-min intervals for 30 min postexercise. There was a significant difference (P ? .05) between the mean RPE values at the fifth and tenth min postexercise when compared with 30 min postexercise. All other session RPE values showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION The session RPE method appears to be effective in monitoring different types of resistance training, and session RPE after 30 min was a better indicator of the overall resistance sessions than average RPE.
Treatment Decision Needs of Psoriasis Patients: Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Informed shared decision making is a mutual process engaging both doctor and patient and informed by best medical evidence and patient values and preferences. Objective: Our aim was to identify the needs of psoriasis patients in decisions on selecting treatment. Methods: Psoriasis subjects participated in an online survey on decisional role, postdecisional conflict, and treatment awareness. Results: Of 2,622 people invited to participate, 248 completed surveys. Their most recent treatment decision was either made by subjects alone (42%) or physicians alone (28%) or was shared (29%). Subjects perceived that their doctors lacked time to stay abreast of treatments, to provide counseling, and to access appropriate treatments. Deficiencies most frequently identified were information on options, clarification of values, access to physicians, and decision-making skills. Those with a body surface area (BSA) ≥ 3% more frequently indicated that having the skill or ability to make treatment decisions was important. Limitations: The limitations of this study include sampling, recall, and reporting bias. Percent BSA was not verified. Conclusions: The multiple deficiencies in support of psoriasis patients in treatment decisions may preclude informed shared decision making.
Activity of Thigh Muscles During Static and Dynamic Stances in Stroke Patients: A Pilot Case-Control Study

Abstract Purpose: Impaired postural control is a key characteristic of mobility problems in stroke patients and has great impact on the incidence of falls and on the level of independence in activities of daily living. The role played by the thigh muscles in balance impairment in stroke patients has not been sufficiently investigated. This study investigated the activities of the thigh muscles in stroke patients during standing balance manipulations. Method: Ten stroke patients and 15 healthy subjects performed 5 upright standing tasks on a force platform: normal standing with eyes open, normal standing with eyes closed, feet together, semi-tandem standing, and a dynamic measurement along a predefined route. The posturography parameters, normalized muscle activity by maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the thigh muscles, were measured. The Berg Balance Scale was administered to evaluate functional balance. Results: The stroke patients showed excessive postural sway compared with healthy control subjects in all conditions of the static balance tests (P < .05). Muscle activity measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) showed higher normalized average EMG (aEMG) in the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris on the affected side than that in control subjects during all static balance tests (P < .05). The rectus femoris on the unaffected side showed higher aEMG than that in control subjects in the 4 static standing tasks (P < .05). In dynamic tests, the performance time and excursion of the center of pressure were longer in the stroke patients than in the control subjects (P < .05). The activity of the biceps femoris muscle on the affected side was significantly different from that of the control subjects (P < .01). Conclusions: The vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles on the affected side and the rectus femoris muscle on the unaffected side of stroke patients are involved in the static balance deficits, while the biceps femoris on the affected side influences dynamic balance control.
Positive ion emission from excimer laser excited MgO surfaces.

We report measurements of the energy and angular distributions of positive ions (principally Mg[sup +]) photodesorbed from polished MgO crystals exposed to 248 nm excimer laser radiation. At low laser fluences, kinetic energies of several eV are observed and angular distributions are highly peaked in the direction perpendicular to the surface. We present an electrostatic model involving Coulombic repulsion of positively charged ions repelled by photoionized [ital F] centers.
Abstract 5171: High Levels of Myeloid-related Protein 14 in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques Correlate With the Characteristics of Rupture-prone Lesions

Objective : Atherosclerotic plaque rupture can lead to severe complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Myeloid related protein (Mrp)-14, Mrp-8 and Mrp-8/14 complex are inflammatory markers associated with myocardial infarction. It is, however, unknown if Mrps are associated with a rupture-prone plaque phenotype. In this study, we determined the association between Mrp-14, -8, -8/14 plaque levels and plaque characteristics. Methods and Results : In 186 human carotid plaques, levels of Mrp-14, -8 and -8/14 were quantified using ELISA. High levels of Mrp-14 were found in lesions with a large lipid core, high macrophage staining and low smooth muscle cell and collagen amount. Plaques with high levels of Mrp-14 contained high interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-8, MMP-9 and low MMP-2 concentrations. Mrp-8 and Mrp-8/14 showed a similar trend. Within plaques, a subset of non-foam macrophages expressed Mrp-8 and Mrp-14 and the percentage of Mrp-positive macrophages was higher in rupture-prone lesions compared to stable ones. In vitro , this subset of macrophages does not acquire a foamy phenotype when fed with human oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). In contrast, the vast majority of macrophages lacking Mrp-8/14 membrane expression accumulated lipid droplets in the cytoplasm when fed with oxLDL. Conclusion : High levels of Mrp-14 and to a lesser extent also Mrp-8 and Mrp-8/14, expressed by a subset of non-foam macrophages in human plaques, are strongly associated with both histopathological features and the inflammatory status of rupture prone lesions. These results identify Mrps as possible imaging markers to detect the hidden rupture-prone plaque.
Control study of fuel cell and supercapacitors system using Hybrid Dynamic Nets

Fuel cell with supercapacitors is a multi-physical system which, in association with converters, becomes hybrid. To model this complex system, different proposals have been made in literature. In this paper, Component Hybrid Dynamic Nets (CHDN) are used to model this system. CHDNs are a graphic model for hybrid systems, which allow each component of the hybrid system to be represented; moreover a novel software for hybrid modelling, SimRDH, is presented which allows each component of the system to be well represented, no matter if it is continuous or discrete.
Electromyographical Analysis of Lower Extremity Muscle Activation During Variations of the Loaded Step-Up Exercise

Abstract Simenz, CJ, Garceau, LR, Lutsch, BN, Suchomel, TJ, and Ebben, WP. Electromyographical analysis of lower extremity muscle activation during variations of the loaded step-up exercise. J Strength Cond Res 26(12): 3398–3405, 2012—The loaded step-up exercise allows strength and conditioning practitioners to incorporate a unilateral resistance for athletes while performing extension at the hip, knee, and plantar flexion at the ankle. This study evaluated the activation of the biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GMx), gluteus medius (GMe), rectus femoris, semitendinosus (ST), vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis during 4 variations of the step-up exercise to assess the specific muscle training stimulus of each exercise variation. The exercises included the step-up, crossover step-up, diagonal step-up, and lateral step-up. Fifteen women who regularly engaged in lower body resistance training performed the 4 exercises with 6 repetition maximum loads on a 45.72-cm (18-in.) plyometric box. Data were collected with a telemetered electromyography (EMG) system, and root mean square values were calculated for EMG data for eccentric and concentric phases. Results of a repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a variety of differences in muscle activation between the exercises (p ⩽ 0.05). The results indicated that the crossover step-up elicited the greatest concentric muscle activation for the GMe, whereas the step-up elicited greatest eccentric activation for the GMe and greatest activation for the GMx, BF, and ST in both concentric and eccentric phases. These findings can be used by practitioners to inform exercise selection to best target and maximally activate a variety of hip and thigh musculature.
Asymptotic Distribution of System Capacity in Multiuser MIMO Systems with Large Number of Antennas

In this paper, an asymptotic distribution for the sum rate capacity is derived in zero-forcing beamforming (ZF-BF) based multiuser MIMO systems with a large number of base station (BS)antennas. By utilizing the characteristics of a large number of antennas and the central limit theorem, we prove that the asymptotic distribution for the sum rate capacity follows Gaussian distribution. Also we derive the mean and variance values for the asymptotic Gaussian distribution. Based on the asymptotic Gaussian distribution, we also obtain the outage probability for the sum rate capacity as a closed form. Simulation results show that the asymptotic Gaussian distribution is well follows the actual sum rate capacity, and the both asymptotic mean and variance value are also very accurate.
Hardware OS Communication Service and Dynamic Memory Management for RSoCs

In a multiprocessor system, to gain the advantages of parallelism, efficient communication and memory management are highly required. The recent developments in the partial and dynamic Reconfigurable Computing (RC) domain require better ways to manage the simultaneous task execution. However, the requirements are bit different from the traditional software based systems. In this context, Operating System (OS) services like scheduling, placement, inter-task communication have been developed to make such platforms flexible and self-sufficient. In this paper we focus on the run-time communication service and dynamic memory management in the Reconfigurable System-on-Chips (RSoCs). We demonstrate the requirements and advantages of having a local memory task or a dynamically configurable memory task, how the communication service along with the DRAFT Network on Chip efficiently supports it. Compared to RECONOS [1], our proposal provides 3× more throughput along with flexibility and scalability.
NAC : A lightweight intermediate representation for ASIP compilers

ASIP processors are tuned for optimized mapping of narrow application sets in heterogeneous platforms . Their successful development relies on compiler-based design space exploration. The careful design of the compiler intermediate language is a necessity, due to its dual purpos e as both the program representation and an abstract target machine. Its design affects the complexity, efficiency and e se of maintenance of all compilation phases. In this work, an extensible typed assembly intermediate language, NAC, is presented. It can be used for processor exploration, optimizing intermediate representation (IR) t ransformations and SSA compilation. Minimal SSA construction algorithms are thoroughly presented for the first time. 1
Structural Change and Global Trade

Services, which are less traded than goods, rose from 55% of world expenditure in 1970 to 75% in 2015. Using a Ricardian trade model incorporating endogenous structural change, we quantify how this substantial shift in consumption has affected trade. Without structural change, we find that the world trade to GDP ratio would be 13 percentage points higher by 2015, about half the boost delivered from declining trade costs. In addition, a world without structural change would have had about 40% greater welfare gains from the trade integration over the past four decades. Absent further reductions in trade costs, ongoing structural change implies that world trade as a share of GDP would eventually decline. Going forward, higher income countries gain relatively more from reducing services trade costs than from reducing goods trade costs.
Occlusion-Model Guided Antiocclusion Depth Estimation in Light Field

Occlusion is one of the most challenging problems in depth estimation. Previous work has modeled the single-occluder occlusion in light field and achieves good performances, however it is still difficult to obtain accurate depth for multioccluder occlusion. In this paper, we explore the complete occlusion model in light field and derive the occluder-consistency between the spatial and angular spaces, which is used as a guidance to select unoccluded views for each candidate occlusion point. Then, an antiocclusion energy function is built to regularize the depth map. Experimental results on both synthetic and real light-field datasets have demonstrated the advantages of the proposed algorithm compared with state-of-the-art algorithms of light-field depth estimation, especially in multioccluder cases.
Translocation of Proteins into Mitochondria

The translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) is composed of receptors, a channel protein, and its modulators that function together to import proteins into mitochondria. Although the import pathway of proteins directed to the mitochondrial matrix has been well characterized, recent studies into the import pathway taken by proteins into the other submitochondrial compartments have broadened our understanding into the way the TOM machinery recognizes, interacts, and translocates proteins.
Characterization of Contrast Agent Microbubbles for Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy Research

The high efficiency with which gas microbubbles can scatter ultrasound compared with the surrounding blood pool or tissues has led to their widespread employment as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging. In recent years, their applications have been extended to include super-resolution imaging and the stimulation of localized bio-effects for therapy. The growing exploitation of contrast agents in ultrasound and in particular these recent developments have amplified the need to characterize and fully understand microbubble behavior. The aim in doing so is to more fully exploit their utility for both diagnostic imaging and potential future therapeutic applications. This paper presents the key characteristics of microbubbles that determine their efficacy in diagnostic and therapeutic applications and the corresponding techniques for their measurement. In each case, we have presented information regarding the methods available and their respective strengths and limitations, with the aim of presenting information relevant to the selection of appropriate characterization methods. First, we examine methods for determining the physical properties of microbubble suspensions and then techniques for acoustic characterization of both suspensions and single microbubbles. The next section covers characterization of microbubbles as therapeutic agents, including as drug carriers for which detailed understanding of their surface characteristics and drug loading capacity is required. Finally, we discuss the attempts that have been made to allow comparison across the methods employed by various groups to characterize and describe their microbubble suspensions and promote wider discussion and comparison of microbubble behavior.
Nitride-based p-i-n photodetectors with Ni catalyst processing

Nitride-based materials have been widely used for photodetectors, however, Nitride-based p-i-n photodetectors with the use of InGaN as the intrinsic layer to modify the cut-off wavelength from 360 to 500nm was few reported. In this study, the p-i-n structure photodetectors with a p-GaN layer, an InGaN active layer and an n-type GaN layer were fabricated successfully. The Ni catalysts technology was applied in p-GaN layer to enhance ohmic characteristics of ptype layer. It was found that the photo-to-dark contrast ratios at 0.5V bias are 51.83. The cut-off wavelength was around 375nm.