Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Transversely Isotropic Hyperelastic Constitutive Model of the PDL. Analytical and Computational Aspects

This study describes the development of a constitutive law for the modelling of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and its practical implementation into a commercial finite element code. The constitutive equations encompass the essential mechanical features of this biological soft tissue: non-linear behaviour, large deformations, anisotropy, distinct behaviour in tension and compression and the fibrous characteristics. The approach is based on the theory of continuum fibre-reinforced composites at finite strain where a compressible transversely isotropic hyperelastic strain energy function is defined. This strain energy density function is further split into volumetric and deviatoric contributions separating the bulk and shear responses of the material. Explicit expressions of the stress tensors in the material and spatial configurations are first established followed by original expressions of the elasticity tensors in the material and spatial configurations. As a simple application of the constitutive model, two finite element analyses simulating the mechanical behaviour of the PDL are performed. The results highlight the significance of integrating the fibrous architecture of the PDL as this feature is shown to be responsible for the complex strain distribution observed.
Lymph node dissection for gastric cancer.

Complete tumor removal with margins of clearance at the resection lines must be the aim of today's surgical treatment of gastric cancer, and this must be applied even in lymph node dissection. But, over the last few decades, the extent and impact of lymphadenectomy remains controversial. Whereas Japanese centers advocate extensive lymph node dissection as the base of their excellent results, many Western surgeons, supported by actual randomized trials, believe that the potential benefit of such procedures cannot outweigh the risk of increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, if lymphadenectomy is restricted to the removal of nodes only, it does not influence the operative risk. Further, the lymph node ratio and number of lymph nodes involved are relevant prognostic parameters. Survival improvement can be achieved in a moderate degree of metastatic involvement of the nodes (pN0,1). Therefore, systematic lymph node dissection should be an integral part of the curative resection sought. Limited or no lymphadenectomy might be indicated in noncurative surgery or in special types of mucosal early gastric cancer, respectively.
Metabolism and habitat competition in the polychaete Nereis virens

The relationship between lnetabolism and performance during habitat competition in the polychaete Nereis v i r e ~ s (Sars) was determined. Twenty palred habitat competition experiments were inltlated between Individuals of similar body mass. The outcome of the competition and the time spent competing for the burrow were noted for each encounter. Protein and lipld contents as well as enzyme activlty (cytochrome C oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase) were compared between wlnners and losers. There were no significant differences between winners and losers for all parameters. Thc,re was, however, a significant relationship between fight duratlon and enzyme activity for winners. Individuals that won a fight rapidly had more cytochrome C oxidase actlvlty than individuals who fought longer to gain access to the burrow. We conclude that metabolic capacltles are not correlated with the outcome of habitat competition but that aerobic capacity 1s an Important predictor of fight duration.
A Modification to MC Algorithm Using Data Mining Technique

A new method for volume visualization of CT images is presented. The new method uses the information that the given set of CT images is taken from an original volumetric function. The new method first computes the fitting points of the original function with data mining technique, then the fitting points are used to construct 3D model by MC algorithm. The constructed 3D model by the new method has higher precision and good quality. Experiments for testing the efficiency of the new method are included.
Jardins et rizières du Cambodge : les enjeux du développement agricole

Le Cambodge, vingt ans apres les Khmers Rouges, a opere sa reconstruction. Pour les dix millions de paysans du pays, la question est maintenant de savoir dans quelle mesure ils seront les acteurs du developpement de demain. L'agriculture peut-elle etre le moteur de veritables progres dans un monde plus ouvert et plus concurrentiel ? Et quelle de agriculture s'agira-t-il ? Celle des berges, fertilisees chaque annee par la crue du Mekong ? Celle des vastes plaines repiquees chaque annee d'un riz de mousson ? Ou encore celle des plateaux ou les cultures commerciales sont en rapide expansion ? Cet ouvrage s'appuie sur les nombreux travaux menes par le Gret au Cambodge depuis le de-but des annees 90, mais qui restaient inaccessibles au public ou indisponibles pour les professionnels du developpement rural. Le milieu naturel, l'histoire agraire, l'insertion dans l'economie regionale, les structures des exploitations familiales, les grands systemes agraires regionaux, les experiences d'organisation et d'amenagement tentees ces dernieres annees dessinent le cadre des possibles. En 400 pages richement illustrees de cartes, figures et photos, donnees originales de terrain, l'ouvrage fait l'inventaire des forces et des faiblesses de cette agriculture a l'aube du 21eme siecle et offre un regard d'ensemble sur les possibilites de deve-loppement. Outil de travail pour les etudiants et les professionnels du secteur rural, il est aussi accessible a un public plus large interesse par l'avenir du Cambodge. (Resume d'auteur)
A smart wireless sensor for the diagnosis of broken bars in induction motors

This paper presents a solution for the low-cost implementation of diagnosis techniques for induction motors using networked intelligent wireless sensors. Based on computation “at the edge”, the proposed approach is particularly suitable for large networks. The analysis of the stator current spectrum of a broken rotor bar is presented as study case. The suitability and the implementation efficiency of the Zoom-FFT algorithm on the smart wireless sensor based on reconfigurable hardware is demonstrated.
Relationship between Coefficient of Inbreeding and Parasite Burden in Endangered Gazelles

Abstract: We studied the effects of inbreeding depression on parasite infection in three species of endangered gazelles: Gazella cuvieri, G. dama, and G. dorcas. Coefficients of inbreeding were calculated for all individuals because complete genealogies were available. The levels of inbreeding differ both intra‐ and interspecifically. We collected samples of feces and determined nematode infection by counting nematode eggs in the samples. At the interspecific level, the species with the highest mean levels of inbreeding ( G. cuvieri) had the highest levels of gastrointestinal parasites. Analyses done at the intraspecific level revealed a positive relationship between individual coefficient of inbreeding and parasite infection in G. cuvieri, but not in the species with the intermediate and lowest levels of inbreeding. Our findings suggest that high levels of inbreeding may make individuals more susceptible to parasitism, even under favorable environmental conditions, so this factor should be taken into account by those managing endangered species.
Small for gestational age status is associated with metabolic syndrome in overweight children.

OBJECTIVE Small for gestational age (SGA) children are at risk of both later obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, it is unknown whether obesity or SGA status leads to MetS in these subjects. We hypothesized that overweight children with former SGA status had more present components of the MetS than overweight children with former appropriate for gestational age (AGA) status. METHODS We analyzed 803 overweight children (4% SGA, mean age 11+/-0.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 27.3+/-0.2, SDS-BMI 2.32+/-0.02) concerning blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and insulin. Oral glucose tolerance tests (oGTT) were performed in all 35 former SGA children and 147 randomly chosen former non-SGA children. RESULTS After adjustment for age, sex, pubertal stage, and BMI-SDS, former SGA status was significantly related to blood pressure, triglyceride, insulin, and 2 h glucose levels in oGTT. The MetS prevalence was more than doubled in overweight former SGA subjects (40% MetS) compared with overweight former AGA subjects (17% MetS). The corresponding adjusted odds ratio was 4.08 (95% confidence interval 1.48 to 11.22) for SGA compared with AGA children. CONCLUSIONS Overweight former SGA children had an increased risk for the components of the MetS compared with overweight former AGA children. Therefore, SGA status seems to be a risk factor for the MetS independently of weight status. Particularly overweight children with former SGA status should be screened for the MetS.
Binding interactions of kistrin with platelet glycoprotein IIb‐IIIa: Analysis by site‐directed mutagenesis

The binding interactions between platelet fibrinogen receptor, glycoprotein (GP) IIb‐IIIa, and kistrin, a snake venom disintegrin protein that contains the adhesion site recognition sequence Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) and potently inhibits platelet aggregation, have been investigated by site‐directed mutagenesis of a synthetic kistrin gene. Kistrin was expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli under control of the alkaline phosphatase promoter. This construction included the stII signal sequence to direct secretion to the periplasmic space and one synthetic (Z) domain of Staphylococcal protein A to allow affinity purification using IgG Sepharose. Kistrin was cleaved from the Z‐domain by site‐specific proteolysis using a mutant subtilisin BPN' and purified by reverse‐phase HPLC. This approach facilitated the rapid purification of a set of 43 alanine replacement mutants whose relative affinity for GP IIb‐IIIa was measured by competition with immobilized kistrin and by inhibition of platelet aggregation in human platelet‐rich plasma. Alanine replacements at R49, G50, and D51 led to weaker inhibitors of platelet aggregation by 90‐fold, 2‐fold, and >200‐fold, respectively. The conservative D51E mutant was still >100‐fold less potent whereas R49K had a minor effect (1.8‐fold), implying the critical nature of the aspartate for high affinity binding. However, mutations outside of the RGD region led to proteins indistinguishable from kistrin, suggesting no substantial secondary binding interactions. Furthermore, reduced kistrin is not active. We therefore propose that a favorable conformation of the RGD region alone is responsible for the high affinity binding of kistrin to GP IIb‐IIIa. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
B-cell depletion with rituximab in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

In this review, the authors summarise the clinical results obtained after therapy with rituximab in autoimmune dieases, including Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy. On the basis of qualitative and quantitative analyses of B- and T-cell subsets, and autoantibody levels obtained in other diseases before and after rituximab therapy, the authors interpret the results of the only two clinical investigtions of the efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of Graves’ disease and Graves’ opthalmopathy reported so far. No significant effect on autoantibody levels was observed. Nonetheless, 4 out of 10 Graves’ disease patients remained in remission 400 days after rituximab treatment versus none in the control group, and remarkable improvements in the eye symptoms of patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy were observed. This supports a role for B cells in the pathogenesis of Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and the authors suggest that abrogation of antigen presentation by B cells accounts for the effect of rituximab. In the authors’ opinion, the use of rituximab in severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy could be contemplated.
Cluster-assembled Tb–Fe nanostructured films produced by low energy cluster beam deposition

Cluster-assembled Tb–Fe nanostructured films were prepared by the low energy cluster beam deposition method. The microstructure, magnetization and magnetostriction were investigated for the films. It is shown that the film is assembled by monodisperse spherical nanoparticles with average diameter of ∼30 nm which are distributed uniformly. The cluster-assembled Tb–Fe nanostructured films exhibit good magnetization and possess giant magnetostriction with saturation value of ∼1060 × 10−6, much higher than that of the common Tb–Fe films. The origin of good magnetization and giant magnetostriction for the cluster-assembled Tb–Fe nanostructured film was discussed. The present work opens a new avenue to produce the nanostructured magnetostrictive alloy in application of a nano-electro-mechanical system.
Human Volunteers Receiving Escherichia coli Phage T4 Orally: a Safety Test of Phage Therapy

ABSTRACT Fifteen healthy adult volunteers received in their drinking water a lower Escherichia coli phage T4 dose (103 PFU/ml), a higher phage dose (105 PFU/ml), and placebo. Fecal coliphage was detected in a dose-dependent way in volunteers orally exposed to phage. All volunteers receiving the higher phage dose showed fecal phage 1 day after exposure; this prevalence was only 50% in subjects receiving the lower phage dose. No fecal phage was detectable a week after a 2-day course of oral phage application. Oral phage application did not cause a decrease in total fecal E. coli counts. In addition, no substantial phage T4 replication on the commensal E. coli population was observed. No adverse events related to phage application were reported. Serum transaminase levels remained in the normal range, and neither T4 phage nor T4-specific antibodies were observed in the serum of the subjects at the end of the study. This is, to our knowledge, the first safety test in the recent English literature which has measured the bioavailability of oral phage in humans and is thus a first step to the rational evaluation of phage therapy for diarrheal diseases.
Internet Standard Subnetting Procedure

This memo discusses the utility of "subnets" of Internet networks, which are logically visible sub-sections of a single Internet network. For administrative or technical reasons, many organizations have chosen to divide one Internet network into several subnets, instead of acquiring a set of Internet network numbers. This memo specifies procedures for the use of subnets. These procedures are for hosts (e.g., workstations). The procedures used in and between subnet gateways are not fully described. Important motivation and background information for a subnetting standard is provided in RFC-940. This RFC specifies a protocol for the ARPA-Internet community. If subnetting is implemented it is strongly recommended that these procedures be followed.
Phonetic variation, sound change, and identity in Scottish Gaelic

This thesis examines language variation and change in a context of minority language revitali- sation. In particular, I concentrate on young fluent speakers of Scottish Gaelic, a minority language of Scotland that is currently undergoing revitalisation. Data from three groups of speakers are presented: older speakers in the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic heartland area in north-west Scotland; adolescent Gaelic-speakers in Lewis learning the language in immersion schooling; and adolescent Gaelic-speakers in immersion schooling in Glasgow, an urban centre where Gaelic has not traditionally been spoken as a widespread community language. The sociolinguistic analysis examines potential language changes, explores patterns of linguistic variation, and uncovers the role that Gaelic plays in identity formation for each of the participants. In order to gain an insight into the role of Gaelic in different speakers’ lives, I report on ethnographic studies carried out in Lewis and in Glasgow. The phonetic analysis then explores patterns of variation in the production of laterals, vowels, and tone and intonation. The results indicate large differences between the speech of older and adolescent speakers in Lewis, while differences between young speakers in Lewis and Glasgow suggest that Glasgow Gaelic is developing as a phonetically and socially distinct variety of the language. For example, older speakers in Lewis speak Gaelic as a partial tone language, unlike young people in Lewis and in Glasgow. Differences are also present between young people in Lewis and in Glasgow, such as in the acoustics of vowels, the production of the lateral system, and intonation patterns. The developments detailed in this thesis are the result of a complex interaction between the internal sound structure of Gaelic, language contact with varieties of English, identity construction, and differing conceptions of the self. All of these factors are conditioned by the status of Gaelic as a minority endangered and revitalised language. In exploring these avenues, I advance an account of language variation and change and apply it to a context of minority language revitalisation.
A novel FIR filter based on stochastic logic

In this paper, we proposed a novel Finite Impulse Response Filter based on stochastic logic referred as SFIR. The proposed SFIR only requires the wire selecting scheme without any logic gate resource. We first map the FIR function to stochastic computation domain. The FIR function is implemented by the wire selecting (WS) method which only requires wire interleaving. Hence the SFIR can achieve ultra high throughput and low cost when apply in the stochastic based system. The SFIR with backward conversion module also has lower hardware cost than traditional method under a given quantization width, which can apply in the low SNR required system and the error tolerant system.
Performances of Strained Nanowire Devices: Ballistic Versus Scattering-Limited Currents

We discuss the performances of (001) and (110) oriented gate-all-around silicon nanowire (Si NW) transistors within a nonequilibrium Green's functions framework, taking surface roughness and phonon scatterings into account. We show, in agreement with previous studies, that uniaxial tensile (respectively, compressive) strains can significantly improve the mobility of electrons (respectively, holes) in the channel. This does not, however, necessarily result in a comparable enhancement of the device performances. Indeed, the current in short channels is limited by both the scattering and the number of sub-bands available for carrier transport in quantum confined systems (intrinsic “ballistic” resistance). The dependence of the mobility and ballistic resistance on strains can be different, which calls for a careful design of the devices. We show, in this respect, that (110) Si NWs provide the best opportunities for strain engineering in ultimate short channel transistors.
Die EG auf dem Weg zum Binnenmarkt? Erwartungen, Konsequenzen, Probleme

Ab 1993 soll der innergemeinschaftliche Verkehr von Waren, Dienstleistungen, Personen und Kapital von allen wesentlichen Schranken frei sein. Damit entstunde der in der Welt groste inlandische Absatzmarkt fur Guter und Dienstleistungen, der innereuropaische Kapitalmarkt kame an nordamerikanische und japanische Dimensionen heran, der gemeinsame Arbeitsmarkt wurde sie sprengen. In den meisten EG-Landern ist von einer wahren Aufbruchstimmung die Rede, vielerorts besteht sie tatsachlich. Es gibt freilich auch Zweifler und Skeptiker, die zwischen Wunsch und Wirklichkeit zu unterscheiden wissen und vor allzu groser Euphorie warnen.
Heroin Addicts Show Impairment of Information Processing at the Iconic Level

Abstract Heroin addicts (n = 100) and healthy controls (n = 100) were examined for their information processing ability at iconic (100 ms, 125 ms) as well as relatively deeper (250 ms, 500 ms) levels. Subjects were asked to identify briefly exposed photographs of familiar objects through an electronic tachistoscope. Addicts showed significant impairment of visual information processing at iconic but not at deeper levels.
Viral Meningitis-Associated Hospitalizations in the United States, 1988–1999

We used the National Hospital Discharge Survey and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project to estimate disease burden associated with viral meningitis hospitalizations in the United States. During 1988–1999, viral meningitis accounted for an estimated 434,000 hospitalizations (annual average, 36,000; average annual hospitalization rate, 14/100,000), and 2.1 million hospital days (annual average, 175,000). The estimated mean charge for viral meningitis-associated hospitalization during 1993–1997 varied between USD 6,562 and 8,313, resulting in annual estimated hospitalization costs between USD 234 and 310 million and a total estimated cost of nearly USD 1.3 billion for the 5-year period. In summary, viral meningitis remains an important cause of morbidity and financial burden and merits efforts to improve diagnostic, treatment, and prevention options.
A new Ralstonia solanacearum high‐affinity mannose‐binding lectin RS‐IIL structurally resembling the Pseudomonas aeruginosa fucose‐specific lectin PA‐IIL

The plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum produces two lectins, each with different affinity to fucose. We described previously the properties and sequence of the first lectin, RSL (subunit Mr 9.9 kDa), which is related to fungal lectins (Sudakevitz, D., Imberty, A., and Gilboa‐Garber, N., 2002, J Biochem 132: 353–358). The present communication reports the discovery of the second one, RS‐IIL (subunit Mr 11.6 kDa), a tetrameric lectin, with high sequence similarity to the fucose‐binding lectin PA‐IIL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RS‐IIL recognizes fucose but displays much higher affinity to mannose and fructose, which is opposite to the preference spectrum of PA‐IIL. Determination of the crystal structure of RS‐IIL complexed with a mannose derivative demonstrates a tetrameric structure very similar to the recently solved PA‐IIL structure (Mitchell, E., et al., 2002, Nature Struct Biol 9: 918–921). Each monomer contains two close calcium cations that mediate the binding of the monosaccharide and explain the outstandingly high affinity to the monosaccharide ligand. The binding loop of the cations is fully conserved in RS‐IIL and PA‐IIL, whereas the preference for mannose versus fucose can be attributed to the change of a three‐amino‐acid sequence in the ‘specificity loop’.
Factors affecting phosphorus and calcium digestibility in diets for growing-finishing pigs.

In two experiments, we investigated various factors that affect the estimation of the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, Ca, and total P in diets for growing-finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, the effects of age, housing, and calculation method (indicator [Cr2O3] vs 10-d total collection) were determined. Eighteen barrows and gilts (40 to 95 kg BW) were housed in six pens, and ATTD was estimated using the indicator method. Twelve barrows were housed in metabolic crates, and ATTD was estimated using both calculation methods. Dietary treatments were 1) a tapioca-soybean-barley-based diet, 2) Diet 1 supplemented with 400 FTU microbial phytase/kg of diet, and 3) a corn-soybean meal-based diet: In Exp. 2, six barrows (95 to 120 kg BW) were fed a phytase-deficient diet to investigate the effects of coprophagy (40 g fresh feces/kg of diet) and movement. Pigs were fed at 2.8 times maintenance requirement (418 kJ ME/BW.75); water supply was 2.5 L/kg of feed. The ATTD increased as BW increased. Phytase enhanced total P ATTD by an average of 18.1 percentage units. The ATTD of DM was higher and the ATTD of Ca and total P (P < .001) were lower in pigs housed in pens than in pigs housed in metabolic crates. Fecal consumption and movement led to numerical increases in Ca (P = .217) and total P (P = .103) ATTD. Estimates of Ca and total P ATTD using pigs in metabolic crates are lower than estimates in practice.