Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Connecting Orbits for Compact Infinite Dimensional Maps: Computer Assisted Proofs of Existence

We develop and implement a computer assisted argument for proving the existence of heteroclinic/homoclinic connecting orbits for compact infinite dimensional maps. The argument is based on a posteriori analysis of a certain “discrete time boundary value problem,” and a key ingredient is representing the local stable/unstable manifolds of the fixed points. For a compact mapping the stable manifold is infinite dimensional, and an important component of the present work is the development of computer assisted error bounds for numerical approximation of infinite dimensional stable manifolds. As an illustration of the utility of our method we prove the existence of some connecting orbits for a nonlinear dynamical system which appears in mathematical ecology as a model of a spatially distributed ecosystem with population dispersion.
Single-Stage Single-Phase High-Step-Up ZVT Boost Converter for Fuel-Cell Microgrid System

In this paper, a voltage multiplier cell is inserted in the conventional boost converter operated in continuous conduction mode (CCM) to provide another design freedom for the voltage-gain extension. Thus, the voltage conversion ratio is enlarged and the narrow turn-OFF period is avoided in the high step-up applications. Furthermore, the voltage multiplier cell makes the voltage stress of all the power devices lower than the high output voltage. As a result, the low-voltage-rated power devices can be employed to reduce the conduction losses and to improve the power device reliability. Moreover, zero-voltage switching soft-switching operation is achieved for the power MOSFETs in the whole-switching transition. Zero-current switching turn-OFF condition is provided for the diodes. Therefore, the power device switching losses and the diode reverse-recovery losses are minimized greatly. In addition, the input current ripple is reduced due to the CCM operation compared with most of the published single-stage single-phase high step-up converters, which makes it more advantageous in the hybrid electric vehicles and the fuel-cell power conversion systems. Finally, the experimental results from a 500-W, 36-380-V prototype are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
New automatic defect classification algorithm based on a classification-after-segmentation framework

We propose a new method that classifies wafer images according to their defect types for automatic defect classification in semiconductor fabrication processes. Conventional image classifi- ers using global properties cannot be used in this problem, because the defects usually occupy very small regions in the images. Hence, the defects should first be segmented, and the shape of the seg- ment and the features extracted from the region are used for clas- sification. In other words, we need to develop a classification-after- segmentation approach for the use of features from the small regions corresponding to the defects. However, the segmentation of scratch defects is not easy due to the shrinking bias problem when using conventional methods. We propose a new Markov random field-based method for the segmentation of wafer images. Then we design an AdaBoost-based classifier that uses the features ex- tracted from the segmented local regions. © 2010 SPIE and
Ethanol alters the osteogenic differentiation of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells.

BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a set of developmental defects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Clinical manifestations of FASD are highly variable and include mental retardation and developmental defects of the heart, kidney, muscle, skeleton, and craniofacial structures. Specific effects of ethanol on fetal cells include induction of apoptosis as well as inhibition of proliferation, differentiation, and migration. This complex set of responses suggests that a bioinformatics approach could clarify some of the pathways involved in these responses. METHODS In this study, the responses of fetal stem cells derived from the amniotic fluid (AFSCs) to treatment with ethanol have been examined. Large-scale transcriptome analysis of ethanol-treated AFSCs indicates that genes involved in skeletal development and ossification are up-regulated in these cells. Therefore, the effect of ethanol on osteogenic differentiation of AFSCs was studied. RESULTS Exposure to ethanol during the first 48 hours of an osteogenic differentiation protocol increased in vitro calcium deposition by AFSCs and increased alkaline phosphatase activity. In contrast, ethanol treatment later in the differentiation protocol (day 8) had no significant effect on the activity of alkaline phosphatase. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that transient exposure of AFSCs to ethanol during early differentiation enhances osteogenic differentiation of the cells.
Comparisons of perioperative outcomes and costs between open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A propensity‐score matching analysis based on the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database

We compared perioperative outcomes and costs between open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, including cases from 2007 to 2010, was used by one‐to‐one propensity‐score matching. The following items were compared: complication rate; homologous and autologous transfusion rate; first cystography day and cystography repeat rate; anesthesia time; postoperative length of stay; and costs. Multivariate analyses were carried out by including age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, T stage, hospital volume and hospital academic status as variables. As a result, among 15 616 open and 1997 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies, 1627 propensity‐score matched pairs were generated. The laparoscopic approach showed a better overall complication rate (3.4% vs 5.0%), homologous transfusion rate (3.3% vs 9.2%), autologous transfusion rate (44.9% vs 79.3%), first cystography day (mean 6th vs 7th day), mean postoperative length of stay (mean 11 vs 13 days), and cost without surgery and anesthesia (mean $7965 vs $9235; all P < 0.001). Anesthesia time was longer (mean 345 vs 285 min) and total cost was higher (mean $14 980 vs $12 356) for the laparoscopic approach (both P < 0.001). The secondary cystography rates were comparable between the groups (18.3% vs 15.7%, P = 0.144). The multivariate analyses showed similar trends. In conclusion, these findings confirm several benefits of laparoscopy over open approach for radical prostatectomy.
Structural properties of amyloid β(1‐40) dimer explored by replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations

Replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations (300 ns) were used to study the dimerization of amyloid β(1‐40) (Aβ(1‐40)) polypeptide. Configurational entropy calculations revealed that at physiological temperature (310 K, 37°C) dynamic dimers are formed by randomly docked monomers. Free energy of binding of the two chains to each other was −93.56 ± 6.341 kJ mol−1. Prevalence of random coil conformations was found for both chains with the exceptions of increased β‐sheet content from residues 16‐21 and 29‐32 of chain A and residues 15‐21 and 30‐33 of chain B with β‐turn/β‐bend conformations in both chains from residues 1‐16, 21‐29 of chain A, 1‐16, and 21‐29 of chain B. There is a mixed β‐turn/β‐sheet region from residues 33‐38 of both chains. Analysis of intra‐ and interchain residue distances shows that, although the individual chains are highly flexible, the dimer system stays in a loosely packed antiparallel β‐sheet configuration with contacts between residues 17‐21 of chain A with residues 17‐21 and 31‐36 of chain B as well as residues 31‐36 of chain A with residues 17‐21 and 31‐36 of chain B. Based on dihedral principal component analysis, the antiparallel β‐sheet‐loop‐β‐sheet conformational motif is favored for many low energy sampled conformations. Our results show that Aβ(1‐40) can form dynamic dimers in aqueous solution that have significant conformational flexibility and are stabilized by collapse of the central and C‐terminal hydrophobic cores with the expected β‐sheet‐loop‐β‐sheet conformational motif. Proteins 2017; 85:1024–1045. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embryonic Stem Cell‐Derived Neurons Form Functional Networks In Vitro

Embryonic stem (ES) cells provide a flexible and unlimited source for a variety of neuronal types. Because mature neurons establish neuronal networks very easily, we tested whether ES‐derived neurons are capable of generating functional networks and whether these networks, generated in vitro, are capable of processing information. Single‐cell electrophysiology with pharmacological antagonists demonstrated the presence of both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. Extracellular recording with planar multielectrode arrays showed that spontaneous bursts of electrical activity are present in ES‐derived networks with properties remarkably similar to those of hippocampal neurons. When stimulated with extracellular electrodes, ES‐derived neurons fired action potentials, and the evoked electrical activity spread throughout the culture. A statistical analysis indicated that ES‐derived networks discriminated between stimuli of different intensity at a single trial level, a key feature for an efficient information processing. Thus, ES‐derived neurons provide a novel in vitro strategy to create functional networks with defined computational properties.
Bile Duct Injury during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Risk Factors, Mechanisms, Type, Severity and Immediate Detection

Bile duct injury (BDI) represents the most serious complication, potentially life-threatening, of cholecystectomy. Biliary duct injury is defined as an accidental injury of any part of the major extrahepatic biliary tract, excluding biliary leakage from the cystic duct or the gallbladder fossa with an intact extrahepatic biliary system. The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in 1987 by Philippe MOURET in France has been associated all over the world with a rise in these surgically-induced bile duct injuries. This was also confirmed in our institution where out of 80 patients operated for biliary repair following cholecystectomy, 50 patients were referred during a 22-year period of time (1968-1990), compared to 30 patients over a 5 years period since 1990, the date of introduction of LC in Belgium (unpublished data). The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the risk factors, the mechanisms, the type and severity and the detection of BDI during the laparoscopic era. Datas presented here are issued from a previously reported multicenter Belgian national anonymous survey (1) and from the literature.
New markers—old questions: population genetics of seagrasses

Marine angiosperms, or seagrasses, continue to be a major focus of marine biologists because of their important ecological role in many coastal ecosystems. Seagrass population biology could benefit from a population genetic perspective because genetic data enable the extraction of useful demographic information such as isolation and gene flow between demes. Moreover, population genetic processes may contribute to the growing ecological risks of local population extinction. Progress in seagrass genetics is partly driven by novel genetic markers which detect variation at the DNA level and overcome the limited polymorphism of allozymes. Key results of studies in the past decade, mostly using RAPD and microsatellites, were (1) considerable genetic and genotypic (clonal) diversity is present in several species in contrast to earlier notions of low polymorphism detected at allozyme loci, and (2) genetic differentiation among populations seems to be the rule despite earlier reports of genetic uniformity. Pronounced genetic structure was detected between populations of 4 species examined thus far (Posidonia oceanica, P. australis, Zostera marina, Thalassia testudinum). The FST estimates varied widely and ranged from 0.01 to 0.623 across studies and species. Genetic differentiation at a systematic range of scales was only studied in eelgrass Zostera marina, where it was positively correlated with geographic distance. The high polymorphism of RAPD or microsatellite markers will allow the augmention of indirect estimates of gene flow by methods detecting individual immigration events through paternity analysis or assignment tests. Important conservation related issues such as the level of inbreeding and the effective population size have also been obtained from genetic marker data, but results are too scarce at the moment to allow generalizations. In Zostera marina and Posidonia australis, several population genetic attributes such as clonal diversity, mating system and effective population size varied among populations within species, highlighting that there is no Œtypical¹ population. An important gap in our knowledge is whether the effects of natural population fragmentation and patchiness enhance the genetic isolation of populations due to anthropogenic disturbances. It is also unclear whether genetic differentiation displayed at marker loci are correlated with fitness-related plant traits, and whether genetic or genotypic diversity is important for medium- to long-term meadow persistence. An assessment of the genetic and genotypic diversity at marker loci should be combined with experiments on the ecological plasticity and reaction norms of genotypes composing the populations in question. This way, the role of genetic diversity for seagrass population maintenance and growth in the face of changing environmental conditions can be evaluated.
New Insertion Sequence Elements in the Upstream Region of cfiA in Imipenem-Resistant Bacteroides fragilis Strains

ABSTRACT The 747-bp cfiA gene, which encodes a metallo-β-lactamase, and the regions flanking cfiA in six imipenem-resistant and four imipenem-susceptible Bacteroides fragilis strains isolated in Japan were analyzed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The nucleotide sequences of the cfiA genes (designated cfiA1 to cfiA10) of all 10 strains tested varied from that of the standard cfiA gene from B. fragilis TAL2480. However, putative proteins encoded by the cfiA variants contained conserved amino acid residues important for zinc binding and hairpin loop formation, suggesting that cfiA variants have the capability of producing metallo-β-lactamases with full catalytic activities. PCR assay indicated that six metallo-β-lactamase-producing, imipenem-resistant strains had an insertion mutation in the region immediately upstream of cfiA. Nucleotide sequencing of the PCR-amplified fragments along with the upstream region of cfiA revealed that there were five new kinds of insertion sequence (IS) elements (designated IS612, IS613, IS614, IS615, and IS616, with a size range of 1,594 to 1,691 bp), of which only IS616 was found to be almost identical to IS1188, one of the IS elements previously identified in the upstream region of cfiA. These elements had target site duplications of 4 or 5 bp in length, terminal inverted repeats (14, 15, or 17 bp in size), and a large open reading frame encoding a putative transposase which is required for the transcription of IS elements. Each element was inserted such that the transcriptional direction of the transposase was opposite to that of cfiA. A computer-aided homology search revealed that, based on the homology of their putative transposases, the sizes of their terminal inverted repeat sequences, and their target site duplications, IS612, IS613, IS614, and IS615 belong to the IS4 family, which includes IS942, previously found in some drug-resistant B. fragilis strains, but that IS616 belongs to the IS1380 family. All the IS elements appear to have putative promoter motif sequences (the −7 region's TAnnTTTG motif and the −33 region's TTG or TG) in their end regions, suggesting that the IS elements provide a promoter for the transcription of cfiA upon insertion. These data provide additional proof that various IS elements may exist to provide a promoter to express the cfiA gene.
What Cognitive Changes can be Expected with Normal Ageing?

Background: This paper briefly summarizes recent evidence on the nature of cognitive decline, the variability in individual responses to ageing, and risk factors known to affect the rate of cognitive decline. Method: Data from the Canberra Longitudinal Study were used to examine the course and diversity of cognitive decline. The sample consisted of 887 participants aged 70–93 years, who were examined in 1991 and followed up in 1994 and 1998. Data summarizing significant risk factors for cognitive decline were based on a review of 34 studies that examined the following predictors: education, the APOE ∊4 allele, health, activity and blood pressure. Results: Using data from participants living in the community, there is evidence that cognitive speed and memory performance decline with age, but that crystallized abilities remain largely intact in those who survive for long-term follow-up. Variability in test scores for memory and speed increases with age. There is evidence that poor health, fewer years of education, lower activity, the presence of the APOE ∊4 allele, and blood pressure predict faster cognitive decline. Conclusions: The diversity in cognitive ageing suggests that more than one process may be operating to produce the observed cognitive outcomes. Education, good health, absence of the APOE ∊4 allele, and activity may be protective of cognitive decline. Preventative strategies for sustaining high intellectual performance in later life may therefore be possible. These findings also speak to the need to extend analysis beyond examining mean changes in cognitive performance to an analysis based on individual differences in change.
Numerical studies of problems in biophysics, biomechanics and mechanobiology

The Second African Conference on Computational Mechanics: An International Conference , AfriCOMP2011, was held in Cape Town, South Africa, during 4-7 January 2011. The conference hosted three plenary and keynote lectures, two mini symposia and numerous regular contributions presenting latest research in computational methods applied to problems in biomechanics, mechanobiology, biophysics and related ﬁelds. This special issue comprises a selection of invited papers in the areas of biophysics, biomechanics and mechanobiology and on presentations made at AfriCOMP2011
Health Facility-Based Versus Community-Based Family Planning Education and Utilization of Modern Contraceptives in Rivers State, Nigeria

questionnaire, the the the the intervention during follow up period the statistical analysis. ABSTRACT The use of modern contraceptives by rural women of childbearing age in Nigeria is low. The aim of this study is to compare a community-based family planning education and text message reminder with the conventional health-facility based approach to promotion of modern contraceptive use among rural women of childbearing age in Rivers State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: This is a quasi-experimental before and after comparative study conducted in Etche (intervention group) and Tai (control group) local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State Nigeria between August 2013 and January 2014. Methodology: A total of 196 and 184 rural women of child-bearing age, recruited into the intervention and control groups respectively through multi-stage sampling, were followed up for six months. Data was collected on socio-demographics, parity condition, awareness and sources of information on modern contraceptives, method used, problems encountered in the use of methods as well as reason for non-use and discontinuation of use. Data analyses was done with SPSS version 15. Level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Respondents in both groups were similar in socio-economic characteristics except for age. All (n = 196, 100%) in the intervention group and nearly all (n =182, 98.9%) in the control, were aware of modern contraceptives. Respondents who consistently used a method increased from 37 (18.9%) to 75 (38.3%; P < 0.001) in the intervention group but decreased from 49 (26.6%) to 41 (22.2%; P = 0.33) in the control. Respondents in the intervention group were more likely to be late users (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.98 – 2.83); less likely to discontinue use (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.32 – 1.07). Conclusion: Community-based family planning education and text message reminders is a more effective approach for promoting modern contraceptive use among rural women.
The Long-Term Effects of Breastfeeding on Development

Wendy H. Oddy1, Jianghong Li1,3, Monique Robinson1 and Andrew J.O. Whitehouse1,2 1Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, 2Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, 3Centre Population Health Research, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
The integration of Housing-first system coordination within Choices for Youth

This action research engagment (ARE) study focussed on the core question: “How can Choices for Youth (CFY) integrate the new federal standard of evidenced-based practice for housing-first system coordination within its housing programs? ” In conducting the study, twelve youth involved in CFY’s housing and support programs participated in a youth modified photovoice (MP) session and six program staff participated in a staff MP session. Four clinical coordinators particpated in individual interviews. The findings demonstrated that youth at CFY experience complex and concurrent personal challenges, that these experiences form a profile which is consistent with those for which housing-first system coordination was designed, and that CFY lacks a formalized system of coordination for its housing programs. The study recommendations include CFY adopting housing-first system coordination, reviewing current structures and programming for potential relaignment of resources, establising a dedicated coordinated access team (with both inward and outward facing roles), and the adoption of a set of common acuity assessment tools. INTEGRATION OF HOUSING-FIRST SYSTEM COORDINATION 5
Evaluation des performances du diamant synthétique pour la réalisation de chambres à ionisation en vue d'une utilisation en radiothérapie

Cette these traite de l'influence de la qualite du diamant CVD pour la realisation de chambre d'ionisation pour la radiotherapie. Des echantillons de diamant ont ete synthetises puis caracterises par des mesures thermiquement stimulees qui ont permis de mettre en evidence dans le materiau plusieurs niveaux de pieges associes a des defauts. Ensuite l'etude de la reponse de ces echantillons sous irradiations (rayons X et cobalt) a montre une correlation entre le comportement du detecteur (stabilisation du signal) et l'etat de remplissage de ces niveaux de pieges (phenomene de pompage et phenomene d' " overshoot "). Afin de s'affranchir du phenomene d'" overshoot " qui empeche la realisation de mesure reproductible, nous avons utilise un dispositif de mesures a temperature variable. Cette technique est une voie permettant de pallier a ces phenomenes d'instabilite et donc d'envisager l'utilisation de diamant CVD pour la realisation de chambre d'ionisation.