Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Octapeptide Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

AbstractEvaluation of Octapeptide Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue EngineeringThe Degree of Doctor of MedicineThis thesis investigates the suitability of an octapeptide hydrogel scaffold for use in the tissue engineering of cartilage. The work has focused on two main areas; the biocompatibility of the hydrogel scaffold and the ability of the scaffold to sustain chondrocyte morphology and function.Firstly, this thesis presents a protocol for testing the biocompatibility of the FEFEFKFK hydrogel scaffold using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. This protocol could subsequently be used as part of the biocompatibility testing of other hydrogel scaffolds prior to in vivo use. The inflammatory potential of the hydrogel was established by encapsulating monocytes which are known to produce inflammatory mediators, within the hydrogel. The production of cytokines TNF? , IL-6 and IL-1? in response to the hydrogel was quantified using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. The hydrogel scaffolds tested did not insight a significant pro inflammatory response from the monocytes in any of the studies.The FEFEFKFK hydrogel was encapsulated with bovine and human chondrocytes to investigate the morphology, viability and function of chondrocytes within the hydrogel scaffold. Chondrocyte morphology and viability was assessed using a combination of optical microscopy, cell staining and confocal microscopy. It was found that both bovine and human chondrocytes were viable and maintained a normal morphology within the FEFEFKFK hydrogel up to 35 and 28 days duration respectively. However, aggregation was seen in the bovine samples after 21 days and peripheral cell death in the human samples due the degradation of the hydrogel.Chondrocyte function was evaluated by measuring the production of glycosaminoglycans from the bovine and human chondrocytes encapsulated in the hydrogel over 28 days. The production of glycosaminoglycans increased from day 7 to day 28 in the bovine chondrocyte samples and from day 7 to 21 in the human chondrocyte samples.In addition, the rheology of the hydrogel was quantified with and without chondrocytes to investigate the stiffness and degradation of the scaffold. The rheology revealed that the hydrogels were stiffer when encapsulated with chondrocytes. There was in increase in stiffness in all samples from 0-7 days. However, following this there was a gradual degradation of the hydrogel reflected by a decline in the stiffness.This thesis demonstrates that the FEFEFKFK octapeptide hydrogel supports chondrocyte viability with maintenance of normal cell morphology and function. There is no evidence of the hydrogel inciting an inflammatory response and as such it demonstrates potential for future use in vivo for cartilage engineering. The hydrogel shows degradation over time which affects the chondrocytes encapsulated within it and therefore further work needs to be carried out to improve the longevity of the hydrogel until sufficient extracellular matrix is produced to support the chondrocytes in 3 dimensions.
Traversing a BVH Cut to Exploit Ray Coherence

In this paper we study how to deal with the ray incoherence that naturally arises in path tracing-based systems. We introduce the notion of BVH Cut to split the tree into a forest of disjoint subtrees. We will use it to filter the rays that are successively generated by the path tracing algorithm. Each subtree is then traversed by its corresponding group of rays. Despite the overload of filtering all the rays each time, a significant profit is achieved. Nevertheless, constructing a BVH cut is a challenging task, because it can lead to a huge amount of work if the same rays belongs to many groups. Thus, we present two kind of building heuristics: structural heuristics that characterizes the root of a subtree by a property (the node’s depth or the surface area of its bounding volume in this paper), and optimization heuristics that are based on the Simulated Annealing method. The performance of traversing the cuts so built has been experimentally analyzed over four usual scenes, using two popular implementations of the subtree traversal (persistent while-while / persistent packet). The results show a relevant saving time w.r. t. the classic BVH traversal, that grows as the ray incoherence increases. The best saving ranges from 32.0% / 40.9% for structural heuristics, to 32.0% / 51.7% for cuts built with Simulated Annealing.
The dynamic relationship between polyandry and selfish genetic elements

Selfish genetic elements (SGEs) are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and bacteria, and make up a large part of the genome. They frequently target sperm to increase their transmission success, but these manipulations are often associated with reduced male fertility. Low fertility of SGE-carrying males is suggested to promote polyandry as a female strategy to bias paternity against male carriers. Support for this hypothesis is found in several taxa, where SGE-carrying males have reduced sperm competitive ability. In contrast, when SGEs give rise to reproductive incompatibilities between SGE-carrying males and females, polyandry is not necessarily favoured, irrespective of the detrimental impact on male fertility. This is due to the frequency-dependent nature of these incompatibilities, because they will decrease in the population as the frequency of SGEs increases. However, reduced fertility of SGE-carrying males can prevent the successful population invasion of SGEs. In addition, SGEs can directly influence male and female mating behaviour, mating rates and reproductive traits (e.g. female reproductive tract length and male sperm). This reveals a potent and dynamic interaction between SGEs and polyandry highlighting the potential to generate sexual selection and conflict, but also indicates that polyandry can promote harmony within the genome by undermining the spread of SGEs.
A Survey Approach for Finding Cases of Epilepsy

Health Rep 90: 291-297, July-August 1975. 4. Aday, L. , Anderson, R. , and Fleming, G. : Health care in the United States. Sage Press, Beverly Hills, CA, 1980. 5. Chaska, N. L. , et al.: Use of medical services and satisfaction with ambulatory care among a rural Minnesota population. Public Health Rep 95: 44-52, January-February 1980. 6. National Center for Health Statistics: Physician visits: volume and interval since last visit, United States, 1975. Vital and Health Statistics, series 10, No. 128. Hyattsville, MD, 1979. 7. Andersen, R. , et al.: Health services use, national trends and variations. DHEW Publication No. (HSM) 73-3004. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, October 1972. 8. Moscovice, I. , and Rosenblatt, R. : Rural health care delivery amidst Federal retrenchment: lessons from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's rural practice project. Am J Public Health 72: 1380-1385 (1982).
case complexity of the product construction algorithm is IDI

In this paper, we explore the idea of representing CSPs using techniques from formal language theory. The solution set of a CSP can be expressed as a regular language ; we propose the minimized deterministic finite state automaton (MDFA) recognizing this language as a canonical representation for the CSP. This representation has a number of advantages. Explicit (enumerated) constraints can be stored in lesser space than traditional techniques. Implicit constraints and networks of constraints can be composed from explicit ones by using a complete algebra of boolean operators like AND, OR, NOT, etc., applied in an arbitrary manner. Such constraints are stored in the same way as explicit constraints-by using MDFAs. This capability allows our technique to construct networks of constraints incrementally. After constructing this representation , answering queries like satisfiability, validity , equivalence, etc., becomes trivial as this representation is canonical. Thus, MDFAs serve as a means to represent constraints as well as to reason with them. While this technique is not a panacea for solving CSPs, experiments demonstrate that it is much better than previously known techniques on certain types of problems. verview The finite domain constraint satisfaction problem (CSP)l is well known in Artificial Intelligence. It has been investigated in the past by a number of researchers in different contexts. (For a recent survey, refer to [Kumar, 19921.) A CSP involves a (finite) set of variables, a (finite) set of values for the variables and a set of constraints, each of which is a relation on the values of some of the variables. Constraint Satisfaction involves identifying value assignments to variables that satisfy all the constraints. The problem is formally defined in the next section. As might be expected, many sequential algorithms have been developed for solving CSPs; these include backtracking, arc consistency [Waltz, 1975; Mack-worth, 19771, path consistency [Freuder, 19881, linear programming techniques [Rivin and Zabih, 19891, etc. The representation often used for expressing a 'Through out this paper, we use the acronym CSP to refer to the finite domain constraint satisfaction problem. constraint and storing it, is the list of tuples form, in which the tuples of values satisfying the constraint are enumerated. Since such lists may become cumbersome as the number of variables in the constraint increases, it became customary to restrict the constraints to be unary or binary. A CSP that satisfies this restriction is called a Binary CSP (BCSP). A general CSP can …
No-hole λ-L(k, k-1, ..., 2, 1)-labeling for Square Grid

Given a fixedk ∈ Z andλ ∈ Z, the objective of aλ-L(k, k − 1, . . . , 2, 1)-labeling of a graphG is to assign nonnegative integers (known as labels) from the set {0, . , λ − 1} to the vertices ofG such that the adjacent vertices receive values which differ by at least k, vertices connected by a path of length two receive values wh ich differ by at leastk− 1, and so on. The vertices which are at least k+1 distance apart can receive the same label. The smallest λ for which there exists aλ-L(k, k− 1, . . . , 2, 1)-labeling ofG is known as theL(k, k− 1, . . . , 2, 1)-labeling number of G and is denoted by λk(G). The ratio between the upper bound and the lower bound of a λ-L(k, k− 1, . . . , 2, 1)labeling is known as the approximation ratio. In this paper a lower bound on the value of the labeling number for square grid is computed and a formula is proposed which yield s aλ-L(k, k − 1, . . . , 2, 1)-labeling of square grid, with approximation ratio at most 9 8 . The labeling presented is a no-hole one, i.e., it uses each l abel from0 to λ− 1 at least once.
A compilation-based software estimation scheme for hardware/software co-simulation

High-level cost and performance estimation, coupled with a fast hardware/software co-simulation framework, is a key enabler to a fast embedded system design cycle. Unfortunately, the problem of deriving such estimates without a detailed implementation available is very difficult. In this paper we focus on embedded software performance estimation. Current approaches use either behavioral simulation with (often manual) timing annotations, or a clock cycle-accurate model of instruction execution (e.g., an instruction set simulator). The former provides greater flexibility (no need to perform a detailed design) and high simulation speed, but cannot easily consider effects such as compiler optimization and processor architecture. The latter provides high accuracy, but requires a more detailed implementation model, and is much slower in general. We hence developed a hybrid approach, that incorporates some aspects of both. It provides a flexible and fast simulation platform, considering also compilation issues and processor features. The key idea is to use the GNU-C compiler (GCC) to generate "assembler-level" C code. This code can be annotated with timing information, and used as a very precise, yet fast, software simulation model. We report some experimental results that show the effectiveness of our approach, and we propose some future improvements.
Evolutionarily Conserved Signaling Pathways: Acting in the Shadows of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia's Genetic Diversity

Acute myelogenous leukemia stem cells (AML–LSC) give rise to the leukemic bulk population and maintain disease. Relapse can arise from residual LSCs that have distinct sensitivity and dependencies when compared with the AML bulk. AML–LSCs are driven by genetic and epigenomic changes, and these alterations influence prognosis and clonal selection. Therapies targeting these molecular aberrations have been developed and show promising responses in advanced clinical trials; however, so far success with LSCs has been limited. Besides the genetic diversity, AML–LSCs are critically influenced by the microenvironment, and a third crucial aspect has recently come to the fore: A group of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways such as canonical Wnt signaling, Notch signaling, or the Hedgehog pathway can be essential for maintenance of AML–LSC but may be redundant for normal hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, early reports suggest also regulators of cell polarity may also influence hematopoietic stem cells and AML biology. Interactions between these pathways have been investigated recently and suggest a network of signaling pathways involved in regulation of self-renewal and response to oncogenic stress. Here, we review how recent discoveries on regulation of AML–LSC-relevant evolutionarily conserved pathways may open opportunities for novel treatment approaches eradicating residual disease. Clin Cancer Res; 21(2); 240–8. ©2015 AACR.
The Logic of Practice

Preface. Part I: Critique of Theoretical Reason. Foreword. 1. Objectifying Objectification. 2. The Imaginary Anthropology of Subjectivism. 3. Structures, Habitus, Practices. 4. Belief and the Body. 5. The Logic of Practice. 6. The Work of Time. 7. Symbolic Capital. 8. Modes of Domination. 9. The Objectivity of the Subjective. Part II: Practical Logics. 1. Land and Matrimonial Strategies. 2. The social uses of kinship. 3. Irresistible Analogy. Appendix. Bibliography. Index.
Premarital cohabitation and subsequent marital stability in the United States: a reassessment.

In this study we have re-examined the association of premarital cohabitation with subsequent marital dissolution in the United States. The principal aim was to assess "(a) whether cohabitors would as in other studies show higher odds of marital dissolution compared to noncohabitors (b) whether this difference would vary by differences in the nature of the cohabiting relationship and (c) whether any differences found in the risk of divorce between cohabitors and noncohabitors could be accounted for by a greater length of time at risk. " The authors find that "cohabitation in the United States is associated with a greater hazard of dissolution even after counting the time spent in unmarried cohabitation as part of marital duration. " Data from the U.S. National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH) for 1987-1988 are analyzed and compared with those from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS72) to obtain a broader cohort for this reanalysis. (EXCERPT)
Temporal adjusted prediction for predicting Indian reserve populations in Canada

In order to predict the population of Indian reserves in Canada for the 2016 Census, we can construct a suitable model using data from the Indian Register and past censuses. Linear mixed effects models are a popular method for predicting values of responses on longitudinal data. However, linear mixed effects models require repeated measures in order to fit a model. Alternative methods such as linear regression only require data from a single time point in order to fit a model, but it does not directly account for within-individual correlation when predicting. Since we are predicting the responses of the same set of individuals, we can expect responses at the next time point to be strongly correlated with past responses for an individual. We introduce a new method of prediction, temporal adjusted prediction (TAP), that addresses the issue of within-individual correlation in predictions and only requires data from a single time point to estimate model parameters. Predictions are based on the last recorded response of an individual and adjusted based on changes to the values of their covariates and estimated regression coefficients that relate the response and the covariates. Predictions are made using a random intercept model rather than a linear regression model. It is shown that if the random intercept accounts for a larger proportion of the random variation in the data than the random error term, then temporal adjusted prediction achieves a lower mean squared prediction error than linear regression. TAP performs better than linear regression when predicting on the same set of individuals at different time points. It also shows similar prediction performance compared to linear mixed effects models estimated with maximum likelihood estimation despite only requiring data from one time point in order to fit a model.
Sexual Orientation and Psychological Distress in Adolescence: Examining Interpersonal Stressors and Social Support Processes

Adolescents with homosexual and bisexual orientations have higher levels of psychological distress than other adolescents. Drawing from previous studies, I hypothesize that this epidemiological pattern is due largely to the interpersonal problems that sexual minorities experience at home and at school. Analysis of longitudinal data based on a nationally representative sample showed that sexual minorities in fact experienced more problems with their parents and peers at school; these factors explained a moderate portion of the gap in distress level between sexual minorities and other adolescents. Adolescent friendships in general tend to develop within groups of individuals who share social backgrounds, but this pattern did not apply to sexual orientation; sexual minorities were not connected closely with each other at school. When they knew each other, however, their friendships reduced psychological distress and protected them from the psychological harm associated with interpersonal problems. I use these findings to discuss unique aspects of adolescent sexual orientation as a dimension of social inequality, focusing on implications for coping behaviors and mental health outcomes.
A comparison of the yeast and rabbit 80 S ribosome reveals the topology of the nascent chain exit tunnel, inter-subunit bridges and mammalian rRNA expansion segments.

Protein synthesis in eukaryotes is mediated by both cytoplasmic and membrane-bound ribosomes. During the co-translational translocation of secretory and membrane proteins, eukaryotic ribosomes dock with the protein conducting channel of the endoplasmic reticulum. An understanding of these processes will require the detailed structure of a eukaryotic ribosome. To this end, we have compared the three-dimensional structures of yeast and rabbit ribosomes at 24 A resolution. In general, we find that the active sites for protein synthesis and translocation have been highly conserved. It is interesting that a channel was visualized in the neck of the small subunit whose entrance is formed by a deep groove. By analogy with the prokaryotic small subunit, this channel may provide a conserved portal through which mRNA is threaded into the decoding center. In addition, both the small and large subunits are built around a dense tubular network. Our analysis further suggests that the nascent chain exit tunnel and the docking surface for the endoplasmic reticulum channel are formed by this network. We surmise that many of these features correspond to rRNA, based on biochemical and structural data. Ribosomal function is critically dependent on the specific association of small and large subunits. Our analysis of eukaryotic ribosomes reveals four conserved inter-subunit bridges with a geometry similar to that found in prokaryotes. In particular, a double-bridge connects the small subunit platform with the interface canyon on the large subunit. Moreover, a novel bridge is formed between the platform and the base of the L1 domain. Finally, size differences between mammalian and yeast large subunit rRNAs have been correlated with five expansion segments that form two large spines and three extended fingers. Overall, we find that expansion segments within the large subunit rRNA have been incorporated at positions distinct from the active sites for protein synthesis and translocation.
Five eradications, three species, three islands: overview, insights and recommendations from invasive bird eradications in the Seychelles

Management and eradication techniques for invasive alien birds remain in their infancy compared to invasive mammal control methods, and there are still relatively few examples of successful avian eradications. Since 2011, fi ve separate eradication programmes for invasive birds have been conducted on three islands by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF). Target species were prioritised according to their threat level to the native biodiversity of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll and Vallée de Mai, which SIF is responsible for managing and protecting. Red-whiskered bulbuls (Pycnonotus jocosus) and Madagascar fodies (Foudia madagascariensis) occurred on Assumption, the closest island to Aldabra, which, at the time, had no known introduced bird species. The growing population of ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) on Mahé posed a threat to endemic Seychelles black parrots (Coracopsis barklyi) on Praslin where the Vallée de Mai forms their core breeding habitat. In 2012, red-whiskered bulbuls and Madagascar fodies were detected on Aldabra, so an additional eradication was started. All eradications used a combination of mist-netting and shooting. The intensive part of each eradication lasted three years or less. On Assumption, 5,279 red-whiskered bulbuls and 3,291 Madagascar fodies were culled; on Mahé, 545 parakeets were culled; and on Aldabra 262 Madagascar fodies and one red-whiskered bulbul were culled. Each programme underwent 1–2 years of follow-up monitoring before eradication was confi rmed, and four of the fi ve eradications have been successful so far. None of these species had previously been eradicated in large numbers from other islands so the successes substantially advance this fi eld of invasive species management. The challenges and insights of these eradications also provide unique learning opportunities for other invasive avian eradications.