pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
In vitro apatite formation and drug loading/release of porous TiO2 microspheres prepared by sol-gel processing with different SiO2 nanoparticle contents

Bioactive titania (TiO2) microparticles can be used as drug-releasing cement fillers for the chemotherapeutic treatment of metastatic bone tumors. Porous anatase-type TiO2 microspheres around 15 μm in diameter were obtained through a sol–gel process involving a water-in-oil emulsion with 30:70 SiO2/H2O weight ratio and subsequent NaOH solution treatment. The water phase consisted of methanol, titanium tetraisopropoxide, diethanolamine, SiO2 nanoparticles, and H2O, while the oil phase consisted of kerosene, Span 80, and Span 60. The resulting microspheres had a high specific surface area of 111.7 m2·g− 1. Apatite with a network-like surface structure formed on the surface of the microspheres within 8 days in simulated body fluid. The good apatite-forming ability of the microspheres is attributed to their porous structure and the negative zeta potential of TiO2. The release of rhodamine B, a model for a hydrophilic drug, was rapid for the first 6 h of soaking, but diffusion-controlled thereafter. The burst release in the first 6 h is problematic for clinical applications; nonetheless, the present results highlight the potential of porous TiO2 microspheres as drug-releasing cement fillers able to form apatite
Spectral classification of worldwide locations using SMR indexes

Spectral variation of solar irradiance can be analyzed by the means of component cells, being useful for multi junction (MJ) and concentrator photovoltaics (CPV) characterization by the use of component cells derived spectral indexes, namely, spectral matching ratios (SMRs). When enough spectral data is available, a location can be also characterized and a MJ solar cell can be locally tuned. The AERONET network of ground-based sun photometers is employed to obtain the atmosphere parameters for 34 sites worldwide. To conclude, the SMR indexes are obtained for every location, and a comparative analysis is completed for four architectures of MJ solar cells technologies (two lattice match and two metamorphic). Based on this information, some cluster of locations that share similar spectral features arise
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a strong risk factor for chronic kidney disease in later life

Although unusual in western countries and in Australia in general, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is still common in Australian Aboriginal children living in remote communities. Here, we evaluated whether episodes of acute PSGN increased the risk for chronic kidney disease in later life in 1519 residents of a remote Aboriginal community (85% of those age eligible), with high rates of renal and cardiovascular disease, who participated in a health screen over a 3-year period. Of these, 200 had had at least one episode of PSGN, with 27 having had multiple episodes, usually in childhood. High levels of albuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio) with increasing age were confirmed. All PSGN episodes were associated with group A streptococcal skin infections, often related to scabies. In both genders, aged 10–39 years at screening, about one in five had such a history. Among them, PSGN (5 years or more earlier) was significantly associated with higher levels of albuminuria than those without. In women, aged 30–39 years, a history of PSGN was associated with a significantly higher frequency of estimated glomerular filtration rates <60ml/min. The adjusted odds ratios for an albumin/creatinine ratio over 34g/mol (overt albuminuria) in males and females with a history of PSGN were 4.6 and 3.1, respectively, compared with those without a history. Thus, PSGN contributes to the very serious burden of chronic kidney disease in this community. Rigorous strategies to prevent scabies and Group A streptococcal infections will reduce this burden
Incorporating a systemic and foresight approach into smart city initiatives: The case of Spanish cities

Descripción de un enfoque sistémico que permite analizar las iniciativas Smart Cities de forma integrada y utilizando herramientas de prospectiva.\ud
At the dawn of the twenty-first century, cities face serious societal, economic, environmental, and governance challenges. Under the term “Smart City,” numerous technology-based initiatives are emerging to help cities face contemporary challenges while the concept itself is evolving towards a more holistic approach. Nevertheless, the capability of smart initiatives to provide an integrated vision of our cities is still very limited. Eventually, many of these initiatives do not fulfill satisfactorily their initial objectives because they fail to understand the complexity, diversity, and uncertainty that characterize contemporary cities. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to display an urban functional system, capable of interpreting the city in a more holistic way, and to incorporate foresight tools so as to formulate Smart City visions in a more participatory way with the involvement of local stakeholders
Comparison of ANN and DoE for the prediction of laser machined micro-channel dimensions

This paper presents four models developed for the prediction of the dimensions of laser formed micro-channels. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are often used for the development of predictive models. Three feed-forward, back-propagation ANN models varied in terms of the number and the selection of training data, were developed. These ANN models were constructed in LabVIEW coding. The performance of these ANN models was compared with a 33 statistical design of experiments (DoE) model built with the same input data. When compared with the actual results two of the ANN models showed greater prediction error than the DoE model. The other ANN model showed an improved predictive capability that was approximately twice as good as that provided from the DoE model
Delivery actuator for a transcervical sterilization device

The use of delivery systems in the human body for positioning and deploying implants, such as closure devices, dilation balloons, stents, coils and sterilization devices, are gaining more importance to preclude surgical incisions and general anesthesia. The majorities of the non-surgical medical devices are delivered in a low profile into human body form and subsequently require specialized operations for their deployment and release.  An analogous procedure for permanent female sterilization is the transcervical approach that does not require either general anesthesia or surgical incision and uses a normal body passage. The objective of this paper is to detail the design, development and verification of an ergonomic actuator for a medical application. In particular, this actuator is designed for the deployment and release of an implant to achieve instant permanent female sterilization via the transcervical approach. This implant is deployed under hysteroscopic visualization and requires a sequence of rotary and linear operations for its deployment and release. More specifically, this manually operated actuator is a hand held device designed to transmit the required forces in a particular sequence to effect both implant deployment and release at a target location. In order to design the actuator and to investigate its mechanical behavior, a three-dimensional (3D) Computer Aided Design (CAD) model was developed and Finite Element Method (FEM) was used for simulations and optimization. Actuator validation was performed following a number of successful bench-top in-air deployments and in-vitro deployments in animal tissue and explanted human uteri. During these deployments it was observed that the actuator applied the required forces to the implant resulting in successful deployment. Initial results suggest that this actuator can be used single handedly during the deployment phase. The ongoing enhancement of this actuator is moving towards “first-in- man” clinical trials
Comparison of multispectral indexes extracted from hyperspectral images for the assessment of fruit ripening

The present research is focused on the application of artificial vision to assess the ripening of red skinned soft-flesh peach (‘Richlady’). Artificial vision allows a spatially detailed determination of the ripening stage of the fruit. The considered optical indexes (Ind1 and Ind2, proposed in the present research, and Ind3 and IAD, proposed by other authors) are based on the combination of wavelengths close to the chlorophyll absorption peak at 680 nm. Ind1 corresponds approximately to the depth of the absorption peak, and Ind2 corresponds to the relative absorption peak. An artificial image of each index was obtained by computing the corresponding reflectance images, which were acquired with a hyperspectral camera. All indexes were able to correct convexity (except for the just-harvested peaches and for Ind1). Ind2 is the preferred index; it showed the highest discriminating power between ripening stages and no influence of convexity. Ind2 also allowed the differentiation of ripening regions within the fruits, and it showed the evolution of those regions during ripening
IFMIF suitability for evaluation of fusion functional materials

The International FusionMaterials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) is a future neutron source based on the D-Li stripping reaction, planned to test candidate fusionmaterials at relevant fusion irradiation conditions. During the design of IFMIF special attention was paid to the structural materials for the blanket and first wall, because they will be exposed to the most severe irradiation conditions in a fusion reactor. Also the irradiation of candidate materials for solid breeder blankets is planned in the IFMIF reference design.\ud
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This paper focuses on the assessment of the suitability of IFMIF irradiation conditions for testing functionalmaterials to be used in liquid blankets and diagnostics systems, since they are been also considered within IFMIF objectives. The study has been based on the analysis and comparison of the main expected irradiation parameters in IFMIF and DEMO reactor
The structure of j/i-hybrid carrageenans II. Coil–helix transition as a function of chain composition

This paper describes the effect of the k/i-ratio on the physical properties of k/i-hybrid carrageenans (synonyms: kappa-2,
k-2, weak kappa, weak gelling kappa). To this end, a series of k/i-hybrid carrageenans ranging from almost homopolymeric k-carrageenan (98 mol% k-units) to almost homopolymeric-carrageenan (99 mol% i-units) have been extracted from selected species of
marine red algae (Rhodophyta). The k/i-ratio of these k/i-hybrids was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Their rheological properties
were determined by small deformation oscillatory rheology. The gel strength (storage modulus, G0) of the j/i-hybrids decreases with decreasing j-content. On the other hand, the gelation temperature of the k-rich k/i-hybrids is independent of their composition.
This allows one to control the gel strength independent of the gelation or melting temperature. The conformational order–disorder transition of the k/i-hybrids was studied using optical rotation and high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry. High-sensitivity DSC showed that the total transition enthalpy of the k/i-hybrids goes through a minimum at
60 mol% k-units, whereas for the mixture of j- and i-carrageenan, the total transition enthalpy is a linear function of the composition. With respect to the ordering capability, the k/i-hybrid carrageenans seem to behave as random block copolymers with length sequence distributions truncated from the side of the small lengths. Intrinsic thermodynamic properties (e.g., transition temperature and enthalpy) of k- and i-sequences in these copolymers are close to those of their parent homopolymers. The critical sequence length for k-sequences is 2-fold of that for i-sequences
Comparative politics and quasi-rational markets

This article synthesises psychology, economics and political science theories that can explain market reaction to elections. In order to test the theories, we conduct event studies of the impact of elections on the interest rates on government bonds for 122 elections in 19 countries. The efficient market hypothesis states that rational markets immediately incorporate all information relevant to asset prices. According to psychology, human decision-making is quasi-rational. Market actors should be slow to accept evidence that conflicts with previously held opinions, leading them to under-react to new information. We show that markets under-react to elections and that under-reaction is greater in majoritarian countries because they provide more information to the market. Assuming fully rational markets underestimates the impact of elections and variations in impact across political systems. Most of the literature on market constraint assumes rational markets and may thus be underestimating the extent of market pressure in the aftermath of elections and its distribution across different types of electoral systems. Our results suggest that markets can calculate risk around elections, but are slow to do so, thereby suggesting that the role of uncertainty and the resort to heuristics is relatively minor
CAD of Stacked Patch Antennas Through Multipurpose Admittance Matrices From FEM and Neural Networks

In this work, a novel computer-aided design methodology for probe-fed, cavity-backed, stacked microstrip patch antennas is proposed. The methodology incorporates the rigor of a numerical technique, such as finite element methods, which, in turn, makes use of a newly developed procedure (multipurpose admittance matrices) to carry out a full-wave analysis in a given structure in spite of certain physical shapes and dimensions not yet being established. With the aid of this technique, we form a training set for a neural network, whose output is the desired response of the antenna according to the value of design parameters. Last, taking advantage of this neural network, we perform a global optimization through a genetic algorithm or simulated annealing to obtain a final design. The proposed methodology is validated through a real design whose numerical results are compared with measurements with good agreement
Bears and Fears: Cultural capital, geography and attitudes towards large carnivores in Norway

-Recent studies and literature suggest that negative attitudes towards large carnivores may to a large extent be explained by ignorance and lack of certain aspects of cultural capital. Fear and resistance, it has been argued, can be overcome through spreading information and knowledge about carnivores and how to interact with them. This argument has, on the other hand, been interpreted as an example of inherent arrogance among urban elites, undermining the economic foundation and quality of life in rural areas. The article aims to analyse acceptance of bears in Norway among a representative sample of the population, to describe attitudes towards large carnivores, economic and cultural capital, the importance of physical and geographical closeness, and the extent to which and how these factors are interlinked. The analysis is based on two national quantitative surveys, carried out in 2005 and 2007. The findings show a clear, although small, increase in resistance to the existence of bears in Norway. The increase appears to be most marked among young people who have grown up in rural areas. The authors conclude that there is an increasing urban-rural divide on the issue of conservation policies and carnivore stock management
Gd(III)-EPTPAC16, a new self-assembling potential liver MRI contrast agent: in vitro characterization and in vivo animal imaging studies

The recently reported amphiphilic chelate, [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2-, forms supramolecular aggregates in aqueous solution by self-assembly of the monomers with a relaxometrically determined critical micellar concentration (CMC) of 0.34 mM. The effect of sonication on the aggregate size was characterized by dynamic light scattering and relaxometry, indicating the presence of premicellar aggregates and an overall decrease in aggregate size and polydispersity upon sonication, slightly below the CMC. {[153Sm](EPTPAC16)(H2O)}2- radiotracer was evaluated in vivo from gamma scintigraphy and biodistribution in Wistar rats. It was found to depend strongly on the sample concentration, below or above the CMC, and its sonication, in a way that correlates with the effect of the same factors on the size of the aggregates formed in solution. Below CMC, the very large aggregates of the [153Sm]3+-labeled chelate were persistently and mainly taken up by the lungs, and also by the macrophage-rich liver and spleen. Sonication of this solution led to loss of the lung uptake. Above CMC, the metal chelate was mainly taken up by the liver, with very little uptake by the spleen and lungs. In vivo, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI evaluation of the micellar [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2- compound in Wistar rats showed a persistent hepatic positive-contrast effect in T1-weighted images, qualitatively similar to the clinically established GdIII-based hepatobiliary-selective agents. No enhancement effect was observed in the lungs because of the scarcity of mobile protons in this organ, despite the scintigraphic evidence of significant lung retention of the [153Sm]3+-labeled chelate at concentrations below the CMC. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nbm.119
Space Mapping: Models, Sensitivities, and Trust-Regions Methods

The goal of this paper is to organize some of the mathematical and algorithmic aspects of the space-mapping technique for continuous optimization with expensive function evaluations. First, we consider the mapping from the fine space to the coarse space when the models are vector-valued functions and when the space-mapping (nonlinear) least-squares residual is nonzero. We show how the sensitivities of the space mapping can be used to deal with space-mapping surrogates of the fine model. We derive a framework where it is possible to design globally convergent trust-region methods to minimize such fine-model surrogates.http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:102396862924
Monotone Smoothing Splines Using General Linear Systems

In this paper, a method is proposed to solve the problem of monotone
smoothing splines using general linear systems. This problem, also called
monotone control theoretic splines, has been solved only when the curve
generator is modeled by the second-order integrator, but not for other cases.
The difficulty in the problem is that the monotonicity constraint should be
satisfied over an interval which has the cardinality of the continuum. To solve
this problem, we first formulate the problem as a semi-infinite quadratic
programming, and then we adopt a discretization technique to obtain a
finite-dimensional quadratic programming problem. It is shown that the solution
of the finite-dimensional problem always satisfies the infinite-dimensional
monotonicity constraint. It is also proved that the approximated solution
converges to the exact solution as the discretization grid-size tends to zero.
An example is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method
WNT3 Is a Biomarker Capable of Predicting the Definitive Endoderm Differentiation Potential of hESCs

Generation of functional cells from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) through in vitro differentiation is a promising approach for drug screening and cell therapy. However, the observed large and unavoidable variation in the differentiation potential of different human embryonic stem cell (hESC)/induced PSC (iPSC) lines makes the selection of an appropriate cell line for the differentiation of a particular cell lineage difficult. Here, we report identification of WNT3 as a biomarker capable of predicting definitive endoderm (DE) differentiation potential of hESCs. We show that the mRNA level of WNT3 in hESCs correlates with their DE differentiation efficiency. In addition, manipulations of hESCs through WNT3 knockdown or overexpression can respectively inhibit or promote DE differentiation in a WNT3 level-dependent manner. Finally, analysis of several hESC lines based on their WNT3 expression levels allowed accurate prediction of their DE differentiation potential. Collectively, our study supports the notion that WNT3 can serve as a biomarker for predicting DE differentiation potential of hESCs
SentiTurkNet: A Turkish polarity lexicon for sentiment analysis

Sentiment analysis aims to extract the sentiment polarity of given segment of text. Polarity resources that indicate the sentiment polarity of words are commonly used in different approaches. While English is the richest language in regard to having such resources, the majority of other languages, including Turkish, lack polarity resources. In this work we present the first comprehensive Turkish polarity resource, SentiTurkNet, where three polarity scores are assigned to each synset in the Turkish WordNet, indicating its positivity, negativity, and objectivity (neutrality) levels. Our method is general and applicable to other languages. Evaluation results for Turkish show that the polarity scores obtained through this method are more accurate compared to those obtained through direct translation (mapping) from SentiWordNet
Toroidal quadrupole form factor of the deuteron

We calculate the toroidal quadrupole moment and form factor of the deuteron, which violate time-reversal symmetry but conserve parity, at leading order in two-flavor chiral effective field theory with perturbative pion exchange. We take into account time-reversal and parity violation due to the QCD vacuum angle combined with parity violation resulting from the weak interaction in the Standard Model. We also consider time-reversal and parity violation that at the quark-gluon level results from effective dimension-six operators originating from physics beyond the Standard Model
The super-Higgs mechanism in fluids

Supersymmetry is spontaneously broken when the field theory stress-energy tensor has a non-zero vacuum expectation value. In local supersymmetric field theories the massless gravitino and goldstino combine via the super-Higgs mechanism to a massive gravitino. We study this mechanism in four-dimensional fluids, where the vacuum expectation value of the stress-energy tensor breaks spontaneously both supersymmetry and Lorentz symmetry. We consider both constant as well as space-time dependent ideal fluids. We derive a formula for the gravitino mass in terms of the fluid velocity, energy density and pressure. We discuss some of the phenomenological implications
Ω-deformation of B-twisted gauge theories and the 3d-3d correspondence

We study Ω-deformation of B-twisted gauge theories in two dimensions. As an application, we construct an Ω-deformed, topologically twisted five-dimensional maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory on the product of a Riemann surface Σ and a three-manifold M , and show that when Σ is a disk, this theory is equivalent to analytically continued Chern-Simons theory on M . Based on these results, we establish a correspondence between three-dimensional N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 superconformal theories and analytically continued Chern-Simons theory. Furthermore, we argue that there is a mirror symmetry between Ω-deformed two-dimensional theories