Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional deformations in a single-lap joint

Abstract The three-dimensional nature of the state of deformation in a single-lap test specimen is investigated in a linear elastic finite element analysis in which the boundary conditions account for the geometrically non-linear effects. The validity of the model is demonstrated by comparing the resulting displacement fields with those obtained from a moiré inteferometry experiment. The three-dimensional adherend and adhesive stress distributions are calculated and compared with those from a two-dimensional non-linear numerical analysis, Goland and Reissner's solution, and experimental measurements. The nature of the three-dimensional mechanics is described and discussed in detail. It is shown that three-dimensional regions exists in the specimen, where the adherend and adhesive stress distributions in the overlap near (and especially on) the free surface are quite different from those occurring in the interior. It is also shown that the adhesive peel stress is extremely sensitive to this three-dimensional effect, but the adhesive shear is not. It is also observed that the maximum value of the peel stress occurs at the end of the overlap in the central two-dimensional core region, rather than at the corners where the three-dimensional effects are found. The extent of three-dimensional regions is also quantified.
Tissue Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase (TNAP) Regulates Cranial Base Growth and Synchondrosis Maturation

Hypophosphatasia is a rare heritable disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the gene (Alpl) that encodes tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). Hypophosphatasia with onset in infants and children can manifest as rickets. How TNAP deficiency leads to bone hypomineralization is well explained by TNAP's primary function of pyrophosphate hydrolysis when expressed in differentiated bone forming cells. How TNAP deficiency leads to abnormalities within endochondral growth plates is not yet known. Previous studies in hypophosphatemic mice showed that phosphate promotes chondrocyte maturation and apoptosis via MAPK signaling. Alpl−/− mice are not hypophosphatemic but TNAP activity does increase local levels of inorganic phosphate. Therefore, we hypothesize that TNAP influences endochondral bone development via MAPK. In support of this premise, here we demonstrate cranial base bone growth deficiency in Alpl−/− mice, utilize primary rib chondrocytes to show that TNAP influences chondrocyte maturation, apoptosis, and MAPK signaling in a cell autonomous manner; and demonstrate that similar chondrocyte signaling and apoptosis abnormalities are present in the cranial base synchondroses of Alpl−/− mice. Micro CT studies revealed diminished anterior cranial base bone and total cranial base lengths in Alpl−/− mice, that were prevented upon injection with mineral-targeted recombinant TNAP (strensiq). Histomorphometry of the inter-sphenoidal synchondrosis (cranial base growth plate) demonstrated significant expansion of the hypertrophic chondrocyte zone in Alpl−/− mice that was minimized upon treatment with recombinant TNAP. Alpl−/− primary rib chondrocytes exhibited diminished chondrocyte proliferation, aberrant mRNA expression, diminished hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis and diminished MAPK signaling. Diminished apoptosis and VEGF expression were also seen in 15 day-old cranial base synchondroses of Alpl−/− mice. MAPK signaling was significantly diminished in 5 day-old cranial base synchondroses of Alpl−/− mice. Together, our data suggests that TNAP is essential for the later stages of endochondral bone development including hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis and VEGF mediated recruitment of blood vessels for replacement of cartilage with bone. These changes may be mediated by diminished MAPK signaling in TNAP deficient chondrocytes due to diminished local inorganic phosphate production.
Robust Solutions of Uncertain Quadratic and Conic-Quadratic Problems

We consider a conic-quadratic (and in particular a quadratically constrained) optimization problem with uncertain data, known only to reside in some uncertainty set ${\cal U}$. The robust counterpart of such a problem leads usually to an NP-hard semidefinite problem; this is the case, for example, when ${\cal U}$ is given as the intersection of ellipsoids or as an n-dimensional box. For these cases we build a single, explicit semidefinite program, which approximates the NP-hard robust counterpart, and we derive an estimate on the quality of the approximation, which is essentially independent of the dimensions of the underlying conic-quadratic problem.
A Wideband Circularly Polarized Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna

This letter proposes a novel wideband circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna. In the proposed antenna, a pair of rotationally symmetric horizontal patches functions as an electric dipole, and two vertical patches with the ground act as an equivalent magnetic dipole. A Γ-shaped probe is used to excite the antenna, and a metallic cavity with two gaps is designed for wideband and good performance in radiation. A prototype was fabricated and measured. The experimental results show that the proposed antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 65% for SWR≤2 from 1.76 to 3.46 GHz, a 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth of 71.5% from 1.68 to 3.55 GHz, and a stable gain of 8 ± 1 dBi. Good unidirectional radiation characteristic and low back-lobe level are achieved over the whole operating frequency band.
High-Performance Tracking Controller for Discrete Plant Using Nonlinear Sliding Surface

A nonlinear sliding surface is proposed to improve the transient response for general discrete multiple-input-multiple-output linear systems with matched perturbations. The tracking case is analyzed, and it is shown that the scheme is able to achieve low overshoot and low settling time simultaneously; this is not possible with a linear sliding surface. The control law is based on the discrete-time sliding mode equivalent control and thus eliminates chattering. The control law is proposed based on two approaches: (1) reaching-law-based approach which needs only disturbance bounds and (2) disturbance-observer-based approach. Multirate output feedback is used to relax the need of the entire state vector for the implementation of the control law. A magnetic tape position control application is used to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Cigarette-Smoking Intensity and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay Conversion among Persons Who Inject Drugs: A Cohort Study

We analyzed data from a longitudinal cohort study of persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana, Mexico, to explore whether cigarette smoking increases the risk of interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) conversion. PWID were recruited using respondent driven sampling (RDS). QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT) assay conversion was defined as interferon-gamma concentrations <0.35 IU/mL at baseline and ≥0.7 IU/mL at 18 months. We used multivariable Poisson regression adjusted for RDS weights to estimate risk ratios (RRs). Of 129 eligible participants, 125 (96.9%) smoked at least one cigarette during followup with a median of 11 cigarettes smoked daily, and 52 (40.3%) had QFT conversion. In bivariate analysis, QFT conversion was not associated with the number of cigarettes smoked daily (P = 0.716). Controlling for age, gender, education, and alcohol use, the RRs of QFT conversion for smoking 6–10, 11–15, and ≥16 cigarettes daily compared to smoking 0–5 cigarettes daily were 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5–1.6), 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3–1.2), and 0.7 (95% CI, 0.3–1.6), respectively. Although this study did not find an association between self-reported smoking intensity and QFT conversion, it was not powered sufficiently to negate such an association. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to fully explore this relationship.
A genetic algorithm for optimizing multi-pole Debye models of tissue dielectric properties

Models of tissue dielectric properties (permittivity and conductivity) enable the interactions of tissues and electromagnetic fields to be simulated, which has many useful applications in microwave imaging, radio propagation, and non-ionizing radiation dosimetry. Parametric formulae are available, based on a multi-pole model of tissue dispersions, but although they give the dielectric properties over a wide frequency range, they do not convert easily to the time domain. An alternative is the multi-pole Debye model which works well in both time and frequency domains. Genetic algorithms are an evolutionary approach to optimization, and we found that this technique was effective at finding the best values of the multi-Debye parameters. Our genetic algorithm optimized these parameters to fit to either a Cole–Cole model or to measured data, and worked well over wide or narrow frequency ranges. Over 10 Hz–10 GHz the best fits for muscle, fat or bone were each found for ten dispersions or poles in the multi-Debye model. The genetic algorithm is a fast and effective method of developing tissue models that compares favourably with alternatives such as the rational polynomial fit.
Tutorial in Molecular and Cellular Biology Pharmacology of Smooth Muscle Cell Replication

The suggestion that smooth muscle cell proliferation contributes to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis after angioplasty has led to a growing interest in the use of drugs to inhibit this process. This review summarizes pharmacological studies of smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and identifies specific mediators of proliferation that are implicated by drugs binding with high affinity to enzymes or receptors. (Hypertension 1992^0:713-736)
Alpha band EEG coherence in healthy nonagenarians

ABSTRACT Electroencephalographic (EEG) coherence is a parameter that enables evaluation of cerebral connectivity. It may be related to the functional state of the brain. In the elderly, it may reflect the neuronal loss caused by aging. Objective To describe characteristics of coherence in nonagenarians. Methods We evaluated interhemispheric coherence for the alpha band in 42 cognitively normal individuals aged 90 to 101 years. Coherence values in the occipital electrode (O1O2), in the resting state with closed eyes, were calculated by means of spectral analysis using digital EEG EMSA 32 channels, 12 bits and a frequency of 200 Hz. Results The mean coherence value for the alpha band at O1O2 was 0.65 (SD 0.13). No significant differences were found between men and women. Conclusions The findings from this study did not show any decrease in interhemispheric coherence for the alpha band in cognitively normal nonagenarians. This may be useful as a standard value for this age group.
Exploiting Workload Cycles for Orchestration of Virtual Machine Live Migrations in Clouds

Virtual machine live migration in cloud environments aims at reducing energy costs and increasing resource utilization. However, its potential has not been fully explored because of simultaneous migrations that may cause user application performance degradation and network congestion. Research efforts on live migration orchestration policies still mostly rely on system level metrics. This work introduces an Application-aware Live Migration Architecture (ALMA) that selects suitable moments for migrations using application characterization data. This characterization consists in recognizing resource usage cycles via Fast Fourier Transform. From our experiments, live migration times were reduced by up to 74% for benchmarks and by up to 67% for real applications, when compared to migration policies with no application workload analysis. Network data transfer during the live migration was reduced by up to 62%.
The evaluation and management of peri-acetabular osteolysis

Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful and cost-effective surgical procedures in medicine and continues to be the most effective treatment for advanced osteoarthritis of the hip. The bearing surface remains one of the most critical factors limiting long-term survival of this procedure. This is partly due to the ceramic, metal, and polyethylene wear particles that can spur an inflammatory response within the body that induces periprosthetic bone resorption. In the case of wear of the bearing surface and resorption of acetabular bone, this can result in a confusing diagnostic scenario and an appropriate algorithm must be followed to diagnose, observe, and surgically manage these complex patients.
Macdonald operators and homological invariants of the colored Hopf link

Using a power sum (boson) realization for the Macdonald operators, we investigate the Gukov, Iqbal, Kozçaz and Vafa (GIKV) proposal for the homological invariants of the colored Hopf link, which include Khovanov–Rozansky homology as a special case. We prove the polynomiality of the invariants obtained by GIKV’s proposal for arbitrary representations. We derive a closed formula of the invariants of the colored Hopf link for antisymmetric representations. We argue that a little amendment of GIKV’s proposal is required to make all the coefficients of the polynomial non-negative integers.
Efficient energy consumption and node distribution algorithm of 802.15.4 physical layer for WSN

Wireless sensor networks are often power and/or energy limited. Thus it is very important to statically and (whenever possible) dynamically tune the communication protocol parameters for given performance and quality of service requirements. This paper is devoted to energy consumption optimization by tuning the physical layer parameters of the 802.15. 4 Zigbee standard, depending on various application scenarios. We propose a mathematical formulation and an algorithm to optimize parameters such as bit error rate, SNR, number of repeater nodes, distance between repeaters, and optimal neighbor selection at different environmental and interference noise levels.
Fatigue associated with stroke and other neurologic conditions: Implications for stroke rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES To examine the general phenomenon of fatigue in stroke and other neurologic disorders and to review what is currently known about its occurrence, including its frequency, duration, severity, and associated factors, to develop a strategy for treatment. DATA SOURCES Computerized databases (eg, PubMed, PsycInfo, Science Citation Index, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE) searched from inception to May 2002. Additional references were identified from bibliographies of pertinent articles and books. STUDY SELECTION Over 1000 articles were identified as relevant to fatigue experienced by patients with neurologic or nonneurologic disorders. Articles on fatigue in stroke and neurologic disorders, mechanisms, and/or treatment were selected for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION Authors reviewed the articles and assessed the purpose, study design, and conclusions for validity and relevance to the topic of fatigue in stroke. DATA SYNTHESIS Fatigue is a common complaint among patients with neurologic disorders including stroke. Few studies have documented the high frequency of fatigue in poststroke patients and its negative impact on daily functioning and quality of life. Little is known about associated factors or about therapeutic strategies that may be used to alleviate it. Examination of fatigue in other neurologic populations suggests common characteristics and associated factors that may be useful in the development of potential therapeutic strategies. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapeutic interventions, such as stimulants, amantadine, or sleep and stress-management education, have been used with some success in neurologic and other patient populations (eg, multiple sclerosis, human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, cancer), but evidence of effectiveness based on randomized clinical trials is rare. CONCLUSIONS Poststroke fatigue is common. Therapeutic strategies have been used to treat fatigue in other patient populations, but it is unclear whether these will be beneficial to poststroke patients. Frequency, severity, duration, impact, predisposing factors, and causes of poststroke fatigue, as well as the development of effective treatment, require further research. Criteria for assessment of fatigue and potential therapeutic interventions are outlined as a first step for stimulating further research.
Potential of capsaicin-loaded transfersomes in arthritic rats

Abstract In the present study, the biopotential of capsaicin (an active principle of capsicum) as a topical antiarthritic agent was studied in arthritic rats. Transfersomal vesicular system was employed for the topical administration of capsaicin in experimental rats. The characterization of prepared capsaicin-loaded transfersomes reveals their nano size (94 nm) with negative surface charge (−14.5 mV) and sufficient structural flexibility, which resulted in 60.34% entrapment efficacy, penetration across the biomembrane (220 µm) and 76.76% of drug release from vesicular system in 24 h in their intact form as evident from confocal laser scanning micrographic study. Results of transfersomal nanoformulation (capsaicin loaded, test) were compared with that of conventional gel formulation available in the market (Thermagel, standard), with an aim to assess the antiarthritic efficacy of our prepared capsaicin-loaded transfersomal formulation. In vivo antiarthritic activity study shows that our formulation possesses superior inhibitory activity than the marketed Thermagel formulation at the same dosage level, which could probably be due to the lesser permeability of Thermagel across the dermal barriers compared to our specially designed transfersomal delivery system. Moreover, the better tolerance of prepared vesicular formulation in biological system further enlightens the suitability of the transfersomal vesicle to be used as a novel carrier system for the topical administration of such highly irritant substance.
Cluster Analysis for Anomaly Detection in Accounting Data: An Audit Approach 1

This study examines the application of cluster analysis in the accounting domain, particularly discrepancy detection in audit. Cluster analysis groups data so that points within a single group or cluster are similar to one another and distinct from points in other clusters. Clustering has been shown to be a good candidate for anomaly detection. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of clustering technology to automate fraud filtering during an audit. We use cluster analysis to help auditors focus their efforts when evaluating group life insurance claims. Claims with similar characteristics have been grouped together and small-population clusters have been flagged for further investigation. Some dominant characteristics of those clusters which have been flagged are large beneficiary payment, large interest payment amounts, and long lag between submission and payment.
Determination of Paraoxonase 1 Status Without the Use of Toxic Organophosphate Substrates

Paraoxonase 1 ( PON1 ) is a member of a tandem 3-gene family localized on human chromosome 7q21-22.1 High-density lipoprotein-associated PON1 2,3 and PON34,5 are synthesized primarily in the liver, whereas PON2 is ubiquitously expressed.1 PON1 was initially characterized and named for its ability to hydrolyze paraoxon, the toxic oxon metabolite of parathion.6 Although Aldridge6 proposed in 1953 that serum paraoxonase (POase) and arylesterase (AREase) activities were carried out by the same enzyme, controversy about 1 versus 2 enzymes persisted for many years, resulting in a reclassification of POase/AREase from EC 3.1. 1.2 to EC 3.1. 8.1 for PON1 as an example of an organophosphorus (OP) hydrolase.7 The controversy was finally settled when Sorenson et al8 demonstrated both activities in recombinant PON1 . However, the revised nomenclature remains in place. Early studies of plasma PON1 found a large variability of POase activity among different species and in different tissues.6 Serum POase activity distribution studies in human populations revealed an activity polymorphism of high versus low POase activity. Studies on the polymorphic distribution of PON1 in human populations using a variety of different assays revealed bi or trimodal distributions of plasma POase activity (reviewed in Ref. 9). Editorial see p 79 Our initial characterization of the human PON1 cDNA clones revealed 2 coding region polymorphisms Q192R and L55 M.10 Subsequently, it was shown that the Q192R polymorphism determined high versus low rates of paraoxon hydrolysis by the enzyme, with the PON1 R192 alloform specifying high activity.11,12 After the demonstration that high-density lipoprotein-associated PON1 was implicated in reducing low-density lipoprotein13 and high-density lipoprotein14 oxidation, epidemiological studies were undertaken to explore the possible role of genetic variability of PON1 in cardiovascular disease15 (reviewed in Ref. 16). Several meta-analyses of studies that examined only …
Low-Intensity Electromagnetic Millimeter Waves for Pain Therapy

Millimeter wave therapy (MWT), a non-invasive complementary therapeutic technique is claimed to possess analgesic properties. We reviewed the clinical studies describing the pain-relief effect of MWT. Medline-based search according to review criteria and evaluation of methodological quality of the retrieved studies was performed. Of 13 studies, 9 of them were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), only three studies yielded more than 3 points on the Oxford scale of methodological quality of RCTs. MWT was reported to be effective in the treatment of headache, arthritic, neuropathic and acute postoperative pain. The rapid onset of pain relief during MWT lasting hours to days after, remote to the site of exposure (acupuncture points), was the most characteristic feature in MWT application for pain relief. The most commonly used parameters of MWT were the MW frequencies between 30 and 70 GHz and power density up to 10 mW cm−2. The promising results from pilot case series studies and small-size RCTs for analgesic/hypoalgesic effects of MWT should be verified in large-scale RCTs on the effectiveness of this treatment method.
Model studies of multi-edge footings on geogrid-reinforced sand

The ultimate bearing capacity of multi-edge shallow footings on loose and dense sand bed with and without geogrid reinforcement has been investigated. The data used have been obtained from extensive series of laboratory model tests. A total of 140 laboratory model tests were carried out using four different model rigid plates with the shapes of +, H, T and square. Parameters of the testing programme include the density of sand soil, depth of first reinforcement, vertical spacing of reinforcement layers, number of reinforcement layers and the covering of the reinforcement layer. Bearing capacity ratio was defined to evaluate improvement performance. The results indicate that the use of geogrid layers in sand bed has considerable effects on the bearing capacity characteristics and the optimum reinforcement parameters are independent from the shape of the footings. The construction of geogrid reinforcement helps in redistributing the applied load to a wider area. It has been observed that the use of geogrid reinforcement in sand layer provides additional improvement of bearing capacity of the multi-edge footings up to four times that of the unreinforced case.