Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Morphing Concept Based on Unsymmetric Composite Laminates and Piezoceramic MFC Actuators

Bi-stable unsymmetric composite laminates controlled with the piezoelectric MFC actuators are considered as a possible morphing structure. The use of piezoelectric actuators to effect snap-through behavior in bi-stable unsymmetric laminates is studied two ways. First, an experimental actuator-laminate structure is discussed along with efforts to model the shapes and behavior of the structure using the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The modeling shows promise: the shapes were closely predicted, but the snap-through voltage was under predicted. In the second part of the paper, the capability to model actuator-laminate structures was expanded to include finite-element modeling using the finite-element package ABAQUS. Two finite-element models of simple problems were developed and compared with Rayleigh-Ritz solutions. Agreement between the finite-element and the Rayleigh-Ritz solutions was generally good: the predicted shapes were very similar, but the finite-element solutions were able to capture behavior not seen in the Rayleigh-Ritz solutions.
Effects of loss of residual hearing on speech performance with the CI422 and the Hybrid-L electrode

Abstract Objective Preservation of residual low-frequency hearing has become a priority in cochlear implantation. The purpose of this study was to compare rates of hearing preservation and effects on performance of loss of low-frequency acoustic hearing with two different length electrodes. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary Care Hospital. Patients Twelve patients were implanted with the CI422 a slim-straight electrode; the second group consisted of 10 patients implanted with the Hybrid-L, a shorter hearing preservation electrode. Main outcome measure Audiometric thresholds and speech perception measures. Results At 1 year, 3/10 (30%) patients with the Hybrid-L and 7/12 (58%) patients with the CI422 lost residual acoustic hearing resulting in a profound hearing loss in the implanted ear. In comparing these patients in particular, mean CNC words in the implanted ear were 72% in the CI422 electrode group and 15% in the Hybrid-L electrode group at 1 year (P = 0.03). While hearing preservation rates with the Hybrid-L tended to be better, among recipients who lost residual hearing, speech perception was better in those with the longer CI422 electrode. Conclusions With emphasis on preservation of residual hearing, patients need to be counseled regarding possible outcomes and options should loss of residual hearing occur following implantation. While shorter electrodes may have better rates of hearing preservation, the patients with the longer straight electrode in our study had significantly better speech understanding following the loss of residual hearing.
Cognitive Outcomes in Early-Treated Adults With Phenylketonuria (PKU): A Comprehensive Picture Across Domains

Objective: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease which affects cognitive functions due to an inability to metabolize phenylalanine which leads to the accumulation of toxic by-products (Phe) in the brain. PKU can be effectively treated with a low phenylalanine diet, but some cognitive deficits remain. Studies have reported impairments, especially for processing speed and executive functions, but there is a lack of comprehensive assessment across cognitive domains. Moreover, it is important to establish outcomes in early treated adults with PKU (AwPKU) who have better metabolic control than groups previously reported in the literature. Method: We tested 37 AwPKU with an unprecedented number of tasks (N = 28) and measures (N = 44) and compared results with 30 controls matched for age and education. Results: We found (a) group impairments, particularly in tasks tapping speed of processing and complex executive functions; (b) high variability across participants, with a sizable number of AwPKU with completely normal performance (about 38%); (c) but also a sizable number of participants who were clearly impaired (about 24%); and (d) good performance in tasks tapping verbal learning, verbal memory and orthographic processing, indicating no generalized learning impairment. Conclusion: Our results indicate good outcomes, but also that deficits are still present with current treatment policies.
Who Needs Innate Ability to Succeed in Math and Literacy? Academic-Domain-Specific Theories of Intelligence About Peers Versus Adults

Individuals’ implicit theories of intelligence exist on a spectrum, from believing intelligence is fixed and unchangeable, to believing it is malleable and can be improved with effort. A belief in malleable intelligence leads to adaptive responses to challenge and higher achievement. However, surprisingly little is known about the development of academic-domain-specific theories of intelligence (i.e., math vs. reading and writing). The authors examined this in a cross-section of students from 1st grade to college (N = 523). They also examined whether students hold different beliefs about the role of fixed ability in adult jobs versus their own grade. The authors’ adult-specific beliefs hypothesis states that when children learn societally held beliefs from adults, they first apply these beliefs specifically to adults and later to students their own age. Consistent with this, even the youngest students (1st and 2nd graders) believed that success in an adult job requires more fixed ability in math than reading and writing. However, when asked about students in their own grade, only high school and college students reported that math involves more fixed ability than reading and writing. High school and college students’ math-specific theories of intelligence were related to their motivation and achievement in math, controlling for reading and writing-specific theories. Reading and writing-specific theories did not predict reading and writing-specific motivations or achievement, perhaps because students perceive reading and writing as less challenging than math. In summary, academic-domain-specific theories of intelligence develop early but may not become self-relevant until adolescence, and math-specific beliefs may be especially important targets for intervention.
Styrene Exposure and Color Vision

Color vision deficiencies (dyschromatopsia) have been reported in association with occupational exposure to styrene. This report investigates the published literature on this topic. Although some of the studies in this area are inconclusive because of methodology issues, those of Gobba et al. (1991), Gobba and Cavalleri (1993), Eguchi et al. (1995), and Campagna, Mergler et al. (1995) provide substantial evidence that styrene exposure is associated with color vision deficiencies. Each used the Desaturated D-15 panel, a sensitive color vision test, for assessing color vision in a styrene-exposed group of workers compared to either a matched control group or a lower exposed group. They all showed statistically significant poorer color discrimination in the higher exposed group. Styrene exposure at higher concentrations, but not lower concentrations, is associated with color vision deficiency. Gobba et al. (1991) and Eguchi et al. (1995) split their exposed population according to exposure level and determined a significant difference between the high exposure group and a control group, and both also showed a non-significant difference between the low exposure group and a control group. High exposure levels are associated with color vision deficiency, whereas low exposure levels are not. The Gobba et al. study used 50 ppm styrene as the division between high and low exposure groups, the Eguchi et al. study used 30 ppm equivalent (based upon mandelic acid) for the division. The mean exposure levels of the high and low groups were not reported by Gobba et al., but were 93 ppm and 8 ppm respectively in the Eguchi et al. study. based upon these studies, the minimum exposure level (or duration) at which significant color vision discrimination deficiency occurs cannot be precisely determined, but is between 93 ppm and 8 ppm based upon the Eguchi data. Campagna, et al. (1996) performed a reanalysis of 118 subjects from 2 previous studies. They calculated that a doseresponse relationship between styrene exposure and color confusion index (CCI), a measure of discrmination of shaded discs, began at 4 ppm, with an upper limit of confidence interval (5%) of 26 ppm. Styrene-induced color vision deficiencies statistically improve when exposure is decreased, the time course for improvements is between one month and two years. The effects of styrene, as an independent solvent, upon color vision have been studied much more than those of other solvents. Research shows that the degree of styrene-induced color vision deficiency is likely not subjectively noticeable. One way of characterizing the styrene-induced color deficiency is as approximately 1.5 additional transpositions on the Desat D15 test, or approximately 0.35 transpositions on the less sensitive D-15 test which is more commonly used for occupational color vision screening. The SIRC Review August 1997 7 Styrene Exposure and Color Vision By James E. Sheedy, OD, PhD
Iodinated Echogenic Glycol Chitosan Nanoparticles for X-ray CT/US Dual Imaging of Tumor

Development of biopolymer-based imaging agents which can access rapidly and provide detailed information about the diseases has received much attention as an alternative to conventional imaging agents. However, development of biopolymer-based nanomaterials for tumor imaging still remains challenging due to their low sensitivity and image resolution. To surmount of these limitations, multimodal imaging agents have been developed, and they were widely utilized for theranostic applications. Herein, iodine containing echogenic glycol chitosan nanoparticles are developed for x-ray computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) imaging of tumor diagnosis. X-ray CT/US dual-modal imaging probe was prepared by following below two steps. First, iodine-contained diatrizoic acid (DTA) was chemically conjugated to the glycol chitosan (GC) for the CT imaging. DTA conjugated GC (GC-DTA NPs) formed stable nanoparticles with an average diameter of 315 nm. Second, perfluoropentane (PFP), a US imaging agent, was physically encapsulated into GC-DTA NPs by O/W emulsion method yielding GC-DTA-PFP nanoparticles (GC-DTA-PFP NPs). The GC-DTA-PFP NPs formed nanoparticles in physiological condition, and they presented the strong x-ray CT, and US signals in phantom test in vitro. Importantly, GC-DTA-PFP NPs were effectively accumulated on the tumor site by enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effects. Moreover, GC-DTA-PFP NPs showed x-ray CT, and US signals in tumor tissues after intratumoral and intravenous injection, respectively. Therefore, GC-DTA-PFP NPs indicated that x-ray CT/US dual-modal imaging using iodinated echogenic nanoparticles could be provided more comprehensive and accurate diagnostic information to diagnosis of tumor.
Crystal Structure of 6,7-Dihydro-5a,7a,13,14-tetraaza-pentaphene-5,8-dione

The X-ray crystal structure of 6,7-dihydro-5a,7a,13,14-tetraaza-pentaphene-5,8-dione, a potential antiproliferative agent on A2058 melanoma cells, was established. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with cell parameters a = 24.879(3)A, b = 6.868(2)A, c = 26.068(4A, α = 90, β = 110.49(2), γ = 90, V = 4172.4(15)A3 and Z = 12. The crystal structure was refined to final values of R1 = 0.1353 and wR2 = 0.1936. An X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that each molecule features intermolecular CArom. –H···O hydrogen bonds to form trimers.
Using Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches to Measure Physical Activity in Research: Analysis of Consumer Wrist-Worn Wearables

Background New fitness trackers and smartwatches are released to the consumer market every year. These devices are equipped with different sensors, algorithms, and accompanying mobile apps. With recent advances in mobile sensor technology, privately collected physical activity data can be used as an addition to existing methods for health data collection in research. Furthermore, data collected from these devices have possible applications in patient diagnostics and treatment. With an increasing number of diverse brands, there is a need for an overview of device sensor support, as well as device applicability in research projects. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the availability of wrist-worn fitness wearables and analyze availability of relevant fitness sensors from 2011 to 2017. Furthermore, the study was designed to assess brand usage in research projects, compare common brands in terms of developer access to collected health data, and features to consider when deciding which brand to use in future research. Methods We searched for devices and brand names in six wearable device databases. For each brand, we identified additional devices on official brand websites. The search was limited to wrist-worn fitness wearables with accelerometers, for which we mapped brand, release year, and supported sensors relevant for fitness tracking. In addition, we conducted a Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and ClinicalTrials search to determine brand usage in research projects. Finally, we investigated developer accessibility to the health data collected by identified brands. Results We identified 423 unique devices from 132 different brands. Forty-seven percent of brands released only one device. Introduction of new brands peaked in 2014, and the highest number of new devices was introduced in 2015. Sensor support increased every year, and in addition to the accelerometer, a photoplethysmograph, for estimating heart rate, was the most common sensor. Out of the brands currently available, the five most often used in research projects are Fitbit, Garmin, Misfit, Apple, and Polar. Fitbit is used in twice as many validation studies as any other brands and is registered in ClinicalTrials studies 10 times as often as other brands. Conclusions The wearable landscape is in constant change. New devices and brands are released every year, promising improved measurements and user experience. At the same time, other brands disappear from the consumer market for various reasons. Advances in device quality offer new opportunities for research. However, only a few well-established brands are frequently used in research projects, and even less are thoroughly validated.
Detecting Adaptation in Protein-Coding Genes Using a Bayesian Site-Heterogeneous Mutation-Selection Codon Substitution Model

Codon substitution models have traditionally attempted to uncover signatures of adaptation within protein-coding genes by contrasting the rates of synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions. Another modeling approach, known as the mutation–selection framework, attempts to explicitly account for selective patterns at the amino acid level, with some approaches allowing for heterogeneity in these patterns across codon sites. Under such a model, substitutions at a given position occur at the neutral or nearly neutral rate when they are synonymous, or when they correspond to replacements between amino acids of similar fitness; substitutions from high to low (low to high) fitness amino acids have comparatively low (high) rates. Here, we study the use of such a mutation–selection framework as a null model for the detection of adaptation. Following previous works in this direction, we include a deviation parameter that has the effect of capturing the surplus, or deficit, in non-synonymous rates, relative to what would be expected under a mutation–selection modeling framework that includes a Dirichlet process approach to account for across-codon-site variation in amino acid fitness profiles. We use simulations, along with a few real data sets, to study the behavior of the approach, and find it to have good power with a low false-positive rate. Altogether, we emphasize the potential of recent mutation–selection models in the detection of adaptation, calling for further model refinements as well as large-scale applications.
Validity of the AUDIT-C screen for at-risk drinking among students utilizing university primary care

ABSTRACT Objective: Research is needed to establish the psychometric properties of brief screens in university primary care settings. This study aimed to assess the construct validity of one such screen, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), for detecting at-risk drinking among students who have utilized on-campus primary care. Participants: 389 students recently seen in university primary care completed a confidential online survey in December 2014. Methods: Bivariate correlations between the AUDIT-C and measures of alcohol consumption and negative drinking consequences provided concurrent evidence for construct validity. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analyses determined optimal cut-off scores for at-risk drinking. Results: The AUDIT-C significantly correlated with measures of alcohol consumption and negative drinking consequences (p < .001). Analyses support optimal AUDIT-C cut-off scores of 5 for females and 7 for males. Conclusions: The AUDIT-C is a valid screen for at-risk drinking among students who utilize university primary care.
Locally Aligned Feature Transforms across Views

In this paper, we propose a new approach for matching images observed in different camera views with complex cross-view transforms and apply it to person re-identification. It jointly partitions the image spaces of two camera views into different configurations according to the similarity of cross-view transforms. The visual features of an image pair from different views are first locally aligned by being projected to a common feature space and then matched with softly assigned metrics which are locally optimized. The features optimal for recognizing identities are different from those for clustering cross-view transforms. They are jointly learned by utilizing sparsity-inducing norm and information theoretical regularization. This approach can be generalized to the settings where test images are from new camera views, not the same as those in the training set. Extensive experiments are conducted on public datasets and our own dataset. Comparisons with the state-of-the-art metric learning and person re-identification methods show the superior performance of our approach.
Low pressure injection moulding mass production technology of complex shape advanced ceramic components

This paper summarises and reviews the industrial manufacturing experience of ceramic components with custom designed complex shapes using low pressure injection moulding technology during a number of years. This technology is successfully used for manufacturing advanced ceramics with different compositions and for different applications. A production level is achieved with hundreds of pieces/day or week or higher. The major principles of this technology are reviewed based on the extensive processing experience. Some processing features, which affect the quality of ceramics and processing yield, are pointed out, particularly for industrial processing. Semi- and automated equipment for low pressure injection moulding technology providing high productivity are described.
Clinical outcomes after combination treatment with ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam for NDM-1/OXA-48/CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infection

novel family of tetracycline-inactivating enzymes. Chem Biol 2015; 22: 888–97. 9 Bruin JP, Ijzerman EP, den Boer JW et al. Wild-type MIC distribution and epidemiological cut-off values in clinical Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 72: 103–8. 10 EUCAST. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Legionella pneumophila. http://www.eucast. org/fileadmin/src/media/PDFs/EUCAST_files/General_doc uments/Legionella_guidance_document_20160909. pdf.
Analysis of Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinase 2 Function in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells via Nervous System‐Specific Gene Disruption

Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) is involved in a variety of cell fate decisions during development, but its exact role in this process remains to be determined. To specifically focus on the role of ERK2 in the brain, and to avoid early lethalities, we used a conditional gene‐targeting approach to preferentially inactivate Erk2 in the embryonic mouse brain. The resulting mutant mice were viable and were relatively normal in overall appearance. However, the loss of Erk2 resulted in a diminished proliferation of neural stem cells in the embryonic ventricular zone (VZ), although the survival and differentiation of these cells was unaffected. The multipotent neural progenitor cells (NPCs) isolated from ERK2‐deficient brains also showed impaired proliferation, reduced self‐renewal ability, and increased apoptosis. By neurosphere differentiation analysis we further observed that lineage‐restricted glial progenitors were increased in ERK2‐deficient mice. The decline in the self‐renewal ability and multipotency of NPCs resulting from the loss of ERK2 was found to be caused at least in part by upregulation of the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway and reduced G1/S cell cycle progression. Furthermore, by global expression analysis we found that neural stem cell markers, including Tenascin C NR2E1 (Tlx), and Lgals1 (Galectin‐1), were significantly downregulated, whereas several glial lineage markers were upregulated in neurospheres derived from ERK2‐deficient mice. Our results thus suggest that ERK2 is required both for the proliferation of neural stem cells in the VZ during embryonic development and in the maintenance of NPC multipotency by suppressing the commitment of these cells to a glial lineage.
Meta-analytic study of organic acids as an alternative performance-enhancing feed additive to antibiotics for broiler chickens

&NA; The effect of organic acids as an alternative to antibiotics on the performance of broiler chickens was evaluated by meta‐analysis, identifying and quantifying the main factors that influence results. A total of 51,960 broilers from 121 articles published between 1991 and 2016 were used. Interactions of additives [non‐supplemented group (control), organic acids, and growth promoter antibiotics] with microbial challenge (with or without inoculation of pathogenic microorganisms) were studied on performance variables. Moreover, the effects of organic acids, used individually or in blends, were evaluated. Relative values of average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were obtained in relation to control: &Dgr;ADG and &Dgr;ADFI, respectively. Analysis of variance‐covariance revealed lower ADG with organic acids when compared to antibiotics (P < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between the additives and the challenge on feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.01) and on viability (P < 0.05). Without challenge, organic acids improved broilers' FCR (P < 0.01), presenting results similar to antibiotics (P > 0.05). Under challenge, the organic acids were again effective on FCR (‐5.67% in relation to control, P < 0.05), but they did not match antibiotics (‐13.40% in relation to control, P < 0.01). Viability was improved only under challenge conditions, and only by antibiotics (+4.39% in relation to control, P < 0.05). ADG (P < 0.05) and FCR (P < 0.01) were increased by blends of organic acids, but not by the organic acids used alone (P > 0.05). ADFI and production factor were not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05). &Dgr;ADFI of organic‐acid supplemented group showed a linear influence on &Dgr;ADG, which increases 0.64% at every 1% increase in &Dgr;ADFI. In conclusion, organic acids can be utilized as performance enhancing, but the results are lower than those found with antibiotics, particularly under microbial challenge. The blends of organic acids provide better results than the utilization of one organic acid alone.