Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shrinkage Cracking in Polyolefin Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

The effectiveness of fibers in controlling plastic shrinkage and thermal cracking in cement-based materials is well recognized. For any cement-based composite, however, the type of fiber and its dimensions are the two most important factors controlling such cracking. In this investigation, four types of polyolefin fibers (Types 19/15, 25/15, 25/38, and 50/63, where in l/d, l is the length of the fiber and d is the equivalent diameter; Type 19/15, for example is 19 mm long and 0.15 mm in equivalent diameter) were investigated. A newly developed technique was employed for this purpose. In this technique, fiber-reinforced concrete to be tested is laid on top of a fully hardened base concrete that provides the bottom restraint and this results in cracking in the freshly placed overlay. Cracking in the overlay is then monitored as a function of time. It was noted that while the polyolefin fibers are generally effective in reducing the amount and size of the shrinkage cracking, the dimensions of the fiber have a decisive influence on the results. For example, crack widths that exceeded one mm in plain concrete specimens were reduced to less than 0.40 mm with 0.7% by volume of the 50/63 fiber, but were completely eliminated at the same volume fraction of Type 19/15 fiber. For a fiber, the specific fiber surface (a parameter defined as the fiber surface area in a unit volume of the composite) appears to be of critical importance. Along with a description of the test procedure, analysis scheme, and the results, this paper also provides recommendations for future work.
Pathways to care in children at risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background There is underdiagnosis of and low use of specialist services for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Aims To quantify the filters in the help-seeking pathway through primary care and to investigate factors influencing progress for children at risk of ADHD. Method A total of 127 children (5–11 years old) with pervasive hyperactivity who passed each filter (primary care attendance and general practitioner (GP) recognition of disorder) were compared with those who had not. Results Primary care attendance was only associated with parental perception of the behaviour as problematic (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.11-4.03). However, GP recognition was related to both parent and child factors – parental request for referral (OR 20.83; 95% CI 3.05-142.08) and conduct problems (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.04-2.12). GP non-recognition was the main barrier in the pathway to care; following recognition, most children were referred. Conclusions Parents can be regarded as the main gatekeepers for access to specialist services.
Floristic Composition of Weeds in T. Aman-Potato- Boro Rice Cropping Pattern in Bangladesh

The survey was conducted in the farmers’ field of Durba Chara village of Gauripur upazilla under Mymensingh district to find out the floristic composition of weeds in three crops i.e. summer rice, potato and winter rice under T. aman-potato-boro cropping pattern. Five farmers’ fields were surveyed by using a quadrat of 0.5m × 0.5m size in four spots from each field randomly. The data were summarized using frequency, field uniformity, mean field density and relative abundance. A total of 27 weed species belonging to 11 families were found in T. aman, potato and boro rice, of which 22 species were under 11 families in T. aman, 15 species under seven families in potato and 20 species were under nine families in boro rice. Echinochloa crusgalli was the most abundant weed in both potato and boro rice while in T. aman, Ludwigia hyssopifolia dominated over others. Echinochloa crusgalli and Polygonum hydropiper were common in both potato and boro rice. The other three dominant weed species i.e. Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon and Panicum distichum in potato and Eclipta alba, Cyperus difformis, Eleocharis atroperpurea in boro were completely different from each other. In T. aman, five completely different weed species i.e. Ludwigia hyssopifolia, Alternanthera sessilis, Polygonum orientale, Fimbristylis miliaceae and Hedyotis corymbosa were found dominant. Broadleaf weeds were dominant in both T. aman and boro but in potato, grasses dominated over others.
Influence of trial sample size on treatment effect estimates: meta-epidemiological study

Objective To assess the influence of trial sample size on treatment effect estimates within meta-analyses. Design Meta-epidemiological study. Data sources 93 meta-analyses (735 randomised controlled trials) assessing therapeutic interventions with binary outcomes, published in the 10 leading journals of each medical subject category of the Journal Citation Reports or in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Data extraction Sample size, outcome data, and risk of bias extracted from each trial. Data synthesis Trials within each meta-analysis were sorted by their sample size: using quarters within each meta-analysis (from quarter 1 with 25% of the smallest trials, to quarter 4 with 25% of the largest trials), and using size groups across meta-analyses (ranging from <50 to ≥1000 patients). Treatment effects were compared within each meta-analysis between quarters or between size groups by average ratios of odds ratios (where a ratio of odds ratios less than 1 indicates larger effects in smaller trials). Results Treatment effect estimates were significantly larger in smaller trials, regardless of sample size. Compared with quarter 4 (which included the largest trials), treatment effects were, on average, 32% larger in trials in quarter 1 (which included the smallest trials; ratio of odds ratios 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.57 to 0.82), 17% larger in trials in quarter 2 (0.83, 0.75 to 0.91), and 12% larger in trials in quarter 3 (0.88, 0.82 to 0.95). Similar results were obtained when comparing treatment effect estimates between different size groups. Compared with trials of 1000 patients or more, treatment effects were, on average, 48% larger in trials with fewer than 50 patients (0.52, 0.41 to 0.66) and 10% larger in trials with 500-999 patients (0.90, 0.82 to 1.00). Conclusions Treatment effect estimates differed within meta-analyses solely based on trial sample size, with stronger effect estimates seen in small to moderately sized trials than in the largest trials.
On the dissipation and dispersion of entropy waves in heat transferring channel flows

This paper investigates the hydrodynamic and heat transfer effects on the dissipation and dispersion of entropy waves in non-reactive flows. These waves, as advected density inhomogeneities downstream of unsteady flames, may decay partially or totally before reaching the exit nozzle, where they are converted into sound. Attenuation of entropy waves dominates the significance of the subsequent acoustic noise generation. Yet, the extent of this decay process is currently a matter of contention and the pertinent mechanisms are still largely unexplored. To resolve this issue, a numerical study is carried out by compressible large eddy simulation of the wave advection in a channel subject to convective and adiabatic thermal boundary conditions. The dispersion, dissipation, and spatial correlation of the wave are evaluated by post-processing of the numerical results. This includes application of the classical coherence function as well as development of nonlinear quantitative measures of wave dissipation and di.
Preference for Detail in Medical Illustrations Amongst Professionals and Laypersons

This study investigated the preferences of medical professionals and laypersons with respect to the level of detail shown in medical illustrations (i.e. graphic art shown in patient education materials) and the complexity of the subject being depicted (i.e. a visually simple versus a visually complex subject). Additionally, respondent's age, gender, and art background were recorded to yield further insight. The results showed that generally there was preference for high-detail (complex) illustrations between the two groups, though the professionals group was somewhat more diverse in their choices. The other variables had no impact on illustration preference.
11 Pin 1 : A New Enzyme Pivotal for Protecting Against Alzheimer ’ s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects more than 35 million people worldwide, and the prevalence of AD increases with age and doubles every 5 years after the age of 65 (Evans et al., 1989). AD is characterized by intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and extracellular amyloid fibrils composed of amyloid beta peptides (A). Accordingly, both tau and amyloid have been the targets for development of treatment for AD. Tau-mediated neurodegeneration may result from the combination of toxic gains-offunction acquired by the aggregates or their precursors and the detrimental effects that arise from the loss of the normal function(s) of tau in the disease state (Ballatore et al., 2007). The toxic gains-of-function includes sequestration of normal tau function by NFTs made of hyperphosphorylated tau. NFTs also become physical obstacles to the transport of vesicles and other cargos (Ballatore et al., 2007). The loss of the normal function of tau includes detachment of tau from microtubules that causes loss of microtubule-stabilizing function (Stoothoff & Johnson, 2005). Although dynamic tau phosphorylation occurs during embryonic development (Mawal-Dewan et al., 1994), aberrant tau phosphorylation in mature neurons is harmful to the neuron (Matsuo et al., 1994). Tau hyperphosphorylation is a key regulatory mechanism that leads to both such toxic gains-of-function and the loss of the normal function(s) of tau (Ballatore et al., 2007). Upregulation of aberrant activation of tau kinases and downregulation of phosphatases are major mechanisms possibly involved in tau hyperphosphorylation (Ballatore et al., 2007). Consistently, tau phosphorylation on Ser/Thr-Pro by Pro-directed kinases (Illenberger et al., 1998; Pelech, 1995) or phosphatases such as phosphatase2A (PP2A) (Goedert et al., 2000; Sontag et al., 1996) play pivotal roles in tauopathy. Indeed, overexpression of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) or cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDK5) and its activator p25 or inhibition of PP2A enhances or induces tau-related phenotypes in mice (Ahlijanian et al., 2000; Augustinack et al., 2002; Cruz et al., 2003; Kins et al., 2001; Noble et al., 2003). In addition, tau phosphorylation has been shown to promote tau degradation via chaperone-interacting protein/Hsp70 (Dickey et al., 2007; Kosik & Shimura, 2005; Petrucelli et al., 2004). These results indicate that kinases and phosphatases that increase and decrease phosphorylated tau, respectively, are crucial targets for treatment of AD. Design of inhibitors for these kinases is undertaken as potential drug targets (reviewed in (Mazanetz and Fischer, 2007).
Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures With Intravertebral Fluid or Air: A Comparative Study.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective comparative study. OBJECTIVE To compare the characteristics of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) with intravertebral fluid (IVF) and those with intravertebral air (IVA), and the efficacy of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (PKP) in treating OVFs with these 2 different intravertebral components. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Previous studies have focused on the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and PKP in treating OVFs with intravertebral cleft. However, no prior studies investigated the impact of the different components of cleft on the therapeutic effect of PVP or PKP. METHODS On the basis of the presence of IVF or IVA signal on preoperative MR images, 22 patients were classified into IVF group and 13 patients into IVA group. The characteristics of patients with IVF and those with IVA were compared. The anterior and middle heights of the involved vertebrae, the kyphotic angles, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were recorded preoperatively, 1 day after surgery, and at last follow-up. RESULTS Severe collapse of involved vertebrae (P=0.024) and the gap appearance of clefts (P=0.004) were significantly more common in IVA group than in IVF group. The vertebral heights, the local kyphotic angles, the VAS, and ODI scores were all significantly improved after PKP in both groups. However, the vertebral height restoration and kyphotic deformity correction were more significant in IVF group than in IVA group (P<0.001). No significant differences regarding VAS and ODI scores were detected between the 2 groups at each follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS PKP is an effective treatment strategy for both OVFs with IVF and with IVA, whereas vertebral height restoration and kyphotic deformity correction are much more significant in vertebrae with IVF. Presence of IVA without fluid filling-in on MR images may indicate an advanced stage of intravertebral osteonecrosis.
Hepatoprotective and antiviral functions of silymarin components in hepatitis C virus infection

There exists a widely held view that silymarin (a.k.a. milk thistle) promotes liver health through anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and immunomodulatory effects (1). In fact, silymarin is one of the top 10 most popular natural products consumed by western society, and is the most commonly consumed botanical medicine reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C (2, 3). Presently, there is no clear evidence that any of the currently available over-the-counter preparations have efficacy in the treatment of liver disease. While there are compelling in vitro and animal data supporting the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin and inhibition of in vitro HCV infection(4), clinical data are equivocal, with some studies suggesting a protective effect of silymarin against progression of liver disease in subjects with hepatitis C (5), while other studies found no such effect (6, 7). Thus, there is clinical controversy around whether silymarin and silymarin-derived compounds protect the liver. It is the intention of this review article to summarize the current state of knowledge on whether and how silymarin (and the mixture of silymarin components known as silibinin) protects the liver and modulates HCV infection, and to make recommendations for areas of further research.
Microarray Noninvasive Neuronal Seizure Recordings from Intact Larval Zebrafish

Zebrafish epilepsy models are emerging tools in experimental epilepsy. Zebrafish larvae, in particular, are advantageous because they can be easily genetically altered and used for developmental and drug studies since agents applied to the bath penetrate the organism easily. Methods for electrophysiological recordings in zebrafish are new and evolving. We present a novel multi-electrode array method to non-invasively record electrical activity from up to 61 locations of an intact larval zebrafish head. This method enables transcranial noninvasive recording of extracellular field potentials (which include multi-unit activity and EEG) to identify epileptic seizures. To record from the brains of zebrafish larvae, the dorsum of the head of an intact larva was secured onto a multi-electrode array. We recorded from individual electrodes for at least three hours and quantified neuronal firing frequency, spike patterns (continuous or bursting), and synchrony of neuronal firing. Following 15 mM potassium chloride- or pentylenetetrazole-infusion into the bath, spike and burst rate increased significantly. Additionally, synchrony of neuronal firing across channels, a hallmark of epileptic seizures, also increased. Notably, the fish survived the experiment. This non-invasive method complements present invasive zebrafish neurophysiological techniques: it affords the advantages of high spatial and temporal resolution, a capacity to measure multiregional activity and neuronal synchrony in seizures, and fish survival for future experiments, such as studies of epileptogenesis and development.
Achievability results for statistical learning under communication constraints

The problem of statistical learning is to construct an accurate predictor of a random variable as a function of a correlated random variable on the basis of an i.i. d. training sample from their joint distribution. Allowable predictors are constrained to lie in some specified class, and the goal is to approach asymptotically the performance of the best predictor in the class. We consider two settings in which the learning agent only has access to rate-limited descriptions of the training data, and present information-theoretic bounds on the predictor performance achievable in the presence of these communication constraints. Our proofs do not assume any separation structure between compression and learning and rely on a new class of operational criteria specifically tailored to joint design of encoders and learning algorithms in rate-constrained settings.
Regulation of Cardiac Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger by Phospholemman

Abstract: Phospholemman (PLM) is the first sequenced member of the FXYD family of regulators of ion transport. The mature protein has 72 amino acids and consists of an extracellular N terminus containing the signature FXYD motif, a single transmembrane (TM) domain, and a cytoplasmic C‐terminal domain containing four potential sites for phosphorylation. PLM and other members of the FXYD family are known to regulate Na+‐K+‐ATPase. Using adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer into adult rat cardiac myocytes, we showed that changes in contractility and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis associated with PLM overexpression or downregulation are not consistent with the effects expected from inhibition of Na+‐K+‐ATPase by PLM. Additional studies with heterologous expression of PLM and cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) in HEK293 cells and cardiac myocytes isolated from PLM‐deficient mice demonstrated by co‐localization, co‐immunoprecipitation, and electrophysiological and radioactive tracer uptake techniques that PLM associates with NCX1 in the sarcolemma and transverse tubules and that PLM inhibits NCX1, independent of its effects on Na+‐K+‐ATPase. Mutational analysis indicates that the cytoplasmic domain of PLM is required for its regulation of NCX1. In addition, experiments using phosphomimetic and phospho‐deficient PLM mutants, as well as activators of protein kinases A and C, indicate that PLM phosphorylated at serine68 is the active form that inhibits NCX1. This is in sharp contrast to the finding that the unphosphorylated PLM form inhibits Na+‐K+‐ATPase. We conclude that PLM regulates cardiac contractility by modulating the activities of NCX and Na+‐K+‐ATPase.
IT outsourcing decision factors in research and practice: a case study

The concurrent effect of various internal and external factors on IT Outsourcing (ITO) decision making has seldom been investigated in a single study. Furthermore, research on external factors is scarce and there is no comprehensive theory that can fully explain ITO decisions made in practice. This paper explains how key decision factors, both internal and external, influence ITO decision making in a large Australian University. We also tested the feasibility of a highly regarded descriptive model of ITO decisions as the basic foundation of an ITO decision theory. The model failed to fully explain ITO decisions in our case organisation. We draw researchers’ attention to the need for more exploration of external factors as well as clarification of contingency factors that may explain inconsistencies between ITO decision theories and practice, and call for more research for ‘practicable’ ITO decision aids. Implications for practice are also discussed in the paper.
G Protein Selectivity Is Regulated by Multiple Intracellular Regions of GPCRs

GTP-binding protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) bind to a vast diversity of extracellular ligands to regulate a wide variety of physiological responses. Upon binding of extracellular ligands, these seven-transmembrane-spanning receptor molecules couple to one or several subtypes of G protein which reside at the intracellular side of the plasma membrane to trigger intracellular signaling events. Amid the large structural diversity at the intracellular regions of GPCRs, there are only 18 different subtypes of G protein belonging to four subfamilies. The question of how GPCRs select and activate a single or multiple G protein subtype(s) has been the topic of intense investigations. This review will attempt to summarize the available data on the structural determinants in GPCRs that regulate the selectivity of G protein activation. The available data suggest that G protein can be activated by structurally diverse cationic α-helical structures with no obvious homology in primary sequence. The selectivity of receptor-G protein coupling is maintained by a combination of two functional domains at the intracellular region. One is the ‘activation domain’ which can activate multiple G protein subtypes, while the other is the ‘selectivity domain’ which restricts the coupling to the desired signaling pathway(s). A slight change in the conformation at these two functional domains can affect the fidelity of G protein selectivity. This hypothesis can account for the vast structural diversity of GPCRs which link a fascinating variety of extracellular inputs, yet couple to a limited number of intracellular signaling pathways.
Osteoarticular infection caused by MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the benefits of combination therapy with colistin plus β-lactams.

OBJECTIVES In the era of emergence of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, osteoarticular infections (OIs) add more difficulties to its treatment. The role of β-lactams (BLs) is questioned and older drugs need to be reconsidered. The objective of this study was to describe our experience in the management of OIs caused by MDR P. aeruginosa and evaluate different therapeutic options. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort (2004-13) of patients with OI caused by MDR P. aeruginosa. We created two groups: (i) Group A (more difficult to treat), prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and osteoarthritis (OA) managed with device retention; and (ii) Group B (less difficult to treat), OA managed without device retention. Antibiotic treatment was administered according to clinician criteria: monotherapy/combined therapy; and BL used by intermittent bolus (IB)/continuous infusion. RESULTS Of 34 patients, 15 (44.1%) had PJI and 19 (55.9%) had OA (8 related to an orthopaedic device). Twenty-three cases (68%) were caused by XDR P. aeruginosa. The initial management included removal of an orthopaedic device in 14 cases, together with antibiotic [alone, 19 (55.9%; 4 colistin, 14 BL-IB and 1 BL continuous infusion); and in combination, 15 (44.1%; 5 BL-IB and 10 BL continuous infusion)]. The overall cure rate was 50% (39% and 63% in Groups A and B, respectively), ranging from 31.6% with monotherapy to 73.3% with combined therapy (P = 0.016), with special interest within Group A (cure rate with combined therapy 71.4%, P = 0.049). After rescue therapy, which included removal of remaining devices, the cure rate reached 85.3%. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the BL/colistin combination is an optimized therapy for OI caused by MDR P. aeruginosa, together with an appropriate surgical treatment.