Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partial and Full Replacement of Silica Sand by Fine Recycled Glass in Cementitious Composites

One of the major concerns currently and within the close future is the adequate management and efficient reuse and recycling of wastes, which reduces the natural sources and energy consumption. Millions of tons of waste glass are discharged around the world annually. One of the successful policies of the recycling of waste glass is the use in the construction industry where it can be used as aggregate or cement replacement. In the current study, fine recycled glass with granular size of 0.075 to 0.3 mm was used as silica sand replacement in cementitious composites incorporated fly ash and no coarse aggregate. Cube and prism specimens were prepared with four replacement ratios of 0, 25, 50, and 100% to evaluate the compressive strength, the modulus of rupture, and the expansion. The test results showed that 50% and 100% replacements of silica sand by fine glass enhanced both the compressive strength and the modulus of rupture. For mixtures with 100% fine recycle glass, the compressive strength and the modulus of rupture increased by 25% and 33.6%, respectively, compared to mixtures with 100% silica sand. Moreover, the expansion was found to be reduced by approximately 30% as the silica sand was fully replaced by fine glass.
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Efficacy of Hydrophobic Coatings in Protecting Oak Wood Surfaces during Accelerated Weathering

The durability of transparent coatings applied to an oak wood exterior is relatively low due to its anatomic structure and chemical composition. Enhancement of the protection of oak wood against weathering using transparent hydrophobic coatings is presented in this study. Oak wood surfaces were modified using UV-stabilizers, hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), and ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles before the application of a commercial hydrophobic topcoat. A transparent oil-based coating was used as a control coating system. The artificial weathering test lasted 6 weeks and colour, gloss, and contact angle changes were regularly evaluated during this period. The changes in the microscopic structure were studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results proved limited durability against weathering of both tested hydrophobic coatings. The formation of micro-cracks causing the leaching of degraded wood compounds and discolouration of oak wood were observed after 1 or 3 weeks of the weathering test. Until then, an oil-based coating film had protected the wood sufficiently, but after 6 weeks the wood was fully defoliated to its non-homogenous thickness, which was caused by the presence of large oak vessels, and by the effects of specific oak tannins. Using transparent hydrophobic coatings can prolong the service life of the exteriors of wood products by decreasing their moisture content. Without proper construction protection against rainwater, the hydrophobic coating itself cannot guarantee the preservation of the natural appearance of wood exteriors.
Responsiveness of the frontal EMG for monitoring the sedation state of critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND Excessive sedation is associated with adverse patient outcomes during critical illness, and a validated monitoring technology could improve care. We developed a novel method, the responsiveness index (RI) of the frontal EMG. We compared RI data with Ramsay clinical sedation assessments in general and cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS We developed the algorithm by iterative analysis of detailed observational data in 30 medical-surgical ICU patients and described its performance in this cohort and 15 patients recovering from scheduled cardiac surgery. Continuous EMG data were collected via frontal electrodes and RI data compared with modified Ramsay sedation state assessments recorded regularly by a blinded trained observer. RI performance was compared with Entropy™ across Ramsay categories to assess validity. RESULTS RI correlated well with the Ramsay category, especially for the cardiac surgery cohort (general ICU patients ρ=0.55; cardiac surgery patients ρ=0.85, both P<0.0001). Discrimination across all Ramsay categories was reasonable in the general ICU patient cohort [P(K)=0.74 (sem 0.02)] and excellent in the cardiac surgery cohort [P(K)=0.92 (0.02)]. Discrimination between 'lighter' vs 'deeper' (Ramsay 1-3 vs 4-6) was good for general ICU patients [P(K)=0.80 (0.02)] and excellent for cardiac surgery patients [P(K)=0.96 (0.02)]. Performance was significantly better than Entropy™. Examination of individual cases suggested good face validity. CONCLUSIONS RI of the frontal EMG has promise as a continuous sedation state monitor in critically ill patients. Further investigation to determine its utility in ICU decision-making is warranted.
Multiple micro-organisms in chalkbrood mummies: evidence and implications

SUMMARY The pathogenic fungus Ascosphaera apis is the causative agent of the brood disease chalkbrood in honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae. Infected, hardened larvae—in a powdered form—have been used to inoculate experimental honey bee colonies. While attempting to grow a pure isolate of A. apis from chalkbrood infected larvae, we discovered (via Gram staining and sequencing of the 5.8S rDNA region) that the inoculum also harbours many species of bacteria and additional species of fungi. Some of these fungi have been identified previously as antagonists of A. apis. It is not surprising that bacteria and fungi grow on dead bees; however, our data indicate that previous experiments intended to study the effects of A. apis in honey bees have rather studied the response of honey bees to a cocktail of fungal and bacterial agents. Accordingly, our results indicate that previous research on the A. apis-honey bee disease system was not specific to A. apis and raise the possibility that the observed honey bee response may have been muted, magnified, or both.
Comparison of biomass production and decomposition between Phragmites australis (common reed) and Spartina patens (salt hay grass) in brackish tidal marshes of New Jersey, USA

The recent expansion of Phragmites australis (common reed) from the marsh-upland interface into high marsh zones provides an opportunity to assess the impact of individual plant species on biomass production and decomposition in salt marshes. Seasonal harvests of aboveground and belowground biomass demonstrate that annual production of P. australis is approximately three times greater for aboveground biomass, two times greater for belowground biomass, and 30% lower in root: shoot ratio than neighboring populations of S. patens. Whole-plant litter (stems and leaves) also decomposes at a much slower annual rate for P. australis (k=0.25) than S. patents litter (k=0.57). By crossing litter type with site of litter decomposition, I found these plant species to influence decay rates through litter type and not through their effects on marsh surface conditions (e.g., temperature, sedimentation rates). Based on these calculations, annual rates of carbon accumulation in the peat of high marshes are likely to increase 5-fold once P. australis becomes established due to its greater rates of biomass production and residence time in infrequently flooded brackish marshes.
Heteroleptic Iron(III) Spin Crossover Complexes; Ligand Substitution Effects

Heteroleptic iron(III) complexes of formula [Fe(qsal-Cl)(thsa)]∙nMeCN have been synthesized; [Fe(qsal-Cl)(thsa)]∙MeCN, 1 and [Fe(qsal-Cl)(thsa)], 2. The latter can be obtained by slow evaporation of solutions of compound 1 under ambient conditions, a rare occurrence in nonporous compounds. 1 interestingly shows a unique magnetic profile over the de-solvation temperature range, 300-350 K, in the first cycle, and becomes stable after the third cycle with a hysteresis width of about 20 K. Different de-solvation techniques used on compound 1 give rise to various stable de-solvated phases. Consequently, distinct magnetic profiles, with a larger hysteresis width of about 30 K, are present. Cl substitution on the qsal− ligand introduces C–H∙∙∙Cl and P4AE interactions into the structure which are absent in the related unsubstituted compound, [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]∙0.5MeCN, 3. Comparisons in structural packing, as well as spin crossover properties between unsubstituted and Cl-substituted ligand compounds, are discussed.
The Effects of Magnetic Treatment on the Tribological Behavior of AISI 1045 Steel under Lubricated Conditions

ABSTRACT The mechanical and tribological properties of pulse-magnetized and untreated AISI 1045 steel were studied comparatively. The microhardness and microstructures of treated and untreated steel samples were analyzed to evaluate magnetic treatment effects on the mechanical properties. Dislocation densities were calculated from X-ray diffraction data according to the Williamson-Hall method. Tribological tests were conducted using a ball-on-disk reciprocating friction and wear tester. Scanning electron and energy-dispersive microscopies were used to analyze the morphologies and elements of worn surfaces. Dislocation densities of AISI 1045 steel were found to increase by 16.5% after magnetic treatment. Treated steel performed better under polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil lubrication with each of five additives, especially when oleic acid was 0.2 and 1.5% (by mass), and the wear scar width and friction coefficient of treated samples were 46.9 and 16.4% lower than those of the untreated samples, respectively. Morphological analyses indicated that micromagnetic fields generated during friction tests not only promoted oxidation of the worn surface and debris but also produced thinner tribofilms that included chemical and adsorbed films.
Latex allergen database

Two‐dimensional (2‐D) electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting and N‐terminal protein microsequencing were used to characterize and identify the IgE‐reactive proteins of Hevea latex that are the main cause of the latex type I allergy affecting especially health care workers and spina bifida children. This approach generated a comprehensive latex allergen database, which facilitated the integration of most of the latex allergen data presented in the literature. The major latex allergens Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 6 and Hev b 7 have been localized on our 2‐D maps. Moreover, we were able to identify six previously undescribed IgE‐binding latex proteins, namely enolase, superoxide dismutase, proteasome subunit C5, malate dehydrogenase, triosephosphate isomerase and endochitinase. The generated latex 2‐D maps will provide valuable information to develop strategies for the isolation of the novel IgE binding proteins in order to study the frequency of sensitization among both risk groups. Detailed knowledge of all proteins involved in latex allergy will allow better diagnosis of latex allergy and to monitor the success of prevention strategies that are needed to reduce the high prevalence of latex allergy among both risk groups.
How Intangible Dynamics Influence Firm Value

This paper analyzes the effect of changes in intangible assets on the relationship between the market value of a firm and its book value from a conservative accounting perspective. We find the value of intangible assets to have a positive association with the book value of operating assets and cash dividends. Firms with higher values related to intangible assets generally have more book value related to operation assets and cash dividends. Our evidence indicates that intangible assets are value relevant, i.e., they are associated with the market value of a firm.
MetalPDB in 2018: a database of metal sites in biological macromolecular structures

Abstract MetalPDB (http://metalweb.cerm.unifi.it/) is a database providing information on metal-binding sites detected in the three-dimensional (3D) structures of biological macromolecules. MetalPDB represents such sites as 3D templates, called Minimal Functional Sites (MFSs), which describe the local environment around the metal(s) independently of the larger context of the macromolecular structure. The 2018 update of MetalPDB includes new contents and tools. A major extension is the inclusion of proteins whose structures do not contain metal ions although their sequences potentially contain a known MFS. In addition, MetalPDB now provides extensive statistical analyses addressing several aspects of general metal usage within the PDB, across protein families and in catalysis. Users can also query MetalPDB to extract statistical information on structural aspects associated with individual metals, such as preferred coordination geometries or aminoacidic environment. A further major improvement is the functional annotation of MFSs; the annotation is manually performed via a password-protected annotator interface. At present, ∼50% of all MFSs have such a functional annotation. Other noteworthy improvements are bulk query functionality, through the upload of a list of PDB identifiers, and ftp access to MetalPDB contents, allowing users to carry out in-depth analyses on their own computational infrastructure.
Nano-patterned hydrogel reduced inflammatory effects in subcutaneous tissue

We present a nano-patterned poly-acrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel that can reduce inflammatory effects after subcutaneous implantation. Although hydrogel is considered as an excellent biomaterial for implants due to its biocompatibility, hydrogel still induces inflammation after implantation. To enhance biocompatibility for subcutaneous implantable sensors, we modified hydrogel surface with nano-patterns using simple molding process. To test the anti-inflammatory effect, we implanted the samples to rat's back. Since macrophages play an important role in the immune response and development of encapsulation after inflammation reaction, we counted macrophages neighboring the implanted nano-patterned hydrogels after 3 and 7 days and measured thickness of encapsulation after 21 days from implantation. We found that the sample with the line-and-space pattern of 600 nm in space successfully suppressed the inflammation reaction. Therefore, nano-patterned hydrogel is promising for long-term subcutaneous implantable sensors.
Dental implants three-dimensional position affected by late facial bone growth: follow-up of 12 to 15 years

Background The three-dimensional (3D) position of the osseointegrated dental implants provides favorable esthetical results and preserves the surrounding soft and hard tissues architecture in a long term analysis. However, recent studies demonstrate that the continued growth at adult life can also be noticed on the craniofacial skeleton. Therefore, considerable change may occur interfering on the relationship between a fix structure, the implant, and the adjacent teeth, with the possibility of forward and downward movement, due to the craniofacial growth. The question is: how long the harmonic relationship, previously established between the crown supported implant and natural teeth, is going to maintain esthetically pleasant? This article is based on three cases of adult patients with ages varying from 38 to 60 years old, when implants were inserted, and afterwards these patients were followed up during 12 to 15 years. It has been concluded that the continued craniofacial growth can lead to an infraocclusion of the implants–supported crown and to diasthem, which may negatively impact on both the aesthetics and the chewing quality.
Evaluating the crease recovery performance of woven fabrics considering bending behaviour in various directions

Abstract Since the woven fabric is used on the 3D body, it encounters bending deformation and crease in various directions. Due to the prominence of these deformations in the appearance of the garment, the inspection of bending and crease recovery behaviour of fabric in different directions needs to be considered. In this paper, the evaluation of bending rigidity and crease recovery of fabrics is carried out in various directions. Analysis of the results revealed that fabric-bending rigidity could be expressed as a sinusoidal function of sample orientation towards warp direction. For all the studied fabrics, from warp axis to bias direction, bending rigidity follows a descending trend, however; crease recovery angle has an ascending tendency. Reverse variations were achieved for both properties from bias direction to weft axis due to the variant warp and weft yarn contributions in each direction. Hence, the lowest bending rigidity was obtained in the bias direction (45°), while the highest crease recovery angle was recorded for the mentioned direction. Moreover, an exponential function is utilized to express the non-linear relation between bending rigidity and the crease recovery in different directions of the fabric. The statistical analysis of the results clarified that the effect of fabric direction and structural parameters on the bending and crease recovery behaviour is significant in the confidence range of 95%.
Aquaporins Mediate Silicon Transport in Humans

In animals, silicon is an abundant and differentially distributed trace element that is believed to play important biological functions. One would thus expect silicon concentrations in body fluids to be regulated by silicon transporters at the surface of many cell types. Curiously, however, and even though they exist in plants and algae, no such transporters have been identified to date in vertebrates. Here, we show for the first time that the human aquaglyceroporins, i.e., AQP3, AQP7, AQP9 and AQP10 can act as silicon transporters in both Xenopus laevis oocytes and HEK-293 cells. In particular, heterologously expressed AQP7, AQP9 and AQP10 are all able to induce robust, saturable, phloretin-sensitive silicon transport activity in the range that was observed for low silicon rice 1 (lsi1), a silicon transporter in plant. Furthermore, we show that the aquaglyceroporins appear as relevant silicon permeation pathways in both mice and humans based on 1) the kinetics of substrate transport, 2) their presence in tissues where silicon is presumed to play key roles and 3) their transcriptional responses to changes in dietary silicon. Taken together, our data provide new evidence that silicon is a potentially important biological element in animals and that its body distribution is regulated. They should open up original areas of investigations aimed at deciphering the true physiological role of silicon in vertebrates.
Minimal expression of blood group A antigen on thrombocytes from A2 individuals

Two multiply transfused group O patients developed refractoriness to random‐donor platelet transfusions. Both had high‐titer IgG antibodies to group A and B antigens. Subsequent transfusions with ABO‐compatible platelets were successful, suggesting that the ABO blood group system is significant in the development of refractoriness to platelet transfusions. By indirect immunofluorescence, the patients' IgG anti‐A reacted with platelets from group A1 donors but not with those from group A2 donors. A2 platelets were at least 38 times less efficient at adsorbing a mouse monoclonal anti‐A; the difference between the adsorbence capacities of A2 and O platelets was minimal. Transfusion of A2 platelets, unlike that of A1 platelets, effected a good increment in the platelet counts of these two patients. The results indicate that the expression of A2 antigen on platelets from A2 subjects is minimal.
Glucuronidation of Thyroxine in Human Liver, Jejunum, and Kidney Microsomes

Glucuronidation of thyroxine is a major metabolic pathway facilitating its excretion. In this study, we characterized the glucuronidation of thyroxine in human liver, jejunum, and kidney microsomes, and identified human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms involved in the activity. Human jejunum microsomes showed a lower Km value (24.2 μM) than human liver (85.9 μM) and kidney (53.3 μM) microsomes did. Human kidney microsomes showed a lower Vmax value (22.6 pmol/min/mg) than human liver (133.4 pmol/min/mg) and jejunum (184.6 pmol/min/mg) microsomes did. By scaling-up, the in vivo clearances in liver, intestine, and kidney were estimated to be 1440, 702, and 79 μl/min/kg body weight, respectively. Recombinant human UGT1A8 (108.7 pmol/min/unit), UGT1A3 (91.6 pmol/min/unit), and UGT1A10 (47.3 pmol/min/unit) showed high, and UGT1A1 (26.0 pmol/min/unit) showed moderate thyroxine glucuronosyltransferase activity. The thyroxine glucuronosyltransferase activity in microsomes from 12 human livers was significantly correlated with bilirubin O-glucuronosyltransferase (r = 0.855, p < 0.001) and estradiol 3-O-glucuronosyltransferase (r = 0.827, p < 0.0001) activities catalyzed by UGT1A1, indicating that the activity in human liver is mainly catalyzed by UGT1A1. Kinetic and inhibition analyses suggested that the thyroxine glucuronidation in human jejunum microsomes was mainly catalyzed by UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 and to a lesser extent by UGT1A1, and the activity in human kidney microsomes was mainly catalyzed by UGT1A7, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10. The changes of activities of these UGT1A isoforms via inhibition and induction by administered drugs as well as genetic polymorphisms may be a causal factor of interindividual differences in the plasma thyroxine concentration.
Baicalin influences the dendritic morphology of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats

Chronic stress models, established in adult Sprague-Dawley rats through a 14-day subcutaneous injection of 40 mg/kg corticosterone, once per day, were given a daily oral feeding of 50 mg/kg baicalin. The study was an attempt to observe the effect of baicalin on neurogenesis in chronically stressed rats. Results showed that subcutaneous injection of corticosterone significantly decreased the total number of doublecortin-positive neurons in the hippocampus. The reduced cell number caused by corticosterone was mainly due to the decrease of class II doublecortin-positive neurons, but the class I doublecortin-positive neurons were unaffected. Baicalin treatment increased the number of both class I and class II doublecortin-positive neurons. In addition, doublecortin-positive neurons showed less complexity in dendritic morphology after corticosterone injection, and this change was totally reversed by baicalin treatment. These findings suggest that baicalin exhibits a beneficial effect on adult neurogenesis.
Performance Evaluation of the Nios Architecture

In this paper we study the performance of the Nios architecture from Altera Corporation. Nios is a soft-core processor described in a Hardware Description Language (HDL), targeting Altera Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices for the implementation. We base our study on the UT Nios implementation of the Nios architecture developed at the University of Toronto. We explore how different pipeline organizations and other architectural parameters influence the performance of the UT Nios implementation, by using a simulation based methodology. For this purpose we developed a SimpleScalar model of the 32-bit Nios architecture, based on an existing model for the 16-bit Nios architecture. Our results indicate that the best performance is achieved using 4-stage pipelined