Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circular EC 170 Nanotechnology in Concrete Materials A Synopsis

is to provide leadership in transportation innovation and progress through research and information exchange, conducted within a setting that is objective, interdisciplinary, and multimodal. The Transportation Research Board is distributing this Circular to make the information contained herein available for use by individual practitioners in state and local transportation agencies, researchers in academic institutions, and other members of the transportation research community. The information in this circular was taken directly from the submission of the authors. iii Preface he mechanical behavior of concrete materials depends to a great extent on structural elements and phenomena which are effective on a micro-and nanoscale. The ability to target material modification at the nanostructural level promises to deliver the optimization of material behavior and performance needed to improve significantly the mechanical performance, volume change properties, durability, and sustainability of concrete. This synopsis is written to assist in the identification of promising new research and innovations in concrete materials using nanotechnology that can result in improved mechanical properties, volume change properties, durability, and sustainability. This publication was developed both for the practitioner who wants a general knowledge of how nanotechnology can shape—and is shaping—the future and for the academician who is interested in a compilation of the latest research including detailed references related to nanotechnology in concrete. Parts 1, 3, and 4 are on a level that can be comprehended by a reader who has no background in nanotechnology. Part 1 is a general overview for practitioner and academician alike. Part 3 highlights some of the current implementation case studies, and Part 4 identifies some of the challenges and sets a course for future direction. In Part 2, at the front of each of the main sections is a general description for the practitioner. The body of the section details the state of the art in research and technology in nanotechnology. This synergy of practical needs and future vision will change the future of concrete construction in the transportation industry.
Genetic Determinants for Pyomelanin Production and Its Protective Effect against Oxidative Stress in Ralstonia solanacearum

Ralstonia solanacearum is a soil-borne plant pathogen that infects more than 200 plant species. Its broad host range and long-term survival under different environmental stress conditions suggest that it uses a variety of mechanisms to protect itself against various types of biotic and abiotic stress. R. solanacearum produces a melanin-like brown pigment in the stationary phase when grown in minimal medium containing tyrosine. To gain deeper insight into the genetic determinants involved in melanin production, transposon-inserted mutants of R. solanacearum strain SL341 were screened for strains with defective melanin-producing capability. In addition to one mutant already known to be involved in pyomelanin production (viz., strain SL341D, with disruption of the hydroxphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene), we identified three other mutants with disruption in the regulatory genes rpoS, hrpG, and oxyR, respectively. Wild-type SL341 produced pyomelanin in minimal medium containing tyrosine whereas the mutant strains did not. Likewise, homogentisate, a major precursor of pyomelanin, was detected in the culture filtrate of the wild-type strain but not in those of the mutant strains. A gene encoding hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase exhibited a significant high expression in wild type SL341 compared to other mutant strains, suggesting that pyomelanin production is regulated by three different regulatory proteins. However, analysis of the gene encoding homogentisate dioxygenase revealed no significant difference in its relative expression over time in the wild-type SL341 and mutant strains, except for SL341D, at 72 h incubation. The pigmented SL341 strain also exhibited a high tolerance to hydrogen peroxide stress compared with the non-pigmented SL341D strain. Our study suggests that pyomelanin production is controlled by several regulatory factors in R. solanacearum to confer protection under oxidative stress.
Muscle Mechanoreflex and Metaboreflex Responses After Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Background—During exercise, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and blood pressure and heart rate increase. In heart failure (HF), the muscle metaboreceptor contribution to sympathetic outflow is attenuated and the mechanoreceptor contribution is accentuated. Previous studies suggest that (1) capsaicin stimulates muscle metabosensitive vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1), inducing a neurally mediated pressor response, and (2) activation of ATP-sensitive P2X receptors enhances the pressor response seen when muscle mechanoreceptors are engaged by muscle stretch. Thus, we hypothesized that the pressor response to VR1 stimulation would be smaller and the sensitizing effects of P2X stimulation greater in rats with HF due to chronic myocardial infarction (MI) than in controls. Methods and Results—Eight to 14 weeks after coronary ligation, rats with infarcts >35% had an increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and a marked increase in heart weight. Capsaicin injected into the arterial supply of the hindlimb increased blood pressure by 39% (baseline, 93.9±9.5 mm Hg) in control animals but only by 8% (baseline, 94.8±10.1 mm Hg) in rats with large MIs (P<0.05). P2X receptor stimulation by &agr;,&bgr;-methylene ATP enhanced the pressor response to muscle stretch by 42% in control animals and by 72% in rats with large MIs (P<0.05). Conclusions—Compared with control animals, cardiovascular responses to VR1 stimulation are blunted and P2X-mediated responses are augmented in rats with HF owing to large MIs.
Oligomerization status influences subcellular deposition and glycosylation of recombinant butyrylcholinesterase in Nicotiana benthamiana

Plants have a proven track record for the expression of biopharmaceutically interesting proteins. Importantly, plants and mammals share a highly conserved secretory pathway that allows similar folding, assembly and posttranslational modifications of proteins. Human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a highly sialylated, tetrameric serum protein, investigated as a bioscavenger for organophosphorous nerve agents. Expression of recombinant BChE (rBChE) in Nicotiana benthamiana results in accumulation of both monomers as well as assembled oligomers. In particular, we show here that co-expression of BChE with a novel gene-stacking vector, carrying six mammalian genes necessary for in planta protein sialylation, resulted in the generation of rBChE decorated with sialylated N-glycans. The N-glycosylation profile of monomeric rBChE secreted to the apoplast largely resembles the plasma-derived orthologue. In contrast, rBChE purified from total soluble protein extracts was decorated with a significant portion of ER-typical oligomannosidic structures. Biochemical analyses and live-cell imaging experiments indicated that impaired N-glycan processing is due to aberrant deposition of rBChE oligomers in the endoplasmic reticulum or endoplasmic-reticulum-derived compartments. In summary, we show the assembly of rBChE multimers, however, also points to the need for in-depth studies to explain the unexpected subcellular targeting of oligomeric BChE in plants.
Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in self-reported rural population with diabetes.

BACKGROUND Diabetes and its related microvascular complications like diabetic retinopathy (DR) are showing increased prevalence in India. However, the magnitude of DR in rural population with diabetes needs exploration. AIM To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy in the self-reported rural population with diabetes. SETTINGS AND DESIGN In a cross-sectional study, a total of 26,519 participants (age >or= 30 years) attended 198 diabetic retinopathy screening camps conducted in three southern districts of Tamilnadu, India, between February 2004 and April 2006. MATERIALS AND METHODS All the participants underwent a dilated eye examination to detect DR by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Systemic and ocular risk factor estimation was done in a comprehensive examination. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Univariate and stepwise regression analyses were done to identify the independent risk factors associated with the presence and severity of retinopathy. RESULTS The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 17.6% among the self-reported rural population with diabetes. The prevalence of referable (sight threatening) retinopathy was 5.3%. Risk factors associated with the development of any DR were male gender (OR= 1.37), longer duration of diabetes (per year, OR= 1.07), lean body mass index (OR= 1.30), higher systolic blood pressure (per 10 mm Hg, OR= 1.18), and insulin treatment (OR= 1.34; P P CONCLUSION: The study identified risk factors associated with DR in the rural population with diabetes. The results suggested that there was a need for formulating effective preventive strategies to minimize avoidable blindness due to diabetes, in rural areas.
Emosieregulering in reaksie op die blokkering van belangrike lewensdoelwitte by jong volwassenes

The aim of this study is to identify critical factors in the emotional regulation of young adults in reaction to goals in life that are blocked. An availability sample of 77 young adults, between the ages of 20 and 30 years, took part in the study. Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA), was applied to identify critical factors in emotional regulation, as observed by the participants, as well as the relations between these critical factors and lastly, to develop a model for emotional regulation in young adults. Eight themes are identified, and out of 56 possible cause-and-effect relations between these themes, 24, which explain 74.84% of the variance, were used in the development of the model. The findings support the literature in terms of the fact that emotions serve as an internal feedback process that provides feedback to the individual about the success and quality of achieving his or her goals, while new possibilities for the further exploration of emotional regulation also became evident.
Salivary stress markers, stress, and periodontitis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Some cross-sectional and longitudinal studies attempted to link periodontitis with stress. To our knowledge, only one small study was published on the mechanism by which stress may influence periodontal diseases, suggesting behavioral and physiologic mechanisms and investigating the role of inflammation as a potential mediator. The present study is planned to explore the associations among periodontal disease, psychologic factors, and salivary markers of stress, psychoneuroimmunologic variables, and health behaviors. METHODS One hundred periodontitis patients were selected, and participants provided information on general health, chronic stress, and demographics. Stress markers (choromogranin A, cortisol, α-amylase, and β-endorphin) were measured from saliva. A dentist assessed the presence of dental plaque on lingual and buccal surfaces, the gingival index, and the number of remaining teeth with periodontal disease. RESULTS Stress and salivary stress markers were significantly correlated with clinical parameters of periodontal disease (ranging from 0.19 to 0.59; P <0.001). Neglecting to brush teeth during stress was associated with missing teeth. After adjusting for stress variables, salivary cortisol and β-endorphin were significantly associated with tooth loss and periodontal clinical parameters (P <0.001; R(2) = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that stress might be associated with periodontal disease through physiologic and behavioral mechanisms. In making diagnoses of psychiatric patients, the association between salivary stress markers and periodontal disease needs to be included. Further exploration of relationships between periodontitis and stress is warranted.
Intraindividual Reaction Time Variability, Falls, and Gait in Old Age: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES Intraindividual variability (IIV) refers to the variation in reaction time (RT) performance across a given cognitive task. As greater IIV may reflect compromise of the frontal circuitry implicated in falls and gait impairment in older adults, we conducted a systematic review of the literature relating to this issue. METHODS Searches were conducted of electronic databases that identified empirical investigations of IIV, falls, and gait in older adult samples with a mean age of 65 years or older. Data were extracted relating to IIV measures, study population, and outcomes. RESULTS Of 433 studies initially identified, 9 met inclusion criteria for IIV and falls (n = 5), and gait (n = 4). Representing a total of 2,810 older participants, all of the studies of IIV and falls showed that elevated variability was associated with increased risk of falling, and half of the studies of gait indicated greater IIV was related to gait impairment. DISCUSSION Across studies, IIV measures were consistently associated with falls in older persons and demonstrated some potential in relation to gait. IIV metrics may, therefore, have considerable potential in clinical contexts and supplement existing test batteries in the assessment of falls risk and gait impairment in older populations.
A comparison of motor imagery performance in children with spastic hemiplegia and developmental coordination disorder

Individuals with hemiplegia have difficulty planning movements, which may stem from deficits in motor imagery ability. We explored motor imagery ability in three groups of 21 children, aged 8–12 years: children with hemiplegia; children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD); and a comparison group. They completed two tasks requiring laterality judgments of body parts—hand and whole-body rotation. Accuracy in both was reduced for the motor-impaired groups, and response time was atypical for the whole-body task. This suggests that motor imagery deficits exist in children with hemiplegia and DCD, supporting previous findings that planning deficits in hemiplegia may result from deficits in motor imagery.
Reduced gray matter volume in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND There is emerging evidence that gray matter (GM) is reduced in patients with schizophrenia. Information on the extent of global differences in the 3 principal supertentorial compartments is necessary for interpretation of regional effects. The relation of GM reduction to clinical status and neurocognition also requires examination. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging, neurocognitive measures, and clinical assessment of symptoms and functioning were obtained for 130 patients (51 neuroleptic naive, 79 previously treated) and 130 healthy controls (75 men, 55 women in each group). RESULTS Overall GM volume was reduced in patients compared with controls. This was evident in men (6% reduction) and women (2% reduction) and was already evident at the first presentation of neuroleptic-naive patients. The reduction sustained correction for age and total intracranial volume. Compartmental volumes did not correlate with the severity of positive (r, -0.08 to 0.23) or negative (r, -0.01 to -0.07) symptoms, but GM volume was associated with better premorbid functioning in women (r, 0.36-0.51). Small but significant correlations (r, 0.19-0.44) were observed between GM volume and performance in 6 neurocognitive domains. These correlations varied by diagnosis, most higher in patients, and were moderated by sex. CONCLUSIONS Gray matter volume reduction in schizophrenia is already evident in men and women at first presentation. While this reduction is not correlated with symptom severity, it is associated with cognitive performance. Since GM development accelerates in the later part of gestation, while white matter growth is primarily postnatal, the results may support the hypothesis that neurodevelopmental processes relate to GM deficit.
Completion and Reconstruction with Primitive Shapes

We consider the problem of reconstruction from incomplete point‐clouds. To find a closed mesh the reconstruction is guided by a set of primitive shapes which has been detected on the input point‐cloud (e.g. planes, cylinders etc.). With this guidance we not only continue the surrounding structure into the holes but also synthesize plausible edges and corners from the primitives' intersections. To this end we give a surface energy functional that incorporates the primitive shapes in a guiding vector field. The discretized functional can be minimized with an efficient graph‐cut algorithm. A novel greedy optimization strategy is proposed to minimize the functional under the constraint that surface parts corresponding to a given primitive must be connected. From the primitive shapes our method can also reconstruct an idealized model that is suitable for use in a CAD system.
On the endpoint maps of fully nonlinear control systems that use locally Lp controls

We show that the endpoint maps of certain time-dependent fully nonlinear control systems have high-order differentiability properties. We then derive a closed-form expression for the differentials of these maps. The systems we consider evolve on manifolds, and use locally Lp controls, where p ≥ 1. Control-affine systems, possibly time-dependent, constitute a special case.
IZA Discussion Paper No. 12

Determinants of International Migration: Empirical Evidence for Migration from Developing Countries to Germany* By means of a descriptive survey of theoretical literature the paper first works out the potential determinants that may drive international migration from developing to developed countries. Furthermore, we look on the relationship between trade, development and migration. Empirical studies focusing on international migration from LDCs so far are very scarce. The paper utilizes a new dataset that is based on migration from 86 African and Asian countries to Germany. Information is available on overall moves (1981-1995) and asylum migration (1984-1995). The estimation results confirm the importance of the economic differential between countries for migration, the existence of an inverse u-shaped relationship between development and migration, as well as the importance of the political situation in sending countries and of network effects. JEL Classification: F22, O15, O19
Gut microbiota of the pine weevil degrades conifer diterpenes and increases insect fitness

The pine weevil (Hylobius abietis), a major pest of conifer forests throughout Europe, feeds on the bark and cambium, tissues rich in terpenoid resins that are toxic to many insect herbivores. Here we report the ability of the pine weevil gut microbiota to degrade the diterpene acids of Norway spruce. The diterpene acid levels present in ingested bark were substantially reduced on passage through the pine weevil gut. This reduction was significantly less upon antibiotic treatment, and supplementing the diet with gut suspensions from untreated insects restored the ability to degrade diterpenes. In addition, cultured bacteria isolated from pine weevil guts were shown to degrade a Norway spruce diterpene acid. In a metagenomic survey of the insect’s bacterial community, we were able to annotate several genes of a previously described diterpene degradation (dit) gene cluster. Antibiotic treatment disrupted the core bacterial community of H. abietis guts and eliminated nearly all dit-genes concordant with its reduction of diterpene degradation. Pine weevils reared on an artificial diet spiked with diterpenes, but without antibiotics, were found to lay more eggs with a higher hatching rate than weevils raised on diets with antibiotics or without diterpenes. These results suggest that gut symbionts contribute towards host fitness, but not by detoxification of diterpenes, since these compounds do not show toxic effects with or without antibiotics. Rather the ability to thrive in a terpene rich environment appears to allow gut microbes to benefit the weevil in other ways, such as increasing the nutritional properties of their diet.
Elevated plasma levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in diabetic patients with microalbuminuria: a marker of vascular dysfunction and progressive vascular disease

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which accumulate in diabetic vasculature, result in enhanced expression of endothelial cell‐associated vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) as well release of a soluble form of VCAM‐1 (sVCAM‐1) into culture supernatants. We hypothesized that sVCAM‐1 in diabetic plasma might reflect early vascular perturbation in diabetic vasculopathy. Diabetic patients with microalbuminuria, a group with a high incidence of vascular complications, had increased plasma levels of sVCAM‐1, ∼1.5‐fold greater than diabetic patients without microalbuminuria; P < 0.05. sVCAM‐1 may be an indicator of ongoing cellular dysfunction in diabetes, as well as a dynamic surrogate marker for the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Feedforward object-vision models only tolerate small image variations compared to human

Invariant object recognition is a remarkable ability of primates' visual system that its underlying mechanism has constantly been under intense investigations. Computational modeling is a valuable tool toward understanding the processes involved in invariant object recognition. Although recent computational models have shown outstanding performances on challenging image databases, they fail to perform well in image categorization under more complex image variations. Studies have shown that making sparse representation of objects by extracting more informative visual features through a feedforward sweep can lead to higher recognition performances. Here, however, we show that when the complexity of image variations is high, even this approach results in poor performance compared to humans. To assess the performance of models and humans in invariant object recognition tasks, we built a parametrically controlled image database consisting of several object categories varied in different dimensions and levels, rendered from 3D planes. Comparing the performance of several object recognition models with human observers shows that only in low-level image variations the models perform similar to humans in categorization tasks. Furthermore, the results of our behavioral experiments demonstrate that, even under difficult experimental conditions (i.e., briefly presented masked stimuli with complex image variations), human observers performed outstandingly well, suggesting that the models are still far from resembling humans in invariant object recognition. Taken together, we suggest that learning sparse informative visual features, although desirable, is not a complete solution for future progresses in object-vision modeling. We show that this approach is not of significant help in solving the computational crux of object recognition (i.e., invariant object recognition) when the identity-preserving image variations become more complex.