Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Model for Determining Tensile Strengths of Various Unidirectional Composites

Simultaneous fiber-failure (SFF) model that determines tensile strengths for various systems of unidirectional composites comprehensively is presented. The SFF derives the strength of unidirectional composites as a function of the single-fiber strength distribution, interfacial shear strength, and matrix strength. The point of the SFF is that a fiber group which is considered to be experiencing simultaneous fiber failures triggered by neighboring fiber failures is assumed to fail when the weakest fiber in the fiber group fails. We discuss a method to determine the magnitude of the fiber group for various systems of composites on a basis of whether a crack located near a bi-materials interface penetrates into another material or deflects along the interface. The SFF is established by integrating the magnitude of the simultaneous fiber failures into the conventional Global load sharing model.
Cross-Comparison of Three Electromyogram Decomposition Algorithms Assessed With Experimental and Simulated Data

The reliability of clinical and scientific information provided by algorithms that automatically decompose the electromyogram (EMG) depends on the algorithms' accuracies. We used experimental and simulated data to assess the agreement and accuracy of three publicly available decomposition algorithms-EMGlab (McGill , 2005) (single channel data only), Fuzzy Expert (Erim and Lim, 2008) and Montreal (Florestal , 2009). Data consisted of quadrifilar needle EMGs from the tibialis anterior of 12 subjects at 10%, 20% and 50% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC); single channel needle EMGs from the biceps brachii of 10 controls and 10 patients during contractions just above threshold; and matched simulated data. Performance was assessed via agreement between pairs of algorithms for experimental data and accuracy with respect to the known decomposition for simulated data. For the quadrifilar experimental data, median agreements between the Montreal and Fuzzy Expert algorithms at 10%, 20%, and 50% MVC were 95%, 86%, and 64%, respectively. For the single channel control and patient data, median agreements between the three algorithm pairs were statistically similar at ~ 97% and ~ 92%, respectively. Accuracy on the simulated data exceeded this performance. Agreement/accuracy was strongly related to the Decomposability Index (Florestal , 2009). When agreement was high between algorithm pairs applied to simulated data, so was accuracy.
Appendix J: Anvil Glaciation in a Deep Cumulus Updraught over Florida Simulated with the Explicit Microphysics Model. I: Impact of Various Nucleation Processes

Cows and Fish (2001) identified the need and potential to recover shrub communities, particularly the dominant sandbar willow community, for livestock forage, shelter and flood protection along Nose Creek and West Nose Creek. In West Nose Creek, there were many tree and shrub communities that indicate the potential for restoring these communities. The goal would be to achieve this healthy condition in those sites that do not have tree and shrub communities or have them in lesser numbers and poorer health.
Error correction strategies for wireless ATM

Forward error correction coding (FEC) is a widely used method to improve transmission quality in modern communication systems. This paperpresents some aspects on the application of advanced error correction con cepts to recent wireless ATM developments. The target bit error rate and the mapping of the wireless connection quality to the ATM service classes are discussed. Some considerations on the issue of code selection with respect to block size, scalability, complexity and performance are presented. We propose methodsfor comparing the performance of codes at the example of various convolutional codes and Reed-Solomon codes. The impact of the radio environment on the FEC codes is addressed and the code performance is evaluated by simulations using a Gilbert Elliott channel model.
Research Paper: The Canon Group's Effort: Working Toward a Merged Model

OBJECTIVE To develop a representational schema for clinical data for use in exchanging data and applications, using a collaborative approach. DESIGN Representational models for clinical radiology were independently developed manually by several Canon Group members who had diverse application interests, using sample reports. These models were merged into one common model through an iterative process by means of workshops, meetings, and electronic mail. RESULTS A core merged model for radiologic findings present in a set of reports that subsumed the models that were developed independently. CONCLUSIONS The Canon Group's modeling effort focused on a collaborative approach to developing a representational schema for clinical concepts, using chest radiography reports as the initial experiment. This effort resulted in a core model that represents a consensus. Further efforts in modeling will extend the representational coverage and will also address issues such as scalability, automation, evaluation, and support of the collaborative effort.
The Experimental Study on Consolidation of Acrylic Non-Aqueous Dispersion for Kiln Qionglai Monuments in Chengdu, China

It is difficult to preserve earth monument in wet area. To solve this problem, a Chinese scholar, professor Zhou Shuanglin, developed a consolidation agent named acrylic non-aqueous dispersion. But the study on this consolidation agent is still in its initial stage, most of its experimental researches are limited to northwest china and no research reports aimed at southwest China wet area were found so far. To check out the efficiency of this consolidation agent in wet area, southwest China, a consolidating experiment was conducted by applying this consolidation agent to soil samples from kiln Qionglai earthen monuments located in outskirt of Chengdu city, the capital of Sichuan province. In this experiment, the changes of color, compressive strength and hydrolysis resistance of specimens after consolidating were investigated and compared with those for northwest area. The study shows that acrylic non-aqueous dispersion consolidation agent developed by professor Zhou Shuanglin is also effective to a certain degree for the earth monument in wet area, southwest China.
Fractured tonotopy of functional neural clusters in mouse auditory cortex

The degree of order versus randomness in mammalian cortical circuits has been the subject of much discussion. Previous reports showed that at a large scale there is smooth tonotopy in mouse auditory cortex, while at the single neuron level the representation is the traditional “salt and pepper” configuration attributed to rodent cortex. Here we show that at the micro columnar scale we find a large variety of response profiles, but neurons tend to share similar preference in terms of frequency, bandwidth and latency. However, this smooth representation was fractured and large differences were possible between neighbouring neurons. Despite the tendency of most groups of neurons to operate redundantly, high information gains were achieved between cells that had a high signal correlation. Connectivity between neurons was highly non-random, in agreement with a previous in-vitro report from layer five. Our results suggest the existence of functional clusters, connecting neighbouring mini-columns. This supports the idea of a “salt and pepper” configuration at the level of functional clusters of neurons rather than single units.
Nevirapine resistance mutations of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 selected during therapy

Drug susceptibility and mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene were analyzed with 167 virus isolates from 38 patients treated with nevirapine, a potent nonnucleoside inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RT. Resistant isolates emerged quickly and uniformly in all patients administered nevirapine either as monotherapy or in combination with zidovudine (AZT). Resistance developed as early as 1 week, indicating rapid turnover of the virus population. The development of resistance was associated with the loss of antiviral drug activity as measured by CD4 lymphocyte counts and levels of HIV p24 antigen and RNA in serum. In addition to mutations at amino acid residues 103, 106, and 181 that had been identified by selection in cell culture, mutations at residues 108, 188, and 190 were also found in the patient isolates. Sequences from patient clones documented cocirculating mixtures of populations of different mutants. The most common mutation with monotherapy, tyrosine to cysteine at residue 181, was prevented from emerging by coadministration of AZT, which resulted in the selection of alternative mutations. The observations documented that, under selective drug pressure, the circulating virus population can change rapidly, and many alternative mutants can emerge, often in complex mixtures. The addition of a second RT inhibitor, AZT, significantly altered the pattern of mutations in the circulating population of HIV.
Carnivore Translocations and Conservation: Insights from Population Models and Field Data for Fishers (Martes pennanti)

Translocations are frequently used to restore extirpated carnivore populations. Understanding the factors that influence translocation success is important because carnivore translocations can be time consuming, expensive, and controversial. Using population viability software, we modeled reintroductions of the fisher, a candidate for endangered or threatened status in the Pacific states of the US. Our model predicts that the most important factor influencing successful re-establishment of a fisher population is the number of adult females reintroduced (provided some males are also released). Data from 38 translocations of fishers in North America, including 30 reintroductions, 5 augmentations and 3 introductions, show that the number of females released was, indeed, a good predictor of success but that the number of males released, geographic region and proximity of the source population to the release site were also important predictors. The contradiction between model and data regarding males may relate to the assumption in the model that all males are equally good breeders. We hypothesize that many males may need to be released to insure a sufficient number of good breeders are included, probably large males. Seventy-seven percent of reintroductions with known outcomes (success or failure) succeeded; all 5 augmentations succeeded; but none of the 3 introductions succeeded. Reintroductions were instrumental in reestablishing fisher populations within their historical range and expanding the range from its most-contracted state (43% of the historical range) to its current state (68% of the historical range). To increase the likelihood of translocation success, we recommend that managers: 1) release as many fishers as possible, 2) release more females than males (55–60% females) when possible, 3) release as many adults as possible, especially large males, 4) release fishers from a nearby source population, 5) conduct a formal feasibility assessment, and 6) develop a comprehensive implementation plan that includes an active monitoring program.
Etiological classification and clinical research on community-acquired pneumonia in Yantai, China

This study aimed to determine the distribution of pathogens and drug-resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in cases of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). A total of 128 CAP patients were selected for pathogen detection. Testing was performed for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella urinary antigens, and bacterial sputum culture was performed. Throat swab samples were taken from all patients for culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for M. pneumoniae and viruses. Paired sera were used to test for M. pneumoniae antibodies. Of 128 cases, 79 tested positive for pathogens. M. pneumoniae was the most common pathogen, with a positive rate of 35.16% (45 cases), followed by viruses, with a positive rate of 30.16% (38 cases); bacteria accounted for a small proportion, with a positive rate of 13.28% (17 cases). M. pneumoniae infection played an important role in CAP, but the proportion of viral pneumonia was also significant. The rate of M. pneumoniae resistance to macrolides was 100% and should be considered when preparing the treatment plan.
A Publication of the Association of Management PERSONALIZATION SYSTEMS FOR DECISIONS INVOLVING RISK : THE INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF USER PERSONALITY AND SUGGESTIVE GUIDANCE

This study designs and tests a personalization system that considers the interactive effects of user personality and suggestive guidance in a decision-making situation involving risk. The system suggests a specific course of action that varies in congruency with the users’ natural risk taking tendencies. Findings suggest that when the system suggests a risk-seeking course of action, both high and low propensity users assume greater risks, with high risk propensity users taking significantly greater risks than low risk propensity users. Regardless of risk propensity, however, all users make conservative decisions when the system suggests a risk-averse course of action. Providing mismatched offerings to risk-seeking users nullifies the effects of risk propensity. The modality of suggestive guidance embedded in a personalization system influences the decisions of different personality types in unique ways. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
In utero cigarette smoke exposure impairs somatic and lung growth in BALB/c mice

The aim of this study was to assess whether in utero tobacco smoke exposure alone affects early-life lung growth and development. Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to cigarette smoke from six cigarettes per day, or air, from day 8 to 20 of gestation. At 2 weeks of age, pups were weighed and had their lung volumes and lung mechanics measured. Pups born from mothers exposed to cigarette smoke (CS pups; n=17) were significantly lighter (6.76±0.76 versus 7.72±0.68 g) and had lower lung volumes (0.123±0.02 versus 0.149±0.02 mL) than control pups (n=20). Respiratory mechanics were adversely impacted by cigarette smoke exposure. CS pups had higher baseline airway resistance, tissue damping and tissue elastance. These differences were largely due to lower lung volumes. Both tissue damping and elastance were increased excessively in CS pups at high transrespiratory pressures, while other parameters were not affected. There were no histological differences between groups. In utero tobacco smoke exposure significantly affects growth and development in BALB/c mice. These impacts may partially explain the susceptibility of infants born to smoking mothers to early respiratory disease and chronic respiratory disease as adults.
Assessment of attitudes and practices of young Malaysian adults about antibiotics use: a cross-sectional study

Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the practices and attitudes of young Malaysian adults towards the use of antibiotics, and to determine the socioeconomic factors associated with the antibiotic use. Methods: A survey was carried in Cheras community by approaching a conveniently selected sample of 480 participants. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Result: Of 480 participants approached, 400 agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 83.3%. The study results showed that 42.75% of the participants exhibited poor attitudes towards antibiotic usage. Chinese race and high income were significantly associated with the positive attitudes towards antibiotic usage. It is shown that the practice of the participants towards antibiotics was relatively poor. The majority of participants agreed that they do not consult a doctor for minor illnesses (64%). The main reason for not consulting a doctor was the high fees of consultation (34.25%) and the inconvenience of visit (29.25%). However, a large proportion of respondents (77.5%) agreed that there is a need to enhance antibiotic education among public. Conclusion: The study results identified some crucial gaps in the attitudes and practices of Cheras community about the use of antibiotics. Thus, improving the public knowledge and changing their attitude towards antibiotic use along with proper interventions to regulate the ease of their availability would play a significant role for the effective use of antibiotics in the community.
Weight loss is not mandatory for exercise-induced effects on health indices in females with metabolic syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of moderate aerobic training on functional, anthropometric, biochemical, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) parameters on women with metabolic syndrome (MS). Fifteen untrained women with MS performed moderate aerobic training for 15 weeks, without modifications of dietary behaviours. Functional, anthropometric, biochemical, control diet record and HRQOL parameters were assessed before and after the training. Despite body weight maintenance, the patients presented decreases in waist circumference (P = 0.001), number of MS components (P = 0.014), total cholesterol (P = 0.049), HDL cholesterol (P = 0.004), LDL cholesterol (P = 0.027), myeloperoxidase activity (P = 0.002) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels (P = 0.006). There were no differences in total energy, carbohydrate, protein and lipid intake pre- and post-training. Furthermore, improvements in the HRQOL subscales of physical functioning (P = 0.03), role-physical (P = 0.039), bodily pain (P = 0.048), general health (P = 0.046) and social functioning scoring (P = 0.011) were reported. Despite the absence of weight loss, aerobic training induced beneficial effects on functional, anthropometric, biochemical and HRQOL parameters in women with MS.
Early Stent Thrombosis and Mortality After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Patient-Level Analysis of 2 Randomized Trials

Background—Early stent thrombosis (ST) within 30 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is a serious event. We sought to determine the predictors of and risk of mortality after early ST according to procedural antithrombotic therapy. Methods and Results—In a patient-level pooled analysis from the Harmonizing Outcomes With Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction (HORIZONS-AMI) and European Ambulance Acute Coronary Syndrome Angiography (EUROMAX) trials, we examined 30-day outcomes in 4935 patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation at 188 international sites, randomized to either bivalirudin or heparin±a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI). Early ST occurred in 100 patients (2.0%), 20 of whom (20.0%) died. Bivalirudin was associated with higher rates of early ST compared with heparin±GPI (2.5% versus 1.6%, P=0.04), because of more acute (⩽24 h) ST (1.5% versus 0.2%, P<0.0001), with the risk limited to the first 4 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention. The rates of subacute (1–30 days) ST were similar with bivalirudin and heparin±GPI (1.0% versus 1.4%, P=0.24). Among patients with early ST, mortality within 30 days occurred in 4 of 60 (6.7%) bivalirudin-treated patients compared with 16 of 40 (40.0%) heparin±GPI–treated patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.04–0.39; P=0.0004 and adjusted hazard ratio, 0.122; 95% CI, 0.04–0.39; P=0. 0004). Thus, 30-day mortality attributable to early ST occurred in 4 of 2479 (0.2%) bivalirudin-treated patients versus 16 of 2456 (0.7%) heparin±GPI–treated patients (P=0.007). Conclusions—In the present large-scale pooled analysis from 2 multicenter randomized trials, early ST was more frequent in patients treated with bivalirudin compared with heparin±GPI because of increased ST within 4 hours after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the mortality attributable to early ST was significantly lower after bivalirudin than after heparin±GPI. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00433966 (HORIZONS-AMI) and NCT01087723 (EUROMAX).
A new model for optimizing the water acquisition of root hydraulic architectures over full crop cycles

Drought stress is one of the most significant environmental stress in agriculture worldwide and is even expected to become more and more severe in many regions of the globe. In this context, the concept of ideotypes (plant with ideal traits that is expected to yield a greater quantity or quality of product when developed as a cultivar) opens new avenues for breeding as shown by the results of plant model simulations. However currently root system ideotypes lack quantitative traits and moreover cannot perform optimally in every single environment. We present here a physically-based model of the water flow in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum working at the plant scale capable of efficiently simulating the root water uptake of growing crops over full crop cycles as well as other environmental flow (rain, irrigation, evapotranspiration). It is adapted to discriminate genotypes/ideotypes performance in any environment. In a simulation study we analyze the ability of maize root cultivars to maintain their transpiration under two management practices in two different environments.
Making Sense of It All? Cognitive and Behavioral Mechanisms Needing Clarification in the Meaning Maintenance Model

It goes without saying that meaning, and maintaining it, is core to our existence. As such, studies of meaning and its maintenance reach far and wide, as Travis Proulx and Michael Inzlicht (this issue) eruditely review in their target article. Examples of sense-making and its mechanisms abound in all sorts of disciplines and can be readily found in popular press outlets. The July 23, 2012, edition of the New Yorker magazine, for instance, included a six-page article on forensic linguistics—the application of linguistic analysis to written and spoken evidence in legal cases—and at the center of the article was meaning maintenance:
Plasma fatty acid composition and incidence of diabetes in middle-aged adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

BACKGROUND The results of some epidemiologic studies conducted by using questionnaires suggest that dietary fat composition influences diabetes risk. Confirmation of this finding with use of a biomarker is warranted. OBJECTIVE We prospectively investigated the relation of plasma cholesterol ester (CE) and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition with the incidence of diabetes mellitus. DESIGN In 2909 adults aged 45-64 y, plasma fatty acid composition was quantified by using gas-liquid chromatography and was expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Incident diabetes (n = 252) was identified during 9 y of follow-up. RESULTS After adjustment for age, sex, baseline body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, physical activity, education, and parental history of diabetes, diabetes incidence was significantly and positively associated with the proportions of total saturated fatty acids in plasma CE and PL. The rate ratios of incident diabetes across quintiles of saturated fatty acids were 1.00, 1.36, 1.16, 1.60, and 2.08 (P = 0.0013) in CE and 1.00, 1.75, 1.87, 2.40, and 3.37 (P < 0.0001) in PL. In CE, the incidence of diabetes was also positively associated with the proportions of palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1n-7), and dihomo-gamma-linolenic (20:3n-6) acids and inversely associated with the proportion of linoleic acid (18:2n-6). In PL, incident diabetes was positively associated with the proportions of 16:0 and stearic acid (18:0). CONCLUSIONS The proportional saturated fatty acid composition of plasma is positively associated with the development of diabetes. Our findings with the use of this biomarker suggest indirectly that the dietary fat profile, particularly that of saturated fat, may contribute to the etiology of diabetes.