Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional SGBEM-FEM Alternating Method for Analyzing Fatigue-Crack Growth in and the Life of Attachment Lugs

AbstractIn the present paper, stress intensity factor (SIF) analyses and fatigue-crack-growth simulations of corner cracks emanating from loaded pinholes of attachment lugs in structural assemblies are carried out for different load cases. A three-dimensional (3D) symmetric Galerkin boundary-element method (SGBEM) and FEM alternating method is developed to analyze the nonplanar growth of these surface cracks under general fatigue. The 3D SGBEM-FEM alternating method involves two very simple and coarse meshes that are independent of each other: (1) a very coarse FEM mesh to analyze the uncracked lug, and (2) a very coarse SGBEM mesh to model only the growing crack surface. By using the SGBEM-FEM alternating method, the nonplanar growth of cracks in 3D (surfaces of discontinuity) up to the failure of structures are efficiently simulated, and accurate estimations of fatigue lives are made. The accuracy and reliability of the SGBEM-FEM alternating method are verified by comparing them to other FEM solutions, .
Exercise slips in high-risk situations and activity patterns in long-term exercisers: An application of the relapse prevention model

Background: Key factors in successful long-term exercise maintenance are not well understood. The Relapse Prevention Model (RPM) may provide a framework for this process.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among characteristics of exercise high-risk situations, components of the RPM relevant to exercise slips, and follow-up exercise outcomes in long-term community exercisers.Methods: We obtained long-term exercisers’ (N=65) open-ended responses to high-risk situations and ratings of obstacle self-efficacy, guilt, and perceived control. High-risk situation characteristics, cognitive and behavioral coping strategies, and exercise outcomes were examined.Results: High-risk situation characteristics included bad weather, inconvenient time of day, being alone, negative emotions, and fatigue. Being alone was associated with lower incidence of exercise slip. Positive cognitive coping strategies were most commonly employed and were associated with positive exercise outcome for both women and men. Guilt and perceived control regarding the high-risk situation were associated with exercise outcomes at follow-up, but only among the men (n=28). Conclusions: Findings confirm and extend previous work in the application of the RPM in examining exercise slips and relapse. Measurement issues and integration approaches from the study of relapse in addiction research are discussed.
Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Premedication is Comparable With Midazolam in Burn Children Undergoing Reconstructive Surgery

Preoperative anxiety and emergence delirium in children continue to be common even with midazolam premedication. Midazolam is unpleasant tasting even with a flavored vehicle and as a result, patient acceptance is sometimes poor. As an alternative, we evaluated dexmedetomidine administered intranasally. Dexmedetomidine an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist is tasteless, odorless, and painless when administered by this route. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists produce sedation, facilitate parental separation, and improve conditions for induction of general anesthesia, while preserving airway reflexes. Institutional review board approval was obtained to study 100 pediatric patients randomized to intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) or oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) administered 30 to 45 minutes before the surgery. Subjects received general anesthesia with oxygen, nitrous oxide, isoflurane, and analgesics (0.05–0.1 mg/kg morphine or 0.1 mg/kg methadone). Nurses and anesthetists were blinded to the drug administered and evaluated patients for preoperative sedation, conditions for induction of general anesthesia, emergence from anesthesia, and postoperative pain. Responses of 100 patients (50 dexmedetomidine and 50 midazolam) were analyzed. Dexmedetomidine (P = .003) was more effective than midazolam at inducing sleep preoperatively. Dexmedetomidine and midazolam were comparable for conditions at induction (P > 0.05), emergence from anesthesia (P > 0.05), or postoperative pain (P > 0.05). Both drugs were equieffective in these regards. In pediatric patients, dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg administered intranasally and midazolam 0.5 mg/kg administered orally produced similar conditions during induction and emergence of anesthesia. Intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine is more effective at inducing sleep and in some circumstances offers a useful alternative to oral midazolam in children.
Recombination and peak jumping

We show that genetic recombination can be a powerful mechanism for escaping suboptimal peaks. Recent studies of empirical fitness landscapes reveal complex gene interactions and multiple peaks. However, classical work on recombination largely ignores the effect of complex gene interactions. Briefly, we restrict to fitness landscapes where the global peak is difficult to access. If the optimal genotype can be generated by shuffling genes present in the population, then recombination will produce the genotype. If, in addition, recombination is sufficiently rare, then the proportion of the genotype is expected to increase. Specifically, we consider landscapes where shuffling of suboptimal peak genotypes can produce the global peak genotype. The advantage of recombination we identify has no correspondence for 2-locus systems or for smooth landscapes. The effect of recombination indicated is sometimes extreme, also for rare recombination, in the sense that shutting off recombination could result in the organism failing to adapt. A standard question about recombination is whether the mechanism tends to accelerate or decelerate adaptation. However, we argue that extreme effects may be more important than how the majority falls. In a limited sense, our result can be considered a support for Sewall Wright’s view that adaptation sometimes works better in subdivided populations.
Multipliers With Approximate 4–2 Compressors and Error Recovery Modules

Approximate multiplication is a common operation used in approximate computing methods for high performance and low power computing. Power-efficient circuits for approximate multiplication can be realized with an approximate 4–2 compressor. This letter presents a novel design that uses a modification of a previous approximate 4–2 compressor design and adds an error recovery module. The proposed design, even with the additional error recovery module, is more accurate, requires less hardware, and consumes less power than previously proposed 4–2 compressor-based approximate multiplier designs.
Numerical modelling of methyl iodide in the eastern tropical Atlantic

Methyl iodide (CH3I) is a volatile organic halogen compound that contributes significantly to the transport of iodine from the ocean to the atmosphere, where it plays an important role in tropospheric chemistry. CH3I is naturally produced and occurs in the global ocean. The processes involved in the formation of CH3I, however, are not fully understood. In fact, there is an ongoing debate whether production by phytoplankton or photochemical degradation of organic matter is the main source term. Here, both the biological and photochemical production mechanisms are considered in a biogeochemical module that is coupled to a one-dimensional water column model for the eastern tropical Atlantic. The model is able to reproduce observed subsurface maxima of CH3I concentrations. But, the dominating source process cannot be clearly identified as subsurface maxima can occur due to both direct biological and photochemical production. However, good agreement between the observed and simulated difference between surface and subsurface methyl iodide concentrations is achieved only when direct biological production is taken into account. Production rates for the biological CH3I source that were derived from published laboratory studies are shown to be inappropriate for explaining CH3I concentrations in the eastern tropical Atlantic.
Vegetation greenness and land carbon-flux anomalies associated with climate variations: a focus on the year 2015

Abstract. Understanding the variations in global land carbon uptake, and their driving mechanisms, is essential if we are to predict future carbon-cycle feedbacks on global environmental changes. Satellite observations of vegetation greenness have shown consistent greening across the globe over the past three decades. Such greening has driven the increasing land carbon sink, especially over the growing season in northern latitudes. On the other hand, interannual variations in land carbon uptake are strongly influenced by El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate variations. Marked reductions in land uptake and strong positive anomalies in the atmospheric CO2 growth rates occur during El Nino events. Here we use the year 2015 as a natural experiment to examine the possible response of land ecosystems to a combination of vegetation greening and an El Nino event. The year 2015 was the greenest year since 2000 according to satellite observations, but a record atmospheric CO2 growth rate also occurred due to a weaker than usual land carbon sink. Two atmospheric inversions indicate that the year 2015 had a higher than usual northern land carbon uptake in boreal spring and summer, consistent with the positive greening anomaly and strong warming. This strong uptake was, however, followed by a larger source of CO2 in the autumn. For the year 2015, enhanced autumn carbon release clearly offset the extra uptake associated with greening during the summer. This finding leads us to speculate that a long-term greening trend may foster more uptakes during the growing season, but no large increase in annual carbon sequestration. For the tropics and Southern Hemisphere, a strong transition towards a large carbon source for the last 3 months of 2015 is discovered, concomitant with El Nino development. This transition of terrestrial tropical CO2 fluxes between two consecutive seasons is the largest ever found in the inversion records. The strong transition to a carbon source in the tropics with the peak of El Nino is consistent with historical observations, but the detailed mechanisms underlying such an extreme transition remain to be elucidated.
Epstein–Barr virus-associated gastric cancer reveals intratumoral heterogeneity of PIK3CA mutations

Background Recent whole-genome sequencing identified four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer (GC), of which the subgroup of Epstein–Barr virus-associated GC (EBVaGC) showed a significant enrichment of PIK3CA mutations. We here aimed to validate independently the enrichment of PIK3CA mutations in EBVaGC of a Central European GC cohort, to correlate EBV status with clinico-pathological patient characteristics and to test for a major issue of GC, intratumoral heterogeneity. Patients and methods In a first step, 484 GCs were screened for EBV and PIK3CA hot spot mutations of exon 9/20 using EBER in situ hybridization and pyrosequencing, respectively. Secondly, an extended sequencing of PIK3CA also utilizing next generation sequencing was carried out in all EBVaGCs and 96 corresponding lymph node metastases. Results Twenty-two GCs were EBER-positive, all being of latency type I. Intratumoral heterogeneity of EBER-positivity was found in 18% of EBVaGCs. Twenty-three GCs held PIK3CA mutations in hot spot regions of exon 9 or 20, being significantly more common in EBVaGCs (P < 0.001). Subsequent extended sequencing of PIK3CA of EBVaGCs showed that 14% harvested three to five different PIK3CA genotypes (including wildtype) in the same primary tumor, albeit in histologically and spatially distinct tumor areas, and that intratumoral heterogeneity of PIK3CA was also present in the corresponding lymph node metastases. Conclusions Our findings unravel issues of tumor heterogeneity and illustrate that the assessment of the EBV status in tissue biopsies might carry the risk of sampling errors, which may significantly hamper adequate molecular tumor classification in a more clinical setting. Moreover, this is the first report of intratumoral heterogeneity of PIK3CA mutations in GC, and our findings lead to the conclusion that PIK3CA mutant and -wildtype tumor subclones are skilled to metastasize independently to different regional lymph nodes.
Temperature increase reduces global yields of major crops in four independent estimates

Significance Agricultural production is vulnerable to climate change. Understanding climate change, especially the temperature impacts, is critical if policymakers, agriculturalists, and crop breeders are to ensure global food security. Our study, by compiling extensive published results from four analytical methods, shows that independent methods consistently estimated negative temperature impacts on yields of four major crops at the global scale, generally underpinned by similar impacts at country and site scales. Multimethod analyses improved the confidence in assessments of future climate impacts on global major crops, with important implications for developing crop- and region-specific adaptation strategies to ensure future food supply of an increasing world population. Wheat, rice, maize, and soybean provide two-thirds of human caloric intake. Assessing the impact of global temperature increase on production of these crops is therefore critical to maintaining global food supply, but different studies have yielded different results. Here, we investigated the impacts of temperature on yields of the four crops by compiling extensive published results from four analytical methods: global grid-based and local point-based models, statistical regressions, and field-warming experiments. Results from the different methods consistently showed negative temperature impacts on crop yield at the global scale, generally underpinned by similar impacts at country and site scales. Without CO2 fertilization, effective adaptation, and genetic improvement, each degree-Celsius increase in global mean temperature would, on average, reduce global yields of wheat by 6.0%, rice by 3.2%, maize by 7.4%, and soybean by 3.1%. Results are highly heterogeneous across crops and geographical areas, with some positive impact estimates. Multimethod analyses improved the confidence in assessments of future climate impacts on global major crops and suggest crop- and region-specific adaptation strategies to ensure food security for an increasing world population.
Comparative proteome analysis of wild‐type and klotho‐knockout mouse kidneys using a combination of MALDI‐IMS and LC‐MS/MS

Mutation of the klotho gene in mice elicits a syndrome resembling accelerated human aging. However, there is limited evidence for the role of Klotho in the kidney. We conducted a comparative proteome analysis of wild‐type (WT) and klotho‐knockout (kl−/−) mouse kidneys to identify proteins involved in Klotho deficiency.
Nutrient deprivation in neuroblastoma cells alters 4-hydroxynonenal-induced stress response

4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a toxic lipid peroxidation product, is associated with oxidative damage in cells and involved in various diseases including the initiation and progression of cancer. Cancer cells have a high, adaptable metabolism with a shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and rely on high levels of glucose and glutamine as essential nutrients for cell growth. Here we investigated whether the toxic effects of HNE on the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of cancer cells depends on their metabolic state by deprivation of glucose and/or glutamine. The addition of 16 μM HNE to N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells incubated in glucose medium led to a severe reduction of MMP, which was similar to the MMP of cells fed with both glucose and glutamine. In contrast, HNE addition to cells starved in glutamine medium increased their MMP slightly for a prolonged time period and this was accompanied by increased cellular survival. We found that ß-oxidation of HNE did not cause the increased MMP, since the aldehyde dehydrogenase was distinctly more active in cells with glucose medium. However, after blocking fatty acid ß-oxidation in cells starved in glutamine medium with etomoxir, which inhibits carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, HNE addition induced a strong reduction of MMP similar to cells in glucose medium. Surprisingly, the effect of more toxic 4-oxo-2-nonenal was less pronounced. Our results suggest that in contrast to cells fed with glucose, glutamine-fed cancer cells are capable of ß-oxidizing fatty acids to maintain their MMP to combat the toxic effects of HNE.
Stochastic Control for Asset Management

An investor is often faced with the investment situation in which he/she has to decide how to allocate his/her limited funds optimally among different assets to maximize his/her expected utility over the holding period. To this end, this study sets up a dynamic model driven by three assets to characterize the stochastic nature of the securities market and uses stochastic control to derive an explicit formula for the optimal fraction invested in each of the three assets for an investor with a power utility and a holding period of 10 years. Using estimated parameter values as inputs and implicit finite difference method, we determine numerically the optimal percentages invested in the three assets at each time over the holding period for both less risk-averse and more risk-averse investors.
Open learner models and learning analytics dashboards: a systematic review

This paper aims to link student facing Learning Analytics Dashboards (LADs) to the corpus of research on Open Learner Models (OLMs), as both have similar goals. We conducted a systematic review of literature on OLMs and compared the results with a previously conducted review of LADs for learners in terms of (i) data use and modelling, (ii) key publication venues, (iii) authors and articles, (iv) key themes, and (v) system evaluation. We highlight the similarities and differences between the research on LADs and OLMs. Our key contribution is a bridge between these two areas as a foundation for building upon the strengths of each. We report the following key results from the review: in reports of new OLMs, almost 60% are based on a single type of data; 33% use behavioral metrics; 39% support input from the user; 37% have complex models; and just 6% involve multiple applications. Key associated themes include intelligent tutoring systems, learning analytics, and self-regulated learning. Notably, compared with LADs, OLM research is more likely to be interactive (81% of papers compared with 31% for LADs), report evaluations (76% versus 59%), use assessment data (100% versus 37%), provide a comparison standard for students (52% versus 38%), but less likely to use behavioral metrics, or resource use data (33% against 75% for LADs). In OLM work, there was a heightened focus on learner control and access to their own data.
High Speed Running and Sprinting Profiles of Elite Soccer Players

Abstract Real Madrid was named as the best club of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. The aim of this study was to compare if players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances than players from the opposing team. One hundred and forty-nine matches including league, cup and UEFA Champions League matches played by the Real Madrid were monitored during the 2001-2002 to the 2006-2007 seasons. Data from both teams (Real Madrid and the opponent) were recorded. Altogether, 2082 physical performance profiles were examined, 1052 from the Real Madrid and 1031 from the opposing team (Central Defenders (CD) = 536, External Defenders (ED) = 491, Central Midfielders (CM) = 544, External Midfielders (EM) = 233, and Forwards (F) = 278). Match performance data were collected using a computerized multiple-camera tracking system (Amisco Pro®, Nice, France). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for distances covered at different intensities (sprinting (>24.0 km/h) and high-speed running (21.1-24.0 km/h) and the number of sprints (21.1-24.0 km/h and >24.0 km/h) during games for each player sectioned under their positional roles. Players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-speed running and sprint than players from the opposing team (p < 0.01). While ED did not show differences in their physical performance, CD (p < 0.05), CM (p < 0.01), EM (p < 0.01) and F (p > 0.01) from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-intensity running and sprint and performed less sprints than their counterparts. Finally, no differences were found in the high-intensity running and sprint distances performed by players from Real Madrid depending on the quality of the opposition.
Symptoms-Based Phenotypes Among Women With Dysmenorrhea: A Latent Class Analysis

Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent and may increase women’s risk for developing other chronic pain conditions. Although it is highly variable, symptom-based dysmenorrhea phenotypes have not been identified. The aims of the study were to identify symptom-based dysmenorrhea phenotypes and examine their relationships with demographic and clinical characteristics. In a cross-sectional study, 762 women with dysmenorrhea rated severity of 14 dysmenorrhea-related symptoms. Using latent class analysis, we identified three distinctive phenotypes. Women in the “mild localized pain” phenotype (n = 202, 26.51%) had mild abdominal cramps and dull abdominal pain/discomfort. Women in the “severe localized pain” phenotype (n = 412, 54.07%) had severe abdominal cramps. Women in the “multiple severe symptoms” phenotype (n = 148, 19.42%) had severe pain at multiple locations and multiple gastrointestinal symptoms. Race, ethnicity, age, and comorbid chronic pain conditions were significantly associated with phenotypes. Identification of these symptom-based phenotypes provides a foundation for research examining genotype–phenotype associations, etiologic mechanisms, and/or variability in treatment responses.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecies as a Link between Men’s Facial Width-to-Height Ratio and Behavior

The facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) has been identified as a reliable predictor of men’s behavior, with researchers focusing on evolutionary selection pressures as the underlying mechanism explaining these relationships. In this paper, we complement this approach and examine the extent to which social processes also determine the extent to which men’s fWHR serves as a behavioral cue. Specifically, we propose that observers’ treatment of target men based on the targets’ fWHR subsequently affects behavior, leading the targets to behave in ways that are consistent with the observers’ expectations (i.e., a self-fulfilling prophecy). Results from four studies demonstrate that individuals behave more selfishly when interacting with men with greater fWHRs, and this selfish behavior, in turn, elicits selfish behavior in others.