Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combustion of Gas in Closed, Interconnected Vessels: Pressure Piling

This thesis is the documentation of a study of gas explosions in closed, interconnected vessels. Explosions within such vessels is strongly affected by the characteristics of the geometry, and can, under given conditions, result in very high local peak pressure and rates of pressure rise. In these situations peak pressure andrate of pressure rise can be several factors higher than incomparable single vessel explosions. The term pressure piling or pre-compression is used to describes explosions that show such characteristics pressure development The focus for the present work has been to investigate the effect of fuel properties on pressure piling situations. Altogether more than 500 tests have been conducted with variation in some of the key parameters such as volume ratio between chambers, size and shape of transfer connection, location of ignition point and fuel mixtures. In each test, pressure has been measured and pressure time history recorded. For range of geometries used in this study, the level of pressure piling is consistently lower for hydrogen than for methane. The higher burning velocity of hydrogen is the main cause for this effect. Fast combustion in primary chamber means that the flame uses little time to propagate into the secondary chamber. Consequently only a small portion of gas is able to flow into the secondary chamber and the level of pre-compression is moderate. Subsequent combustion does not result in very high pressure. For this reason lean and rich mixture, which have lower burning velocities, are slightly more prone to pressure piling. The range of burnable concentrations of hydrogen is very wide (5-75%) and the characteristics of these mixtures change significantly with fuel content. Lean mixtures have a low ratio of laminar to turbulent burning velocity whereas rich mixtures typically will flow more easily. Both these factors have been shown to affect hydrogen’s tendency for pressure piling. However, these effects are very geometry dependent and have moderate impact on the general pressure level. Tests of methane air mixtures with various equivalence ratios show that peak pressure is moderately affected by this parameter. In pressure piling situations, peak pressure will typically be just as high for rich and lean mixture as for stoichiometric equivalent mixtures. For slowburning mixtures (rich and lean) more gas will have time to flow into the secondary chamber and thereby compensate for the lower energy content in the gas. In the last phase of this work, the CFD-code FLACS has been used to simulate the experiments and the general trends seen in experiments are also seen in simulations. However FLACS tend to under predict peak pressure due to over prediction of laminar burning velocity in primary chamber. This effect is expected to be less important in larger-scale situations.
Conditioned place preference for social interaction in rats: contribution of sensory components

A main challenge in the therapy of drug dependent individuals is to help them reactivate interest in non-drug-associated activities. We previously developed a rat experimental model based on the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in which only four 15-min episodes of social interaction with a gender- and weight-matched male Sprague Dawley rat (1) reversed CPP from cocaine to social interaction despite continuing cocaine training and (2) prevented the reinstatement of cocaine CPP. In the present study, we investigated which of the sensory modalities of the composite stimulus “social interaction” contributes most to the rats' preference for it. If touch was limited by steel bars spaced at a distance of 2 cm and running across the whole length of a partitioning, CPP was still acquired, albeit to a lesser degree. If both rats were placed on the same side of a partitioning, rats did not develop CPP for social interaction. Thus, decreasing the available area for social interaction from 750 to 375 cm2 prevented the acquisition of CPP to social interaction despite the fact that animals could touch each other more intensely than through the bars of the partitioning. When touch was fully restricted by a glass screen dividing the conditioning chambers, and the only sensory modalities left were visual and olfactory cues, place preference shifted to place aversion. Overall, our findings indicate that the major rewarding sensory component of the composite stimulus “social interaction” is touch (taction).
The Characterisation of Three Types of Genes that Overlie Copy Number Variable Regions

Background Due to the increased accuracy of Copy Number Variable region (CNV) break point mapping, it is now possible to say with a reasonable degree of confidence whether a gene (i) falls entirely within a CNV; (ii) overlaps the CNV or (iii) actually contains the CNV. We classify these as type I, II and III CNV genes respectively. Principal Findings Here we show that although type I genes vary in copy number along with the CNV, most of these type I genes have the same expression levels as wild type copy numbers of the gene. These genes must, therefore, be under homeostatic dosage compensation control. Looking into possible mechanisms for the regulation of gene expression we found that type I genes have a significant paucity of genes regulated by miRNAs and are not significantly enriched for monoallelically expressed genes. Type III genes, on the other hand, have a significant excess of genes regulated by miRNAs and are enriched for genes that are monoallelically expressed. Significance Many diseases and genomic disorders are associated with CNVs so a better understanding of the different ways genes are associated with normal CNVs will help focus on candidate genes in genome wide association studies.
A decomposition of multidimensional point sets with applications to k-nearest-neighbors and n-body potential fields

We define the notion of a <italic>well-separated pair decomposition</italic> of points in <italic>d</italic>-dimensional space. We then develop efficient sequential and parallel algorithms for computing such a decomposition. We apply the resulting decomposition to the efficient computation of <italic>k</italic>-nearest neighbors and <italic>n</italic>-body potential fields.
Restricted-complexity characterization of control-invariant domains with application to lateral vehicle dynamics control

This paper proposes two algorithms to find a restricted-complexity robust control invariant (RCI) set along with a state-feedback gain. These algorithms are applicable to a linear system with additive disturbances subject to found polytopic state and input constraints. The RCI set is a polytope with restricted complexity, symmetric around the origin. Using a state transformation, novel LMI conditions are derived for the system constraints and invariance condition. Moreover, a new approach is proposed to iteratively increase the volume of the computed RCI set. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by using lateral vehicle dynamics control example.
Understanding patterns of land-cover change in the Brazilian Cerrado from 2000 to 2015

Clearing tropical vegetation impacts biodiversity, the provision of ecosystem services, and thus ultimately human welfare. We quantified changes in land cover from 2000 to 2015 across the Cerrado biome of northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. We assessed the potential biophysical and socio-economic drivers of the loss of Cerrado, natural regeneration and net cover change at the municipality level. Further, we evaluated correlations between these land change variables and indicators of human welfare. We detected extensive land-cover changes in the study area, with the conversion of 23 446 km2 and the natural regeneration of 13 926 km2, resulting in a net loss of 9520 km2. The annual net loss (−1.2% per year) of the cover of Cerrado is higher than that reported for the whole biome in similar periods. We argue that environmental and economic variables interact to underpin rates of conversion of Cerrado, most severely affecting more humid Cerrado lowlands. While rates of Cerrado regeneration are important for conservation strategies of the remaining biome, their integrity must be investigated given the likelihood of encroachment. Given the high frequency of land abandonment in tropical regions, secondary vegetation is fundamental to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services. Finally, the impacts of Cerrado conversion on human welfare likely vary from local to regional scales, making it difficult to elaborate land-use policies based solely on socio-economic indicators. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Tropical grassy biomes: linking ecology, human use and conservation’.
Bacterial Signaling at the Intestinal Epithelial Interface in Inflammation and Cancer

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract provides a compartmentalized interface with an enormous repertoire of immune and metabolic activities, where the multicellular structure of the mucosa has acquired mechanisms to sense luminal factors, such as nutrients, microbes, and a variety of host-derived and microbial metabolites. The GI tract is colonized by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, which have developed a highly coevolved relationship with the host’s cellular and immune system. Intestinal epithelial pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) substantially contribute to tissue homeostasis and immune surveillance. The role of bacteria-derived signals in intestinal epithelial homeostasis and repair has been addressed in mouse models deficient in PRRs and signaling adaptors. While critical for host physiology and the fortification of barrier function, the intestinal microbiota poses a considerable health challenge. Accumulating evidence indicates that dysbiosis is associated with the pathogenesis of numerous GI tract diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Aberrant signal integration at the epithelial cell level contributes to such diseases. An increased understanding of bacterial-specific structure recognition and signaling mechanisms at the intestinal epithelial interface is of great importance in the translation to future treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize the growing understanding of the regulation and function of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and discuss microbial signaling in the dynamic host–microbe mutualism in both health and disease.
Modeling Magnetron Sputter Deposition

A comprehensive model of the cylindrical magnetron sputtering system is described. Microstructural features that affect the performance of the coating are modeled and compared to experimental data obtained from atomic force microscopy. Dynamic scaling parameters are used to characterize the evolution of grain structure in physical vapor deposition models and in experimental data obtained from atomic force microscopy. Surfaces are described in terms of a roughness exponent α, growth exponent β, and dynamic exponent z. The scaling exponents provide a valuable metric for comparative analysis and as a means of optimizing parameters used in the simulation.
Artifact reduction in multichannel pervasive EEG using hybrid WPT-ICA and WPT-EMD signal decomposition techniques

In order to reduce the muscle artifacts in multi-channel pervasive Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, we here propose and compare two hybrid algorithms by combining the concept of wavelet packet transform (WPT), empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA). The signal cleaning performances of WPT-EMD and WPT-ICA algorithms have been compared using a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-like criterion for artifacts. The algorithms have been tested on multiple trials of four different artifact cases viz. eye-blinking and muscle artifacts including left and right hand movement and head-shaking.
How Chemotherapy Increases the Risk of Systemic Candidiasis in Cancer Patients: Current Paradigm and Future Directions

Candida albicans is a fungal commensal and a major colonizer of the human skin, as well as of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. It is also one of the leading causes of opportunistic microbial infections in cancer patients, often presenting in a life-threatening, systemic form. Increased susceptibility to such infections in cancer patients is attributed primarily to chemotherapy-induced depression of innate immune cells and weakened epithelial barriers, which are the body’s first-line defenses against fungal infections. Moreover, classical chemotherapeutic agents also have a detrimental effect on components of the adaptive immune system, which further play important roles in the antifungal response. In this review, we discuss the current paradigm regarding the mechanisms behind the increased risk of systemic candidiasis in cancer patients. We also highlight some recent findings, which suggest that chemotherapy may have more extensive effects beyond the human host, in particular towards C. albicans itself and the bacterial microbiota. The extent to which these additional effects contribute towards the development of candidiasis in chemotherapy-treated patients remains to be investigated.
Neuroradiological features of the tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

SETTING Paradoxical tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is an important complication in human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) infected tuberculosis (TB) patients who start combination antiretroviral treatment (ART). Neurological manifestations occur in more than 10% of TB-IRIS cases. Apart from a few case reports, the radiological features of neurological TB-IRIS have not been described. OBJECTIVE To describe the neuroradiological findings of patients with paradoxical neurological TB-IRIS. DESIGN Computed tomography (CT; n = 13) and magnetic resonance imaging (n = 3) findings of 16 patients were reviewed. RESULTS IRIS manifestations included meningitis (n = 4), intracranial space occupying lesions (SOLs, presumed tuberculomas; n = 5), meningitis and SOLs (n = 5), radiculomyelitis (n = 1) and spondylitis (n = 1). In patients with tuberculoma IRIS, we observed a high prevalence of 1) low density lesions on non-contrast-enhanced CT (all lesions), 2) multiple lesions (in 5/10 patients) and 3) perilesional oedema (17/22 lesions). In patients with meningitis, meningeal enhancement (n = 2) and hydrocephalus (n = 1) were infrequently observed. CONCLUSION This is the first substantial series to describe the radiological features of paradoxical neurological TB-IRIS. Compared to published radiological findings of tuberculomas in HIV-1-infected patients (not receiving ART), an increased inflammatory response is suggested in tuberculoma IRIS. However, this was not observed in patients with TB meningitis IRIS.
Transcriptional Regulation of p21/CIP1 Cell Cycle Inhibitor by PDEF Controls Cell Proliferation and Mammary Tumor Progression*

The Ets family of transcription factors control a myriad of cellular processes and contribute to the underlying genetic loss of cellular homeostasis resulting in cancer. PDEF (prostate-derived Ets factor) has been under investigation for its role in tumor development and progression. However, the role of PDEF in cancer development has been controversial. Some reports link PDEF to tumor promoter, and others show tumor-suppressing functions in various systems under different conditions. So far, there has been no conclusive evidence from in vivo experiments to prove the role of PDEF. We have used both in vitro and in vivo systems to provide a conclusive role of PDEF in the progression process. PDEF-expressing cells block the cell growth rate, and this retardation was reversible when PDEF expression was silenced with PDEF-specific small interfering RNA. When these PDEF-expressing cells were orthotopically implanted into the mouse mammary gland, tumor incidence and growth rate were significantly retarded. Cell cycle analysis revealed that PDEF expression partially blocked cell cycle progression at G1/S without an effect on apoptosis. PDEF overexpression resulted in an increase in p21/CIP1 at both the mRNA and protein levels, resulting in decreased Cdk2 activity. Promoter deletion analysis, electrophoresis mobility shift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies identified the functional Ets DNA binding site at −2118 bp of the p21/CIP1 gene promoter. This site is capable of binding and responding to PDEF. Furthermore, we silenced p21/CIP1 expression in PDEF-overexpressing cells by small interfering RNA. p21-silenced PDEF cells exhibited significantly increased cell growth in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the p21 regulation by PDEF as a key player. These experiments identified PDEF as a new transcription factor that directly regulates p21/CIP1 expression under non-stressed conditions. This study conclusively proves that PDEF is a breast tumor suppressor for the first time using both in vitro and in vivo systems. PDEF can be further developed as a target for designing therapeutic intervention of breast cancer.
Tobacco promotion and susceptibility to tobacco use among adolescents aged 12 through 17 years in a nationally representative sample.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine whether youth participation in tobacco promotion campaigns is associated with susceptibility to tobacco use. METHODS Data were collected from telephone interviews of a national random sample of 1047 adolescents 12 to 17 years of age. RESULTS A proportional odds model was used to estimate the effects of age, gender, presence of a tobacco user in the household, awareness of tobacco promotions, knowledge of a young adult or adolescent friend owning a promotional item, participation in tobacco promotions, and receipt of free tobacco samples or direct mail from tobacco companies on susceptibility to tobacco use. All of the covariates, except for receiving direct mailings and knowing a young adult friend who owned a promotional item, were significantly associated with susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS There is a strong association between an awareness of and involvement with tobacco promotions and being susceptible to tobacco use or a user of tobacco products.
Gabor-Based Kernel Partial-Least-Squares Discrimination Features for Face Recognition

The paper presents a novel method for the extraction of facial features based on the Gabor-wavelet representation of face images and the kernel partial-least-squares discrimination (KPLSD) algorithm. The proposed feature-extraction method, called the Gabor-based kernel partial-least-squares discrimination (GKPLSD), is performed in two consecutive steps. In the first step a set of forty Gabor wavelets is used to extract discriminative and robust facial features, while in the second step the kernel partial-least-squares discrimination technique is used to reduce the dimensionality of the Gabor feature vector and to further enhance its discriminatory power. For optimal performance, the KPLSD-based transformation is implemented using the recently proposed fractional-power-polynomial models. The experimental results based on the XM2VTS and ORL databases show that the GKPLSD approach outperforms feature-extraction methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) or generalized discriminant analysis (GDA) as well as combinations of these methods with Gabor representations of the face images. Furthermore, as the KPLSD algorithm is derived from the kernel partial-least-squares regression (KPLSR) model it does not suffer from the small-sample-size problem, which is regularly encountered in the field of face recognition.
Identification of Time-Dependent Causal Model: A Gaussian Process Treatment

Most approaches to causal discovery assume a fixed (or time-invariant) causal model; however, in practical situations, especially in neuroscience and economics, causal relations might be time-dependent for various reasons. This paper aims to identify the time-dependent causal relations from observational data. We consider general formulations for time-varying causal modeling on stochastic processes, which can also capture the causal influence from a certain type of unobserved confounders. We focus on two issues: one is whether such a causal model, including the causal direction, is identifiable from observational data; the other is how to estimate such a model in a principled way. We show that under appropriate assumptions, the causal structure is identifiable according to our formulated model. We then propose a principled way for its estimation by extending Gaussian Process regression, which enables an automatic way to learn how the causal model changes over time. Experimental results on both artificial and real data demonstrate the practical usefulness of time-dependent causal modeling and the effectiveness of the proposed approach for estimation.
Characterization of Aroma Active Compounds in Fruit Juice and Peel Oil of Jinchen Sweet Orange Fruit (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) by GC-MS and GC-O

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) were used to determine the aromatic composition and aroma active compounds of fruit juice and peel oil of Jinchen sweet orange fruit. Totals of 49 and 32 compounds were identified in fruit juice and peel oil, respectively. GC-O was performed to study the aromatic profile of Jinchen fruit juice and peel oil. A total of 41 components appeared to contribute to the aroma of fruit juice and peel oil. Twelve components were the odorants perceived in both samples. The aromatic compositions of fruit juice were more complex than that of peel oil. Ethyl butanoate, β-myrcene, octanal, linalool, α-pinene, and decanal were found to be responsible for the aromatic notes in fruit juice and peel oil. Nineteen components have been perceived only in the juice and ten compounds were described as aromatic components of only the peel oil by the panelists. These differences lead to the different overall aroma between fruit juice and peel oil.
Exploiting Synergy Between Ontologies and Recommender Systems

Recommender systems learn about user preferences over time, automatically finding things of similar interest. This reduces the burden of creating explicit queries. Recommender systems do, however, suffer from cold-start problems where no initial information is available early on upon which to base recommendations. Semantic knowledge structures, such as ontologies, can provide valuable domain knowledge and user information. However, acquiring such knowledge and keeping it up to date is not a trivial task and user interests are particularly difficult to acquire and maintain. This paper investigates the synergy between a web-based research paper recommender system and an ontology containing information automatically extracted from departmental databases available on the web. The ontology is used to address the recommender systems cold-start problem. The recommender system addresses the ontology's interest-acquisition problem. An empirical evaluation of this approach is conducted and the performance of the integrated systems measured.