Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asphalt mixture performance characterization using small-scale cylindrical specimens.

The results of dynamic modulus testing have become one of the primarily used performance criteria to evaluate the laboratory properties of asphalt mixtures. This test is commonly conducted to characterize asphalt mixtures mechanistically using an asphalt mixture performance tester as developed in National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 9-29. The typical test specimen geometry consists of a cylinder having a 100-mm diameter and a 150-mm height. This geometry is practical for laboratory-prepared specimens produced using a gyratory compactor. However, the specimen scale is problematic when the test specimen is prepared from field cores and the investigator wishes to isolate the testing to a single asphalt mixture material/layer. This is because most asphalt mixture layers, especially surface and intermediate layers, are placed having a thickness less than 150 mm. This study investigated the use of small-scale cylindrical specimens as an alternative means to conduct dynamic modulus testing of asphalt mixtures. To validate the small-scale approach, the dynamic modulus from small-scale specimens was compared to the dynamic modulus from full-size specimens (100 × 150 mm) using asphalt mixtures having a nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of 9.5, 12.5, 19.0, and 25.0 mm. Small-scale cylindrical specimens having a diameter and height of 38 × 135 mm, 50 × 135 mm, 38 × 110 mm, and 50 × 110 mm were studied. Based on the findings of the study, for 9.5- and 12.5-mm NMAS mixtures, any of the four small-scale geometry dimensions appears to be a suitable alternative to the full-size specimen when the full-size specimen cannot be produced. For 19.0- and 25.0-mm NMAS mixtures, the two small-scale geometries having a diameter of 50 mm appear to be suitable alternatives to the full-size specimen when the full-size specimen cannot be produced.
Molecular Architecture of Full-Length KcsA

The molecular architecture of the NH(2) and COOH termini of the prokaryotic potassium channel KcsA has been determined using site-directed spin-labeling methods and paramagnetic resonance EPR spectroscopy. Cysteine mutants were generated (residues 5-24 and 121-160) and spin labeled, and the X-band CW EPR spectra were obtained from liposome-reconstituted channels at room temperature. Data on probe mobility (DeltaHo(-1)), accessibility parameters (PiO(2) and PiNiEdda), and inter-subunit spin-spin interaction (Omega) were used as structural constraints to build a three-dimensional folding model of these cytoplasmic domains from a set of simulated annealing and restrained molecular dynamics runs. 32 backbone structures were generated and averaged using fourfold symmetry, and a final mean structure was obtained from the eight lowest energy runs. Based on the present data, together with information from the KcsA crystal structure, a model for the three-dimensional fold of full-length KcsA was constructed. In this model, the NH(2) terminus of KcsA forms an alpha-helix anchored at the membrane-water interface, while the COOH terminus forms a right-handed four-helix bundle that extend some 40-50 A towards the cytoplasm. Functional analysis of COOH-terminal deletion constructs suggest that, while the COOH terminus does not play a substantial role in determining ion permeation properties, it exerts a modulatory role in the pH-dependent gating mechanism.
Impact of (cid:2) -Lactamase Inhibition on the Activity of Ceftaroline against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium abscessus

The production of (cid:2) -lactamases Bla Mab and BlaC contributes to (cid:2) -lactam resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis , respectively. Ceftaroline was efﬁciently hydrolyzed by these enzymes. Inhibition of M. tuberculosis BlaC by clavulanate decreased the ceftaroline MIC from > 256 to 16 to 64 (cid:3) g/ml, but these values are clinically irrelevant. In contrast, the ceftaroline-avibactam combination should be evaluated against M. abscessus since it inhibited growth at lower and potentially achievable drug concentrations.
SPA0355, a thiourea analogue, inhibits inflammatory responses and joint destruction in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes and mice with collagen‐induced arthritis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE NF‐κB has been implicated as a therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We previously synthesized a thiourea analogue, SPA0355, which suppressed NF‐κB activity. Here we have assessed the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects of SPA0355.
Population Genomic Analysis Reveals Highly Conserved Mitochondrial Genomes in the Yeast Species Lachancea thermotolerans

The increasing availability of mitochondrial (mt) sequence data from various yeasts provides a tool to study genomic evolution within and between different species. While the genomes from a range of lineages are available, there is a lack of information concerning intraspecific mtDNA diversity. Here, we analyzed the mt genomes of 50 strains from Lachancea thermotolerans, a protoploid yeast species that has been isolated from several locations (Europe, Asia, Australia, South Africa, and North / South America) and ecological sources (fruit, tree exudate, plant material, and grape and agave fermentations). Protein-coding genes from the mtDNA were used to construct a phylogeny, which reflected a similar, yet less resolved topology than the phylogenetic tree of 50 nuclear genes. In comparison to its sister species Lachancea kluyveri, L. thermotolerans has a smaller mt genome. This is due to shorter intergenic regions and fewer introns, of which the latter are only found in COX1. We revealed that L. kluyveri and L. thermotolerans share similar levels of intraspecific divergence concerning the nuclear genomes. However, L. thermotolerans has a more highly conserved mt genome with the coding regions characterized by low rates of nonsynonymous substitution. Thus, in the mt genomes of L. thermotolerans, stronger purifying selection and lower mutation rates potentially shape genome diversity in contract to what was found for L. kluyveri, demonstrating that the factors driving mt genome evolution are different even between closely related species.
Sensitivity analysis of all fibers in polarimetric fiber optic sensor for structural health monitoring of composites

Since fiber reinforced polymer composites are becoming increasingly popular, nondestructive damage detection in these materials has become an important issue. Real time structural health monitoring using Fiber Optic Polarimetric Sensors (FOPS) in an interesting field of research in recent years. This paper presents the performance of FOPS using three different optical sensing fibers: low birefringence (low-bi), high birefringence (high-bi) and an ordinary single mode polarization maintaining fiber. The static and dynamic response of these fibers are experimentally evaluated under different conditions. The experiments were conducted on composite structures by embedding the optical fibers into specimen. Composite materials are extensively used in aerospace applications. The sensitivity of all fibers under different conditions is discussed for static and dynamic loading.
Microstructure of weld heat-affected zone of 12Cr–Mo steel

AbstractDetailed studies have been made of the transformations and microstructure of the weld heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a class 212Cr–Mo steel, particular attention being given to δ-ferrite. The investigation covered a wide range of welding heat inputs and involved real and simulated HAZ material. To obtain the phasetransformation data extensive use was made of a weld simulator and dilatometer. The weld H AZ consisted of three regions: secondary-hardened martensite, homogeneous martensite, and duplex δ-ferrite and martensite adjacent to the fusion line. The amount of δ-ferrite increased with increasing weld heat input. It was shown that δ-ferrite forms above 1320°–1360°C, depending on the heat rate and remains untransformed on cooling to room temperature for the normal range of weld cooling rates. Detailed metallography showed that δ-ferrite forms at austenite grain boundaries, involves redistribution of allo ying elements and is associated with interphase precipitation of carbides. However, in amounts .
The HRAS 1 Minisatellite Locus and Risk of Ovarian Cancer 1

Approximately 10% of ovarian cancers are due to mutations in highly penetrant inherited cancer susceptibility genes. The highly polymorphic HRAS1minisatellite locus, located just downstream from the proto-oncogene H-ras-1 on chromosome 11p, consists of four common progenitor alleles and several dozen rare alleles, which apparently derive from mutations of the progenitors. Mutant alleles of this locus represent a major risk factor for cancers of the breast, colorectum, and bladder, and it was found that BRCA1 mutation carriers with at least one rare HRAS1 allele have a greater risk of ovarian cancer thanBRCA1 carriers with only commonHRAS1alleles. There are no conclusive studies of HRAS1alleles in sporadic epithelial ovarian cancer. A case-control study ofHRAS1alleles was performed on DNA from 136 Caucasian patients with ovarian cancer and 108 cancer-free controls using conventional (Southern blot) and PCR-based methods to determine the frequency of rare HRAS1alleles. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression methods. A single degree of freedom test was used to assess the significance of linear trend across categories of increasing exposure. A statistically significant association between rareHRAS1 alleles and risk of ovarian cancer was observed [OR, 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–2.80;P 5 0.04]. Having only one rare allele was associated with a relative risk of 1.66 (95% CI, 0.91–3.01), whereas having two rare alleles increased the relative risk to 2.86 (95% CI, 0.75–10.94; trendP 5 0.03). Analysis of HRAS1allele types by the age of the case at diagnosis revealed that younger cases (<45 years) had a borderline statistically significant increased association with rareHRAS1 alleles compared to older cases (>60 years; OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 0.90–3.98; P 5 0.09). Rare HRAS1 alleles contribute to ovarian cancer predisposition in the general population. Thus, theHRAS1-variable number of tandem repeats locus may function as a modifier of ovarian cancer risk in both sporadic and hereditary ovarian cancer.
Nutrient Sensing Systems in Fish: Impact on Food Intake Regulation and Energy Homeostasis

Evidence obtained in recent years in a few species, especially rainbow trout, supports the presence in fish of nutrient sensing mechanisms. Glucosensing capacity is present in central (hypothalamus and hindbrain) and peripheral [liver, Brockmann bodies (BB, main accumulation of pancreatic endocrine cells in several fish species), and intestine] locations whereas fatty acid sensors seem to be present in hypothalamus, liver and BB. Glucose and fatty acid sensing capacities relate to food intake regulation and metabolism in fish. Hypothalamus is as a signaling integratory center in a way that detection of increased levels of nutrients result in food intake inhibition through changes in the expression of anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptides. Moreover, central nutrient sensing modulates functions in the periphery since they elicit changes in hepatic metabolism as well as in hormone secretion to counter-regulate changes in nutrient levels detected in the CNS. At peripheral level, the direct nutrient detection in liver has a crucial role in homeostatic control of glucose and fatty acid whereas in BB and intestine nutrient sensing is probably involved in regulation of hormone secretion from endocrine cells.
Prognostic Value of Metabolic Tumor Volume and Total Lesion Glycolysis in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on volumetric parameters and a meta-analysis of the prognostic value of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed using the key words PET, head and neck, and volume. Inclusion criteria were 18F-FDG PET used as an initial imaging tool; studies limited to HNC; patients who had not undergone surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy before PET scans; and studies reporting survival data. Event-free survival and overall survival were considered markers of outcome. The impact of MTV or TLG on survival was measured by the effect size hazard ratio (HR). Data from each study were analyzed using Review Manager. Results: Thirteen studies comprising 1,180 patients were included in this study. The combined HR for adverse events was 3.06 (2.33–4.01, P < 0.00001) with MTV and 3.10 (2.27–4.24, P < 0.00001) with TLG, meaning that tumors with high volumetric parameters were associated with progression or recurrence. Regarding overall survival, the pooled HR was 3.51 (2.62–4.72, P < 0.00001) with MTV and 3.14 (2.24–4.40, P < 0.00001) with TLG. There was no evidence of significant statistical heterogeneity at an I2 of 0%. Conclusion: MTV and TLG are prognostic predictors of outcome in patients with HNC. Despite clinically heterogeneous HNC and the various methods adopted between studies, we can confirm that patients with a high MTV or TLG have a higher risk of adverse events or death.
The spin period–eccentricity relation of double neutron stars: evidence for weak supernova kicks?

Double neutron stars (DNSs), binary systems consisting of a radio pulsar and a generally undetected second neutron star (NS), have proven to be excellent laboratories for testing the theory of general relativity. The seven systems discovered in our Galaxy exhibit a remarkably well-defined relation between the pulsar spin period and the orbital eccentricity. Here we show, using a simple model where the pulsar is spun up by mass transfer from a helium star companion, that this relation can only be produced if the second neutron star received a kick that is substantially smaller (with a velocity dispersion of less than 50 km s−1) than the standard kick received by a single radio pulsar. This demonstrates that the kick mechanism depends on the evolutionary history of the NS progenitor and that the orbital parameters of DNSs are completely determined by the evolution in the preceding helium star–neutron star phase. This has important implications for estimating the rates of NS–NS mergers, one of the major potential astrophysical sources for the direct detection of gravitational waves, and for short-period gamma-ray bursts.
Cost‐effectiveness of endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

Long‐term health outcomes and costs are important when deciding whether a strategy of carotid endarterectomy in addition to best medical management should be recommended for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. This study investigated the cost‐effectiveness of such a strategy compared with a strategy of best medical management alone.
The Fragility of Social Capital

This paper addresses two hot topics of the contemporary debate, social capital and economic growth. Our theoretical analysis sheds light on decisive but so far neglected issues: how does social capital accumulate over time? Which is the relationship between social capital, technical progress and economic growth in the long run? The analysis shows that the economy may be attracted by alternative steady states, depending on the initial social capital endowments and cultural exogenous parameters representing the relevance of social interaction and trust in well-being and production. When material consumption and relational goods are substitutable, the choice to devote more and more time to private activities may lead the economy to a “social poverty trap”, where the cooling of human relations causes a progressive destruction of the entire stock of social capital. In this case, the relationship of social capital with technical progress is described by an inverted U-shaped curve. However, the possibility exists for the economy to follow a virtuous trajectory where the stock of social capital endogenously and unboundedly grows. Such result may follow from a range of particular conditions, under which the economy behaves as if there was no substitutability between relational activities and material consumption.
Assessment of the effect of cyclic chalcone analogues on mitochondrial membrane and DNA

The cytotoxic and protective effects of selected synthetic chalcone analogues have been shown in previous studies. We studied their cytotoxic effect on the modification of mitochondrial membrane potential and on DNA. The first spectral information about the methoxy group as well as the dimethylamino substituent in E-2-arylmethylene-1-benzosuberones molecule was obtained by absorption and emission spectra. The cytotoxic effect of both cyclic chalcone analogues on DNA were detected by alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis. Better fluorescent chalcone analogue E-2-(4′-dimethylamino-benzylidene)-1-benzosuberone was studied further in fresh isolated mitochondria. The decrease of rat liver mitochondria membrane potential (Δψ) was observed by fluorescence emission spectra. For the collapsing of mitochondrial potentials and as the negative control of mitochondrial function the CCCP uncoupler was used. The absorption maximum of the methoxy group was found at a shorter wavelength (λ = 335 nm) than that of the dimethylamino group (λ = 406 nm). The excitation spectra were very similar to the absorption spectra for both molecules but the emission spectra showed a better fluorescence for dimethylamino derivative. After the addition of E-2-(4′-dimethylamino-benzylidene)-1-benzosuberone to the intact mitochondria the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential Δψ was observed by emisssion fluorescence spectra. Both cyclic chalcone analogues induced DNA damage, which was detected by alkaline comet assay. Mainly the apoptotic cells were detected, but necrotic cells were also present. Similarities in the percentages of DNA migration from the head were observed in both treatment groups. Both benzosuberones, with dimethylamino- and methoxy- substituent, were very active biologically, as shown by DNA results of the comet assay. Due to its better fluorescence properties, only the fluorophore with dimethylamino substituent was selected for further study of the function of rat liver mitochondria. Decline of mitochondrial function as well as mitochondrial DNA damage were evident between experimental and control groups.
Fatigue performance and fatigue damage parameter estimation of spot welded joints of aluminium alloys 6111-T4 and 5754

In the present study, fatigue behaviours of spot welded joints of aluminium alloys 6111-T4 and 5754 have been experimentally investigated. Fatigue results indicate that fatigue strength of spot weld primarily depends on specimen loading type and gauge thickness. Effects of base material and load ratio on fatigue resistance of welded specimen are insignificant. An equivalent stress based fatigue damage parameter is derived to consolidate empirical data and develop predictive capabilities for automobile designers. The fatigue damage parameter defined in this study is proven effective in consolidating a large amount of fatigue data into a narrow band and is especially suitable for the comparative fatigue strength evaluation of components and specimens.
Emotionally excited eyeblink-rate variability predicts an experience of transportation into the narrative world

Collective spectator communications such as oral presentations, movies, and storytelling performances are ubiquitous in human culture. This study investigated the effects of past viewing experiences and differences in expressive performance on an audience’s transportive experience into a created world of a storytelling performance. In the experiment, 60 participants (mean age = 34.12 years, SD = 13.18 years, range 18–63 years) were assigned to watch one of two videotaped performances that were played (1) in an orthodox way for frequent viewers and (2) in a modified way aimed at easier comprehension for first-time viewers. Eyeblink synchronization among participants was quantified by employing distance-based measurements of spike trains, Dspike and Dinterval (Victor and Purpura, 1997). The results indicated that even non-familiar participants’ eyeblinks were synchronized as the story progressed and that the effect of the viewing experience on transportation was weak. Rather, the results of a multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the degrees of transportation could be predicted by a retrospectively reported humor experience and higher real-time variability (i.e., logarithmic transformed SD) of inter blink intervals during a performance viewing. The results are discussed from the viewpoint in which the extent of eyeblink synchronization and eyeblink-rate variability acts as an index of the inner experience of audience members.
Using the time domain sensitivity analysis for an efficient design of symmetric microwave circuits

The standard tools for CAD have limited modes of the sensitivity analysis: PSPICE only contains a static mode and SCEPTER includes both frequency domain and static modes. However, many microwave systems use symmetric structures for enhancing the properties of the circuits. For such systems, the static sensitivities are zero on principle and therefore the time domain sensitivity analysis should be used. In the paper, a new recurrent formula for the time domain sensitivity analysis is derived, which uses the by-products of an implicit integration algorithm. As the selected integration algorithm is more flexible than the Gear's one used in the PSPICE family, the sensitivity analysis is more efficient in comparison with the standard CAD tools. An implementation of the method is demonstrated using the analysis of a low-voltage four-quadrant CMOS RF multiplier.
Short-Term Effects of the Particulate Pollutants Contained in Saharan Dust on the Visits of Children to the Emergency Department due to Asthmatic Conditions in Guadeloupe (French Archipelago of the Caribbean)

Background The prevalence of asthma in children is a significant phenomenon in the Caribbean. Among the etiologic factors aggravating asthma in children, environmental pollution is one of the main causes. In Guadeloupe, pollution is primarily transported by Saharan dust including inhalable particles. Methods This study assesses, over one year (2011), the short-term effects of pollutants referred to as PM10 (PM10: particulate matter <10 µm) and PM2.5–10 (PM2.5–10: particulate matter >2.5 µm and <10 µm) contained in Saharan dust, on the visits of children aged between 5 and 15 years for asthma in the health emergency department of the main medical facility of the archipelago of Guadeloupe. A time-stratified case-crossover model was applied and the data were analysed by a conditional logistic regression for all of the children but also for sub-groups corresponding to different age classes and genders. Results The visits for asthma concerned 836 children including 514 boys and 322 girls. The Saharan dust has affected 15% of the days of the study (337 days) and involved an increase in the average daily concentrations of PM10 (49.7 µg/m3 vs. 19.2 µg/m3) and PM 2.5–10 (36.2 µg/m3 vs. 10.3 µg/m3) compared to days without dust. The excess risk percentages (IR%) for visits related to asthma in children aged between 5 and 15 years on days with dust compared to days without dust were, for PM10, ((IR %: 9.1% (CI95%, 7.1%–11.1%) versus 1.1%(CI95%, −5.9%–4.6%)) and for PM2.5–10 (IR%: 4.5%(CI95%, 2.5%–6.5%) versus 1.6% (CI95%, −1.1%–3.4%). There was no statistical difference in the IR% for periods with Saharan dust among different age group of children and between boys and girls for PM10 and PM2.5–10. Conclusion The PM10 and PM2.5–10 pollutants contained in the Saharan dust increased the risk of visiting the health emergency department for children with asthma in Guadeloupe during the study period.