Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on fatigue performance of hot mix asphalt tested under model mobile load simulator

In this study, the effect of temperature on the fatigue performance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) has been investigated with the use of the scaled accelerated loading equipment Model Mobile Load Simulator. Several HMA test slabs instrumented with strain gauges and thermocouples were subjected to running wheel load under controlled environmental condition. Transverse and longitudinal strain and temperature data were acquired with the data acquisition system. The analysis of strain data indicated that the longitudinal strain was dependent on the temperature and the rate of change of temperature with time. A model has been developed to predict the resilient strain under moving load at different temperatures. Models relating fatigue life of HMA with temperature have been presented. It has been concluded that the accurate prediction of fatigue performance of HMA under wheel load should include the effect of temperature and loading. Testing pavement slabs compacted with roller compactor provides results which can identify the effects of different factors encountered in the actual field conditions.
Comparative Use of Mindarus abietinus (Homoptera: Aphididae) by Two Coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), the Native Anatis mali and the Exotic Harmonia axyridis, in a Christmas Tree Plantation

Abstract The exotic coccinellid Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) recently expanded its range into eastern Canada and elsewhere in North America. We hypothesized that this coccinellid should be less well adapted to the prey Mindarus abietinus Koch. on balsam fir trees than the native coccinellid Anatis mali (Say), which evolved in close association with aphids on conifers in North America. We compared, under field conditions, prey use by both species by collecting data on their synchrony with M. abietinus, their prey searching and predation behaviors, life stage distribution in fir canopy, and their overall reproductive success in this system. The seasonal life cycle of A. mali was better synchronized with that of M. abietinus compared with that of H. axyridis. In spring, A. mali adults appeared nearly 2 wk earlier on trees than H. axyridis and were active predators of the aphid fundatrices. A. mali oviposition thus began before the aphid population started to grow, and its larvae were most active during peak aphid colonies. Behavioral observations showed that both adults and larvae of the native A. mali searched for prey more actively than those of H. axyridis. Distribution of life stages also showed that eggs and pupae had different distributions on trees and that the adult-to-adult net reproductive rate of A. mali was three times higher than that of H. axyridis. Thus, the native A. mali was better adapted than H. axyridis to prey on M. abietinus, possibly because it evolved for a much longer period of time with this prey in conifer habitats.
Generalization Through the Recurrent Interaction of Episodic Memories

In this article, we present a perspective on the role of the hippocampal system in generalization, instantiated in a computational model called REMERGE (recurrency and episodic memory results in generalization). We expose a fundamental, but neglected, tension between prevailing computational theories that emphasize the function of the hippocampus in pattern separation (Marr, 1971; McClelland, McNaughton, & O'Reilly, 1995), and empirical support for its role in generalization and flexible relational memory (Cohen & Eichenbaum, 1993; Eichenbaum, 1999). Our account provides a means by which to resolve this conflict, by demonstrating that the basic representational scheme envisioned by complementary learning systems theory (McClelland et al., 1995), which relies upon orthogonalized codes in the hippocampus, is compatible with efficient generalization—as long as there is recurrence rather than unidirectional flow within the hippocampal circuit or, more widely, between the hippocampus and neocortex. We propose that recurrent similarity computation, a process that facilitates the discovery of higher-order relationships between a set of related experiences, expands the scope of classical exemplar-based models of memory (e.g., Nosofsky, 1984) and allows the hippocampus to support generalization through interactions that unfold within a dynamically created memory space.
Noninvasive method to determine the optical property of biological tissue by ultrasound modulation and diffuse reflection light

A non-invasive method to determine the optical property of biological tissue by the combination with ultrasound modulation and diffuse reflection light is firstly presented. A focused ultrasound beam through tissue has the modulated diffuse light located within the focal spot and so that the diffuse fluence distribution is easily detected from out of tissue. Based on the diffuse reflectance fitted formula concluded from Monte Carlo simulation by authors, the optical property including absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, average scattering cosine, and even the refractive index can be rebuild. In addition, this new method is very significant to measure a light dose in vivo in laser medicine and surgery.
Venous Thromboembolic Events After Cerebral Vein Thrombosis

Background and Purpose— After cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis (CVT), there is an increased risk of further venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). Time to a second cerebral or systemic venous thrombotic event and risk factors for recurrence have not been investigated in large prospective studies. Methods— We used the International Study on Cerebral Vein and Dural sinus Thrombosis, which included 624 patients with CVT followed up for a median of 13.9 months. Outcome measures included all symptomatic VTEs and CVT recurrence. Potential predictors of recurrence, including demographic characteristics, imaging features, thrombophilic abnormalities, other risk factors for CVT, and anticoagulation, were analyzed by Cox survival analysis. Results— Of the 624 included patients, 36 (5.8%) had at least 1 venous thromboembolic event. The rate of VTEs after the initial CVT was 4.1 per 100 person-years. Of all VTEs, 63.2% (n=24) occurred within the first year. Fourteen patients (2.2%) had an episode of recurrent CVT and the rate of recurrence was 1.5 per 100 person-years. Nine (64.3%) of these CVT recurrences occurred within the first year. Male gender (hazard ratios=2.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 5.1; P=0.004) and polycythemia/thrombocythemia (hazard ratios=4.4; 95% CI, 1.6 to 12.7; P=0.005) were the only factors associated with a significant higher risk of VTEs in multivariate survival analysis. Conclusions— The risk of recurrence of CVT is low but is moderate for other VTEs. Recurrence of venous thrombosis after CVT is more frequent among men and in patients with polycythemia/thrombocythemia.
Usefulness of Doppler spectral analysis and power Doppler sonography in the differentiation of cervical lymphadenopathies.

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to depict the characteristics of the global vasculature of cervical lymphadenopathies and to clarify the efficiency of Doppler spectral analysis and power Doppler sonography in the differential diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Prospectively, 289 lymph node lesions underwent Doppler flow studies and were grouped as metastasis, lymphoma, tuberculosis, and benign lymphadenopathies. Sonographic assessments included vascular pattern and vascular density (presented as vascularity index) as revealed by power Doppler sonography. Vascular resistive index and pulsatility index were assessed by at least three flow samplings. Values of both the highest and the lowest resistance were analyzed. Vascularity index, resistive index, pulsatility index, nodal size, and age were correlated. RESULTS Most benign lymphadenopathies (87%), tuberculous lymphadenopathies (72%), and lymphomas (71%) revealed an avascular or hilar vascular pattern. Vascular patterns of most metastatic lymphadenopathies (90%) were of spotted (26%), peripheral (11%), or mixed (53%) type. The vascularity indexes of metastatic lymphadenopathy (mean, 0.176) and lymphoma (mean, 0.122) were significantly higher than those of tuberculous and benign lymphadenopathy (mean, 0.054 and 0.042, respectively). In vascular resistance studies, the highest pulsatility index and resistive index in metastatic lymphadenopathy statistically exceeded those of benign lymphadenopathy, whereas no difference was found in the lowest values. Negative correlation was found between the vascularity index of metastatic lesions and their lowest vascular resistance, and positive correlation was found between vascularity index and nodal size in benign lymphadenopathies. CONCLUSION In addition to vascular resistance assessed traditionally with Doppler spectral analysis, vascular pattern and vascular density assessed with power Doppler sonography can better differentiate the nature of lymphadenopathies.
Involvement of Rho-Kinase and the Actin Filament Network in Angiotensin II–Induced Contraction and Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinase Activity in Intact Rat Mesenteric Resistance Arteries

We have previously shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) and pressure increase extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activity synergistically in intact, pressurized resistance arteries in vitro. However, the mechanisms by which pressure and Ang II activate ERK1/2 in intact resistance arteries remain to be determined. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the involvement of Rho-kinase and the actin filament network in Ang II- and pressure-induced ERK1/2 activation, as well as in the contractile response induced by Ang II. Mesenteric resistance arteries (200 to 300 &mgr;m) were isolated, mounted in an arteriograph, and stimulated by pressure, Ang II, or both. Activation of ERK1/2 was then measured by an in-gel assay. In mesenteric resistance arteries maintained at 70 mm Hg, Ang II (0.1 &mgr;mol/L) induced contraction (29±1.4% of phenylephrine, 10 &mgr;mol/L-induced contraction) and significantly increased ERK1/2 activity. Selective inhibition of Rho-kinase by Y-27632 (10 &mgr;mol/L) and selective disruption of the actin filament network by cytochalasin B (10 &mgr;mol/L) both decreased the Ang II-induced contraction by 78±1.2% and 87±1.9%, respectively, and significantly diminished ERK1/2 activity. In the absence of Ang II, increasing intraluminal pressure from 0 to 70 or 120 mm Hg increased ERK1/2 activity. ERK1/2 activity at 120 mm Hg was similar to that observed at 70 mm Hg in the presence of Ang II. Pressure-induced ERK1/2 activation was markedly attenuated by cytochalasin B but not by Y-27632. These results indicate that whereas pressure-induced ERK1/2 activation requires an intact actin filament network, but not Rho-kinase, the activation of ERK1/2 and the contraction induced by Ang II require both Rho-kinase and an intact actin filament network in isolated, intact mesenteric resistance arteries.
Allosteric regulation of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) play a central role in intercellular communications in the nervous system by converting the binding of a chemical messenger—a neurotransmitter—into an ion flux through the postsynaptic membrane. They are oligomeric assemblies that provide prototypical examples of allosterically regulated integral membrane proteins. Here, we present an overview of the most recent advances on the signal transduction mechanism based on the X-ray structures of both prokaryotic and invertebrate eukaryotic pLGICs and on atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations. The present results suggest that ion gating involves a large structural reorganization of the molecule mediated by two distinct quaternary transitions, a global twisting and the blooming of the extracellular domain, which can be modulated by ligand binding at the topographically distinct orthosteric and allosteric sites. The emerging model of gating is consistent with a wealth of functional studies and will boost the development of novel pharmacological strategies.
GPS velocity field for the Tien Shan and surrounding regions

Measurements at ∼400 campaign‐style GPS points and another 14 continuously recording stations in central Asia define variations in their velocities both along and across the Kyrgyz and neighboring parts of Tien Shan. They show that at the longitude of Kyrgyzstan the Tarim Basin converges with Eurasia at 20 ± 2 mm/yr, nearly two thirds of the total convergence rate between India and Eurasia at this longitude. This high rate suggests that the Tien Shan has grown into a major mountain range only late in the evolution of the India‐Eurasia collision. Most of the convergence between Tarim and Eurasia within the upper crust of the Tien Shan presumably occurs by slip on faults on the edges of and within the belt, but 1–3 mm/yr of convergence is absorbed farther north, at the Dzungarian Alatau and at a lower rate with the Kazakh platform to the west. The Tarim Basin is thrust beneath the Tien Shan at ∼4–7 mm/yr. With respect to Eurasia, the Ferghana Valley rotates counterclockwise at ∼0.7° Myr−1 about an axis at the southwest end of the valley. Thus, GPS data place a bound of ∼4 mm/yr on the rate of crustal shortening across the Chatkal and neighboring ranges on the northwest margin of the Ferghana Valley, and they limit the present‐day slip rate on the right‐lateral Talas‐Ferghana fault to less than ∼2 mm/yr. GPS measurements corroborate geologic evidence indicating that the northern margin of the Pamir overthrusts the Alay Valley and require a rate of at least 10 and possibly 15 mm/yr.
Energy conservation in WSNs: A Collaborative Information Processing approach

We revisit the problem of data redundancy in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) from a Collaborative Signal and Information Processing (CSIP) perspective. We propose an Information Processing and Communication Reduction (IPCR) scheme that utilizes spectrum sensing to detect and eliminate data redundancy. IPCR adapts its functionality according to data-space correlations and is independent of spatial and temporal field correlations. Its operation is also independent of the underlying Medium Access Control (MAC) scheme and does not require location information. Compared to spatial/temporal correlation-based signal and information processing techniques, IPCR can achieve up to N-fold reduction in communication complexity, where N is the number of nodes in a neighborhood.
Effects of climate change on the alpine and nival vegetation of the Alps

The Alps still comprise the largest natural and semi-natural environments in Central Europe, but even the remotest alpine regions may face drastic changes due to human-induced climate warming. The glaciers of the Alps respond to the ongoing temperature increase of about 1-2°C since the 19th century with a drastic shrinkage.The high mountain vegetation is generally considered to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Therefore, this vegetation can be used as a sensitive "ecological indicator" for climate change effects. An upward movement of high mountain plants was empirically determined at subnival and nival summits (most of them exceeding 3000 m), but no such evidence is available for the lower vegetation belts. Plants will respond to climate change in different ways even at their upper limits, due to different preferences to topographically determined habitats. This resulted from a transect study with detailed field records and fine-scaled distribution models. In addition, the ecophysiological constitution of alpine and subnival plants, their propagation ability,and their life history will be crucial for vegetation dynamics in future warmer climates. The risks of climate-induced upward migration processes of plants include drastic area losses or even extinction of cryophilous plants, a disintegration of current vegetation patterns, and impacts on the stability of high mountain ecosystems.
Thrombomodulin Promotes Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing

Purpose To determine the role of thrombomodulin (TM) in corneal epithelial wound healing, and to investigate whether recombinant TM epidermal growth factor-like domain plus serine/threonine-rich domain (rTMD23) has therapeutic potential in corneal epithelial wound healing. Methods TM localization and expression in the murine cornea were examined by immunofluorescence staining. TM expression after injury was also studied. The effect of rTMD23 on corneal wound healing was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays. Results TM was expressed in the cornea in normal adult mice. TM expression increased in the early phase of wound healing and decreased after wound recovery. In the in vitro study, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induced TM expression in murine corneal epithelial cells by mediating E26 transformation-specific sequence-1 (Ets-1) via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. The administration of rTMD23 increased the rate of corneal epithelial wound healing. Conclusions TM expression in corneal epithelium was modulated during the corneal wound healing process, and may be regulated by PDGF-BB. In addition, rTMD23 has therapeutic potential in corneal injury.
Dose-related attenuation of cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation by intravenous remifentanil bolus in severe pre-eclamptic patients undergoing Caesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND The optimal dose of remifentanil to attenuate the cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation in pre-eclamptic patients undergoing Caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia has not been established. We compared the effects of two low doses of remifentanil on the cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation and neonatal outcomes. METHODS Forty-eight women with severe pre-eclampsia were randomly assigned to receive either remifentanil 0.5 µg kg⁻¹ (R0.5 group, n=24) or 1 µg kg⁻¹ (R1.0 group, n=24) over 30 s before induction of anaesthesia using thiopental 5 mg kg⁻¹ and succinylcholine 1.5 mg kg⁻¹. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), and plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured. Neonatal effects were assessed using Apgar scores and umbilical cord blood gas analysis. RESULTS SAP was decreased by induction of anaesthesia and increased by tracheal intubation in both groups. The peak SAP after intubation was greater in the R0.5 group than in the R1.0 group, whereas it did not exceed baseline values in either group. HR increased significantly above baseline in both groups with no significant differences between the groups. Three subjects in the R1.0 group received ephedrine due to hypotension (SAP < 90 mm Hg). Norepinephrine concentrations remained unaltered after intubation and increased significantly at delivery with no significant differences between the groups. Neonatal Apgar scores and umbilical arterial and venous pH and blood gas values were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Both doses of remifentanil effectively attenuated haemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation with transient neonatal respiratory depression in pre-eclamptic patients undergoing Caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia. The 1.0 µg kg⁻¹ dose was associated with hypotension in three of 24 subjects.
IPT: A novel iodinated ligand for the CNS dopamine transporter

An iodinated cocaine derivative, N‐(3′‐iodopropen‐2′‐yl)‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐chlorophenyl)tropane (IPT), was evaluated as a probe for in vitro and in vivo labeling of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT) transporters in Sprague‐Dawley rat brain. Saturation analysis of [125I]IPT in rat striatal homogenates, in two different buffer solutions, Tris‐HCl and phosphate, demonstrated a one‐site binding with affinities (Kd) of 0.25 ± 0.02 and 0.16 ± 0.02 nM and densities (Bmax) of 939 ± 161 and 1,982 ± 137 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Competition by known DA transporter ligands showed a rank order of RTI‐55 > IPT > GBR12909 > mazindol > (−)cocaine. Binding to 5‐HT transporter sites was evaluated in rat cortical homogenates. Saturation experiment results showed a single site with a Kd value of 1.2 ± 0.2 nM and a Bmax value of 100 ± 20 fmol/mg protein. The rank order of potency of several monoamine uptake inhibitors (paroxetine > fluoxetine > mazindol > R‐nisoxetine > GBR12909) suggests that [l25I] IPT labels 5‐HT transporters in rat cortical homogenates. Both ex vivo and in vitro autoradiographic studies revealed high densities of [125I]IPT binding sites in the caudate nucleus, putamen, olfactory tubercle and nucleus accumbens, areas known to be rich in dopaminergic innervation. Moderate accumulation of activity was also observed in the substantia nigra. The dorsal raphe, a region with a high density of 5‐HT innervation, was labeled using in vitro autoradiography with [125I]IPT, but the labeling using ex vivo autoradiography was less prominent at 30 min postinjection and not noticeable at 60 min postinjection. Furthermore, systemic administration of IPT to rats increased the locomotor activity, a behavioral effect consistent with the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of compounds acting at dopaminergic sites. These results demonstrate that [125I]IPT is a useful ligand for in vitro labeling of DA and 5‐HT transporters and a ligand selective for labeling of DA transport sites in vivo. When labeled with I‐123,[123I]IPT holds promise as a SPECT imaging agent for studies of neuropsychiatric disorders that involve DA transporters. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A climatology of the diurnal variations of stratospheric and mesospheric ozone over Bern, Switzerland

The ground-based radiometer GROMOS, stationed in Bern (47.95 ◦ N, 7.44 ◦ E), Switzerland, has a unique dataset: it obtains ozone proﬁles from November 1994 to present with a time resolution of 30 min and equal quality during night-and daytime. Here, we derive a monthly climatology of the daily ozone cycle from 17 yr of GRO-5 MOS observation. We present the diurnal ozone variation of the stratosphere and mesosphere. Characterizing the diurnal cycle of stratospheric ozone is important for correct trend estimates of the ozone layer derived from satellite observations. The di-urnal ozone cycle from GROMOS is compared to two models: The Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) and the Hamburg Model of Neutral and Ionized 10 Atmosphere (HAMMONIA). Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (Aura/MLS) ozone data, from night-and daytime overpasses over Bern, have also been included in the comparison. Generally, observation and models show good qualitative agreement: in the lower mesosphere, daytime ozone is for both GROMOS and models around 25 % less than nighttime ozone (reference is 22:30–01:30). In the stratosphere, ozone reaches 15 its maximum in the afternoon showing values several percent larger than the midnight value. It is important that diurnal ozone variations of this order are taken into account when merging di ﬀ erent data sets for the derivation of long-term ozone trends in the stratosphere. Further, GROMOS and models indicate a seasonal behavior of daily ozone variations in the stratosphere with a larger afternoon maximum during daytime in