Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-model comparison of the volcanic sulfate deposition from the 1815 eruption of Mt. Tambora

Abstract. The eruption of Mt. Tambora in 1815 was the largest volcanic eruption of the past 500 years. The eruption had significant climatic impacts, leading to the 1816 year without a summer , and remains a valuable event from which to understand the climatic effects of large stratospheric volcanic sulfur dioxide injections. The eruption also resulted in one of the strongest and most easily identifiable volcanic sulfate signals in polar ice cores, which are widely used to reconstruct the timing and atmospheric sulfate loading of past eruptions. As part of the Model Intercomparison Project on the climatic response to Volcanic forcing (VolMIP), five state-of-the-art global aerosol models simulated this eruption. We analyse both simulated background (no Tambora) and volcanic (with Tambora) sulfate deposition to polar regions and compare to ice core records. The models simulate overall similar patterns of background sulfate deposition, although there are differences in regional details and magnitude. However, the volcanic sulfate deposition varies considerably between the models with differences in timing, spatial pattern and magnitude. Mean simulated deposited sulfate on Antarctica ranges from 19 to 264 kg km−2 and on Greenland from 31 to 194 kg km−2, as compared to the mean ice-core-derived estimates of roughly 50 kg km−2 for both Greenland and Antarctica. The ratio of the hemispheric atmospheric sulfate aerosol burden after the eruption to the average ice sheet deposited sulfate varies between models by up to a factor of 15. Sources of this inter-model variability include differences in both the formation and the transport of sulfate aerosol. Our results suggest that deriving relationships between sulfate deposited on ice sheets and atmospheric sulfate burdens from model simulations may be associated with greater uncertainties than previously thought.
Geometrical control of dissipation during the spreading of liquids on soft solids

Significance Soft solids such as gels are routinely used to coat solid surfaces to control wetting and adhesion. While wetting statics on these coatings have received a lot of attention, the dynamics have hardly been studied. Here, we show that energy dissipation during spreading depends not only on the viscoelasticity of the gel but also on the thickness of the coating. We provide both an analytical model and a scaling law that predict the dynamic contact angle—i.e., the signature of dissipation in the droplet–substrate–atmosphere system—as a function of the mechanical properties of the gel and the thickness of the coating. Finally, we show that droplets moving on coatings having thickness gradients drift toward regions of higher dissipation. Gel layers bound to a rigid substrate are used in cell culture to control differentiation and migration and to lower the friction and tailor the wetting of solids. Their thickness, often considered a negligible parameter, affects cell mechanosensing or the shape of sessile droplets. Here, we show that the adjustment of coating thickness provides control over energy dissipation during the spreading of flowing matter on a gel layer. We combine experiments and theory to provide an analytical description of both the statics and the dynamics of the contact line between the gel, the liquid, and the surrounding atmosphere. We extract from this analysis a hitherto-unknown scaling law that predicts the dynamic contact angle between the three phases as a function of the properties of the coating and the velocity of the contact line. Finally, we show that droplets moving on vertical substrates coated with gel layers having linear thickness gradients drift toward regions of higher energy dissipation. Thus, thickness control opens the opportunity to design a priori the path followed by large droplets moving on gel-coated substrates. Our study shows that thickness is another parameter, besides surface energy and substrate mechanics, to tune the dynamics of liquid spreading and wetting on a compliant coating, with potential applications in dew collection and free-surface flow control.
Nighttime Foreground Pedestrian Detection Based on Three-Dimensional Voxel Surface Model

Pedestrian detection is among the most frequently-used preprocessing tasks in many surveillance application fields, from low-level people counting to high-level scene understanding. Even though many approaches perform well in the daytime with sufficient illumination, pedestrian detection at night is still a critical and challenging problem for video surveillance systems. To respond to this need, in this paper, we provide an affordable solution with a near-infrared stereo network camera, as well as a novel three-dimensional foreground pedestrian detection model. Specifically, instead of using an expensive thermal camera, we build a near-infrared stereo vision system with two calibrated network cameras and near-infrared lamps. The core of the system is a novel voxel surface model, which is able to estimate the dynamic changes of three-dimensional geometric information of the surveillance scene and to segment and locate foreground pedestrians in real time. A free update policy for unknown points is designed for model updating, and the extracted shadow of the pedestrian is adopted to remove foreground false alarms. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, the system is deployed in several nighttime surveillance scenes. Experimental results demonstrate that our method is capable of nighttime pedestrian segmentation and detection in real time under heavy occlusion. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative comparison results show that our work outperforms classical background subtraction approaches and a recent RGB-D method, as well as achieving comparable performance with the state-of-the-art deep learning pedestrian detection method even with a much lower hardware cost.
Oxygen influenced intergranular crack propagation: analysing microstructure and chemistry in the crack tip region

Abstract Ni-base superalloys have for decades been studied with regard to environmentally influenced intergranular crack propagation. For high temperature fatigue frequencies <0.1 Hz, it has been shown that an oxygen-rich environment promotes time-dependent crack growth while at >0.1 Hz and/or in inert environments (e.g. vacuum) crack growth is cycle dependent. Oxygen interaction at, or ahead of, the crack tip has been pointed out as the reason for the degraded mechanical properties. While many aspects of this type of crack growth have been previously investigated there is still no consensus about the detailed mechanisms, mainly due to the lack of in-detail investigations of the crack-tip region. Here, crack tip regions in the Ni-base superalloy Alloy 718 were studied. Specimens were subjected to 90 s hold-times at 550°C and 650°C. Crack growth was arrested before final fracture, allowing cross-sectional analyses of the crack-tip region using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Detailed studies of the crack-tip region were performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). For both APT and TEM samples, site-specific focussed ion beam (FIB) sample preparation was performed in a combined FIB-SEM system. The methodology of accessing and analysing the crack tip region is shown. Initial results on oxidation, oxygen penetration and plastic deformation are shown and discussed.
Dazed: Measuring the Cognitive Load of Solving Technical Interview Problems at the Whiteboard

Problem-solving on a whiteboard is a popular technical interview technique used in industry. However, several critics have raised concerns that whiteboard interviews can cause excessive stress and cognitive load on candidates, ultimately reinforcing bias in hiring practices. Unfortunately, many sensors used for measuring cognitive state are not robust to movement. In this paper, we describe an approach where we use a head-mounted eye-tracker and computer vision algorithms to collect robust metrics of cognitive state. To demonstrate the feasibility of the approach, we study two proposed interview settings: on the whiteboard and on paper with 11 participants. Our preliminary results suggest that the whiteboard setting pressures candidates into keeping shorter attention lengths and experiencing higher levels of cognitive load compared to solving the same problems on paper. For instance, we observed 60ms shorter fixation durations and 3x more regressions when solving problems on the whiteboard. Finally, we describe a vision for creating a more inclusive technical interview process through future studies of interventions that lower cognitive load and stress.
Precipitation in iron–chromium–aluminium alloys

AbstractSmall angle neutron scattering was used to study the precipitation in two iron–chromium–aluminium alloys of similar composition, the main difference being the addition of yttrium to one alloy. The mean diameter, separation, and volume fraction of the precipitates is determined as a function of aging time and temperature. The two alloys behaved differently, the precipitate growing more quickly in the yttrium containing alloy. The upper limit of stability of the chromium rich phase was established as lying between 480 and 485°C in both alloys.
Determining the optimal PDMS–PDMS bonding technique for microfluidic devices

A number of polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) bonding techniques have been reported in the literature over the last several years as the focus on multilayer PDMS microfluidic devices has increased. Oxygen plasma bonding, despite cost, additional fabrication time and inconsistent bonding results, has remained a widely used method for bonding PDMS layers. A comparative study of four rapid, inexpensive alternative PDMS–PDMS bonding approaches was undertaken to determine relative bond strength. These include corona discharge, partial curing, cross-linker variation and uncured PDMS adhesive. Partial curing and uncured PDMS adhesive demonstrated a considerable improvement in bond strength and consistency by retaining average bond strengths of over 600 kPa, which was more than double the average bond strength of oxygen plasma. A description of each technique and their performance relative to oxygen plasma bonding is included.
Robot Versus Laparoscopic Nerve-Sparing Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Comparison of the Intraoperative and Perioperative Results of a Single Surgeon’s Initial Experience

Objective The aim of the study was to compare the initial surgical outcomes and learning curve of nerve-sparing robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) with nerve-sparing total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) for the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer in the first 50 cases. Methods Between January 2008 and March 2012, 50 consecutive patients underwent nerve-sparing RRH. These patients were compared with a historic cohort of the first 50 consecutive patients who underwent nerve-sparing TLRH. Results Both groups were similar with respect to patients and tumor characteristics. The mean operating time in the RRH group was significantly longer than that in the TLRH group (230.1 ± 35.8 vs 211.2 ± 46.7 minutes; P = 0.025). The mean blood loss for the robotic group was significantly lower compared with the laparoscopic group (54.9 ± 31.5 vs 201.9 ± 148.4 mL; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean pelvic lymph nodes between the 2 groups (25.0 ± 9.9 vs 23.1 ± 10.4; P = 0.361). The mean days to normal residual urine were 9.6 ± 6.4 in RRH and 11.0 ± 6.2 in TLRH (P = 0.291). The incidence of intraoperative complication was profoundly lower in RRH compared with that of TLRH (0% vs 8%; P = 0.041). Moreover, no intraoperative transfusion was required in RRH, whereas 4 (8%) were required in TLRH (P = 0.041). In both groups, we found no evidence of a learning effect during the first 50 cases. Conclusions During the first 50 cases, surgical outcomes and complication rates of nerve-sparing RRH were found to be comparable to those of nerve-sparing TLRH. Moreover, the mean blood loss and intraoperative complication rate in the robotic group were significantly lower than those in the laparoscopic group. Surgical skills for nerve-sparing TLRH easily and safely translated to nerve-sparing RRH in case of experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
Metformin protects against oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced macrophage apoptosis and inhibits lipid uptake

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage apoptosis contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, has been reported to attenuate lipid accumulation in macrophages. In this study, the effects of metformin on ox-LDL-induced macrophage apoptosis were investigated and the mechanisms involved in this process were examined. By performing flow cytometry analysis, it was demonstrated that metformin inhibited ox-LDL-induced macrophage apoptosis. Increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker proteins, including C/EBP-homologous protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A, and glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa, induced by ox-LDL was also reversed by metformin. Furthermore, ox-LDL-induced cytochrome c (cyto-c) release and mitochondrial membrane potential loss were inhibited by metformin. As lipid uptake in macrophages contributed to ER stress, cyto-c release and mitochondrial membrane potential loss, the mechanisms involved in metformin-inhibited macrophage lipid uptake were investigated. Expression of scavenger receptors, including scavenger receptor A, cluster of differentiation 36 and lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 was examined in the presence or absence of metformin with ox-LDL treatment. Additionally, the upstream regulatory mechanism of scavenger receptors by metformin was also analyzed. In conclusion, metformin protects against ox-LDL-induced macrophage apoptosis and inhibits macrophage lipid uptake.
Dorsal premotor cortex is involved in switching motor plans

Previous studies have shown that neural activity in primate dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) can simultaneously represent multiple potential movement plans, and that activity related to these movement options is modulated by their relative subjective desirability. These findings support the hypothesis that decisions about actions are made through a competition within the same circuits that guide the actions themselves. This hypothesis further predicts that the very same cells that guide initial decisions will continue to update their activities if an animal changes its mind. For example, if a previously selected movement option suddenly becomes unavailable, the correction will be performed by the same cells that selected the initial movement, as opposed to some different group of cells responsible for online guidance. We tested this prediction by recording neural activity in the PMd of a monkey performing an instructed-delay reach selection task. In the task, two targets were simultaneously presented and their border styles indicated whether each would be worth 1, 2, or 3 juice drops. In a random subset of trials (FREE), the monkey was allowed a choice while in the remaining trials (FORCED) one of the targets disappeared at the time of the GO signal. In FORCED-LOW trials the monkey was forced to move to the less valuable target and started moving either toward the new target (Direct) or toward the target that vanished and then curved to reach the remaining one (Curved). Prior to the GO signal, PMd activity clearly reflected the monkey's subjective preference, predicting his choices in FREE trials even with equally valued options. In FORCED-LOW trials, PMd activity reflected the switch of the monkey's plan as early as 100 ms after the GO signal, well before movement onset (MO). This confirms that the activity is not related to feedback from the movement itself, and suggests that PMd continues to participate in action selection even when the animal changes its mind on-line. These findings were reproduced by a computational model suggesting that switches between action plans can be explained by the same competition process responsible for initial decisions.
Nonlinear mechanical response of high density polyethylene. Part I: Experimental investigation and model evaluation

The nonlinear behavior of high density polyethylene (HDPE) is investigated for samples cut from thick-walled HDPE pipe. Extensive experimental work has been performed to characterize the non-linear time-dependent response of the material tested under uniaxial compression. Tests were conducted under conditions of constant strain rate, creep, stress relaxation, constant loading rate, abrupt change of strain rate, creep-recovery, cyclic strain rate, and various combinations of these loading conditions. Creep and stress relaxation response after strain reversal and the effect of the transient response on the following stress-strain behavior is examined. Permanent strains for the test specimens and their dependence on loading histories are investigated. Specimens cut at various orientations from the pipe are used to quantify the small amounts of local anisotropy in the pipe specimen. The experimental work has been used to develop both nonlinear viscoelastic (NVE) and viscoplastic (VP) constitutive models in a companion paper. Both the test results and the corresponding model predictions are reported in this paper. It is found that the VP model reproduces the nonlinear viscoelastic-viscoplastic behavior of HDPE very well provided that the current strain is not below the maximum strain imposed (there is no strain reversal). The NVE model predicts the material behavior reasonably well for some loading conditions, but inadequately for others.
The hitchhikers guide to cancer stem cell theory: Markers, pathways and therapy

Cancer stem cell (CSC) biology is a rapidly developing field within cancer research. CSCs are postulated to be a unique cell population exclusively capable of infinite self renewal, multilineage differentiation and with ability to evade conventional cytotoxic cancer therapy. These traits distinguish CSCs from their more differentiated counterparts, which possess only limited or no potential for self renewal and tumor initiation. Therefore, CSCs would be the driving motor of malignant growth and therapy resistance. Accordingly, successful cancer treatment would need to eliminate this highly potent group of cells, since even small residual numbers would suffice to recapitulate the disease after therapy. Putative CSCs has been identified in a broad range of human malignancies and several cell surface markers have been associated with their stem cell phenotype. Despite all efforts, a pure CSC population has not been isolated and often in vitro clonogenic and in vivo tumorigenic potential is found in several cell populations with occasionally contradictory surface marker signatures. Here, we give a brief overview of recent advances in CSC theory, including the signaling pathways in CSCs that also appear crucial for stem cells homeostasis in normal tissues. We discuss evidence for the interaction of CSCs with the stromal tumor environment. Finally, we review the emerging potentially effective CSC‐targeted treatment strategies and their future role in therapy. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The association of nursing care perception with coping skills and posttraumatic growth in mental disorders

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? : Although it is well known that coping with mental disorder is a traumatic experience, studies of the relationships between posttraumatic growth and the variables that can affect it are rarely found in the literature. The studies that do exist usually focus on posttraumatic growth after posttraumatic stress disorder has developed as a result of traumatic life events such as earthquakes, wars, accidents or physical disease. In the literature, there exist few studies of patients diagnosed with psychosis. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE? : This study shows that posttraumatic growth can be seen in patients after the diagnosis of mental disorders. Patients who use effective coping methods show more posttraumatic growth. In addition, patients who are satisfied with the nursing care received in the clinic show more posttraumatic growth. This indicates that care delivered by psychiatric nurses contributes to the posttraumatic growth of the patients. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE? : Psychiatric nurses who recognize that suffering a mental disorder is a traumatic experience and that patients can grow from this experience can contribute to the posttraumatic growth of those in their care. When they see signs of posttraumatic growth, nurses can teach patients how to cope with that stress effectively and how to share their feelings, thoughts and experiences related to the situation. In addition, psychosocial interventions such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitization can be used to aid posttraumatic growth. ABSTRACT Introduction Although it is recognized that suffering a mental illness is a traumatic experience, the fact that this can lead to posttraumatic growth and the variables that may affect the situation are rarely discussed in the literature. Aim This study was conducted to determine the effects of coping styles and nursing care perceptions on posttraumatic growth in mental disorders. Method The descriptive study was conducted at a psychiatric clinic with a personal information form and three-scale test. Results In the study, completed with 122 psychiatric inpatients, it was found that patients were using effective methods to cope with stress, were satisfied with nursing care and had high posttraumatic growth. Moreover, it was found that effective coping styles and satisfaction with nursing care positively affected the posttraumatic growth level of patients. Discussion The results support the proposition that using effective coping styles and seeking professional support after traumatic life events influence posttraumatic growth levels. Implications for practice Psychiatric nurses should be aware of the fact that developing a mental disorder is a traumatic life event after which posttraumatic growth can occur. They should encourage posttraumatic growth by teaching effective coping methods, providing psychiatric care and using psychosocial interventions such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitization.