Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OPTIMAL MACHINING CONDITIONS FOR TURNING OF PARTICULATE METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES USING TAGUCHI AND RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGIES

The present investigation focuses on the influence of machining parameters on the surface finish obtained in turning of LM25 Al/SiC particulate composites. The experiments are conducted based on Taguchi's experimental design technique. In this work, the effect of machining parameters on the surface roughness is evaluated and optimum machining conditions for maximizing the metal removal rate and minimizing the surface roughness are determined using response surface methodology. A second-order response surface model for the surface roughness is developed to predict the surface roughness. The predicted values and measured values are fairly close to each other, which indicates that the developed model can be effectively used to predict the surface roughness on the machining of Al/SiC-MMC composites with 95% confidence intervals within the ranges of parameters studied.
Image processing by topological asymptotic analysis

We present in this paper a new way for modeling and solving image processing problems (restoration, classification,.), the topological gradient method. This method is considered in the frame of variational approaches and the minimization of potential energy with respect to conductivity. The numerical experiments show the efficiency of the topological gradient approach. The image is most of the time processed at the first iteration of the optimization process. Moreover, the computational cost of this iteration is reduced drastically using spectral methods.
Patterns of leisure participation among adolescents with a mild intellectual disability

The aim of this study was to investigate the leisure and recreational activities of a cohort of 34 students attending a full-time special school as reported by the students and their parents. Leisure activities which were mostly solitary and passive in nature were identified as those being most commonly engaged in. Barriers to leisure were also identified, with ‘access to’ and ‘location of’ the leisure facilities being barriers perceived by both students and parents. Data on aspects of leisure use, e.g. enjoyment, participation, assistance required, socialization and choice, were also collected.
COPD assessment test and severity of airflow limitation in patients with asthma, COPD, and asthma–COPD overlap syndrome

Objective The COPD assessment test (CAT) consists of eight nonspecific scores of quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life and severity of airflow limitation in patients with asthma, COPD, and asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) using the CAT. Methods We examined CAT and lung functions in 138 patients with asthma, 99 patients with COPD, 51 patients with ACOS, and 44 patients with chronic cough as a control. The CAT score was recorded in all subjects, and the asthma control test was also administered to patients with asthma and ACOS. The CAT scores were compared, and the relationships between the scores and lung function parameters were analyzed. Results The total CAT scores and scores for cough, phlegm, and dyspnea were higher in patients with ACOS than in patients with asthma and COPD. The total CAT scores were correlated with the percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second only in patients with COPD. The total CAT scores and dyspnea scores adjusted by the percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second were higher in patients with ACOS than in patients with COPD and asthma. The CAT scores and asthma control test scores were more closely correlated in patients with ACOS than in patients with asthma. Conclusion Patients with ACOS have higher disease impacts and dyspnea sensation unproportional to the severity of airflow limitation.
SEM studies on immature stages of the drone flies (diptera, syrphidae): Eristalis similis (Fallen, 1817) and Eristalis tenax (Linnaeus, 1758)

Adult drone flies (Syrphidae: Eristalis spp.) resemble male honeybees in appearance. Their immature stages are commonly known as rat‐tailed maggots due to the presence of a very long anal segment and a telescopic breathing tube. The larvae are associated with decaying organic material in liquid or semi‐liquid media, as in the case of other saprophagous eristalines. Biological and morphological data were obtained from both laboratory cultures and sampling in the field. Drone flies are important pollinators for wild flowers and crops. In fact, mass rearing protocols of Eristalis species are being developed to be used as efficient alternative pollinators. However, deeper knowledge of larval morphology and biology is required to improve artificial rearing. The production quality control of artificial rearing must manage the consistency and reliability of the production output avoiding, for example contamination with similar species. This article presents the first description of the larva and puparium of E. similis, including a comparative morphological study of preimaginal stages of the anthropophilic and ubiquitous European hoverfly species E. tenax. Scanning electron microscopy has been used for the first time to describe larvae and puparia of both species. Moreover, the preimaginal morphology of E. similis has been compared with all known descriptions of the genus Eristalis. The main diagnostic characters of the preimaginal stages of E. similis are the morphology of the anterior spiracles (shape of clear area and arrangement of facets) and pupal spiracles (length, shape, and arrangement of tubercles). Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:853–861, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluctuation exponents for directed polymers in the intermediate disorder regime

We derive exact fluctuation exponents for a solvable model of one-dimensional directed polymers in random environment in the intermediate scaling regime. This regime corresponds to taking the inverse temperature to zero as the size of the system goes to infinity. The exponents satisfy the KPZ scaling relation and coincide with physical predictions.In the critical case, we recover the fluctuation exponent of the Hopf-Cole solution of the KPZ equation in equilibrium and close to equilibrium.
Electrokinetic potential-stabilization by bile acid-microencapsulating formulation of pancreatic β-cells cultured in high ratio poly-L-ornithine-gel hydrogel colloidal dispersion: applications in cell-biomaterials, tissue engineering and biotechnological applications

Abstract Introduction: Current trials for β-cell transplantation have been hindered by poor cell viability and function post-transplantation. Recently, electric charges of the microencapsulating formulation carrying β-cells have shown significant effects on cell survival and function. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the effects of electric charge, of novel colloidal formulation containing β-cells, on cell viability, biological activity and insulin release. Methods: A new formulation, containing high ratios of poly-L-ornithine, suspending electrical-stimulation hydrogel and polystyrene sulphone (1:1:0.1 ratio), was used to form microcapsules utilizing 800 V and 2000 Hz encapsulating conditions. The bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, was added into the microcapsules to measure its effects on electric charges. Results: The electric charge of the microencapsulating formulation was enhanced by bile acid addition, and resulted in better cell viability and function. Conclusion: Ursodeoxycholic acid microencapsulated with poly-L-ornithine, suspending electrical-stimulation hydrogel and polystyrene sulphone at 1:1:0.1 ratio, using 800 V and 2000 Hz microencapsulating conditions, produced enhanced electrokinetic parameters of microcapsules with optimized cell functions. This suggests that electric charge of formulations containing pancreatic β-cell may have significant effects on cell mass and functions, post-transplantation.
Programmable Logic Controller Forensics

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) automate the control and monitoring of physical industrial and infrastructure processes such as power generation, gas pipelines, and water management. Due to the convergence of networking infrastructure, PLCs can be exposed to cyberattacks over the network with potentially catastrophic consequences. This contribution introduces the basic mechanisms by which various attacks can be detected, analyzed, and, ultimately, remedied.
Repeated genes in eukaryotes.

PERSPECTIVES AND SUMMARY ,. '728 RIBOSOMAL RNA GENES 729 Introduction 729 Ribosomal Gene Redundancy 730 Chromosomal Location of Ribosomal Genes 730 Structure of Ribosomal Genes 735 Integrated tandemly repeated ribosomal genes 738 Extrachromosomal rDNA 741 Changes in Redundancy of Ribosomal Genes 741 Amplification of ribosomal genes 742 Mutants of the bobbed locus in Drosophila 743 THE GENES FOR 5S RIBOSOMAL RNA 745 tRNA GENES 748 PROPERTIES OF SPACERS 749 GENE FAMILIES WITH VARIANT REPETITION 751 Globin genes 751 Actin genes 751 Immunoglobulin genes 752 Vitel/ogenin genes 753 Ovalbumin and genes X and Y 753 Chorion protein genes 753
Hyperalgesia, synovitis and multiple biomarkers of inflammation are suppressed by interleukin 1 inhibition in a novel animal model of gouty arthritis

Background: Monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal-induced interleukin 1 β (IL1β) release contributes to inflammation in subcutaneous air pouch and peritoneal models of acute gout and pseudogout. However, consequences of IL1 inhibition have not been explored in more clinically relevant models of crystal-induced arthritis. Objective: To develop a novel mouse model of acute gouty ankle arthritis and use it to assess the effects of genetic deletion of IL1 receptor type (IL1R1) and of exogenous mIL1 Trap (a high-affinity blocker of mouse IL1α and IL1β) on pain, synovitis and systemic inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: MSU crystals were injected into the mouse ankle joint and pain and ankle swelling were measured over 4 days. The effects of IL1 inhibition were determined in this model, and in the comparator models of crystal-induced peritonitis and subcutaneous air pouch inflammation. Results: Both IL1R1-null mice and mice pretreated with mIL1 Trap showed reduced neutrophil influx in MSU and CPPD crystal-induced peritonitis and air pouch models (p<0.05). In the ankle joint model, both IL1R1 knockout mice and pretreatment with mIL1 Trap were associated with significant reductions in MSU crystal-induced elevations in hyperalgesia, inflammation, serum amyloid A and the levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (p<0.05). Additionally, it was found that administration of mIL1 Trap after MSU crystal injection reduced established hyperalgesia and ankle swelling. Conclusions: IL1 inhibition both prevented and relieved pain and ankle joint inflammation in response to intra-articular MSU crystals in mice. Results suggested that IL1 Trap has the potential to both prevent and treat gouty arthritis.
Lateral Segregation of Photosystem I in Cyanobacterial Thylakoids[CC-BY]

Atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, and structural modeling reveal extensive macromolecular arrays of cyanobacterial PSI complexes that allow some intertrimer energy migration. Photosystem I (PSI) is the dominant photosystem in cyanobacteria and it plays a pivotal role in cyanobacterial metabolism. Despite its biological importance, the native organization of PSI in cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes is poorly understood. Here, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to show that ordered, extensive macromolecular arrays of PSI complexes are present in thylakoids from Thermosynechococcus elongatus, Synechococcus sp PCC 7002, and Synechocystis sp PCC 6803. Hyperspectral confocal fluorescence microscopy and three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy of Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 cells visualize PSI domains within the context of the complete thylakoid system. Crystallographic and AFM data were used to build a structural model of a membrane landscape comprising 96 PSI trimers and 27,648 chlorophyll a molecules. Rather than facilitating intertrimer energy transfer, the close associations between PSI primarily maximize packing efficiency; short-range interactions with Complex I and cytochrome b6f are excluded from these regions of the membrane, so PSI turnover is sustained by long-distance diffusion of the electron donors at the membrane surface. Elsewhere, PSI-photosystem II contact zones provide sites for docking phycobilisomes and the formation of megacomplexes. PSI-enriched domains in cyanobacteria might foreshadow the partitioning of PSI into stromal lamellae in plants, similarly sustained by long-distance diffusion of electron carriers.
Nurses and Use of Research Information in Clinical Practice: a Case Study of the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia

The main objective of this study was to investigate nurses’ use of research information in their clinical practice at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. A case study that utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection was adopted. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and qualitative data was analysed thematically. A purposive sample of 60 practicing nurses was used, 57 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 95%. 54% of the nurses indicated that they used research information in their clinical practice. 12.28% of the nurses used research information very often in their clinical practice. The majority of nurses were prompted to seek information because of: emergency of new cases, to update themselves, to provide quality services, emergency of new technologies and due to a high disease burden. The importance of using research information by nurses in clinical practice has been clearly articulated by researchers.
Kevlar KM2 Yarn and Fabric Strength Under Quasi-Static Tension

Abstract : Kevlar KM2, 600 denier, was Instron tested in quasi-static, uniaxial tension to determine its strength. Specimens included both single yarns and 68-yarn-wide, single-ply strips of plain-woven fabric (Style 706). Never-woven single-yarn speciens were tested with varying degrees of initial twist. Strength of the untwisted, never-woven yarn was 2.66 +/= 0.04 GPa. The twist multiplier was 1.2. Single warp-oriented and fill-oriented yarns were extracted from Style 706 fabric, tested, and found to have strengths of 2.06 +/= 0.01 and 2.20 % 0.05 GPa, respeptively. The single-ply fabric specimens of both warp and fill orientations were tested and found to have strengths of 2.23 +/= 0.04 and 2.67 +/= 0.04 GPa, respectively. The strength effects of weaving, finishing, yarn extraction, and inter-yarn contact are discussed.
The nutrition transition and its health implications in lower-income countries

Abstract Objective: This article reviews information on the rapid changes in diet, activity and body composition that lower- and middle-income countries are undergoing and then examines some of the potential health implications of this transition. Design and Setting: Data came from numerous countries and also from national food balance (FAOSTAT) and World Bank sources. Nationally representative and nationwide surveys are used. The nationally representative Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Surveys from 1992–96 and the nationwide China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1989–93 are examined in detail. Results: Rapid changes in the structure of diet, in particular associated with urbanization, are documented. In addition, large changes in occupation types are documented. These are linked with rapid increases in adult obesity in Latin America and Asia. Some of the potential implications for adult health are noted. Conclusions: The rapid changes in diet, activity and obesity that are facing billions of residents of lower- and middle-income countries are cause for great concern. Linked with these changes will be a rapid increase in chronic diseases. Little to date has been done at the national level to address these problems.
Genetic Algorithm for the VP Layout in ATM Networks

The virtual path (VP) concept is a powerful transport mechanism to construct efficient and economical routes in ATM networks. Unlike previous researches on virtual path management, this paper deals with the VP layout for a given set of terminators and capacity demands. A hybrid genetic algorithm is presented for the VP layout which is motivated by minimizing the maximal load of the links. The global convergence of the proposed algorithm to globally optimal solution with probability one is proved and simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm performs well and is very competitive with other algorithms.
Flexible and Safe Resolution of File Conflicts

In this paper we describe the support provided by the Coda File System for transparent resolution of conflicts arising from concurrent updates to a file in different network partitions. Such partitions often occur in mobile computing environments. Coda provides a framework for invoking customized pieces of code called application-specific resolvers (asrs) that encapsulate the knowledge needed for file resolution. If resolution succeeds, the user notices nothing more than a slight performance delay. Only if resolution fails does the user have to resort to manual repair. Our design combines a rule-based approach to ASR selection with transactional encapsulation of ASR execution. This paper shows how such an approach leads to flexible and efficient file resolution without loss of security or robustness.
MPB 2 C , a Microtubule-Associated Plant Protein Binds to and Interferes with Cell-to-Cell Transport of Tobacco Mosaic Virus Movement Protein 1

The movement protein of tobacco mosaic virus, MP30, mediates viral cell-to-cell transport via plasmodesmata. The complex MP30 intraand intercellular distribution pattern includes localization to the endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasmic bodies, microtubules, and plasmodesmata and likely requires interaction with plant endogenous factors. We have identified and analyzed an MP30-interacting protein, MPB2C, from the host plant Nicotiana tabacum. MPB2C constitutes a previously uncharacterized microtubule-associated protein that binds to and colocalizes with MP30 at microtubules. In vivo studies indicate that MPB2C mediates accumulation of MP30 at microtubules and interferes with MP30 cell-to-cell movement. In contrast, intercellular transport of a functionally enhanced MP30 mutant, which does not accumulate and colocalize with MP30 at microtubules, is not impaired by MPB2C. Together, these data support the concept that MPB2C is not required for MP30 cell-to-cell movement but may act as a negative effector of MP30 cell-to-cell transport activity.
Quantitatively Characterizing the Ligand Binding Mechanisms of Choline Binding Protein Using Markov State Model Analysis

Protein-ligand recognition plays key roles in many biological processes. One of the most fascinating questions about protein-ligand recognition is to understand its underlying mechanism, which often results from a combination of induced fit and conformational selection. In this study, we have developed a three-pronged approach of Markov State Models, Molecular Dynamics simulations, and flux analysis to determine the contribution of each model. Using this approach, we have quantified the recognition mechanism of the choline binding protein (ChoX) to be ∼90% conformational selection dominant under experimental conditions. This is achieved by recovering all the necessary parameters for the flux analysis in combination with available experimental data. Our results also suggest that ChoX has several metastable conformational states, of which an apo-closed state is dominant, consistent with previous experimental findings. Our methodology holds great potential to be widely applied to understand recognition mechanisms underlining many fundamental biological processes.
Alpha-fetoprotein, the major fetal serum protein, is not essential for embryonic development but is required for female fertility

The alpha-fetoprotein gene (Afp) is a member of a multigenic family that comprises the related genes encoding albumin, alpha-albumin, and vitamin D binding protein. The biological role of this major embryonic serum protein is unknown although numerous speculations have been made. We have used gene targeting to show that AFP is not required for embryonic development. AFP null embryos develop normally, and individually transplanted homozygous embryos can develop in an AFP-deficient microenvironment. Whereas mutant homozygous adult males are viable and fertile, AFP null females are infertile. Our analyses of these mice indicate that the defect is caused by a dysfunction of the hypothalamic/pituitary system, leading to anovulation.
Willingness Optimization for Social Group Activity

Studies show that a person is willing to join a social group activity if the activity is interesting, and if some close friends also join the activity as companions. The literature has demonstrated that the interests of a person and the social tightness among friends can be effectively derived and mined from social networking websites. However, even with the above two kinds of information widely available, social group activities still need to be coordinated manually, and the process is tedious and time-consuming for users, especially for a large social group activity, due to complications of social connectivity and the diversity of possible interests among friends. To address the above important need, this paper proposes to automatically select and recommend potential attendees of a social group activity, which could be very useful for social networking websites as a value-added service. We first formulate a new problem, named Willingness mAximization for Social grOup (WASO). This paper points out that the solution obtained by a greedy algorithm is likely to be trapped in a local optimal solution. Thus, we design a new randomized algorithm to effectively and efficiently solve the problem. Given the available computational budgets, the proposed algorithm is able to optimally allocate the resources and find a solution with an approximation ratio. We implement the proposed algorithm in Facebook, and the user study demonstrates that social groups obtained by the proposed algorithm significantly outperform the solutions manually configured by users.
Verification of JavaSpaces TM Parallel Programs

In this paper, we illustrate a formal verification method for distributed JavaSpaces applications by analyzing a nontrivial fault tolerant algorithm that solves a typical coordination problem. The problem consists of the computation of an extensive task, performed in parallel by splitting it into smaller and more manageable parts. The proposed solution, based on JavaSpaces coordination primitives, transactions and time-outs, is verified by translating it to the formal language µCRL, together with the previously developed µCRL-model of the JavaSpaces architecture, and by using model checking techniques.
Brd1 Gene in Maize Encodes a Brassinosteroid C-6 Oxidase

The role of brassinosteroids in plant growth and development has been well-characterized in a number of plant species. However, very little is known about the role of brassinosteroids in maize. Map-based cloning of a severe dwarf mutant in maize revealed a nonsense mutation in an ortholog of a brassinosteroid C-6 oxidase, termed brd1, the gene encoding the enzyme that catalyzes the final steps of brassinosteroid synthesis. Homozygous brd1–m1 maize plants have essentially no internode elongation and exhibit no etiolation response when germinated in the dark. These phenotypes could be rescued by exogenous application of brassinolide, confirming the molecular defect in the maize brd1-m1 mutant. The brd1-m1 mutant plants also display alterations in leaf and floral morphology. The meristem is not altered in size but there is evidence for differences in the cellular structure of several tissues. The isolation of a maize mutant defective in brassinosteroid synthesis will provide opportunities for the analysis of the role of brassinosteroids in this important crop system.