Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Low Temperature Mechanical Properties of Crack Sealants Utilizing Direct Tension Test

Crack sealing has been widely used as a routine preventative maintenance practice. Given its proper installation, crack sealants can extend pavement service life by three to five years. However, current specifications for the selection of crack sealants correlate poorly with field performance. The purpose of this research was to develop performance guidelines for the selection of hot-poured bituminous crack sealants at low temperature. This was accomplished by measuring the mechanical properties of crack sealant at low temperature and then developing performance criteria for material selection. The modified direct tension test (DTT), crack sealant direct tension test (CSDTT), simulates the in-situ loading behavior of crack sealants in the laboratory. A modified dog-bone specimen geometry, which allows specimens to be stretched up to 95%, is recommended. This new specimen geometry also facilitates sample preparation. Tensile force is applied to the dog-bone specimen, with its effective gauge length of 20.3mm, and is pulled at a deformation rate of 1.2mm/min. Fifteen sealants were tested at various temperatures, and three performance parameters are suggested as indicators of sealant performance: extendibility, percent modulus reduction, and strain energy density. Extendibility, which is used to assess the degree of deformation undergone by a sealant at low temperature before it ruptures or internal damage is observed, is recommended as a measured parameter to be included in the performance-based guidelines for the selection of hot-poured crack sealants. Extendibility thresholds were defined as function of low service temperatures. The CSDT is conducted at +6oC above the lowest in service temperature because of the relatively high test loading rate compared to in-situ crack sealant movement rate.
Evaluation and Selection of Bacillus Species Based on Enzyme Production, Antimicrobial Activity, and Biofilm Synthesis as Direct-Fed Microbial Candidates for Poultry

Social concern about misuse of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGP) and generation of multidrug-resistant bacteria have restricted the dietary inclusion of antibiotics in livestock feed in several countries. Direct-fed microbials (DFM) are one of the multiple alternatives commonly evaluated as substitutes of AGP. Sporeformer bacteria from the genus Bacillus have been extensively investigated because of their extraordinary properties to form highly resistant endospores, produce antimicrobial compounds, and synthesize different exogenous enzymes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and select Bacillus spp. from environmental and poultry sources as DFM candidates, considering their enzyme production profile, biofilm synthesis capacity, and pathogen-inhibition activity. Thirty-one Bacillus isolates were screened for in vitro relative enzyme activity of amylase, protease, lipase, and phytase using a selective media for each enzyme, with 3/31 strains selected as superior enzyme producers. These three isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis (1/3), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (2/3), based on biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. For evaluation of biofilm synthesis, the generation of an adherent crystal violet-stained ring was determined in polypropylene tubes, resulting in 11/31 strains showing a strong biofilm formation. Moreover, all Bacillus strains were evaluated for growth inhibition activity against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (26/31), Escherichia coli (28/31), and Clostridioides difficile (29/31). Additionally, in previous in vitro and in vivo studies, these selected Bacillus strains have shown to be resistant to different biochemical conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of poultry. Results of the present study suggest that the selection and consumption of Bacillus-DFM, producing a variable set of enzymes and antimicrobial compounds, may contribute to enhanced performance through improving nutrient digestibility, reducing intestinal viscosity, maintaining a beneficial gut microbiota, and promoting healthy intestinal integrity in poultry.
Newcastle University E-prints Citation for Item: Publisher's Copyright Statement: 2a Peptides Provide Distinct Solutions to Driving Stop-carry on Translational Recoding

Brown JD. 2A peptides provide distinct solutions to driving stop-carry on translational recoding. which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Always use the definitive version when citing. The full-text may be used and/or reproduced and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not for profit purposes provided that: • A full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • A link is made to the metadata record in Newcastle E-prints • The full text is not changed in any way. The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. ABSTRACT Expression of viral proteins frequently includes non-canonical decoding events ('recoding') during translation. '2A' oligopeptides drive one such event, termed 'stop-carry on' recoding. Nascent 2A peptides interact with the ribosomal exit tunnel to dictate an unusual stop codon-independent termination of translation at the final Pro codon of 2A. Subsequently, translation 'reinitiates' on the same codon, two individual proteins being generated from one open reading frame. Many 2A peptides have been identified, and they have a conserved C-terminal motif. Little similarity is present in the N-terminal portions of these peptides, which might suggest that these amino acids are not important in the 2A reaction. However, mutagenesis indicates that identity of the amino acid at nearly all positions of a single 2A peptide is important for activity. Each 2A may then represent a specific solution for positioning the conserved C-terminus within the peptidyl-transferase centre to promote recoding. Nascent 2A peptide:ribosome interactions are suggested to alter ribosomal fine structure to discriminate against prolyl-tRNA Pro and promote termination in the absence of a stop codon. Such structural modifications may account for our observation that replacement of the final Pro codon of 2A with any stop codon both stalls ribosome processivity and inhibits nascent chain release.
The Effects of Symbol Product Relevance and Religiosity on Consumer Perceptions of Christian Symbols in Advertising

Abstract This research supports and extends the theoretical foundation of relevant associative linkages via examination of the effects of Christian cues or symbols on relevant and irrelevant symbol product ad evaluations. Results indicate that a relevant Christian symbol product linkage supports the basic premises of associative linkage theory with significant positive ad evaluative efficacy (Aad, Ab, and PI) while an irrelevant Christian symbol product linkage has a significant negative impact on ad evaluative efficacy. In addition, the study also indicates that religiosity and gender of the respondent has a significant moderating impact on the evaluation of an ad that has a Christian symbol under relevant symbol product linkage conditions. Moreover, and possibly most significantly, the interaction effect between relevancy and religiosity indicates that this interplay combines to significantly affect the diagnostic efficacy of the ad for relevant symbol product linkages. Overall, results indicate the need for practitioners to carefully choose a relevant context when co-opting Christian symbols for their advertisements and to avoid indiscriminate use of Christian symbols in ads while also considering the religiosity of the target audience.
Culture, gender, and gender mix in encoders of sarcasm: A self‐assessment analysis

This study examined various characteristics of encoders of sarcasm. Sarcasm is a complex communication activity, but little is known about the individuals who use sarcasm. For this study, we paired participants and asked them to converse using a list of questions that we anticipated would elicit sarcastic responses. Following each conversation, participants completed questionnaires that we used to determine their understanding of their own and their partner's use of sarcasm. Results indicated that men were more sarcastic than women. Men were more sarcastic when interacting with other men than when interacting with women; women, on the other hand, were more sarcastic when interacting with men than with other women. Also, it was discovered that individualists were more sarcastic than collectivists.
Mycotic rhinitis in a Mutton Merino ewe

Although nasal masses are uncommon in sheep and may have several causes, including neoplasia and bacterial, fungal and viral infections, these lesions may lead to economic losses resulting from weight loss and even death. It is therefore important to differentiate between various categories of upper respiratory tract obstructions and lower respiratory tract infections. The correct aetiological diagnosis of obstructive masses is essential for appropriate treatment and management to be given or action to be taken. The presentation, clinical signs, treatment and pathology of a case of suspected mycotic rhinitis in a 6-year-old Mutton Merino ewe, are described.
Exposure to high concentrations of nitrosamines and cancer mortality among a cohort of rubber workers

OBJECTIVES To examine if the occurrence of different cancers was increased among rubber workers, as the highest known exposures of humans to nitrosamines have occurred in the rubber industry. METHODS A cohort of 8933 rubber workers (hired after 1 January 1950, still active or retired on 1 January 1981 and employed for at least 1 year in one of five study factories) was followed up for mortality from 1 January 1981 to 31 December 1991. Work histories were reconstructed with routinely documented cost centre codes, which allowed identification by employment in specific work areas. For each cost centre code time and factory specific, semi-quantitative exposures to nitrosamines (three levels: low, medium, high) and other compounds were estimated by industrial hygienists. Rate ratios for medium (RRm) and high (RRh) exposures and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated with Cox's proportional hazards models with the low exposure as reference. RESULTS Exposure to nitrosamines was significantly associated with an increased mortality from cancers of the oesophagus (13 deaths: RRm 1.7, 95% CI 0.3 to 10.3; RRh 7.3, 95% CI 1.9 to 27.8) and of the oral cavity and pharynx (17 deaths: RRm 0.8, 95% CI 0.2 to 4.1; RRh 3.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 11.1). A non-significant trend of increasing mortality with exposure to higher concentrations of nitrosamines was found for mortality from cancer of the prostate (26 deaths: RRm 1.4, 95% CI 0.5 to 3.8; RRh 2.2, 95% CI 0.9 to 5.6), and the brain (six deaths: RRm 3.9, 95% CI 0.3 to 42.6; RRh 6.0, 95% CI 0.6 to 57.6). No association was found between exposure to nitrosamines and cancer of the stomach (RRm 0.8, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.8; RRh1.2, 95% CI 0.5 to 2.5) or lung (RRm 1.0, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.5; RRh 1.0, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.6). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to high concentrations of nitrosamines is associated with increased mortality from cancers of the oesophagus, oral cavity, and pharynx, but not with increased mortality from cancers of the stomach or lung.
Immunoadsorption versus plasma exchange versus combination for treatment of myasthenic deterioration

Objectives: The goal of this study was to analyze safety and assess the efficacy of standard plasma exchange (PE) compared with immunoadsorption (IA) alone, or an alternating combination of both in deteriorating myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: A total of 72 patients with MG who had received PE procedures for treatment of severe deterioration were retrospectively analyzed. They received either five cycles of PE (1–1.5 plasma volumes), or five cycles of IA in line with plasma separation, or a sequential alternating procedure of one cycle of PE followed by two cycles of IA, which was repeated once or more if needed. Results: A total of 19 patients received PE, 24 patients IA, and 29 the alternating combination therapy. All groups were equally distributed by sex and mean MG score before treatment. The number of treatment cycles and days on therapy did not differ between the groups. Mean MG scores at discharge were 3.0 (PE), 1.8 (IA) and 1.6 (combination) (p = 0.028 for combination versus PE). Inpatient time was 30.7 days (PE), 22.3 days (IA) and 20.0 days in combination therapy (p < 0.05 for combination versus PE). Side effects such as allergic reactions or hypocoagulability were significantly more frequent in the PE group (37% in PE versus 4% in IA and 3.6% in the alternating combination, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Semiselective IA in combination with PE, and to a lesser extent IA alone, was associated with a shorter hospital stay and more pronounced reduction of the MG score than PE.
Correlation between auto-antibodies to survivin and MUC1 variable number tandem repeats in colorectal cancer.

AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and correlation between auto-antibodies to survivin and MUC1 variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) in colorectal cancer (CRC), which can provide valuable information for the design of immunotherapeutic vaccines for this disease. METHODS Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to examine the level of auto-antibodies against survivin and MUC1 VNTR in the serum of 135 CRC patients and 95 healthy volunteers. RESULTS Using mean absorbance+2 standard deviations (SD) of the healthy samples as a cut-off value, the positive rates of survivin and MUC1 VNTR auto- antibodies in CRC were 31.1% and 18.5%, respectively. Altogether, the survivin and MUC1 VNTR positive samples accounted for 36.3% of the CRC patients, and 7.4% were positive for both. CONCLUSION A significant positive correlation was found between levels of specific antibodies against survivin and MUC1 VNTR in the serum of CRC patients (r=0.3652, P<0.0001), suggesting that vaccines against both targets would elicit immune responses more effectively.
Transcription factors and DNA replication origin selection

The chromosomes of eukaryotic cells possess many potential DNA replication origins, of which a subset is selected in response to the cellular environment, such as the developmental stage, to act as active replication start sites. The mechanism of origin selection is not yet fully understood. In this review, we summarize recent observations regarding replication origins and initiator proteins in various organisms. These studies suggest that the DNA‐binding specificities of the initiator proteins that bind to the replication origins and promote DNA replication are primarily responsible for origin selection. We particularly focus on the importance of transcription factors in the origin selection process. We propose that transcription factors are general regulators of the formation of functional complexes on the chromosome, including the replication initiation complex. We discuss the possible mechanisms by which transcription factors influence the selection of particular origins. BioEssays 27:1107–1106, 2005. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is Sex by Itself Enough? An Exploration of Gender Bias Issues in Performance Appraisal

Abstract Past research on the effects of sex of a ratee on performance ratings has produced inconsistent results. The present study was an attempt to extend this literature in two ways. First, the scope in prior research was expanded by examining not only the effects of ratee sex on evaluations but also the effects of perceived masculinity/femininity of ratees in conjunction with occupation and gender-relevant stereotypes and attitudes held by raters. Results illustrated that while sex of a ratee may have no effect on ratings, perceived masculinity/femininity of the ratee may have an effect, and attitudes held by raters regarding women in the relevant occupation may moderate this effect. The second intent of the study was to explore a potential underlying process variable for relationships with both performance ratings and the gender-relevant variables. Accessibility in memory of behavioral information was related to performance ratings and to the gender-relevant variables. While most of the variables explored in the study seemed to be potentially relevant and of value in understanding the gender bias process, sex by itself was of no significant value. Implications for practice and future research were discussed.
Integrating Heterogeneous Healthcare Datasets and Visual Analytics for Disease Bio-surveillance and Dynamics

n this paper, we present an overview of the big data chal- lenges in disease bio-surveillance and then discuss the use of visual analytics for integrating data and turning it into knowl- edge. We will explore two integration scenarios: (1) combining text and multimedia sources to improve situational awareness and (2) enhancing disease spread model data with real-time bio-surveillance data. Together, the proposed integration methodologies can improve awareness about when, where and how emerging diseases can affect wide geographic regions.
Reason, grace, and sentiment : a study of the language of religion and ethics in England, 1660-1780

Introduction 1. The true religion of nature: the freethinkers and their opponents 2. Shaftesbury and the defence of natural affection 3. Defining the moral faculty: Hutcheson, Butler, and Price 4. The ethics of sentiment and the religious hypothesis: Hume and his critics 5. The conflict of languages in the later eighteenth century.
Joint distribution optimal transportation for domain adaptation

This paper deals with the unsupervised domain adaptation problem, where one wants to estimate a prediction function $f$ in a given target domain without any labeled sample by exploiting the knowledge available from a source domain where labels are known. Our work makes the following assumption: there exists a non-linear transformation between the joint feature/label space distributions of the two domain $\mathcal{P}_s$ and $\mathcal{P}_t$. We propose a solution of this problem with optimal transport, that allows to recover an estimated target $\mathcal{P}^f_t=(X,f(X))$ by optimizing simultaneously the optimal coupling and $f$. We show that our method corresponds to the minimization of a bound on the target error, and provide an efficient algorithmic solution, for which convergence is proved. The versatility of our approach, both in terms of class of hypothesis or loss functions is demonstrated with real world classification and regression problems, for which we reach or surpass state-of-the-art results.
“That’s Cheap.” the Rational Invocation of Norms, Practices, and an Ethos in Ultimate Frisbee

This field observation compares the behavior and welfare of ultimate Frisbee players in three settings. The first setting, Corning College, was an informal group at a private university. The second setting, Stuart University, was a seasonal, open collegiate team at a public university. The third setting, the Mallards, was a seasonal, elite, open club team. The players’ interactions and behaviors in the three settings were influenced by a number of norms, practices, and an ethos known as the spirit of the game. Through the presentation of field notes, video recordings, and informal conversations, the author argues via rational choice theory and game theory that players selectively create, negotiate, and manipulate norms and practices to maximize game interaction, quality, and/or fluidity depending on the particular conditions such as level of competition between players, history between teams and players, and the rewards at stake.
Common genetic influences underlie comorbidity of migraine and endometriosis

We examined the co‐occurrence of migraine and endometriosis within the largest known collection of families containing multiple women with surgically confirmed endometriosis and in an independent sample of 815 monozygotic and 457 dizygotic female twin pairs. Within the endometriosis families, a significantly increased risk of migrainous headache was observed in women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–2.21, P=0.009). Bivariate heritability analyses indicated no evidence for common environmental factors influencing either migraine or endometriosis but significant genetic components for both traits, with heritability estimates of 69 and 49%, respectively. Importantly, a significant additive genetic correlation (rG = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.06–0.47) and bivariate heritability (h2=0.17, 95% CI: 0.08–0.27) was observed between migraine and endometriosis. Controlling for the personality trait neuroticism made little impact on this association. These results confirm the previously reported comorbidity between migraine and endometriosis and indicate common genetic influences completely explain their co‐occurrence within individuals. Given pharmacological treatments for endometriosis typically target hormonal pathways and a number of findings provide support for a relationship between hormonal variations and migraine, hormone‐related genes and pathways are highly plausible candidates for both migraine and endometriosis. Therefore, taking into account the status of both migraine and endometriosis may provide a novel opportunity to identify the genes underlying them. Finally, we propose that the analysis of such genetically correlated comorbid traits can increase power to detect genetic risk loci through the use of more specific, homogenous and heritable phenotypes. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The social movement society : contentious politics for a new century

Chapter 1 A Movement Society: Contentious Politics for a New Century Chapter 2 The Structure and Culture of Collective Protest in Germany since 1950 Chapter 3 Are the Times A-Changin'? Assessing the Acceptance of Protest in Western Democracies Chapter 4 The Institutionalization of Protest in the United States Chapter 5 Policing Protest in France and Italy: From Intimidation to Cooperation? Donatella della Porta Chapter 6 Institutionalization of Protest during Democratic Consolidation in Central Europe Chapter 7 Democratic Transitions as Protest Cycles: Social Movement Dynamics in Democratizing Latin America Chapter 8 A Movement Takes Office Chapter 9 Stepsisters: Feminist Movement Activism in Different Institutional Spaces Chapter 10 Transnational Advocacy Networks in the Movement Society
Input Switched Affine Networks: An RNN Architecture Designed for Interpretability

There exist many problem domains where the interpretability of neural network models is essential for deployment. Here we introduce a recurrent architecture composed of input-switched affine transformations - in other words an RNN without any explicit nonlinearities, but with input-dependent recurrent weights. This simple form allows the RNN to be analyzed via straightforward linear methods: we can exactly characterize the linear contribution of each input to the model predictions; we can use a change-of-basis to disentangle input, output, and computational hidden unit subspaces; we can fully reverse-engineer the architecture's solution to a simple task. Despite this ease of interpretation, the input switched affine network achieves reasonable performance on a text modeling tasks, and allows greater computational efficiency than networks with standard nonlinearities.