Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new method to determine the density and water absorption of fine recycled aggregates

The construction industry keeps on demanding huge quantities of natural resources, mainly minerals for mortars and concrete production. The depletion of many quarries and environmental concerns about reducing the dumping of construction and demolition waste in quarries have led to an increase in the procuring and use of recycled aggregates from this type of waste. If they are to be incorporated in concrete and mortars it is essential to know their properties to guarantee the adequate performance of the end products, in both mechanical and durability-related terms. Existing regulated tests were developed for natural aggregates, however, and several problems arise when they are applied to recycled aggregates, especially fine recycled aggregates (FRA). This paper describes the main problems encountered with these tests and proposes an alternative method to determine the density and water absorption of FRA that removes them. The use of sodium hexametaphosphate solutions in the water absorption test has proven to improve its efficiency, minimizing cohesion between particles and helping to release entrained air.
Numerical Computation of the Schwarz-Christoffel Transformation for Multiply Connected Domains

We report on recent progress in the computation of Schwarz-Christoffel maps from bounded or unbounded circular domains to conformally equivalent bounded or unbounded multiply connected polygonal domains. The form of the transformation is given in terms of an integral of an infinite product depending on unknown parameters, namely, the prevertices and the centers and radii of the circles. A system of nonlinear equations, which forces the geometry of the given polygonal domain to be correct under the mapping function, is formulated for the unknown parameters and solved by a continuation method. A transformation of the constrained parameters to an unconstrained set of variables is crucial to the effective solution of the system. Several numerical examples are given. The approach here proves to be very robust.
DURABILITY OF CONCRETE IN HOT CLIMATES: BENEFITS FROM PERMEABLE FORMWORK

This article describes a test programme undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the "Zemdrain" CPF (Controlled Permeability Formwork) system on the durability related surface properties of concrete when used in hot climates. The concrete mixes used were based on Ordinary Portland Cement and natural gravel aggregates and sand. Test panels in the form of unreinforced concrete walls were constructed with one vertical face against an impermeable formwork (plywood coated with polyurethane varnish), and the opposite face cast against CPF. The experiment was conducted in a preheated environmental chamber set at 38 plus or minus 2 degrees C. The formwork was removed 24 hours after casting. Four different curing regimes were used under two different climatic conditions (38 plus or minus 2 degrees C, and with a relative humidity of either 90% or 50%): a) impermeable formwork "wet cure"; b) impermeable formwork "no cure"; c) CPF "wet cure"; and d) CPF "no cure". The following tests were carried out: surface hardness; initial surface absorption; chloride ingress; and accelerated carbonation. The results indicate that the use of CPF is an effective way of improving the surface properties of concrete. Reductions in water absorption, carbonation, and chloride penetration were demonstrated. The improvements in surface quality resulting from using CPF were significantly greater than those produced by wet curing concrete cast against more conventional formwork. Indeed, using CPF may eliminate the need to apply any form of curing after removal of formwork. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 853062.
Radio-sensitivity of selected cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes to varying gamma irradiation doses

An appropriate dose of radiation should be established on target genotypes before large scale mutagenesis undertaken. The objective of this study was to determine an ideal dose of gamma radiation to induce genetic variation in selected cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes. Seeds of three Namibian released cowpea genotypes were gamma irradiated using seven dozes at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Austria. Experiments were laid out in the completely randomised design with three replications and important data collected. Data were subjected to analysis to identify optimal lethal dose aiming LD50. Results revealed that genotype Nakare tolerated the radiation dose of 200 Gy providing germination of 43.33%. Seeds of genotypes Nakare and Shindimba failed to germinate above 400 Gy. However, genotype Bira showed germination of 46.67% at 600 Gy, the highest dose used in the study. The optimum doses at LD50 for genotypes Nakare and Shindimba are at 150 and 200 Gy, respectively while genotype Bira tolerated increased dose of 600 Gy. Using linear regression model, the LD50 for genotypes Nakare, Shindimba and Bira calculated at 165.24, 198.69 and 689 Gy, respectively. The findings may assist as reference doses for large-scale gamma irradiation of cowpea genotypes to induce genetic variation.
A special application criterion of nine-switch converter with improved thermal performance

Existing literature claims that the nine-switch converter has lower losses as compared to the twelve-switch back-to-back (BTB) converter in AC-DC Different Frequency (AC-DC DF) mode only if the upper and the lower terminals of the converter are connected to an AC source and a DC source respectively. This paper shows that this is not true if the upper terminal is connected to a DC load and the lower terminal is connected to an AC source; i.e., the nine-switch converter can have relatively lower losses even with a load-source combination, instead of only source-source combination, for the upper and lower terminals in its AC-DC DF mode. Mathematical proof is presented with derivation of the particular operating parameters for which the nine-switch converter will have comparatively lower losses. The analysis is validated with PLECS simulation and experimental results.
Phytases: Microbial Sources, Production, Purification, and Potential Biotechnological Applications

ABSTRACT: The review deals with phytase-producing microorganisms along with optimum conditions for its production. Various methods used for purifying phytases and their characteristics are discussed. Heterologous gene expression, cost-effective large-scale phytase production, and various biotechnological applications of the enzyme in animal feed and food industries are also discussed.
Measuring Monetary Policy

Extending the approach of Bernanke and Blinder (1992), Strongin (1992), and Christiano, Eichenbaum, and Evans (1994a, 1994b), we develop and apply a VAR-based methodology for measuring the stance of monetary policy. More specifically, we develop a 'semi-structural' VAR approach, which extracts information about monetary policy from data on bank reserves and the federal funds rate but leaves the relationships among the macroeconomic variables in the system unrestricted. The methodology nests earlier VAR-based measures and can be used to compare and evaluate these indicators. It can also be used to construct measures of the stance of policy that optimally incorporate estimates of the Fed's operating procedure for any given period. Among existing approaches, we find that innovations to the federal funds rate (Bernanke-Blinder) are a good measure of policy innovations during the periods 1965-79 and 1988-94; for the period 1979-94 as a whole, innovations to the component of nonborrowed reserves that is orthogonal to total reserves (Strongin) seems to be the best choice. We develop a new measure of policy stance that conforms well to qualitative indicators of policy such as the Boschen- Mills (1991) index. Innovations to our measure lead to reasonable and precisely estimated dynamic responses by variables such as real GDP and the GDP deflator.
A Medical Research Council randomized trial of single agent carboplatin versus etoposide and cisplatin for advanced metastatic seminoma

The UK Medical Research Council conducted this trial of carboplatin chemotherapy in advanced seminoma to compare single agent carboplatin with a standard combination of etoposide with cisplatin. The use of single agent carboplatin was expected to be associated with reduced toxicity. A total of 130 patients with advanced seminoma were randomly assigned to treatment with either single agent carboplatin (C) at a dose of 400 mg/m2 to be corrected for glomerular filtration rate outside the range 81–120 ml min–1 and to be administered on day 1 of a 21 day cycle to a total of 4 cycles or to etoposide + platinum (EP). The trial was designed as an equivalence study aiming to exclude a reduction in the 3-year progression-free survival in patients allocated to carboplatin of between 10 and 15%, requiring initially a target accrual of 250 patients (90% power significance level 5% (one-sided)). The trial closed after 130 patients had been randomized following recommendation by an independent data monitoring committee. At a median follow-up time of 4.5 years, 81% of patients had been followed up for at least 3 years and 19 patients have died. The estimated PFS rate (95% Confidence Intervals (CI)) at 3 years was 71% (60–82%) in patients allocated C and 81% (71–90%) in those allocated EP; the 95% CI for the difference in 3 year PFS was –6% to +19%. The hazard ratio of 0.64 (95% CI 0.32–1.28) favoured EP but the difference was not statistically significant (log rank chi-squared = 1.59 P = 0.21). The 3-year survival rate was 84% (75–92%) in those allocated C, and 89% (81–96%) in those allocated EP. The hazard ratio for survival was 0.85 with 95% CI, 0.35–2.10, log rank chi-squared = 0.12, P = 0.73. The trial has not demonstrated statistically significant differences in the major survival endpoints comparing single agent carboplatin with a combination of etoposide + cisplatin. This cannot be taken as an indication of equivalence since the limited size of this trial rendered it unable to exclude a 19% lower progression-free survival and survival in those treated with single agent carboplatin which would be important clinically. Standard initial chemotherapy for advanced seminoma should be based on cisplatin combinations and the role of carboplatin awaits the outcome of further studies. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer. com
Prevalence Of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus From Clinical Specimens In Ibadan , Nigeria

--------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT-------------------------------------------------------This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in clinical isolates in Ibadan. Clinical samples (150) were collected from various health centers in Ibadan over a period of 7 months. The samples were cultured on bacteriological media for the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus using standard methods of isolation and identification of bacteria. The Staphylococcus aureus were tested for methicillin susceptibility using 5μg oxacillin disc while the identified MRSA were tested for susceptibility to other antibiotics. Out of 23 Staphylococcus aureus isolated, 52.2% were recovered from urine specimens, 30.4% wounds swab, 13.0% ear swab and 4.3% from nasal swab. 7(30.4%) out of the Staphylococcus aureus were MRSA as indicated by their resistance to oxacillin . The yield of MRSA was highest from urine (71.4%) and least from wound swab (28.6%). The MRSA were highly resistant to Amoxicillin (100%), Augumentin (85.7%), Cotrimozaxole (71.4%), Tetracycline (57.1%), Gentamycin (42.9%), Ofloxacin (28.9%) and Ciprofloxacin (28.5%). The MRSA 6(85.7%) isolated showed multi resistance to at least 4 or more of the antibiotic tested, five out of the seven MRSA harbor single plasmid of molecular weight 25.0kbp. The prevalence of MRSA is high; the MRSA showed a very high degree of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics indicating the infectiveness of these antibiotics and need to reassess the policies on antibiotic usage in hospital environment.
Coordinate Activation of Activator Protein 1 and Inflammatory Cytokines in Response to Neisseria gonorrhoeae Epithelial Cell Contact Involves Stress Response Kinases

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo), the etiologic agent of gonorrhea, induce a number of proinflammatory cytokines by contact to epithelial cells. Cytokine genes and a variety of other immune response genes are activated as a result of the regulatory function of immediate early response transcription factors including activator protein 1 (AP-1). Since it is established that phosphorylation of c-Jun, the central component of AP-1, by the stress-activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) increases the transcriptional activity of AP-1, we studied whether Ngo could induce stress response pathways involving JNK. We found that virulent Ngo strains induce phosphorylation and activation of JNK but not of p38 kinase. Analysis of a nonpathogenic Ngo strain revealed only weak JNK activation. In respect to the molecular components upstream of the JNK signaling cascade, we show that a dominant negative mutant of MAP kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) represses transcription of an AP-1–dependent reporter gene. Regarding upstream stress response factors involved in Ngo-induced MKK4/JNK/AP-1 activation, we identified p21-activated kinase (PAK) but not MAPK/ERK kinase kinase (MEKK1). Inhibition of small GTPases including Rac1 and Cdc42 by Toxin B prevented JNK and AP-1 activation. Our results indicate that Ngo induce the activation of proinflammatory cytokines via a cascade of cellular stress response kinases involving PAK, which directs the signal from the Rho family of small GTPases to JNK/AP-1 activation.
Reduced risk of hospital admission for childhood asthma among Scottish twins: record linkage study

A recent study of Swedish army conscripts found a reduced prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis among twins.1 We analysed routine data on hospital admissions in Scotland to compare risks of asthma and other respiratory complaints among twins and singletons. We identified all twins born in Scotland during 1981–4 from computerised maternity records. Subsequent admissions of twins to Scottish hospitals during 1981–94 were ascertained by probability matching on the basis of date of birth, sex, and surname. This matching is considered 99% accurate for singletons, but for twins it is reliable only at the level of the pair: which twin is admitted cannot be identified with certainty. We identified hospital admissions for respiratory disease (ICD-9 (international classification of diseases, 9th revision) codes 464, 466, 480-486, and 490-496) for all Scottish children born during …
Resistance artery mechanics, structure, and extracellular components in spontaneously hypertensive rats : effects of angiotensin receptor antagonism and converting enzyme inhibition.

BACKGROUND Altered vascular mechanics resulting from changes in collagen and integrins may influence resistance artery structure and function and, therefore, peripheral resistance and blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS AND RESULTS Effects of age, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (fosinopril, 10 to 30 mg/kg per day), and AT(1)-receptor antagonism (irbesartan, 50 mg/kg per day) on vascular structure, mechanics, and composition were assessed in SHR. Systolic blood pressure was elevated in young SHR (130+/-2 mm Hg) compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (106+/-2 mm Hg). In adult SHR, the rise in systolic blood pressure (44+/-3 mm Hg) was blunted by fosinopril (18+/-1 mm Hg) and irbesartan (9+/-3 mm Hg). Lumen diameter of mesenteric resistance arteries was smaller and media/lumen ratio was greater in young and adult SHR versus WKY rats. Growth index was 24% in untreated adult SHR versus WKY rats; these values were -35% for fosinopril-treated and -29% for irbesartan-treated SHR versus untreated SHR. Isobaric wall stiffness was normal despite increased stiffness of wall components in adult SHR vessels. Irbesartan partially prevented stiffening of wall components in SHR. The collagen/elastin ratio was greater in adult SHR vessels (6.5+/-1.3) than in WKY (3.2+/-0.4) vessels. Expression of alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(5)beta(1) integrins was increased in SHR aged 20 versus 6 weeks. Expression of alpha(5)beta(1) integrins was lower in young SHR, and alpha(v)beta(3) integrins were overexpressed in adult SHR versus WKY rats. Irbesartan and fosinopril attenuated differences in the collagen/elastin ratio and integrin expression. CONCLUSIONS Wall components of mesenteric resistance arteries stiffen with age in SHR. Interrupting the renin-angiotensin system has normalizing effects on integrin expression and composition, stiffness, and growth of the arterial wall.
Self-organisation after embryonic kidney dissociation is driven via selective adhesion of ureteric epithelial cells

ABSTRACT Human pluripotent stem cells, after directed differentiation in vitro, can spontaneously generate complex tissues via self-organisation of the component cells. Self-organisation can also reform embryonic organ structure after tissue disruption. It has previously been demonstrated that dissociated embryonic kidneys can recreate component epithelial and mesenchymal relationships sufficient to allow continued kidney morphogenesis. Here, we investigate the timing and underlying mechanisms driving self-organisation after dissociation of the embryonic kidney using time-lapse imaging, high-resolution confocal analyses and mathematical modelling. Organotypic self-organisation sufficient for nephron initiation was observed within a 24 h period. This involved cell movement, with structure emerging after the clustering of ureteric epithelial cells, a process consistent with models of random cell movement with preferential cell adhesion. Ureteric epithelialisation rapidly followed the formation of ureteric cell clusters with the reformation of nephron-forming niches representing a later event. Disruption of P-cadherin interactions was seen to impair this ureteric epithelial cell clustering without affecting epithelial maturation. This understanding could facilitate improved regulation of patterning within organoids and facilitate kidney engineering approaches guided by cell-cell self-organisation. Summary: Time-lapse imaging, high-resolution confocal analyses and mathematical modelling demonstrate how component cells of a developing tissue can reform complex multicellular structures, even after dissociation.
Ju n 20 06 Asymptotic expansions for sums of block-variables under weak dependence 1

Let {X i } ∞ i=−∞ be a sequence of random vectors and Y in = f in (X i,ℓ) be zero of length ℓ and where f in are Borel measurable functions. This paper establishes valid joint asymptotic expansions of general orders for the joint distribution of the sums n i=1 X i and n i=1 Y in under weak dependence conditions on the sequence {X i } ∞ i=−∞ when the block length ℓ grows to infinity. Similar expansions are also derived for sums of block variables based on non-overlapping blocks. In contrast to the classical Edgeworth expansion results where the terms in the expansions are given by powers of n −1/2 , the expansions derived here are mixtures of two series, one in powers of n −1/2 while the other in powers of [ n ℓ ] −1/2. Applications of the main results to expansions for studentized statistics of time series data and to second order correctness of the blocks of blocks bootstrap method for studentized statistics are given.
Expression of immunohistochemical markers for testicular carcinoma in situ by normal human fetal germ cells.

BACKGROUND It has been hypothesized that carcinoma in situ of the testis (CIS), which is the precursor of invasive testicular germ cell tumours, may arise from fetal germ cells during fetal development rather than later in life. In order to corroborate this hypothesis, we undertook the present study. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Normal human germ cells from 10 first-trimester fetuses and 76 second- and third-trimester testes were investigated for the immunohistochemical expression of the markers of testicular carcinoma in situ. The panel of markers included in the study consisted of placental-like alkaline phosphatase, the protooncogene c-kit protein product, and the antigens for the monoclonal antibodies TRA-1-60 and M2A. The relative numbers of fetal germ cells that demonstrated positive reaction with the markers were calculated. RESULTS The vast majority of the germ cells (75-100%) in the first-trimester gonads were positive for placental-like alkaline phosphatase, TRA-1-60, and M2A. The c-kit protein was detected in three out of the ten first-trimester gonads. The relative number of germ cells positive for all the markers studied declined rapidly during the first part of the second trimester, and the decrease continued with the fetal age. CONCLUSIONS The expression of adult carcinoma in situ markers in normal fetal germ cells is consistent with the hypothesis that CIS cells may arise from fetal germ cells, although re-expression of the antigens in postnatally arising CIS cells could provide an alternative explanation. However, we speculate that a transformation of normal fetal germ cells into CIS cells may take place before the end of the 9th week of fetal development. Furthermore, the expression of c-kit in early human fetal germ cells indicates that the c-kit and its ligand play a role in the early human testicular development.
Human Papillomavirus-Related Cancers Among People Living With AIDS in Puerto Rico

The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV)–related cancers and the risk of death (by cancer status) among people living with AIDS (PLWA) in Puerto Rico. We used data from the Puerto Rico AIDS Surveillance Program and Central Cancer Registry (1985–2005). Cancers with highest incidence were cervix (299.6/100,000) for women and oral cavity/oropharynx for men (150.0/100,000); the greatest excess of cancer incidence for men (standardized incidence ratio, 86.8) and women (standardized incidence ratio, 52.8) was for anal cancer. PLWA who developed a cancer had decreased survival and increased risk of death compared with those who did not have cancer. Cancer control strategies for PLWA will be essential for improving their disease survival.
The Numerical Simulation of Coupling Behavior of Soil with Chemical Pollutant Effects

The coupling behavior of clay plays a role in the integrity of clay barriers used in landfills. The clay barriers are subjected to mechanical and thermal effects coupled with hydraulic behavior, also, if the leachates become in contact with the clay liner, chemical effects may lead to some drastic changes in the properties of the clay. A numerical method to simulate the coupling behavior of soil with chemical pollutant effects is presented. Within the framework of Gens‐Alonso model describing the constitutive behavior of unsaturated clay presented in reference[1], basing on the work of Wu[2] and Hueckel[3], a constitutive model describing the chemo‐thermo‐hydro‐mechanical(CTHM) coupling behavior of clays in contact with a single organic contaminant is presented. The thermical softening and chemical softening is considered in the presented model. The strain arising in the material due to chemical and thermical effects can be decomposed into two parts: elastic expansion and plastic compaction. The chemical .