Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Creep and Shrinkage Effects on Steel-Concrete Composite Beams

Predicting the long-term behavior of steel-concrete composite structures is a very complex systems problem, both because obtaining reliable information on material properties related to creep and shrinkage is not straightforward and because it is not easy to clearly determine the correlation between the effects of creep and shrinkage and the resultant structural response. Slip occurring at the interface between the steel and concrete may also make prediction more complicated. While the short-term deflection of composite beams may be easily predicted from fundamental theories of structural mechanics, calculating the long-term deflection is complicated by creep and shrinkage effects on the concrete deck varying over time. There are as yet no comprehensive ways for engineers to reliably deal with these issues, and the development of a set of justifiable numerical standards and equations for composite structures that goes beyond a simple commentary is well overdue. As the first step towards meeting this objective, this research is designed to identify a simple method for calculating the long-term deformations of steel-concrete composite members based on existing models to predict concrete creep and shrinkage and to estimate the time-varying deflection of steel-composite beams for design purposes. A brief reexamination of four existing models to predict creep and shrinkage was first conducted, after which an analytical approach using the age-adjusted effective modulus method (AEMM) was used to calculate the long-term deflection of a simply-supported steel-concrete composite beam. The ACI 209R-92 and CEB
Spatial Downscaling of Alien Species Presences Using Machine Learning

Large scale, high-resolution data on alien species distributions are essential for spatially explicit assessments of their environmental and socio-economic impacts, and management interventions for mitigation. However, these data are often unavailable. This paper presents a method that relies on Random Forest (RF) models to distribute alien species presence counts at a finer resolution grid, thus achieving spatial downscaling. A sufficiently large number of RF models are trained using random subsets of the dataset as predictors, in a bootstrapping approach to account for the uncertainty introduced by the subset selection. The method is tested with an approximately 8×8 km2 grid containing floral alien species presence and several indices of climatic, habitat, land use covariates for the Mediterranean island of Crete, Greece. Alien species presence is aggregated at 16×16 km2 and used as a predictor of presence at the original resolution, thus simulating spatial downscaling. Potential explanatory variables included habitat types, land cover richness, endemic species richness, soil type, temperature, precipitation, and freshwater availability. Uncertainty assessment of the spatial downscaling of alien species’ occurrences was also performed and true/false presences and absences were quantified. The approach is promising for downscaling alien species datasets of larger spatial scale but coarse resolution, where the underlying environmental information is available at a finer resolution than the alien species data. Furthermore, the RF architecture allows for tuning towards operationally optimal sensitivity and specificity, thus providing a decision support tool for designing a resource efficient alien species census.
Report from the 1st international workshop on replication in empirical software engineering research (RESER 2010)

The RESER 2010 Workshop, held on May 4, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa was co-located with the 32nd International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE 2010). The workshop provided a venue in which empirical Software Engineering researchers could present and discuss the theoretical foundations and methods of replication, as well as the results of specific replicated studies.
Linear stability of selfsimilar solutions of unstable thin-ﬁlm equations

Steady states, which exist for all values of m and n above, are shown to be stable if m 6 n+ 2 when 0 < n 6 2, marginally stable if m 6 n + 2 when 2 < n < 3, and unstable otherwise. Dynamical selfsimilar solutions are known to exist for a range of values of n when m = n+ 2. We carry out the analysis of the stability of these solutions when n = 1 and m = 3. Spreading selfsimilar solutions are proven to be stable. Selfsimilar blowup solutions with a single local maximum are proven to be stable, while selfsimilar blowup solutions with more than one local maximum are shown to be unstable. The equations above are gradient flows of a nonconvex energy on formal infinite-dimensional manifolds. In the special case n = 1 the equations are gradient flows with respect to the Wasserstein metric. The geometric structure of the equations plays an important role in the analysis and provides a natural way to approach a family of linear stability problems.
Bystander Target Cell Lysis and Cytokine Production by Dengue Virus-Specific Human CD4+ Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Clones

ABSTRACT Dengue hemorrhagic fever, the severe form of dengue virus infection, is believed to be an immunopathological response to a secondary infection with a heterologous serotype of dengue virus. Dengue virus capsid protein-specific CD4+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clones were shown to be capable of mediating bystander lysis of non-antigen-presenting target cells. After activation by anti-CD3 or in the presence of unlabeled antigen-presenting target cells, these clones could lyse both Jurkat cells and HepG2 cells as bystander targets. Lysis of HepG2 cells suggests a potential role for CD4+ CTL in the liver involvement observed during dengue virus infection. Three CD4+ CTL clones were demonstrated to lyse cognate, antigen-presenting target cells by a mechanism that primarily involves perforin, while bystander lysis occurred through Fas/Fas ligand interactions. In contrast, one clone used a Fas/Fas ligand mechanism to lyse both cognate and bystander targets. Cytokine production by the CTL clones was also examined. In response to stimulation with D2 antigen, CD4+ T-cell clones produced gamma interferon, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and TNF-β. The data suggest that CD4+ CTL clones may contribute to the immunopathology observed upon secondary dengue virus infections through direct cytolysis and/or cytokine production.
Sclera-related gene polymorphisms in high myopia

Purpose Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and fibromodulin (FMOD) are important extracellular matrix components of the sclera and have been shown to be associated with the development of high myopia. Our aim was to examine the association between myopia and the polymorphisms within TGF-β2, bFGF, and FMOD. Methods The study group comprised of patients (n=195; age range: 17−24 years) with a spherical equivalent of −6.5 diopters (D) or a more negative refractive error. The control group comprised of individuals (n=94; age range: 17−25 years) with a spherical equivalent ranging from −0.5 D to +1.0 D. The subjects with astigmatism over –0.75 D were excluded from the study. High resolution melting (HRM) genotyping and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genotyping were used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The polymorphisms detected were TGF-β2 (rs7550232 and rs991967), bFGF (rs308395 and rs41348645), and FMOD (rs7543418). Moreover, a stepwise logistic regression procedure was used to detect which of the significant SNPs contributed to the main effects of myopia development. Results There were significant differences in the frequency of the A allele and A/A genotype in TGF-β2 (rs7550232; p=0.0178 and 0.03, respectively). Moreover, the haplotype distribution of haplotype 2 (Ht2; A/A) of TGF-β2 differed significantly between the two groups (p=0.014). The results of the stepwise logistic regression procedure revealed that TGF-β2 (rs7550232) contributed significantly to the development of high myopia. Conclusions TGF-β2 is an important structure of sclera and might contribute to the formation of myopia. TGF-β2 (rs7550232) polymorphisms, A allele and A/A genotype, had a protective role against the development of high myopia.
Methotrexate: an old new drug in autoimmune disease

Methotrexate (MTX) is currently considered, among disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), the ‘anchor-drug’ in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In the last 25 years, there has been a marked expansion in the use of MTX in different inflammatory diseases. Its low cost, associated to a good long-term efficacy and safety profile, justifies the use of MTX as a first-line disease-modifying drug or alternatively, a steroid-sparing medication in this field of medicine. Although new emerging options, including biological treatments, are being established in the therapeutic scenario, the good cost/benefit ratio of MTX supports the choice of this drug in combination with these newer therapies, enhancing the efficacy of these combination therapies and decreasing the risk of potential side effects.
Obscurin, a giant sarcomeric Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor protein involved in sarcomere assembly

Vertebrate-striated muscle is assumed to owe its remarkable order to the molecular ruler functions of the giant modular signaling proteins, titin and nebulin. It was believed that these two proteins represented unique results of protein evolution in vertebrate muscle. In this paper we report the identification of a third giant protein from vertebrate muscle, obscurin, encoded on chromosome 1q42. Obscurin is ∼800 kD and is expressed specifically in skeletal and cardiac muscle. The complete cDNA sequence of obscurin reveals a modular architecture, consisting of >67 intracellular immunoglobulin (Ig)- or fibronectin-3–like domains with multiple splice variants. A large region of obscurin shows a modular architecture of tandem Ig domains reminiscent of the elastic region of titin. The COOH-terminal region of obscurin interacts via two specific Ig-like domains with the NH2-terminal Z-disk region of titin. Both proteins coassemble during myofibrillogenesis. During the progression of myofibrillogenesis, all obscurin epitopes become detectable at the M band. The presence of a calmodulin-binding IQ motif, and a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor domain in the COOH-terminal region suggest that obscurin is involved in Ca2+/calmodulin, as well as G protein–coupled signal transduction in the sarcomere.
Evaluation of Spatial Anisotropy by Curvature Analysis of Elliptical Targets

Spatial relationship perception (SRP), defined as the function able to detect the difference between the perceived extent of a shape along the x/y cardinal coordinates, has been investigated in 42 eyes of 21 emmetropic subjects by means of a psychophysical test conceived on purpose. Aiming to the highest sensibility and since curvature detection is reckoned as an hyperacuity, elliptical stimuli have been chosen to measure the spatial relationship anisotropy (SRA) in the visual system. Observers turned out to be able to detect curvature differences along the elliptical contour as low as 33.6 sec arc, which in terms of SRP means an aspect ratio (i.e. the ratio between the height and the width of the ellipse) as low as 1.0022-1.0035. By comparing these results with those obtained in previous investigations from other curvature discrimination tasks, it is argued that recognition threshold is conditioned by the amount of space anisotropy of the visual system. Indeed, in about half of the recruited subjects, vertical/horizontal anisotropy is found to a certain extent and such SRA correlates with the recognition threshold (r= 0.69, p<0.01). There is direct evidence of visual spatial distortion and in particular increased anisotropy in neuro-ophtalmological diseases such as hemianopia and around scotomatous regions in the visual field. Thence, apart from theoretical considerations in physiological field, results collected in this study may be regarded as normative data for future clinical investigations.
Thiopurine withdrawal during sustained clinical remission in inflammatory bowel disease: relapse and recapture rates, with predictive factors in 237 patients

Thiopurines (azathioprine and mercaptopurine) remain integral to most medical strategies for maintaining remission in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Indefinite use of these drugs is tempered by long‐term risks. While clinical relapse is noted frequently following drug withdrawal, there are few published data on predictive factors.
Structural and Functional Characterization of Plasma Fibronectin in Patients with Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinaemia

Experimental studies suggest that plasma fibronectin may be involved in the cryoprecipitation of cryoglobulins in essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia; reduced plasma concentrations of the glycoprotein have been shown in the disease. The present work was undertaken in order to verify this latter finding and to detect a possible structural alteration of plasma fibronectin as result of enzymatic digestion of the molecule in vivo. This could, in turn, induce a decreased reactivity of the protein in immunometric assays and a reduced opsonic activity, which is normally due to the affinity of fibronectin to the C1q component of complement. Moreover, since a polymorphic variant of fibronectin has been described in plasma during experimental vascular injury and in patients with autoimmune vascular diseases, the aim of this study was also to verify the presence of a polymorphism of the glycoprotein in cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis. Twenty seven patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia and 26 normal subjects were included in the study. Significantly reduced concentrations of plasma fibronectin, as assessed by ELISA, were found in patients when compared with controls (231.7 +/- 15.3 vs 316.1 +/- 16.6 mg/l, P less than 0.0002). In contrast, when affinity-purified plasma fibronectin from 10 patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia and 8 healthy subjects were analysed by western blotting, employing a panel of five monoclonal antibodies to different regions of the molecule, no differences were observed between patients and controls, suggesting integrity of the glycoprotein in the disease. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interfacial conditions and space charge in PE laminates

Heterocharge develops in the polyethylene of MI=6 while homocharge developes in the polyethylene of MI=24. The negative interfacial charge was observed in both PE1 laminates and PE2 laminates. This interfacial charge decreases as the laminating temperature increases and finally becomes unclear. Silicone oil enhances the formation of interfacial charge whereas the chemicals such as acetophenone and 4-ethylnitrobenzenes decreases the interfacial charge. Therefore, it is expected that the change in interfacial conditions leads to a modification of interfacial charge and thus the space charge in the system containing the interfaces.
An Analysis of Drawbeads in Sheet Metal Forming: Part II—Experimental Verification

This paper presents experimental results obtained for a variety of drawbeads typical of automotive applications, and compares the results with those obtained from the numerical model presented in the first part of this work (Triantafyllidis et al., 1986). The deformation process is divided into two phases: the "locking/clamping" phase as the binder closes to form the sheet around the drawbead, and the '-'pulling" phase as the panel is formed, causing the material to be drawn through the bead. Metals considered are SKDQ steel, aluminum, and brass. Dry and lubricated conditions are investigated. Good correlations between model and experiment are obtained for strain distributions over the sheet and excellent agreement is observed in the binder clamping forces. Using a Coulomb friction law in the model, horizontal restraining forces are compared to experimental results. The model is shown to accurately predict the influence of variations in material, geometry, and friction conditions. However, the correlation between the model and experiment is not as good in two cases: as the punch (male bead) reaches the "locked" condition, and in the initial stages of "pulling" deformation. Reasons for the discrepancies are discussed.
Prevalence of drug-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes in an organized sheep farm.

Aim: The present study was aimed to determine the resistance against albendazole, fenbendazole, levamisole and closantel in gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes of sheep. Introduction: Anthelmintics are used traditionally as an integral part of helminthic control strategies for grazing livestock to prevent production losses from parasitic infections. The continuous and indiscriminate use of the same anthelmintics over years together as the sole means of control are now failing due to the emergence of resistance strains of helminths. Resistance to the commonly used anthelmintics in GI nematodes of sheep has become an increasingly widespread problem throughout the world. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five naturally infected Madras Red lambs of 6-12 months of age were selected and distributed randomly into five treatment groups of 11 animals each. Four groups were treated orally with albendazole (5 mg/kg), fenbendazole (7 mg/kg), levamisole (7.5 mg/kg) and closantel (10 mg/kg) respectively, whereas the fifth group served as untreated control. Fecal samples were collected per rectum of each lamb just prior to treatment (pre-treatment) and on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-treatment. The anthelmintic resistance was evaluated by in vivo fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), post-treatment larval culture and in vitro egg hatch assay. Results: In the FECRT, albendazole reduced the faecal egg count by 86.50%, 84.81%, 85.28% and 84.47% respectively for 4 weeks after treatment. Fecal egg count reduction using fenbendazole was 92.64, 93.04, 90.80 and 90.06% respectively for 4 weeks after treatment. The percent efficacy for levamisole and closantel was more than 95%. The post-treatment larval culture contained only Haemonchus contortus. In the in vitro egg hatch assay, the ED50 value for benzimidazole was 0.299 μg albendazole/ml and levamisole showed an ED50 value of 0.283 μg/ml. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the resistance of H. contortus to benzimidazole in sheep.
Exercise Counselling Practices for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in the UK: A Renal Multidisciplinary Team Perspective

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Physical activity (PA) is a strong and independent CVD risk factor, and despite the fact that current clinical practice guidelines recommend simultaneous treatment of multiple risk factors for optimum management of CKD, PA is rarely addressed by renal care teams. The aim of this observational cross-sectional survey was to document current exercise/PA practices across renal units in the UK, and capture views and experiences regarding the provision of PA/exercise options for patients with CKD. Methods: An 18-item online survey questionnaire regarding exercise counselling practice patterns was administered to 565 multidisciplinary renal care professionals. Results: 142 individuals (25% response rate) completed the questionnaire. Overall, 42% of respondents discussed and encouraged PA, but only 18 and 11% facilitated implementation of PA for their patients. Nephrologists (p < 0.003) were more likely to prescribe or recommend PA compared to professionals with a nursing background and believed that specific renal rehabilitation services, including an active PA/exercise component, should be available to all patients (p < 0.01). The most commonly reported barriers for the development and implementation of PA/exercise options included lack of funding, time, and knowledgeable personnel, such as physiotherapists or other exercise professionals. Conclusion: Beliefs and attitudes towards PA amongst members of the renal multidisciplinary team are encouraging. However there is a big gap between believing in the benefits of PA and promoting/implementing PA for patient benefit. This gap needs to be minimised by at least trying to address some of the reported barriers.
Septin 3 (G‐septin) is a developmentally regulated phosphoprotein enriched in presynaptic nerve terminals

The septins are GTPase enzymes with multiple roles in cytokinesis, cell polarity or exocytosis. The proteins from the mammalian septin genes are called Sept1–10. Most are expressed in multiple tissues, but the mRNA for Sept5 (CDCrel‐1) and Sept3 (G‐septin) appear to be primarily expressed in brain. Sept3 is phosphorylated by cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I (PKG‐I) and the cGMP/PKG pathway is involved in presynaptic plasticity. Therefore to determine whether Sept3 specifically associates with neurones and nerve terminals we investigated its distribution in rat brain and neuronal cultures. Sept3 protein was detected only in brain by immunoblot, but not in 12 other tissues examined. Levels were high in all adult brain regions, and reduced in those enriched in white matter. Expression was developmentally regulated, being absent in the early embryo, low in late embryonic rat brain and increasing after birth. Like dynamin I, Sept3 was specifically enriched in synaptosomes compared with whole brain, and was only found in a peripheral membrane extract and not in the soluble or membrane extracts. Sept3 was particularly abundant in mossy fibre nerve terminals in the hippocampus. In primary cultured hippocampal neurones Sept3 immunoreactivity was punctate in neurites and predominantly localized to presynaptic terminals, strongly colocalizing with synaptophysin and dynamin I. The specific nerve terminal localization was confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy. Together this shows that Sept3 is a neurone‐specific protein highly enriched in nerve terminals which supports a secretory role in synaptic vesicle recycling.
Profile and polarization characteristics of energetic pulsars

In this paper, we compare the characteristics of pulsars with a high spin-down energy-loss rate (E) against those with a low E. We show that the differences in the total intensity pulse morphology between the two classes are in general rather subtle. A much more significant difference is the fractional polarization which is very high for high E pulsars and low for low E pulsars. The E at the transition is very similar to the death line predicted for curvature radiation. This suggests a possible link between high energy and radio emission in pulsars and could imply that γ-ray efficiency is correlated with the degree of linear polarization in the radio band. The degree of circular polarization is in general higher in the second component of doubles, which is possibly caused by the effect of corotation on the curvature of the field lines in the inertial observer frame. The most direct link between the high-energy emission and the radio emission could be the subgroup of pulsars which we call the energetic wide beam pulsars. These young pulsars have very wide profiles with steep edges and are likely to be emitted from a single magnetic pole. The similarities with the high-energy profiles suggest that both types of emission are produced at the same extended height range in the magnetosphere. Alternatively, the beams of the energetic wide beam pulsars could be magnified by propagation effects in the magnetosphere. This would naturally lead to decoupling of the wave modes, which could explain the high degree of linear polarization. As part of this study, we have discovered three previously unknown interpulse pulsars (and we detected one for the first time at 20 cm). We also obtained rotation measures for 18 pulsars whose values had not previously been measured.