Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanics of dynamic debonding

Singular fields around a crack running dynamically along the interface between two anisotropic substrates are examined. Emphasis is placed on extending an established frame work for interface fracture mechanics to include rapidly applied loads, fast crack propagation and strain rate dependent material response. For a crack running at non-uniform speed, the crack tip behaviour is governed by an instantaneous steady-state, two-dimensional singularity. This simplifies the problem, rendering the Stroh techniques applicable. In general, the singularity oscillates, similar to quasi-static cracks. The oscillation index is infinite when the crack runs at the Rayleigh wave speed of the more compliant material, suggesting a large contact zone may exist behind the crack tip at high speeds. In contrast to a crack in homogeneous materials, an interface crack has a finite energy factor at the lower Rayleigh wave speed. Singular fields are presented for isotropic bimaterials, so are the key quantities for orthotropic bimaterials. Implications on crack branching and substrate cracking are discussed. Dynamic stress intensity factors for anisotropic bimaterials are solved for several basic steady state configurations, including the Yoffe, Gol’dshtein and Dugdale problems. Under time-independent loading, the dynamic stress intensity factor can be factorized into its equilibrium counterpart and the universal functions of crack speed.
Large Eddy Simulation of Flow Past a Circular Cylinder

Results are presented of large eddy simulations for smooth subcritical flow past a stationary circular cylinder, at a Reynolds number of 3900 where the wake is fully turbulent but the cylinder boundary layers remain laminar. Results obtained using a spectral element discretisation are compared with those obtained with a finite volume multiblock method and published experimental results.
Digital image watermarking using complex wavelet transform

In this paper a new robust digital image watermarking method based on the Complex Wavelet Transform is presented. For improving its robustness features in the algorithm design the Error Correction Code is used. The technique is performed in spatial domain. The Complex wavelet transform is firstly used to adapt the watermark to the local image activity by using the visual masking. Secondly it is implemented to select the embedding space (embedding channels). The two embedding channels are obtained by selecting third and fourth level of CWT decomposition of the original image and by applying the inverse CWT transform on each level separately. First and second levels of CWT decomposition are avoided due to the low robustness on the compression attacks. Watermark is added to the embedding channels using the additive spread spectrum technique. To compare the proposed algorithm in CWT domain with equivalent one derived in the DWT domain, the same embedding procedure is applied in DWT domain. Robustness of both algorithms on selected attacks like JPEG, JPEG2000 compressions, different filtering attacks etc. is tested and compared by using the benchmark software Checkmark.
Computer Simulations Suggest a Key Role of Membranous Nanodomains in Biliary Lipid Secretion

The bile fluid contains various lipids that are secreted at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. As the secretion mechanism is still a matter of debate and a direct experimental observation of the secretion process is not possible so far, we used a mathematical model to simulate the extraction of the major bile lipids cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin from the outer leaflet of the canalicular membrane. Lipid diffusion was modeled as random movement on a triangular lattice governed by next-neighbor interaction energies. Phase separation in liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered domains was modeled by assigning two alternative ordering states to each lipid species and minimization of next-neighbor ordering energies. Parameterization of the model was performed such that experimentally determined diffusion rates and phases in ternary lipid mixtures of model membranes were correctly recapitulated. The model describes the spontaneous formation of nanodomains in the external leaflet of the canalicular membrane in a time window between 0.1 ms to 10 ms at varying lipid proportions. The extraction of lipid patches from the bile salt soluble nanodomain into the bile reproduced observed biliary phospholipid compositions for a physiologi-cal membrane composition. Comparing the outcome of model simulations with available experi-mental observations clearly favors the extraction of tiny membrane patches composed of about 100–400 lipids as the likely mechanism of biliary lipid secretion.
HSL_MI28

This article focuses on the design and development of a new robust and efficient general-purpose incomplete Cholesky factorization package HSL_MI28, which is available within the HSL mathematical software library. It implements a limited memory approach that exploits ideas from the positive semidefinite Tismenetsky-Kaporin modification scheme and, through the incorporation of intermediate memory, is a generalization of the widely used ICFS algorithm of Lin and Moré. Both the density of the incomplete factor and the amount of memory used in its computation are under the user's control. The performance of HSL_MI28 is demonstrated using extensive numerical experiments involving a large set of test problems arising from a wide range of real-world applications. The numerical experiments are used to isolate the effects of scaling, ordering, and dropping strategies so as to assess their usefulness in the development of robust algebraic incomplete factorization preconditioners and to select default settings for HSL_MI28. They also illustrate the significant advantage of employing a modest amount of intermediate memory. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that, with limited memory, high-quality yet sparse general-purpose preconditioners are obtained. Comparisons are made with ICFS, with a level-based incomplete factorization code and, finally, with a state-of-the-art direct solver.
Transducin translocation contributes to rod survival and enhances synaptic transmission from rods to rod bipolar cells

In rod photoreceptors, several phototransduction components display light-dependent translocation between cellular compartments. Notably, the G protein transducin translocates from rod outer segments to inner segments/spherules in bright light, but the functional consequences of translocation remain unclear. We generated transgenic mice where light-induced transducin translocation is impaired. These mice exhibited slow photoreceptor degeneration, which was prevented if they were dark-reared. Physiological recordings showed that control and transgenic rods and rod bipolar cells displayed similar sensitivity in darkness. After bright light exposure, control rods were more strongly desensitized than transgenic rods. However, in rod bipolar cells, this effect was reversed; transgenic rod bipolar cells were more strongly desensitized than control. This sensitivity reversal indicates that transducin translocation in rods enhances signaling to rod bipolar cells. The enhancement could not be explained by modulation of inner segment conductances or the voltage sensitivity of the synaptic Ca2+ current, suggesting interactions of transducin with the synaptic machinery.
On estimation of the variance in Cochran–Armitage trend tests for genetic association using case–control studies

The Cochran–Armitage trend test has been used in case–control studies for testing genetic association. As the variance of the test statistic is a function of unknown parameters, e.g. disease prevalence and allele frequency, it must be estimated. The usual estimator combining data for cases and controls assumes they follow the same distribution under the null hypothesis. Under the alternative hypothesis, however, the cases and controls follow different distributions. Thus, the power of the trend tests may be affected by the variance estimator used. In particular, the usual method combining both cases and controls is not an asymptotically unbiased estimator of the null variance when the alternative is true. Two different estimates of the null variance are available which are consistent under both the null and alternative hypotheses. In this paper, we examine sample size and small sample power performance of trend tests, which are optimal for three common genetic models as well as a robust trend test based on the three estimates of the variance and provide guidelines for choosing an appropriate test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from the Aerial Parts of Salvia pinnata L .

The composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Salvia pinnata L. (Labiatae), collected during flowering and fruiting periods, were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. 37 compounds were identified representing 96.1 % of the essential oil obtained from the plant material collected during flowering period. 30 compounds were detected constituting 94.7 % of the essential oil of the plant material collected in fruiting period. The main components of the essential oils were characterized as bornyl acetate, camphor, camphene, bornyl formate, -pinene and borneol. The oils were screened for antimicrobial activity by the micro-dilution assay against standard bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) and yeast (Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis). Both of the oils showed antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms.
Mobilization of Intracellular Copper Stores by the Ctr2 Vacuolar Copper Transporter*

Copper plays an essential role in processes including signaling to the transcription and protein trafficking machinery, oxidative phosphorylation, iron mobilization, neuropeptide maturation, and normal development. Whereas much is known about intracellular mobilization of ions such as calcium, little information is available on how eukaryotic cells mobilize intracellular copper stores. We describe a mechanism by which the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ctr2 protein provides bioavailable copper via mobilization of intracellular copper stores. Whereas Ctr2 exhibits structural similarity to the Ctr1 plasma membrane copper importer, microscopic and biochemical fractionation studies localize Ctr2 to the vacuole membrane. We demonstrate that Ctr2 mobilizes vacuolar copper stores in a manner dependent on amino acid residues conserved between the Ctr1 and Ctr2 copper transport family and that ctr2Δ mutants hyper-accumulate vacuolar copper. Furthermore, a Ctr2 mutant that is mislocalized to the plasma membrane stimulates extracellular copper uptake, supporting a direct role for Ctr2 in copper transport across membranes. These studies identify a novel mechanism for copper mobilization and suggest that organisms cope with copper deprivation via the use of intracellular vesicular stores.
The Critical Role of Golgi Cells in Regulating Spatio-Temporal Integration and Plasticity at the Cerebellum Input Stage

The discovery of the Golgi cell is bound to the foundation of the Neuron Doctrine. Recently, the excitable mechanisms of this inhibitory interneuron have been investigated with modern experimental and computational techniques raising renewed interest for the implications it might have for cerebellar circuit functions. Golgi cells are pacemakers with preferential response frequency and phase-reset in the theta-frequency band and can therefore impose specific temporal dynamics to granule cell responses. Moreover, through their connectivity, Golgi cells determine the spatio-temporal organization of cerebellar activity. Finally, Golgi cells, by controlling granule cell depolarization and NMDA channel unblock, regulate the induction of long-term synaptic plasticity at the mossy fiber – granule cell synapse. Thus, the Golgi cells can exert an extensive control on spatio-temporal signal organization and information storage in the granular layer playing a critical role for cerebellar computation.
Molecular Sciences Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers for Passiflora Contracta

Passiflora contracta Vitta (Passifloraceae) is an endemic species of the Atlantic Rainforest, one of the most species-rich ecoregions in the world, although extremely endangered. We have developed an enriched microsatellite library in order to fine-scale studies of the genetic structure of P. contracta. Twelve pairs of microsatellite primers were designed, and seven loci were successfully amplified and characterized by genotyping two wild populations of P. contracta. All seven loci were polymorphic, with an average number of alleles found being 4.8 and 5 per population. The cross-species transferability was tested using sister species Passiflora ovalis Vell. Ex Roemer. The development of these markers will contribute to the studies of population genetics in P. contracta as well as future studies concerning diversity patterns in the Atlantic Rainforest, and may also help to establish strategies for the conservation of this species.
Visual tools for temporal reasoning

We describe a prototype toolkit for reasoning about Graphical Interval Logic (GIL) specifications of concurrent systems. GIL is a visual temporal logic that is intended to be more intuitive and easier to use than standard textual temporal logics. The GIL toolkit helps system designers to create graphical specifications of concurrent systems, to verify properties of those systems from their specifications, and to generate models that satisfy the specifications. The toolkit provides a visual interface with specifications, proofs, and models all depicted graphically. The paper describes the toolkit, discusses its implementation, and provides an illustration of its use. <<ETX>>
Fit for the frontline? Identification of mission-critical auditory tasks (MCATs) carried out by infantry and combat-support personnel

The ability to listen to commands in noisy environments and understand acoustic signals, while maintaining situational awareness, is an important skill for military personnel and can be critical for mission success. Seventeen auditory tasks carried out by British infantry and combat-support personnel were identified through a series of focus groups conducted by Bevis et al. For military personnel, these auditory tasks are termed mission-critical auditory tasks (MCATs) if they are carried in out in a military-specific environment and have a negative consequence when performed below a specified level. A questionnaire study was conducted to find out which of the auditory tasks identified by Bevis et al. satisfy the characteristics of an MCAT. Seventy-nine British infantry and combat-support personnel from four regiments across the South of England participated. For each auditory task participants indicated: 1) the consequences of poor performance on the task, 2) who performs the task, and 3) how frequently the task is carried out. The data were analysed to determine which tasks are carried out by which personnel, which have the most negative consequences when performed poorly, and which are performed the most frequently. This resulted in a list of 9 MCATs (7 speech communication tasks, 1 sound localization task, and 1 sound detection task) that should be prioritised for representation in a measure of auditory fitness for duty (AFFD) for these personnel. Incorporating MCATs in AFFD measures will help to ensure that personnel have the necessary auditory skills for safe and effective deployment on operational duties.
Incidence and prognosis of sustained arrhythmias in critically ill patients.

RATIONALE Sustained arrhythmias are common in postoperative and cardiac intensive care units (ICUs), but their incidence and prognosis in general ICUs have never been reported. OBJECTIVES To estimate the incidence and prognosis of sustained arrhythmias in a general ICU population. METHODS Prospective, multicenter, 1-month inception cohort study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 1,341 patients were included: 12% (163/1,341) had sustained arrhythmias, including 8% (113/1,341) and 2% (30/1,341) with supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, respectively, and 2% (30/1,341) with conduction abnormalities. In-hospital death rates were 17% (205/1,178) in patients without arrhythmia and 29% (33/113) in patients with supraventricular arrhythmias (odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-3.01), 73% (22/30) in patients with ventricular arrhythmias (OR, 13.20; 95% CI, 5.79-30.10), and 60% (18/30) in patients with conduction abnormalities (OR, 7.46; 95% CI, 3.52-15.82). Neurological sequel rates were 6% (55/973) in arrhythmia-free survivors and 15% (12/80) in survivors with supraventricular arrhythmias (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.45-5.89), 38% (3/8) in survivors with ventricular arrhythmias (OR, 7.53; 95% CI, 1.60-35.50), and 17% (2/12) in survivors with conduction abnormalities (OR, 8.77; 95% CI, 1.65-46.57). After adjusting for prognosis factors and propensity scores, ventricular arrhythmias still increased mortality (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.19-10.42) but supraventricular arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities did not. CONCLUSIONS Sustained arrhythmias are observed in 12% of patients admitted to general ICUs. Ventricular arrhythmias increase the risk of death.
Organophosphates and the heart.

(Chest 1993; 103:576-82) O rganophosphates are widely used as agricultural pesticides, and some of these compounds serve as nerve agents for chemical warfare. They act as powerful inhibitors of acetyicholinesterase, resulting in accumulation of acetylcholine and overstimulation ofcholinergic synapses in the central nervous system, somatic nerves, parasympathetic nerve endings, and sweat glands. The mode ofcontact in organophosphate poisoning varies, as these compounds are absorbed efficiently by oral, dermal, conjunctival, gastrointestinal, and respiratory routes. Poisoning commonly occurs as a result of agricultural use, accidental exposure, suicide, and, rarely, homicide. Mortality rates as high as 85 percent have been reported,’ generally due to respiratory insufficiency. Although physicians have been aware of the ophthalmic, neurologic, and psychological complications of organophosphate poisoning,2�’ less importance has been attached to the cardiac aspects, until recently. Cardiac complications and late occurrence of sudden death may take place after initial clinical toxicity has abated’ and the patient seems to have recovered from the acute and dramatic respiratory and neurologic manifestations.
Acoustoelastic Response of Unidirectional Fiber Composites

The paper deals with the problem of determining the change in wave velocities in uni directional fiber reinforced composites due to applied or residual processing stresses. A simple averaging scheme is described to compute effective properties relating increments in average Lagrangian stresses and displacement gradients over a representative volume el ement due to small disturbances over the prestressed state. Computed wave velocities are compared with test data obtained during temperature cycling reported in literature.
Comparative study of laser damage threshold energies in the artificial retina.

Laser damage threshold energies produced from ultrashort (i.e., ⩽1 ns) laser pulses are investigated as a function of both pulse width and spot size for an artificial retina. A piece of film acts as the absorbing layer and is positioned at the focus of a variant on the Cain artificial eye [C. Cain, G. D. Noojin, D. X. Hammer, R. J. Thomas, and B. A. Rockwell, "Artificial eye for in vitro experiments of laser light interaction with aqueous media," J. Biomed. Opt.2, 88-94 (1997)]. Experiments were performed at the focal point and at two and ten Rayleigh ranges (RR) in front of the focus with the damage end point being the presence of a bubble imaged at the film plane. Pulse energy thresholds were determined for wavelengths of 1064, 580, and 532 nm with pulse durations ranging from the nanosecond (ns) to the femtosecond (fs) regime. For the at-focus data in the visible regime, the threshold dropped from 0.25 μJ for a 532 nm, 5 ns pulse to 0.11 μJ for a 580 nm, 100 fs pulse. The near-infrared (NIR) threshold changed from 5.5 μJ for a 5 ns pulse to 0.9 μJ for a 130 fs pulse at a distance two RR in front of the focus. The experiment was repeated using the same pulse widths and wavelengths, except the water path was removed to determine the impact of nonlinear self-focusing in water. A vertical microscope imaging system was employed in order to observe the threshold event. The NIR fluence threshold of 0.5 J/cm2 remained constant within an experimental uncertainty for all pulse widths, which corresponds to values in the literature [C. P. Lin and M. W. Kelly, "Ultrafast time-resolved imaging of stress transient and cavitation from short pulsed laser irradiated melanin particles," SPIE Laser-Tissue Interactions VI, Proc. SPIE2391, 294-299 (1995)]. The visible data also demonstrated a nearly constant fluence of 0.07 J/cm2. The disparity in thresholds between the two techniques arises from nonlinear optical phenomena related to propagation differences in the ocular fluid. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Virtualized FPGA Accelerators for Efficient Cloud Computing

Hardware accelerators implement custom architectures to significantly speed up computations in a wide range of domains. As performance scaling in server-class CPUs slows, we propose the integration of hardware accelerators in the cloud as a way to maintain a positive performance trend. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) represent the ideal way to integrate accelerators in the cloud, since they can be reprogrammed as needs change and allow multiple accelerators to share optimised communication infrastructure. We discuss a framework that integrates reconfigurable accelerators in a standard server with virtualised resource management and communication. We then present a case study that quantifies the efficiency benefits and break-even point for integrating FPGAs in the cloud.
Molecular dissection of abnormal wound healing processes resulting in keloid disease

Keloids are locally aggressive scars that typically invade into healthy surrounding skin and cause both physical and psychosocial distress to the patient. These pathological scars occur following minimal skin trauma after a variety of causes including burns and trauma. Although the pathogenesis of keloid disease is not well understood, it is considered to be the end product of an abnormal healing process. The aim of this review was to investigate the molecular and cellular pathobiology of keloid disease in relation to the normal wound healing process. The molecular aberrances in keloids that correlate with the molecular mechanisms in normal wound healing can be categorized into three groups: (1) extracellular matrix proteins and their degradation, (2) cytokines and growth factors, and (3) apoptotic pathways. With respect to cellular involvements, fibroblasts are the most well‐studied cell population. However, it is unclear whether the fibroblast is the causative cell; they are modulated by other cell populations in wound repair, such as keratinocytes and macrophages. This review presents a detailed account of individual phases of the healing process and how they may potentially be implicated in aberrant raised scar formation, which may help in clarifying the mechanisms involved in keloid disease pathogenesis.