Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Chemical Impurities on the Crystalline Cement Clinker Phases Determined by Atomistic Simulations

The presence of chemical substitutions is believed to play a crucial role in the hydration reactions, structure, and elastic properties of cement clinker phases. Hence, substitutions are of great technological interest, as more efficient production of cement clinkers would result in a reduction of CO2 emissions, as well as possible economic benefits. Here we use a combination of classical and quantum mechanical simulation methods to study the detailed physicochemical changes of the clinker phases alite (Ca3SiO5) and belite (Ca2SiO4) when Mg2+, Al3+ and Fe3+ guest ions are incorporated into their structure. Using classical force field methods, we considered random substitutions among possible sites and different compositions in order to identify the preferential substitution sites on the crystalline structures. Then, the resulting structural changes that take place to accommodate the guest ions are investigated and discussed in detail. Using quantum mechanical density functional theory calculations the ele.
The Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Survey (SXDS). II. Optical Imaging and Photometric Catalogs

We present multi-wave band optical imaging data obtained from observations of the Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Survey (SXDS). The survey field, centered at R . A . = 02h18m00s, decl . = − 05°00′00′′, has been the focus of a wide range of multiwavelength observing programs spanning from X-ray to radio wavelengths. A large part of the optical imaging observations are carried out with Suprime-Cam on Subaru Telescope at Mauna Kea in the course of Subaru Telescope “Observatory Projects. ” This paper describes our optical observations, data reduction and analysis procedures employed, and the characteristics of the data products. A total area of 1.22 deg2 is covered in five contiguous subfields, each of which corresponds to a single Suprime-Cam field of view (~34′ × 27′), in five broadband filters, B, V, Rc, i′, and z′, to the depths of B = 28.4, V = 27.8, Rc = 27.7, i′ = 27.7, and z′ = 26.6, respectively (AB, 3 σ, ϕ = 2′′). The data are reduced and compiled into five multi-wave band photometric catalogs, separately for each Suprime-Cam pointing. The i′-band catalogs contain about 900,000 objects, making the SXDS catalogs one of the largest multi-wave band catalogs in corresponding depth and area coverage. The SXDS catalogs can be used for an extensive range of astronomical applications such as the number density of the Galactic halo stars to the large-scale structures at the distant universe. The number counts of galaxies are derived and compared with those of existing deep extragalactic surveys. The optical data, the source catalogs, and configuration files used to create the catalogs are publicly available via the SXDS Web page (http://www.naoj.org/Science/SubaruProject/SXDS/index.html).
Competitive and Professional Gaming: Discussing Potential Benefits of Scientific Study

Competitive and professional gaming, in which video game players participate in tournaments, offers numerous opportunities for much-needed research and enhanced knowledge about digital technology. To date, competitive gaming has received scant scientific attention, even though it may foster the development of adaptive skills or, in other instances, carry adverse consequences. Examining the lifestyles and successes of competitive gamers can increase our knowledge of gaming and yield useful information about extreme or excessive involvement in digital technology. Studying the most successful competitive gamers, who appear to develop exceptional skills, could be highly beneficial. Suggestions for research are provided.
A software-defined fusion storage system for PCM and NAND flash

In SSD-based storage systems, persistent data are stored in the NAND Flash and however manipulated in DRAM, causing the decoupled inefficiency. The data being closer to the processors are much easier to be lost due to the volatile property of DRAM, leading to serious data reliability problems. In the meantime, existing SSD technology exploits the properties of NAND Flash and leverages NAND Flash + controller + FTL architecture to improve system's performance. In this black-box-modeled structure, the data semantic information is hard to be transferred by conventional interface. Hence the SSD firmware fails to make full use of the performance potential of SSD in terms of the semantic information of data. Moreover, the host can't obtain physical characteristics and statistical information about SSD, failing to be used by the file system or I/O scheduling algorithm designed for the disks. In order to address these problems, we propose a software defined fusion storage system for PCM and NAND Flash. PCM can be defined as the same level storage or as a buffer of NAND Flash to reduce the WA (Write Amplification) of Flash and improve reliability. In this system, we expose the channels, erases counts and data distribution of PCM/NAND Flash to the host, design FTL algorithm close to file system to obtain more semantic information of data accessing, and manage the storage device as a non-transparent structure. To achieve these design goals, we implement a Host Fusion Storage Layer (HFSL) that supports flexible I/O schedule algorithm and address mapping of variable allocation size in the persistent superior performance of SSD. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed schemes.
Energy-efficient virtual network embedding for heterogeneous networks

The rising energy cost has forced the Internet Service Providers to find new ways to reduce the energy consumption of networks. Through resource consolidation, network virtualization can enable energy saving. This paper studies the virtual network (VN) embedding problem with energy awareness for heterogeneous networks, which is a main challenge in network virtualization and refers to mapping multiple VNs to a shared physical network. Previous work on VN embedding either focuses on maximizing the embedding revenue or reduces the energy consumption simply by mapping VNs to a small set of physical resources, which is not energy efficient in heterogeneous networks. To bridge this gap, we first propose an energy consumption model for the heterogeneous network and formulate the energy-aware VN embedding problem as an integer linear programming with the objective of minimizing the overall energy consumption. We then design an energy-efficient VN embedding algorithm, which exploits the power-varying diversity of the physical nodes to minimize the energy consumption, and adopts the technique for order preference by similarity ideal solution to rank the nodes to guarantee high revenue for the physical network. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the energy consumption while keeping high revenue for heterogeneous networks.
The Effects of Composite Resin Types and Debonding Pliers on the Amount of Adhesive Remnants and Enamel Damages: A Stereomicroscopic Evaluation

Background and aims. This in vitro study was designed to evaluate the effect of composite resin types and orthodontic debonding pliers on the amount of adhesive remnants and enamel damages using a novel method of measurement. Materials and methods. 120 extracted human premolars were randomly divided into four groups (n = 30). The standard edgewise metallic brackets were bonded to the teeth with light-cured composite resin “Transbond XT” in the first and second groups, and No-mix composite resin “Unite” in the third and fourth groups. Bracket debonding was carried out with Lift Off Debonding Instrument “LODI” (3M Unitek) in the first and third groups, and with Bracket Removing Pliers (Dentaurum) in the second and forth groups. yStereomicroscopic evaluation was performed by unbiased sterelogy. All teeth were evaluated for the amount of adhesive remnants and the number and length of enamel cracks. The obtained data on each step was analyzed by two-way ANOVA, chi-square, Wilcoxon, and Kruskal-Wallis. Results. Teeth in group 4 had the lowest adhesive remnants on the enamel surface (p < 0.01); and the highest increase in the number of enamel cracks (p < 0.01) among the groups. In addition, groups bonded with Unite showed the highest increase in the length of enamel cracks. Conclusion. Dentaurum debonding pliers with sheer–peel force, when used with the Unite adhesive (group 4), decreased the amount of adhesive remnants on the enamel surface while it increased enamel damages.
Force-Induced Calcium Concentration Change and Focal Adhesion Translocation: Effects of Force Amplitude and Frequency

Vascular endothelial cells rapidly sense and transduce external forces into biological signals through a process known as mechanotransduction. Numerous biological processes are involved in mechanotransduction, including calcium signaling and activation of focal adhesion sites, but little is known about how cells initially sense changes in the external mechanical environment. In order to examine the rapid mechanosensing thresholds involved with mechanotransduction, calcium concentration changes and focal adhesion site translocations were observed while applying nN-level magnetic trap shear forces to the cell apex via integrin-linked magnetic beads. Both biological responses were monitored with fluorescent microscopy by labeling intracellular calcium with Fluo-3 calcium dye and by infecting cells with GFP-paxillin fusion proteins. Monitoring calcium concentration changes proved unreliable for determining mechanotransduction thresholds, while a non-graded, time dependent (minutes) steady load threshold for mechanotransduction was established between 0.90 and 1.45 nN for focal adhesion site activation. Activation was greatest near the point of forcing (< 7.5 pm), indicating that shear forces imposed on the apical cell membrane transmit nonuniformly to the basal cell surface and that focal adhesion sites may function as individual mechanosensors responding to local levels of force. Results from a continuum, viscoelastic finite element model of magnetocytometry that represented experimental focal adhesion attachments provided support for a non-uniform force transmission to basal surface focal adhesion sites. Frequency variation between 0.1 and 50 Hz altered focal adhesion translocation and resulted in a biphasic response minimized at 1.0 Hz. Furthermore, applying the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and PP2, a specific Src family kinase inhibitor, resulted in differential effects on force-induced translocation. These results highlight the mutual importance of force transmission and biochemical signaling in focal adhesion mechanotransduction. Principal Thesis Supervisor: Roger D. Kamm Title: Professor of Mechanical Engineering Force-induced calcium concentration change and focal adhesion translocation: Effects of force amplitude and frequency Chapter
Components of effective randomized controlled trials of hydrotherapy programs for fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review

Aim Previous systematic reviews have found hydrotherapy to be an effective management strategy for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the components of hydrotherapy programs used in randomized controlled trials. Method A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Only trials that have reported significant FMS-related outcomes were included. Data relating to the components of hydrotherapy programs (exercise type, duration, frequency and intensity, environmental factors, and service delivery) were analyzed. Results Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Overall, the quality of trials was good. Aerobic exercise featured in all 11 trials and the majority of hydrotherapy programs included either a strengthening or flexibility component. Great variability was noted in both the environmental components of hydrotherapy programs and service delivery. Conclusions Aerobic exercise, warm up and cool-down periods and relaxation exercises are common features of hydrotherapy programs that report significant FMS-related outcomes. Treatment duration of 60 minutes, frequency of three sessions per week and an intensity equivalent to 60%–80% maximum heart rate were the most commonly reported exercise components. Exercise appears to be the most important component of an effective hydrotherapy program for FMS, particularly when considering mental health-related outcomes.
Impacts of Grounding Configurations on Responses of Ground Protective Relays for DFIG-Based WECSs—Part I: Solid Ground Faults

One of the requirements for safe, stable, sustainable, and profitable operation of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs)-based wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) is the accurate and reliable protection against electrical faults, in particular, ground faults. The performance of protective devices employed to achieve this requirement is highly dependent on the grounding configuration of the DFIG-based WECS. This paper investigates impacts of the grounding configuration on the performance of protective devices used to protect DFIGs-based WECSs from electrical ground faults. Investigated grounding configurations include solid grounding, low-resistance grounding, high-resistance grounding, and no grounding. This paper also investigates the use of a capacitor in parallel with a low resistance, as a grounding configuration, to limit ground potentials, reduce ground currents, and minimize impacts on responses of ground protective relays. The impacts of the grounding configurations on protective devices are observed through their ability to identify faults, as well as their speed to respond to identified faults. Simulation and experimental results reveal that adequately designed low-resistance grounding offers the minimum impacts on protective devices used for ground protection of DFIG-based WECSs.
anomaterial-assisted aptamers for optical sensing

Aptamers are single-strand DNA or RNA selected in vitro that bind specifically with a broad range of targets from metal ions, organic molecules, to proteins, cells and microorganisms. As an emerging class of recognition elements, aptamers offer remarkable convenience in the design and modification of their structures, which has motivated them to generate a great variety of aptamer sensors (aptasensors) that exhibit high sensitivity as well as specificity. On the other hand, the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology has generated nanomaterials with novel properties compared with their counterparts in
Knowledge discovery by automated identification and ranking of implicit relationships

MOTIVATION New relationships are often implicit from existing information, but the amount and growth of published literature limits the scope of analysis an individual can accomplish. Our goal was to develop and test a computational method to identify relationships within scientific reports, such that large sets of relationships between unrelated items could be sought out and statistically ranked for their potential relevance as a set. RESULTS We first construct a network of tentative relationships between 'objects' of biomedical research interest (e.g. genes, diseases, phenotypes, chemicals) by identifying their co-occurrences within all electronically available MEDLINE records. Relationships shared by two unrelated objects are then ranked against a random network model to estimate the statistical significance of any given grouping. When compared against known relationships, we find that this ranking correlates with both the probability and frequency of object co-occurrence, demonstrating the method is well suited to discover novel relationships based upon existing shared relationships. To test this, we identified compounds whose shared relationships predicted they might affect the development and/or progression of cardiac hypertrophy. When laboratory tests were performed in a rodent model, chlorpromazine was found to reduce the progression of cardiac hypertrophy.
Determinants of caregivers’ vaccination intention with respect to child age group: a cross-sectional survey in South Korea

Objective This study examined how knowledge, risk perception, health beliefs and multidimensional health locus of control (HLC) were associated with caregivers’ intention to vaccinate their child, and how these associations varied across child age groups. Setting South Korea. Methods The cross-sectional survey was conducted via a face-to-face interview among 1017 nationally representative caregivers who had children aged 12 or younger. The outcome variable was caregivers’ intention to vaccinate their children. Results Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that risk perception was negatively associated with vaccination intention only among the age group 4–6 (β=−0.127, p<0.05). Perceived benefit was the only significant predictor of the outcome variables for all three age groups. In contrast, perceived barrier was negatively related to vaccination intention only among the age group 7–12 (β=−0.104, p<0.05). Internal HLC was positively related to vaccination intention only among the age group 7–12 (β=0.151, p<0.001), while chance HLC was negatively related to vaccination intention only among the age group 0–3 (β=−0.121, p<0.05). Conclusions This study identifies key vaccination intention determinants that are differentially associated with caregivers’ children's age groups. To improve vaccination rates, it suggests the need for strategies tailored to children's age.
Recent Findings on Dopamine in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia

The original dopamine hypothesis (Carlsson & Lindqvist, 1963 as cited in Laruelle, Abi-Dargham, Gil, Kegeles, & Innis, 1999) predicts a hyperactivity of dopamine transmission that is responsible for the symptoms of schizophrenia. The hypothesis was based upon clinical observations of the effects of antipsychotic medications, however, recent research aims to directly measure the dopamine system in the brains of schizophrenic patients. Postmortem and in vivo methods have found results beyond a constant hyperactive state predicted in the classical dopamine hypothesis. In addition, complex interactions of the dopamine system with other neurotransmitters have been implicated.
The prevalence of Escherichia coli strains with extended spectrum beta-lactamases isolated in China

The extended-spectrum-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli has rapidly spread worldwide. Escherichia coli has been becoming much more resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and other commonly available antimicrobials. We investigated the prevalence, resistance, and probable gene type of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) using minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We have collected 289 single-patient E. coli Isolates based on samples of China from July 2013 to August 2014. This article explored that the prevalence of ESBL-producing Isolates showed multi-resistant to antimicrobials such as fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim, tetracycline and aminoglycosides, and so on. The frequencies of resistance in Isolates were as follows: Ciprofloxacin, 74%, gentamicin, 69.5%, levofloxacin, 63%, tobramycin, 39%, and minocycline, 7.9%. According to our results, 197(68.2%) of the total 289 Isolates were ESBL-producing strains; further, 172 (87.3%) producers contained genes encoding CTX-M enzymes and 142(72.1%) producers contained genes encoding TEM enzymes. Most ESBL-producing Escherichia coli has produced more than one type of β-lactamase. Nucleotide sequence analysis has revealed the diversity of ESBLs types: CTX-M -15 is in the majority and TEM-135, CTX-M-3, CTX-M-98, CTX-M-14, CTX-M-142, CTX-M-65, CTX-M-55, CTX-M-27, and CTX-M-123 have been recovered. The results confirm that ESBL producers which are common in hospital strains of Escherichia coli are resistant to cephalosporins and other antibiotics in China. It is important to monitor such strains closely and provide scientific evidence of rational application of antibiotics to prevent their spread.
On the Impact of Children's Emotional Speech on Acoustic and Language Models

The automatic recognition of children's speech is well known to be a challenge, and so is the influence of affect that is believed to downgrade performance of a speech recogniser. In this contribution, we investigate the combination of both phenomena. Extensive test runs are carried out for 1 k vocabulary continuous speech recognition on spontaneous motherese, emphatic, and angry children's speech as opposed to neutral speech. The experiments address the question how specific emotions influence word accuracy. In a first scenario, "emotional" speech recognisers are compared to a speech recogniser trained on neutral speech only. For this comparison, equal amounts of training data are used for each emotion-related state. In a second scenario, a "neutral" speech recogniser trained on large amounts of neutral speech is adapted by adding only some emotionally coloured data in the training process. The results show that emphatic and angry speech is recognised best—even better than neutral speech—and that the performance can be improved further by adaptation of the acoustic and linguistic models. In order to show the variability of emotional speech, we visualise the distribution of the four emotion-related states in the MFCC space by applying a Sammon transformation.
Cosmological Evolution Models for QSO/Active Galactic Nucleus Luminosity Functions: Effects of Spectrum-Luminosity Correlation and Massive Black Hole Remnants

We investigate a large number of cosmological evolution models for QSOs and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We introduce a spectrum-luminosity correlation as a new input parameter and adopt the estimated mass function (MF) of massive black holes in the centers of nearby galactic nuclei as a constraint to distinguish among different QSO/AGN models. We explore three basic types of phenomenological scenarios: (1) models with multiple short-lived (~ a few 106-108 yr) populations, (2) models with a single long-lived (~109 yr) QSO population, and (3) models with recurrent QSO/AGN activities that are driven by long-term variabilities of the disk instability type. In each model, we derive the expected theoretical luminosity function (LF) and the MF of black holes that grow through mass accretion. We assess the plausibility of each model based on whether each model's LF and MF are compatible with the observed data. We find that the best fits to the observed LFs are obtained in the model with multiple short-lived populations and without any significant spectral evolution. This finding suggests that the QSO populations may be composed of many short-lived generations (~a few 108 yr) and that there is no significant spectral evolution within each generation. On the other hand, we also show that there is no satisfactory model that can simultaneously account for the observed LF and the estimated MF. We speculate that some of the present-day black holes found in galactic nuclei may have formed without undergoing the QSO/AGN phase.
The use of a decomposed theory of planned behavior to study Internet banking in Taiwan

With the liberalization and internalization of financial markets, in terms of the entrance of the World Trade Organization, banks in Taiwan face pressures in service quality and administrative efficiency. Predicting customers’ intention to adopt Internet banking is an important issue. Attempts to understand how an individual's belief, embracing attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control, can influence intention. Two versions of the model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) – pure and decomposed – are examined and compared to the theory of reasoned action (TRA). Data are collected from approximately 425 respondents and structural equation modeling is used to analyze the responses. Results generally support TRA and TPB and provide a good fit to the data.