Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MULTI-DIRECTIONAL CYCLIC SHEAR- INDUCED PORE PRESSURE AND SETTLEMENT OF UNDISTURBED CLAY

When a cohesive soil layer is subjected to the multi-directional cyclic shear by the earthquake, an additional settlement would occur after the earthquake. In this study, by using the multi-directional cyclic simple shear test apparatus, undisturbed specimens of a clay were tested under a wide range of shear strain amplitude and number of cycles, and the results about the pore water pressure accumulation and the cyclic shear-induced settlement were compared with those of disturbed specimen. Then, effects of disturbance of clay on the dynamic properties and on the e-logp relations were investigated. In conclusion, (1) under the same cyclic shearing condition, the pore water pressure induced in the disturbed specimen increases to a higher level than those in the undisturbed one. Meanwhile, the differences of the cyclic shear-induced settlement between the undisturbed and disturbed specimens are negligible when the accumulated pore water pressure is the same, (2) when the effective stress increases by the dissipation of accumulated excess pore water pressure, e-logp curve does not meet with the virgin compression line even at larger vertical effective stress than those of pre-consolidation, (3) the compression index decreases with the shear strain amplitude and the level of cyclic shear-induced pore water pressure. 1Professor, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan (email: hmatsuda@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp) 2Doctor, Dept. of Engineering Geology and Hydro-Geology, Hue University of Sciences Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam 3Professional Engineer, Coastal Engineering Division, Fukken Co. Ltd, Hiroshima, Japan 4Lecturer, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan Matsuda H, Nhan TT, Sato H, Hara H. Multi-directional cyclic shear-induced pore pressure and settlement of undisturbed clay. Proceedings of the 11th National Conference in Earthquake Engineering, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA. 2018. Eleventh U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering Integrating Science, Engineering & Policy June 25-29, 2018 Los Angeles, California Multi-Directional Cyclic Shear-Induced Pore Pressure and Settlement of Undisturbed Clay H. Matsuda 1, TT. Nhan2, H. Sato3 and H. Hara4
Creating a more efficient healthcare knowledge market: using communities of practice to create checklists

Medicine has an inefficient knowledge market. Patients often receive half of the recommended therapies and it takes over 15 years for evidence to be incorporated into routine practice. The IOM report on comparative effectiveness research highlighted the need to produce evidence that is useful to decision makers.1 In medicine evidence is usually summarized in practice guidelines, which are needed and often elegant and scholarly literature summaries, developed by professional organisations or government agencies are used to shape clinical practice standards. The purpose of these guidelines is to help ensure that patients receive recommended therapies, yet often they are neither used nor as useful as the developers would like.2 As Schnoor et al illustrate ( see page 498 ), it is often difficult to demonstrate that guidelines improve patient care even with an implementation strategy in place.3 This may be because of clinician barriers (they do not know about or agree with the evidence), guideline barriers (the guideline may be ambiguous or not associated with outcomes), system barriers (the supplies needed to comply with the guideline may not be readily available) or implementation barriers (the way the guideline was introduced engendered resistance). 4 We propose that guidelines should not be viewed as a final product to guide clinical practice but rather as an input for a more succinct tool—a checklist. Checklists are not Harry Potter's wand and when used alone will probably be no more effective than guidelines.5 Yet when used as part of a conceptual model to identify local barriers to compliance, to measure and feedback performance, and to change the local work system to ensure patients receive the checklist items, it can lead to significant improvement.6 7 In this essay, we discuss some …
Assessment of anthropometric indices among residents of Calabar, South-East Nigeria

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus which may be addressed by application of intensive lifestyle interventions. Thus, establishing normative values of anthropometric indices in our environment is crucial. This study aimed to determine normative values of anthropometric indices of nutrition among residents of Calabar. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional observational study recruited residents of Calabar aged between 15-79 years using a multistage sampling method. Trained research assistants collected socio-demographic data and did anthropometric measurements. Results: There were 645 (56.5%) males and 489 (43.1%) females. Males had significantly lower general adiposity and hip circumference (HC) than females while females had significantly lower waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratio (WHR) than males. The WHR increased with age particularly among males. Body mass index (BMI) also increased with age in both males and females with a peak in the middle age bracket, followed by a decline among the elderly. The mean (SD) BMI was 27.7 (5.0) kg/m2. Males had a mean (SD) BMI of 27.0 (4.4) kg/m2, while females had a mean (SD) BMI of 28.5 (5.5) kg/m2 respectively. WC correlated positively and significantly with BMI and WHR in males and females. WHR correlated positively and significantly with BMI in males and females. Conclusion: There are positive linear inter relationships between the indices of nutrition which is strongest between WC and BMI. In view of the strong independent association of DM with indices of nutrition, it is appropriate to derive normal cut-off values for WC, WHR and BMI nationally.
Ribosomal S6 Kinase 2 Inhibition by a Potent C-terminal Repressor Domain Is Relieved by Mitogen-activated Protein-Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Kinase-regulated Phosphorylation*

Ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (S6K2) is a recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase that phosphorylates the 40 S ribosomal protein S6 in vitro. S6K2 is highly homologous to S6K1 in the core kinase and linker regulatory domains but differs from S6K1 in the N- and C-terminal regions and is differently localized primarily to the nucleus because of a C-terminal nuclear localization signal unique to S6K2. We have recently demonstrated that S6K2 is regulated similarly to S6K1 by the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and by multiple PI3-K pathway effectors in vivo. However, deletion of the C-terminal domain of S6K2 enhances kinase activity, whereas analogous deletion of S6K1 is inhibitory. Here, we characterize the S6K2 C-terminal motifs that confer this differential regulation. We demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of the S6K2 C-terminal domain are only partly attributable to the nuclear localization signal but that three C-terminal proline-directed potential mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation sites are critical mediators of this inhibitory effect. Site-specific mutation of these sites to alanine completely desensitizes S6K2 to activating inputs, whereas mutation to aspartic acid to mimic phosphorylation results in an activated enzyme which is hypersensitive to activating inputs. Pretreatment of cells with the mitogen-activated protein-extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 inhibited S6K2 activation to a greater extent than S6K1. Furthermore, S6K2 mutants with C-terminal deletion or acidic phosphorylation site mutations displayed greatly reduced U0126 sensitivity. Thus, MEK-dependent inputs to C-terminal phosphorylation sites appear to be essential for relief of S6K2 inhibition but less critical for activation of S6K1. These data suggest a mechanism by which weak PI3-K agonists can regulate S6 phosphorylation and selective translation in the presence of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.
of Ghost-Fishing ; Scientific Approaches to Evaluation and Solution

Ghost fishing refers that derelict fishing gear either lost or abandoned remains their capture function in water and continue inducing mortality of aquatic organisms without human control. It first became known among capture fishery scientists during the mid 1970’s. 2 It has become such an influential issue in the late 1980’s as the closure of the high-sea drift-net fishery was attributed to, in part, the possibility of this problem. 4, 5 Few scientific evidences were, however, presented those days. A large gap between less scientific evidences and its popularity is one of the characteristics of the ghost fishing issue even today.
Splice-Free Fiber Laser Array

We propose and investigate a novel splice-free fiber laser array architecture that uses a double-core fiber where one of the cores is active and the other is passive. Fiber tapers were implemented to transmit the light at the pump and signal wavelengths between cores. Experimental results on coupling between cores are presented for two different fibers. A two-element monolithic fiber laser array is demonstrated.
Surgery in Motion The Use of Polymer ( Hemo-lok ) Clips for Management of the Renal Hilum During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Objective: Control of the renal pedicle is the most challenging step during laparoscopic nephrectomy. The standard method is to clip the artery and control the vein with an endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. However, this device is expensive and has been reported to malfunction, leading to major complications even death. We describe an easy, quick, and cost-effective alternative technique. Methods: From June 2002 to July 2005, two surgeons used this simplified technique to control the renal vein during laparoscopic nephrectomy. After pedicle dissection and control of the artery with a clip, the vein was grasped and gently pulled with a laparoscopic Babcock to reduce its diameter. Two Hem-o-lok clips (Weck Closure Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC) were easily placed on the renal vein, which was then transacted safely. Results: We used this technique successfully for 130 consecutive laparoscopic nephrectomies (10 simple, 47 radical, 7 nephroureterectomies, and 66 live donor nephrectomies). No perioperative complications occurred with this technique in this series. There was no increase in the warm ischemia time when used during laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. Conclusions: The Hem-o-lok technique is easy, safe, and rapid and offers cost savings when compared to the endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. We recommend its use during laparoscopic nephrectomy and live donor nephrectomy. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Fatty acids and phytochemical contents of different coconut seed flesh in Nigeria

Some positive health benefits have currently been attributed to coconut intake. An attempt has been made to determine the fatty acids and phytochemical contents of coconut seed flesh collected from the different parts of Nigeria. The fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography while phytochemical content was detected using the polar and non polar solvents. The findings revealed that samples from eastern Nigeria had highest fatty acids (caprylic: 8.60±0.00%; lauric: 41.30±0.14%; palmitic: 13.00±0.14%, and stearic: 3.6±0.07%) contents. The fats and oil constituent of coconut was more of lauric acid (37.40-41.30%), a medium chain fatty acid considered to be responsible for the many health benefits attributed to coconut consumption. Both solvents used in determination of phytochemicals revealed the presence of alkaloid, resins, glycosides, terpenoids and tannins in all the Nigerian coconut samples. However, saponin was found present in coconut when polar solvent was used while Flavonoids, steroids and acidic compounds were absent with the use of both polar and non polar solvents. The detected phytochemical and beneficial fatty acids revealed that Nigerian coconut seed flesh should be regarded as one of the functional foods in our diets. Thus, the use of coconut seed flesh in our diets should be encouraged for health supporting functions.
An I/O Building Block for the IMA Space Reference Architecture

The IMA for Space project (IMA-SP), led by Astrium, defines a reference architecture for space on-board software based on the concept of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA). This platform encompasses not only low-level software like operating systems and communication middleware, but also domain-specific services, such as FDIR, mode control or on-board software maintenance. Part of the platform is a generic I/O solution that provides services based on network interfaces and other devices. In compliance with the overall objectives of the platform, the I/O component should not only integrate device control into a partitioned environment, but shall also relieve applications from the burden of addressing I/O directly. Applications built for the IMA platform are in consequence reusable across different hardware platforms and different missions.
Left Ventricular Mass of Normotensive Adolescent Progeny of Nigeria

Background: Left ventricular mass is known to be influenced by genetic factors. This study was carried out to determine the influence of parental history of hypertension on the left ventricular mass of normotensive adolescent offspring of Nigerian Hypertensives. Method: The study population comprised 91 normotensive adolescents (13-19yrs) with positive family history of hypertension in one or both biological parents, and 92 age and gender matched normotensive controls whose parents were normotensive. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were obtained and electrocardiogram performed for each individual. Left ventricular mass was determined by echocardiography. Result: LVM and LVM index were significantly higher in the subjects than in the controls, 179.10 + 40.67g vs. 147.70 + 30.98g p<. 000001 and 106.97 + 18.49gm2 vs. 87.95 + 16.54g/m2, p<. 0001 respectively. Offspring of maternal hypertensives had significantly higher LVM and LVMI than those with paternal hypertension, 187.46 + 38.19g vs. 173 + 31.75g p<. 001 and 110.15 + 20.35g/m2 vs. 104.31 + 17.54g/m2, p<. 001 respectively. However, when LVM was indexed to height no difference was observed between the LVM of these cohorts. The case prevalence of LVH determined by echocardiography was 19% in the subjects and 3% in the controls, p<. 00001.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that normotensive offspring of Nigerian hypertensives have larger LVM and both maternal and paternal hypertension seem to confer equal susceptibility to LVH.
Editor’s Choice Evaluating the impacts of ﬁshing on sex-changing ﬁsh: a game-theoretic approach

Evaluating the impacts of ﬁshing on sex-changing ﬁsh: a game-theoretic approach. ICES Journal Marine Science, 74: 652–659. Sex change has been widely documented in many commercially and recreationally important ﬁsh species, yet the implications of this life history trait are not considered in most stock assessments. This omission can lead to poor estimates of parameters vital to understanding the health of sequentially hermaphroditic stocks. Here, we present a game theoretic approach to model the sex changing behaviour of a stock of protogynous (female ﬁrst) hermaphroditic ﬁsh and produce estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), equilibrium biomass at MSY (B MSY ) and sex ratio, then compare these reference points to those from an otherwise identical gonochoristic (non-sex changing) stock. We tested each stock at varying levels of exploitation and with a range of assumptions about how sex ratio impacts fertilization rate. We show that a protogynous hermaphroditic stock with ﬂexible timing of sex change produces similar MSY and slightly higher B MSY than a gonochoristic stock with otherwise identical vital rates. Sex changing stocks were also able to maintain a higher proportion of males in the population than did non-sex changing stocks as exploitation increased. Although sex changing stocks were able to maintain their sex ratio, the age at which females changed sex decreased with increased exploitation, suggesting smaller body size, and presumably lower fecundity, for females in heavily exploited sex changing stocks. Our game theoretic approach to evaluating hermaphroditic stocks can accommodate a wide variety of sex changing cues and behaviours and allows a ﬂexible model for understanding the effects of exploitation on hermaphroditic stocks.
Fully Threaded Versus Partially Threaded Screws: Determining Shear in Cancellous Bone Fixation.

Many researchers have studied and compared various forms of intraosseous fixation. No studies have examined the effects of shear through stiffness and failure strength of a fully threaded versus a partially threaded screw. Our hypothesis was that the fully threaded lag screw technique would provide greater shear strength and resistance. Thirty-six synthetic sawbone blocks were used to test screw fixation. In group 1 (n = 9), 2 blocks were fixed together using a fully threaded 4.0-mm stainless steel cancellous bone screw and the lag technique. In group 2 (n = 8), 2 blocks were fixed together using the standard manufacturer-recommended method for inserting 4.0-mm partially threaded stainless steel cancellous bone screws. The constructs were then mechanically tested. Shear was applied by compressing each construct at an axial displacement rate of 0.5 mm/s until failure. The fully threaded screw had a significantly greater (p = .026) initial stiffness (106.4 ± 15.8 N/mm) than the partially threaded screw (80.1 ± 27.5 N/mm). The yield load and displacement for the fully threaded group (429.4 ± 11.7 N and 7.2 ± 0.35 mm) were 64% and 67% greater than those for the partially threaded screw group (261.4 ± 26.1 N and 4.3 ± 1.03 mm), respectively. The results of the present study have demonstrated the importance of a full-thread construct to prevent shear and to decrease strain at the fracture. The confirmation of our hypothesis questions the future need and use of partially threaded screws for cancellous bone fixation.
The big squeeze: scaling of constriction pressure in two of the world's largest snakes, Python reticulatus and Python molurus bivittatus

ABSTRACT Snakes are important predators that have radiated throughout many ecosystems, and constriction was important in their radiation. Constrictors immobilize and kill prey by using body loops to exert pressure on their prey. Despite its importance, little is known about constriction performance or its full effects on prey. We studied the scaling of constriction performance in two species of giant pythons (Python reticulatus and Python molurus bivittatus) and propose a new mechanism of prey death by constriction. In both species, peak constriction pressure increased significantly with snake diameter. These and other constrictors can exert pressures dramatically higher than their prey's blood pressure, suggesting that constriction can stop circulatory function and perhaps kill prey rapidly by over-pressurizing the brain and disrupting neural function. We propose the latter ‘red-out effect’ as another possible mechanism of prey death from constriction. These effects may be important to recognize and treat properly in rare cases when constrictors injure humans. Summary: Constriction performance increases with size in large pythons, and involves pressures that are high enough to stop the prey's circulation and possibly disrupt neural function in the brain.
EARLY GENERATION TESTING FOR SPECIFIC COMBINING ABILITY AND HETEROTIC EFFECTS IN MAIZE VARIETY SARHAD WHITE

Specific combining ability and heterotic effects for grain yield, flowering and morphological traits in maize variety Sarhad white analysed through Line x Tester mating design using 25 S2 lines and two testers during kharif and rabi crop seasons of 2008-09. Observations were recorded on days to 50% flowering, plant height, ear height and grain yield. Among 50 evaluated testcrosses viz., 173 x Jalal, 192-1 x Jalal, 231-1 x Jalal, 237-1 x Jalal, 46-1 x Kiramat, 65-1 x Kiramat, 91-3 x Kiramat, 119-1 x Kiramat, 126-1 x Kiramat, and 195-1 x Kiramat, were identified as good specific combiners for grain yield. These hybrids could be utilized in maize heterosis breeding to exploit hybrid vigor. Significant negative heterosis over mid parent of flowering traits was exhibited for TC12-2, TC77-2, TC79-2, TC91-3, TC1191, TC122-2, 126-1 and TC231-1. Maximum mid parent heterosis was detected for Kiramat crossed with SW 128-1 and SW-197-2 for plant height and ear height, respectively. Significant positive heterosis over mid parent of grain yield was found for TC12-2, TC77-2, TC151-1, TC220-1 and TC222-1. Significant negative heterosis over better parent of flowering traits was exhibited for all the testcrosses. Better parent heterosis for plant height ranged from -1.63 to 46.00%, while for ear height better parent heterosis varied from -20.53 to 14.21%. Significant positive heterosis over better parent of grain yield was showed for most of the testcrosses. Thus these crosses possess high heterosis which could be exploited commercially for higher yield in maize.
On the Embedding of a (P-1)-Dimensional Noninvertible Map into a P-Dimensional Invertible Map (P=2, 3)

This paper concerns the description of some properties of p-dimensional invertible real maps Tb, turning into a (p-1)-dimensional noninvertible ones T0, p=2,3, when a parameter b of the first map is equal to a critical value, say b=0. Then it is said that the noninvertible map is embedded into the invertible one. More particularly, properties of the stable, and the unstable manifolds of a saddle fixed point are considered in relation with this embedding. This is made by introducing the notion of folding as resulting from the crossing through a commutation curve when p=2, or a commutation surface when p=3.
Performance Evaluation of Multipath Routing Using AODV and DSR Protocol

The key impartial of the paper is to increase the throughput thereby reducing the Network Load and end to end delay between nodes. To attain this, it is proposed to go for reactive routing protocols (AODV). The Mobile Ad-hoc network (MANET) is a dynamic wireless network in which each mobile node acts as a router. One of the major challenges in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is link failures due to mobility. The Performance evaluation of the two popular routing protocols of MANET namely AODV and DSR. Based on extensive simulations, the comparative analysis covering the performance metrics such as Total Packets received, end to End delay, control overhead and throughput. Based on the given factors the AODV achieved the best protocol for Load Balancing.
Electronic Personal Health Record Systems: A Brief Review of Privacy, Security, and Architectural Issues

Electronic personal health records (PHRs) are beginning to receive widespread attention as a tool for consumers. Such systems may be used by individuals to input data and to access information from a variety of sources (e.g. family physicians), thus improving their understanding of the state of their health and helping to manage their own healthcare better. The main source of information for PHRs is normally the patient’s physician, supplemented by patient input and other sources of information such as prescriptions and lab test results, as well as institutional inputs from hospitals and other facilities. The architecture of such a system must be such that patients can access all the useful information that is relevant to their medical history in a form that is understandable to them, while at the same time protecting against unauthorized access. This paper addresses design and architectural issues of PHR systems, and focuses on privacy and security issues which must be addressed carefully if PHRs are to become generally acceptable to consumers.