Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deterministic and Probabilistic Predictions of Yield Strength and Inelastic Displacement Spectra

This paper presents deterministic and probabilistic predictions of inelastic response spectra based on a comprehensive ground motion prediction equation (GMPE). Our analysis reveals that over a wide structural period range, the magnitude scaling for an inelastic system is higher than that for an elastic system, especially for ductility levels greater than 2 and magnitude greater than 6.5. Both deterministic and probabilistic hazard analyses show that the “equal displacement rule,” to estimate inelastic displacement, is valid for small to moderate magnitudes and/or for low ductility levels. However, it underestimates inelastic deformation even for long period structures if the earthquake magnitude is large and the structure needs to sustain a large ductility. Our study shows that an inelastic GMPE can easily be implemented as part of standard probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) packages to directly generate probabilistic hazard for inelastic response, avoiding possible over- or under-conservatism in approximating inelastic deformation from an elastic system.
Intersection Safety at High-Speed Signalized Intersections: Number of Vehicles in Dilemma Zone as Potential Measure

High-speed signalized intersections may have both safety and operational problems. The safety problems traditionally have been solved with the use of dilemma zone protection of some form. However, dilemma zone protection tends to be associated with an increasing chance of running the phase to its maximum allowable duration—a max-out. At max-out, any provided dilemma zone protection ceases and any number of vehicles may be in the dilemma zone, a situation that creates the safety problem the system was meant to prevent. Most methods for assessing the safety of intersections do not include an assessment of signal operations. Reducing the number of vehicles in the dilemma zone for an intersection approach should reduce the number of drivers who do not receive dilemma zone protection and thereby reduce the probability of crashes for those approaches. A theoretical method calculates the number of vehicles in the dilemma zone at the end of a green phase, which can then be used to compare real-world and theoretical performance of different detection systems. An illustrative example provides one such comparison. Also, a field data collection method is provided for the assessment of a signal system in operation.
An efficient evaluation of the electrostatic fields in IDTs with periodic electrode sequences

Methods for the determination of the electrostatic fields for an IDT have long been a problem of great concern in SAW research. The approaches are either based upon field superposition or numerical methods. Due to its closed form analytic nature, superposition has become the most popular and has been used with great success. The need for numerical methods arises when describing transducers of finite length or with irregular electrodes. While more flexible,, numerical methods result in systems of equations where the number of unknowns can far exceed the number of individual electrodes. A new numeric method is presented which restricts the number of unknowns to be exactly equal to the number of electrodes being considered. The approach is based upon a modification of the work of Peach (1981). The method is described and applied to several different popular IDT structures. For each IDT type, the relative transduction coupling electrostatic capacitance, and elemental electrostatic field distributions are presented
XRD and TG-DTA Study of New Phosphate-Based Geopolymers with Coal Ash or Metakaolin as Aluminosilicate Source and Mine Tailings Addition

Coal ash-based geopolymers with mine tailings addition activated with phosphate acid were synthesized for the first time at room temperature. In addition, three types of aluminosilicate sources were used as single raw materials or in a 1/1 wt. ratio to obtain five types of geopolymers activated with H3PO4. The thermal behaviour of the obtained geopolymers was studied between room temperature and 600 °C by Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA) and the phase composition after 28 days of curing at room temperature was analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). During heating, the acid-activated geopolymers exhibited similar behaviour to alkali-activated geopolymers. All of the samples showed endothermic peaks up to 300 °C due to water evaporation, while the samples with mine tailings showed two significant exothermic peaks above 400 °C due to oxidation reactions. The phase analysis confirmed the dissolution of the aluminosilicate sources in the presence of H3PO4 by significant changes in the XRD patterns of the raw materials and by the broadening of the peaks because of typically amorphous silicophosphate (Si–P), aluminophosphate (Al–P) or silico-alumino-phosphate (Si–Al–P) formation. The phases resulted from geopolymerisation are berlinite (AlPO4), brushite (CaHPO4∙2H2O), anhydrite (CaSO4) or ettringite as AFt and AFm phases.
Fouling Mitigation of Ion Exchange Membranes in Energy Conversion Devices

In this study, three different environmentally friendly fouling mitigation technologies are suggested and are investigated in reverse electrodialysis (RED) to develop the most appropriate fouling mitigation technology for RED: applying direct current, flowing a solution with high salt concentration, and periodically switching river and seawater streams in RED. The quantitative level of anion exchange membrane fouling mitigation is evaluated in terms of the power density and the amount of power generation of RED. Applying a direct current electric field with higher voltage than 8 V was not allowed for fouling mitigation in the two-cell-pair bench RED stack due to decomposition of the redox couple. In comparison of the RED operations with two different fouling mitigation methods using firstly 40-min power generation during in-operation and 40-min fouling mitigation stage during out-of-operation as a cycle for 80 min and secondly 80-min forward power generation and 80-min backward power generation as two cycles. It was found that, over five cycles, the amount of the RED power generation using the former fouling mitigation method is 1.7 times higher than RED power generation using the latter fouling mitigation method.
Cytological, Biochemical, and Transcriptomic Analyses of a Novel Yellow Leaf Variation in a Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) SCBG COP15

The genus Paphiopedilum, belonging to the Orchidaceae, has high ornamental value. Leaf variations can considerably improve the economic and horticultural value of the orchids. In the study, a yellow leaf mutant of a Paphiopedilum hybrid named P. SCBG COP15 was identified during the in vitro plant culture process; however, little is known about their molecular mechanisms. For this, RNA-seq libraries were created and used for the transcriptomic profiling of P. SCBG COP15 and the yellow mutant. The Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoid contents in the yellow leaves decreased by approximately 75.99%, 76.92%, and 56.83%, respectively, relative to the green leaves. Decreased chloroplasts per cell and abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure were observed by electron microscopic investigation in yellowing leaves; photosynthetic characteristics and Chl fluorescence parameters were also decreased in the mutant. Altogether, 34,492 unigenes were annotated by BLASTX; 1,835 DEGs were identified, consisting of 697 upregulated and 1138 downregulated DEGs. HEMA, CRD, CAO, and CHLE, involved in Chl biosynthesis, were predicted to be key genes responsible for leaf yellow coloration. Our findings provide an essential genetic resource for understanding the molecular mechanism of leaf color variation and breeding new varieties of Paphiopedilum with increased horticultural value.
Relating Profile Wall Root-Length Density Estimates to Monolith Root-Length Density Measurements of Cover Crops

Different methods have been proposed for in situ root-length density (RLD) measurement. One widely employed is the time-consuming sampling of soil cores or monoliths (MO). The profile wall (PW) method is a less precise, but faster and less laborious alternative. However, depth-differentiated functions to convert PW RLD estimates to MO RLD measurements have not yet been reported. In this study, we perform a regression analysis to relate PW results to MO results and determine whether calibration is possible for distinct crop groups (grasses, brassicas and legumes) consisting of pure and mixed stands, and whether soil depth affects this calibration. The methods were applied over two years to all crop groups and their absolute and cumulative RLD were compared using a linear (LR) and multiple linear (MLR) regression. PW RLD was found to highly underestimate MO RLD in absolute values and in highly rooted areas. However, a close agreement between both methods was found for cumulative root-length (RL) when applying MLR, highlighting the influence of soil depth. The level of agreement between methods varied strongly with depth. Therefore, the application of PW as the main RLD estimation method can provide reliable estimates of cumulative root distribution traits of cover crops.
Immune-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Simple Summary This review summarizes various therapeutic immune approaches representing their targets, the efficacy and toxicity in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific T-cell engager antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell approaches are highlighted. Abstract The development and design of immune-based strategies have become an increasingly important topic during the last few years in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), based on successful immunotherapies in solid cancer. The spectrum ranges from antibody drug conjugates, immune checkpoint inhibitors blocking programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) or T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing-3 (TIM3), to T-cell based monoclonal and bispecific T-cell engager antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell (CAR-T) approaches and leukemia vaccines. Currently, there are many substances in development and multiple phase I/II studies are ongoing. These trials will help us to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of AML and facilitate the best immunotherapeutic strategy in AML. We discuss here the mode of action of immune-based therapies and provide an overview of the available data.
Influence of relevant factors on competitiveness of wine sector of the Republic of Serbia

Wine production in the Republic of Serbia has a long tradition and potential for improvement, given the agro-climatic and other conditions. The aim of this paper is to analyze the competitiveness factors of wineries in the Republic of Serbia. The findings show that the wine industry is developing, but its' competitiveness is at a relatively low level. In order to strengthen the competitiveness of the wine sector, it is necessary to define and implement a strategy, which will include activities such as modernization of grape processing technology, new investments and investment in human resources, marketing, winemakers' association and creating a stimulating business climate. Without state support, a significant increase in the competitiveness of wineries cannot be expected. Since interest in wine production has been recently growing, it is to be expected that the wine production, as well as its' export will increase, thus achieving significantly greater economic effects.
Light restriction associated with halosulfuron methyl application efficiently reduces the number and mass of tubers of Cyperus rotundus L

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of light availability in the culture environment and the application of a post emergence herbicide, halosulfuron methyl, on the management of Cyperus rotundus. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial design; the first factor was two levels of light availability: photosynthetically active radiation at 1180.4 and 411.6 µmols m−2 s−1, and the second factor was halosulfuron methyl doses from 28.13 to 140.62 g ha−1. Photosynthetic efficiency, biomass allocation, accumulation of starch in tubers, and percentage control of C. rotundus were evaluated from 7 to 28 days after herbicide application. Doses greater than 70.30 g ha−1 of halosulfuron methyl were efficient to control C. rotundus, regardless of light availability. However, C. rotundus was managed faster under full sunlight than under shading. The efficiency of the photosystem, starch accumulation, and biomass formation decreased with increasing doses of halosulfuron methyl. In a shaded environment, a dose of 28.13 g ha−1 was sufficient to reduce 96.74% of the dry mass and 91.33% of the number of C. rotundus tubers. The decrease in light intensity associated with the use of halosulfuron methyl represents a promising practice for the control of C. rotundus.
Reliability-Based Vehicle Safety Assessment and Design Optimization of Roadway Radius and Speed Limit in Windy Environments

This paper presents a reliability-based analysis of road vehicle accidents and the optimi-zation of roadway radius and speed limit design based on vehicle dynamics, mainly fo-cusing on windy environments. The performance functions are formulated as failuremodes of vehicle rollover and sideslip and are deﬁned on a ﬁnite set of basic variableswith probabilistic characteristics, so-called random variables. The random variables arevehicle speed, steer angle, tire–road friction coefﬁcient, road bank angle, and windspeed. The probability of accident was evaluated using the ﬁrst-order reliability method(FORM) and numerical studies were conducted using a single-unit truck model. Theanalysis demonstrates that wind is a signiﬁcant factor when assessing vehicle safety onroads, and probabilistic studies such as reliability-based design optimization (RBDO)are necessarily required to enhance vehicle safety in windy environments. Accordingly,design optimization of roadway radius and speed limit was conducted, and new designswere proposed satisfying the target reliability. This study suggests that probabilisticmechanics and theory can be of value for analysis and design of wind-related vehiclesafety. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4027512]Keywords: ﬁrst-order reliability method (FORM), reliability-based design optimization(RBDO), vehicle, safety, rollover, sideslip, wind
Lipotoxicity Downstream of α-Synuclein Imbalance: A Relevant Pathomechanism in Synucleinopathies?

Neuronal loss in Parkinson’s disease and related brain diseases has been firmly linked to the abundant neuronal protein α-synuclein (αS). However, we have gained surprisingly little insight into how exactly αS exerts toxicity in these diseases. Hypotheses of proteotoxicity, disturbed vesicle trafficking, mitochondrial dysfunction and other toxicity mechanisms have been proposed, and it seems possible that a combination of different mechanisms may drive pathology. A toxicity mechanism that has caught increased attention in the recent years is αS-related lipotoxicity. Lipotoxicity typically occurs in a cell when fatty acids exceed the metabolic needs, triggering a flux into harmful pathways of non-oxidative metabolism. Genetic and experimental approaches have revealed a significant overlap between lipid storage disorders, most notably Gaucher’s disease, and synucleinopathies. There is accumulating evidence for lipid aberrations causing synuclein misfolding as well as for αS excess and misfolding causing lipid aberration. Does that mean the key problem in synucleinopathies is lipotoxicity, the accumulation of harmful lipid species or alteration in lipid equilibrium? Here, we review the existing literature in an attempt to get closer to an answer.
Flow past a Yawed Rectangular Cavity in Transonic and Low Supersonic Flows

The effect of yaw on the steady and unsteady pressure measurements along the floor and walls of a rectangular cavity with a length-to-depth ratio of 5 was investigated. Statistical analyses were carried out on the pressure outputs to determine modal frequencies, amplitudes, and phase relationships. Rossiter's empirical formula was found to give good estimates of the frequencies of the acoustic tones for moderate yaw angles up to 20 deg, which was the highest value tested. The dominant acoustic mode was a function ofthe yaw angle, and it switched over to a higher mode when the yaw angle exceeded a critical value. At M = 0.84 and M = 1.11, the aft wall pressure distributions and acoustic mode amplitudes showed a very different behavior with changes in yaw angle for transonic and supersonic Mach numbers.
Association of TNF-α 308G/A and LEPR Gln223Arg Polymorphisms with the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The objective of the present study was to identify the association of the TNF-α- 308G/A and leptin receptor (LEPR) Gln223Arg polymorphisms with the risk of development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 160 volunteers were studied: 108 with T2DM and 52 participants as control, who served as the control group. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for the genomic region of TNF-α- 308G/A and LEPR Gln223Arg were carried out. Results: The frequency of LEPR Gln223Arg genotypes in T2DM and control groups showed significant differences in the distribution of genotypes (p < 0.05). The frequency also of TNF-α- 308G/A genotypes in T2DM and control subjects showed significant differences in the distribution of genotypes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that there are significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and alleles between the individuals with T2DM and control subjects (p < 0.05).
Benefits of Residual Aluminum Oxide for Sand Blasting Titanium Dental Implants: Osseointegration and Bactericidal Effects

Objectives. The purpose of this work was to determine the influence of residual alumina after sand blasting treatment in titanium dental implants. This paper studied the effect of alumina on physico-chemical surface properties, such as: surface wettability, surface energy. Osseointegration and bacteria adhesion were determined in order to determine the effect of the abrasive particles. Materials and Methods. Three surfaces were studied: (1) as-received, (2) rough surface with residual alumina from sand blasting on the surface and (3) with the same roughness but without residual alumina. Roughness was determined by white light interferometer microscopy. Surface wettability was evaluated with a contact angle video-based system and the surface free energy by means of Owens and Wendt equation. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with microanalysis was used to study the morphology and determine the chemical composition of the surfaces. Bacteria (Lactobacillus salivarius and Streptococcus sanguinis) were cultured in each surface. In total, 110 dental implants were placed into the bone of eight minipigs in order to compare the osseointegration. The percentage of bone-to-implant contact was determined after 4 and 6 weeks of implantation with histometric analysis. Results. The surfaces with residual alumina presented a lower surface free energy than clean surfaces. The in vivo studies demonstrated that the residual alumina accelerated bone tissue growth at different implantation times, in relation to clean dental implants. In addition, residual alumina showed a bactericidal effect by decreasing the quantity of bacteria adhering to the titanium. Conclusions. It is possible to verify the benefits that the alumina (percentages around 8% in weight) produces on the surface of titanium dental implants. Clinical relevance. Clinicians should be aware of the benefits of sand-blasted alumina due to the physico-chemical surface changes demonstrated in in vivo tests.
Frequency and time domain analysis of microstrip lines with multiple right-angle bend discontinuities

Frequency-dependent scattering matrices for the composite transmission structures of single microstrip lines having two right-angle bend discontinuities have been determined. The scattering parameters found by a mode-matching technique are used in the computations of the time domain responses for trapezoidal pulse inputs. From the time domain responses the delays, distortions and reflections are found. The contributions of higher-order modes, which may be significant in deciding the signal flow behaviour in these types of transmission structure, are also identified.
Relationship Between Injured Cingulum and Impaired Consciousness in Patients with Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

Objectives We investigated the relationship between cingulum injury and impaired consciousness in patients with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HI-BI) by using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). Methods We recruited 29 patients with HI-BI and 25 normal control subjects. The patients were classified as intact consciousness (group A, 13 patients) or impaired consciousness (group B, 16 patients). The DTT parameters of fractional anisotropy (FA) and tract volume (TV) were estimated for both cinguli. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) scores were also evaluated. Results The FA and TV values of the cinguli in groups A and B were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05), and the FA and TV values of group B were lower than those of group A (p < 0.05). The FA and TV values of the cinguli in group A were not significantly correlated with GCS and CRS-R scores (p > 0.05); however, regarding the group B, the FA correlations with GCS (r = 0.457, p < 0.05) and CRS-R (r = 0.494, p < 0.05) and those of TV with GCS (r = 0.500, p < 0.05) and CRS-R (r = 0.491, p < 0.05) were moderately positive. Conclusions We found a significant relationship between injury of the cingulum and impaired consciousness in patients with HI-BI. Our results suggest that an injured cingulum could be an appropriate target for neurointervention or neurorehabilitation in patients with impaired consciousness following HI-BI.
Estimating Potential Economic Loss from Damage to RC Buildings in Singapore due to Far-Field Seismic Risk

Recent studies by researchers from Singapore have shown that ground motions produced by long-distance large earthquakes can be detected in Singapore, and the tremors may cause structural damage to residential buildings. However, seismic loading has not been included in building design codes in Singapore. This article presents a preliminary quantitative study on the potential economic loss due to far-field earthquake-induced damage on a typical residential building representing the first batches of modern residential building in Singapore constructed in the 1960s. The results indicate that the building without an infilled wall in the first story may sustain considerable damage and cause greater economic loss compared to the buildings with completely infilled walls. Meanwhile, retrofitting strategies are suggested and loss functions associated with various damage states are generated for assessing the social impact as well as facilitating post-disaster mitigation.
The application of novel polypropylene to the insulation of electric power cable

The authors investigated the application of newly developed stereoregular syndiotactic polypropylene (s-PP) which was synthesized with homogeneous metallocene catalyst to the insulation of electric power cable. The electrical and thermal characteristics of s-PP are revealed to be superior to these of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) which has been adopted as conventional insulating material for high voltage power cable. Furthermore, s-PP is suitable for recycle use, because it is available without crosslinking in contrast with XLPE. To apply s-PP to practical cable insulation, its low temperature brittleness and thermal durability were improved. Consequently, the 600 V and 22 kV class cables with thus improved s-PP insulation were successfully manufactured first in the world. The results of some electrical tests on these cables indicated that s-PP could be available to the insulation of power cable.