Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A CAMBER STUDY OF MN/DOT PRESTRESSED CONCRETE I-GIRDERS

This project investigated the relationship between predicted and measured girder cambers. For more than three years, researchers collected camber data on girders of various depths and lengths from the time of strand release until shipment to the job site. Researchers used three camber prediction methods to compare with the measured values: PCI method, Branson's time-step approach, and "CRACK" analysis program by Ghali et. al. The Branson time-step approach resulted in the closest predictions to the measured cambers. The PCI method, although simple, gave reasonable long-term camber results compared with the more detailed methods.
Machine learning techniques for detecting topological avatars of new physics

The search for highly ionizing particles in nuclear track detectors (NTDs) traditionally requires experts to manually search through samples in order to identify regions of interest that could be a hint of physics beyond the standard model of particle physics. The advent of automated image acquisition and modern data science, including machine learning-based processing of data presents an opportunity to accelerate the process of searching for anomalies in NTDs that could be a hint of a new physics avatar. The potential for modern data science applied to this topic in the context of the MoEDAL experiment at the large Hadron collider at the European Centre for Nuclear Research, CERN, is discussed. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Topological avatars of new physics’.
The prevalence of drug driving and relative risk estimations: a study conducted in the Netherlands, Norway and United Kingdom

In recent years, the number of drivers who drive while under the influence of drugs has been increasing. Previous studies of the presence of drugs in the samples obtained from road traffic accident fatalities have shown that a significant proportion of fatally injured drivers have drugs in their body. This present study of the prevalence of drugs in the driving population forms part of a larger, Europe-wide investigation of the impact of drugs, medications and medical conditions have on road safety. This research programme, known as the IMMORTAL project (Impaired Motorists, Methods of Roadside Testing and Assessment for Licensing) investigates the accident risk associated with different types of driver impairment and examines the implication for licensing assessment and roadside impairment testing (including drug screening). The present study's intention was to examine, in three European countries, Netherlands, Norway and UK (Scotland), whether drivers using one or more of eight defined drug groups have a higher accident risk than drivers not using these drugs; and to as far as possible quantify this risk. The study in the Netherlands included testing of an observational method for detecting drug-impaired drivers.
Is there an oxidative cost of acute stress? Characterization, implication of glucocorticoids and modulation by prior stress experience

Acute rises in glucocorticoid hormones allow individuals to adaptively respond to environmental challenges but may also have negative consequences, including oxidative stress. While the effects of chronic glucocorticoid exposure on oxidative stress have been well characterized, those of acute stress or glucocorticoid exposure have mostly been overlooked. We examined the relationship between acute stress exposure, glucocorticoids and oxidative stress in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We (i) characterized the pattern of oxidative stress during an acute stressor in two phenotypically distinct breeds; (ii) determined whether corticosterone ingestion, in the absence of acute stress, increased oxidative stress, which we call glucocorticoid-induced oxidative stress (GiOS); and (iii) explored how prior experience to stressful events affected GiOS. Both breeds exhibited an increase in oxidative stress in response to an acute stressor. Importantly, in the absence of acute stress, ingesting corticosterone caused an acute rise in plasma corticosterone and oxidative stress. Lastly, birds exposed to no previous acute stress or numerous stressful events had high levels of GiOS in response to acute stress, while birds with moderate prior exposure did not. Together, these findings suggest that an acute stress response results in GiOS, but prior experience to stressors may modulate that oxidative cost.
A possible case of inverted lifestyle in a new bivalved arthropod from the Burgess Shale

The origin of the arthropod carapace, an enlargement of cephalic tergites, can be traced back to the Cambrian period. However, its disparity and evolution are still not fully understood. Here, we describe a new ‘bivalved’ arthropod, Fibulacaris nereidis gen. et sp. nov., based on 102 specimens from the middle Cambrian (Wuliuan Stage) Burgess Shale, Marble Canyon area in British Columbia's Kootenay National Park, Canada. The laterally compressed carapace covers most of the body. It is fused dorsally and merges anteriorly into a conspicuous postero-ventrally recurved rostrum as long as the carapace and positioned between a pair of backwards-facing pedunculate eyes. The body is homonomous, with approximately 40 weakly sclerotized segments bearing biramous legs with elongate endopods, and ends in a pair of small flap-like caudal rami. Fibulacaris nereidis is interpreted as a suspension feeder possibly swimming inverted, in a potential case of convergence with some branchiopods. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis places it within a group closely related to the extinct Hymenocarina. Fibulacaris nereidis is unique in its carapace morphology and overall widens the ecological disparity of Cambrian arthropods and suggests that the evolution of a ‘bivalved' carapace and an upside-down lifestyle may have occurred early in stem-group crustaceans.
Bilateral chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in an end-stage renal disease patient on haemodialysis

There is a well-known association between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the development of kidney cancer in the native kidney of patients requiring renal replacement therapy. There is now emerging evidence that lesser degrees of renal insufficiency (chronic kidney disease [CKD]) are also associated with an increased likelihood of cancer in general and kidney cancer in particular. Bilateral renal involvement by primary malignant processes is uncommon, although known to occur with Wilms tumours and in von Hippel–Lindau disease. Our patient is a 65-year-old female CKD, on haemodialysis for 8 years with bilateral renal tumours, underwent laparoscopic bilateral radical nephrectomy with histopathology reported as synchronous chromophobe bilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is the first case reported in the literature. In a study for 10 years on patients with CKD on haemodialysis, who developed acquired renal cystic disease (ARCD), there was an increase in the prevalence and severity of the ARCD as the dialysis continues over the years. Twenty per cent of patients dialysed for 1–3 years have ARCD, compared with >90% of patients dialysed for 5–10 years. In another study held at the Massachusetts General Hospital. They found that the occurrence of bilateral RCC is rare and found in only 1.8% of 329 patients who were treated RCC in 30 years. In a study published in the European Urology 2011. They also found that there are many favourable clinical, pathological and outcome features in the RCC accompanied with ESRD patients on dialysis which arising in the native kidneys compared with the RCC diagnosed in general population patients.
sFgl2-Treg Positive Feedback Pathway Protects against Atherosclerosis

Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFgl2), a novel effector of regulatory T cells (Tregs), has been demonstrated to have potent immunosuppressive functions. Multiple studies indicate that Tregs could exert important atheroprotective effects, but their numbers gradually decrease during atherogenesis. The receptor of sFgl2 can be expressed on Treg precursor cells, while the role of sFgl2 on Treg differentiation and atherosclerosis progression remains unclear. Firstly, we detected that the sFgl2 was decreased in humans and mice with atherosclerotic diseases and was especially lower in their vulnerable plaques. Then, we used both Adeno-associated virus-sFgl2 (AAV-sFgl2)-injected ApoE-/- mice, which is systemic overexpression of sFgl2, and sFgl2TgApoE-/- bone marrow cells (BMC)-transplanted ApoE-/- mice, which is almost immune-system-specific overexpression of sFgl2, to explore the role of sFgl2 in atherosclerosis. Our experiment data showed that AAV-sFgl2 and BMT-sFgl2 could reduce atherosclerotic area and enhance plaque stability. Mechanistically, sFgl2 increases the abundance and immunosuppressive function of Tregs, which is partly mediated by binding to FcγRIIB receptors and phosphorylating Smad2/3. Collectively, sFgl2 has an atheroprotective effect that is mainly achieved by forming a positive feedback pathway with Treg. sFgl2 and Treg could synergistically protect against atherosclerosis.
Determining the Dosage and Time of Injection for WSSV VP28 Double Stranded RNA to Penaeus indicus in Providing Effective Protection Against WSSV

ABSTRACT Bala Amarnath, C. ; Saravanan, P., and Subhendu Kumar Otta, 2019. Determining the dosage and time of injection for WSSV VP28 double stranded RNA to Penaeus indicus in providing effective protection against WSSV. In: Jithendran, K.P.; Saraswathy, R. ; Balasubramanian, C.P.; Kumaraguru Vasagam, K.P.; Jayasankar, V. ; Raghavan, R. ; Alavandi, S.V. , and Vijayan, K.K. (eds.), BRAQCON 2019: World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 86, pp. 102–106. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. White spot syndrome virus of shrimp is best known for its wide distribution and high virulence in bringing mass mortality and huge economic loss to farmers. Though the virus has been causing wide spread mortality to all the cultured penaeid shrimps for quite a long time, no effective treatment strategies have been identified so far. RNAi has been recognized as a powerful tool and found to be functional in shrimp. An attempt was made to verify the possibility of using this technology in laboratory-based experiment through double stranded RNA (dsRNA) construction and injection to Indian white leg shrimp, Penaeus indicus. Amongst the different dosages tried, 1 µg/gm of shrimp administered 24-48 hours before WSSV infection was found to be effective in providing full protection. While trying to further refine the time interval by injecting the shrimp with 1 µg of VP28 dsRNA/gm of shrimp at 3, 6, 12 and 18 hours before WSSV infection, no protection was observed in any of these time intervals indicating that administration of dsRNA 24 hours before infection to be the most suitable. Real time PCR analysis further indicated that only the shrimps injected with dsRNA 24 hours prior to infection were virus free, and the others were with high copy numbers of WSSV. This experiment indicates that dsRNA can be used as a prophylaxis to further prevent the infection by WSSV.
Seven-year follow-up of spontaneous bone regeneration following segmental mandibulectomy: Alternative option for mandibular reconstruction

Bone formation in small deposits following the loss of part of the mandible has often been reported in the literature, but the long-term follow-up reports of bone regeneration extending over the mandible are rare. Even rarer, are reports on the behavior of such new bone in terms of facial development, over a long period and the effect of load on it. A unique case of bone regeneration after resection of a large portion of the mandible in a 9-year-old male patient with myxofibrosarcoma in the body of the mandible is presented here. Intermaxillary fixation and insertion of reconstruction plate after resection without continuity defect were employed. Spontaneous bone regeneration was noted 8 weeks after surgery, and the resected portion of the mandible was regenerated when the patient was seen again 7 years later. Mandibular growth was not significantly affected and almost 7 years after his treatment, without relapsing of pathologic condition, the shape of the mandible is satisfactory without any evidence of bone resorption.
AIRCRAFT TIRE BRAKING FRICTION UNDER WINTER CONDITIONS: LABORATORY TESTING

The general objective of the project reported was to conduct controlled laboratory tests to investigate the friction on aircraft runway surfaces under winter conditions. A laboratory test program was carried out to evaluate the change in tire/runway braking friction when type II aircraft de-icing fluids and ice control chemicals contaminate a runway surface. Tests were also conducted to evaluate the friction performance of some sands available locally at some Canadian airports, relative to a sand that meets the Transport Canada specification. The data collected also allowed an investigation of the correlation between Saab Friction Test tires and an aircraft tire. Results are presented for tests on both asphalt and concrete surfaces.
AN ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Identifying high accident rate locations and determining that they have an overrepresented type or pattern of accidents is an important first step in the safety improvement process. However, selecting the proper countermeasure (or determining if, in fact, there is an appropriate one) is even more critical. A case in point is a group of intersections in Illinois that were improved under the Federal Hazard Elimination (HES) safety program. Various types of signalization improvements were made at the locations studied. They can be generally categorized as: (1) signal installation, (2) signal upgrading only, and (3) signal upgrading with intersection improvements. This paper discusses the relative effectiveness of these three types of improvements in terms of before and after accident experience (two years of before and two years of after data).
Is obstructive sleep apnea a risk factor for development of venous thromboembolism?

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with hypercoagulable state that could lead to venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurrence and recurrence. Aim To study the relationship between OSA and the development of VTE. Patients and methods This prospective study was conducted from September 2013 to March 2017 in the sleep laboratory clinic of Zain Hospital in Kuwait. A total of 72 previously diagnosed patients with OSA and 35 controls were included in the study. The patients were presented in the emergency department with acute clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis or both. They were subjected to full history, general and local examination, urgent computed tomography pulmonary angiography, or ventilation/perfusion lung scan to confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. If deep venous thrombosis was also suspected, color Doppler ultrasound was also performed. After clinical stability, full night polysomnography was performed. Laboratory investigations for inherited thrombophilia were also done. Result During the follow-up period, of our 72 patients with OSA, 18 patients developed VTE, which recurred in four patients. Among the 18 patients with OSA who developed VTE, 12 (67%) patients had severe OSA, with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) more than or equal to 30/h, and six (33%) patients had AHI of 10–29/h. Baseline oxygen saturation (SaO2) was 90±3. Mean nocturnal SaO2 was 79±4. Low nocturnal SaO2 was 73±5. Percentage of total sleep time with SaO2 less than 90% (CT90) was 32±4. Oxygen desaturation index was 29.6±4.2. Among the patients with OSA with VTE, 12 patients were obese (BMI≥30) with a higher incidence of comorbidities. Their Epworth sleepiness score was 17.9±2.5. Overall, 83% of them had severe OSA (AHI ≥30/h), with a significant lower mean nocturnal SaO2, and low nocturnal SaO2 with a higher CT90 and oxygen desaturation index. VTE recurrent patients also showed a higher incidence of comorbidities and worse polysomnographic parameters than patients with one attack of VTE. Conclusion Patients with OSA are likely to be at increased risk for occurrence and recurrence of VTE. This increased risk was attributed to the pathophysiological effects of OSA rather than the effect of obesity alone. OSA and obesity acted additively or synergistically to intensify the risk of VTE. This risk was higher among the patients who were not compliant with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, suggesting an increased risk with increasing severity of OSA.
Retrospective study of results of closed tibial diaphyseal fractures treated by closed interlocking nail by subjective and objective parameters

Background: Intramedullary nailing of tibia fulfills the objective of stable fixation with minimal tissue damage resulting in early fracture union. However, it is accompanied by its own set of complications. Materials and Methods: Study area: Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. Study population: Patients attending emergency room and outpatient department 18 years with closed tibial diaphyseal fractures. Sample size: Fifty patients. Study Design: This study was an institution-based retrospective, observational study. Parameters to be Studied: (1) Subjective parameters: (A) resumption of activities of daily living, (B) pain-free movement and walking, and (C) squatting and sitting cross-legged. (2) Objective parameters: (A) clinical (i) weight-bearing time (partial/complete), (ii) clinical union time, (iii) range of motion of knee and ankle, (iv) limb length discrepancy, (v) neurovascular damage, (vi) infection, and (vii) need for second surgery: (a) dynamization, (b) exchange nailing, (c) bone grafting, and (d) ORIF with plate and bone grafting. (B) radiological: (i) radiological union, (ii) varus/valgus, (iii) procurvatum/recurvatum, (iv) rotational malalignment, and (v) implant failure. Results: Final outcome was measured using Johner and Wruhs' Criteria with modification, and excellent result was achieved in 48% patients, good in 34% patients, fair in 12% patients and poor in 6% patients. Conclusion: Closed interlocking nail for closed tibial diaphyseal fractures of tibia is not a “full-proof” technique. Advantages over conservative methods and it's complications, both should be explained, and an informed consent taken before “interlocking” a closed tibial diaphyseal fracture.
Exosomes as mediators of neuron-glia communication in neuroinflammation

In recent years, a type of extracellular vesicles named exosomes has emerged that play an important role in intercellular communication under physiological and pathological conditions. These nanovesicles (30–150 nm) contain proteins, RNAs and lipids, and their internalization by bystander cells could alter their normal functions. This review focuses on recent knowledge about exosomes as messengers of neuron-glia communication and their participation in the physiological and pathological functions in the central nervous system. Special emphasis is placed on the role of exosomes under toxic or pathological stimuli within the brain, in which the glial exosomes containing inflammatory molecules are able to communicate with neurons and contribute to the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders. Given the small size and characteristics of exosomes, they can cross the blood-brain barrier and be used as biomarkers and diagnosis for brain disorders and neuropathologies. Finally, although the application potential of exosome is still limited, current studies indicate that exosomes represent a promising strategy to gain pathogenic information to identify therapeutically targets and biomarkers for neurological disorders and neuroinflammation.
Effect of core muscle strengthening on roller skating speed in competitive teenage skaters: An experimental study

Background: The core has been referred to as the “Powerhouse,” the foundation or engine of all limb movements. All movements are generated from the core and translated to the extremities. Whereas the skaters need more core muscle strength for speed and stability. Objective: To find out the effectiveness of core muscle strengthening on skating speed. Study Design: Pre- and post-test experimental study design Materials and Methods: The study involved 31 teenage competitive skaters within the age group of 12–18 years were taken. The core strength of each participant was measured before and after the training program using pressure biofeedback unit. Skating speed of the participants was assessed by instructing the participants to skate 300 m and the skating speed using with a stopwatch. The exercise consists of 4 day/week for 4 weeks swiss ball exercises. Outcome Measures: Pressure biofeedback and stopwatch. Results: The mean of core strength on precession was 51.61 ± 8.34, posttreatment was 55.97 ± 11.21 after 16 sessions of the treatment. The P value was found to be <0.0001 which is highly statistically significant. The mean of skating speed was 42.10 ± 3.71, which was decreased to mean of 38.48 ± 4.96 after the 16 sessions of treatment. The P value was found to be < 0.0001 which is highly statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that the protocol which consisted exercises given for 4 days/week for 4 weeks is effective in improving core muscle strength and speed in competitive roller skaters.
The socioeconomic attainments of second-generation Nigerian and other African Americans: Evidence from the Current Population Survey, 2009-2018

Using recent data from the Current Population Survey, we investigate education and wages among second-generation African Americans with a focus on Nigerian Americans. The results indicate that the educational attainment of second-generation Nigerian Americans exceeds other second-generation African Americans, third-and-higher generation African Americans, third-and-higher generation whites, and second-generation whites. The educational attainment of second-generation Nigerian American women furthermore exceeds second-generation Asian American women. After controlling for age, education and disability, the wages of second-generation Nigerian American women have reached parity with third-and-higher generation white women whereas third-and-higher generation African American women have about 11 percent lower wages. After controlling for age, education and disability in the case of men, the wages of second-generation Nigerian American men have reached parity with third-and-higher generation white men whereas third-and-higher generation African American men have about 21 percent lower wages while other second-generation African American men have about 12 percent lower wages than third-and-higher generation white men. Contrary to the usual pattern of socioeconomic disadvantage for African Americans, these results indicate that second-generation Nigerian Americans have exceeded whites in educational attainment and have reached parity with equally-educated whites in terms of wage determination among employed workers. Nonetheless, we view our results as being only suggestive and call for more research on the socioeconomic outcomes of second-generation African Americans who have been relatively neglected in immigration studies.
Psychosocial risks of relief professionals: violence in pre-hospital settings

Background: Violence is a severe psychosocial risk in the workplace, but it is little studied in the area of pre-hospital care. It represents a concern for professionals. Objective: To know the point of view of chief officers on workplace violence in a pre-hospital setting against firefighters. Methodology: A study of a qualitative nature using the Delphi method with semi-structured interviews and content analysis, taking place between May and December 2017. Twenty-four interviews were conducted at the national level. Results: The chief officers considered that violence episodes occur frequently. Although there were reports of physical violence, psychological violence was the most significant. Conclusion: Violence against firefighters occurs daily, but underreporting undermines understanding the real extent of the problem.