Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assistance- and knowledge-services for smart production

The transformation towards Smart Manufacturing results in machines that are increasingly complex to use and to maintain, as well as in ever-complicated production processes. Coupled with a continuing reduction of staff, this leads to an increasing demand for information needs and work expertise. At the same time, these challenges offer the opportunity to enhance the employee's leeway with respect to designing and organizing their work. The project APPsist focuses on how this transformation can be supported technically and organizationally. This paper presents the technical approach: an architecture for intelligent-adaptive assistance and knowledge services. The paper describes how process mapping identified the requirements of the APPsist system, and presents the identified services and their communication, as well as the intelligent-adaptive functionality of the services.
Analysis of gestures in face-to-face design teams provides guidance for how to use groupware in design

Many phases of design projects are done in groups. Communication in these groups is naturally supported through a variety of gestures. We catalog four types of gestures that people use when engaged in design (kinetic, spatial, pointing, and other), and overlay it with the purpose of the design subtask, -design, meeting management, and other. From this and other observations, we list recommendations for supporting this kind of communication in settings which have technology support, either face-to-face with group editors (where people do not necessarily see the same thing at the same time), and remote work (where people see neither the same view of the object nor a full room view of the other participants).
MyoD enhances BMP7-induced osteogenic differentiation of myogenic cell cultures

The muscle-specific, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor MyoD can induce cells from other mesenchymal lineages to express a skeletal muscle phenotype. Interestingly, MyoD is initially upregulated in myogenic cells incubated with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a treatment that induces osteogenic differentiation, suggesting that MyoD has a role in BMP-induced osteogenesis of myogenic cells. This possibility is supported by our observations that muscle satellite cells derived from adult MyoD-/- mice show severely impaired osteogenic induction by BMP-7 (osteogenic protein 1; OP-1) as indicated by the decreased gene expression of the bone markers alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, Runx2/Cbfa1, and Osterix. Ectopic expression of MyoD increased alkaline phosphatase activity and Osterix mRNA expression in response to BMP treatment. Similarly, ectopic expression of MyoD in the pluripotent mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 increased alkaline phosphatase activity induced by BMP-7. Transcription assays showed that transfection with a MyoD-expression vector, but not other myogenic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors (Myf5, myogenin) increased Runx2/Cbfa1 transactivation of a reporter gene construct containing either six OSE sequences in tandem or a single OSE site. This effect was enhanced by BMP treatment. These studies, therefore, demonstrate that the muscle transcription factor MyoD is required for efficient BMP-induced osteogenesis of myogenic cells and indicate that MyoD might exert its effects through co-operative interactions with Runx2/Cbfa1.
Submarine Eruptive Processes in the Brook St Terrane at Colac Bay, Southland, New Zealand

A sequence of volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of the Brook Street Terrane crops out along the Southland coast from Howells Point, Riverton, into Colac Bay. This sequence provides an along-strike exposure, revealing lateral variations in these submarine deposits of a Permian oceanic island arc; such sequences are rarely studied, and allow examination of an arc environment within a thin slice of time, in a manner which is impossible in the more common vertical sequences. Lithofacies analysis and mapping, and geochemical analyses were carried out. The sequence includes pillow lavas, dikes, hydroclastic breccias, tuffs, lapilli tuffs and argillites. All is hydrothermally altered and metamorphosed to prehnite-pumpellyite facies, so major and trace element analyses were conducted on the freshest augite phenocrysts wherein the magmatic signal is likely to be preserved. Geochemical data indicate variable primitive island arc to MORB-like magma sources. Two distinct groups of signatures exist, one with typical island arc characteristics, the other more closely resembling back-arc (MORB-like) magma. The distribution of these suggests two separate small volcanic centres, perhaps tapping different mantle domains in a source region transitional between the arc and back-arc. The size and proximity of the two may indicate they are satellite vents of a larger arc volcano. The sedimentary structures and facies relations of tuffs and lapilli tuffs suggest formation in association with pillow lava as hyaloclastite, and redeposition by subaqueous mass flows. The pillow lavas observed have peperitic contacts with the volcaniclastic rocks, indicating that they intruded into these deposits while they were unconsolidated. These relationships indicate that two generations of pillow lava formed in the sequence, the first associated with production of hyaloclastite which was redeposited in fans and channels on the volcano flanks, and the second intruding into these deposits.
Health outcomes of severely obese type 2 diabetic subjects 1 year after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

OBJECTIVE To prospectively examine the effect of weight loss 1 year after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery on a broad range of health outcomes in 50 diabetic subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 50 (17 men, 33 women) of 51 patients with type 2 diabetes, from a total of 500 consecutive patients, were studied preoperatively and again 1 year after surgery. RESULTS Preoperative weight and BMI (means +/- SD) were 137 +/- 30 kg and 48.2 +/- 8 kg/m(2), respectively; at 1 year, weight and BMI were 110 +/- 24 kg and 38.7 +/- 6 kg/m(2), respectively. There was significant improvement in all measures of glucose metabolism. Remission of diabetes occurred in 32 patients (64%), and major improvement of glucose control occurred in 13 patients (26%); glucose metabolism was unchanged in 5 patients (10%). HbA(1c) was 7.8 +/- 3.2% preoperatively and 6.2 +/- 2.7% at 1 year (P < 0.001). Remission of diabetes was predicted by greater weight loss and a shorter history of diabetes (pseudo r(2) = 0.44, P < 0.001). Improvement in diabetes was related to increased insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. Weight loss was associated with significant improvements in fasting triglyceride level, HDL cholesterol level, hypertension, sleep, depression, appearance evaluation, and health-related quality of life. Early complications occurred in 6% of patients (wound infections in 4%, respiratory support in 2%), and late complications occurred in 30% of patients (gastric prolapse in 20%, band erosion in 6%, and tubing leaks in 4%). All late complications were successfully revised surgically. CONCLUSIONS Modern laparoscopic weight-loss surgery is effective in managing the broad range of health problems experienced by severely obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Surgery should be considered as an early intervention.
Investigation of Surface Roughness and Lay on Metal Flow in Hot Forging

INVESTIGATION OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND LAY ON METAL FLOW IN HOT FORGING David J. Nowak, B.S. Marquette University, 2014 A study was conducted to explore the possibility of using machining marks (i.e. surface roughness and lay) as a parameter for die design. The study was performed using 6061T6 aluminum 1.25” diameter rounds and 0.25” square bar stock to investigate the effects of temperature, surface roughness, and lay on metal flow and friction factor. Metal flow was assessed using component true strains and spread ratio. Compression testing was performed using an instrumented die set that was mounted on a 10 ton hydraulic pres. Cigar tests were performed where the axis of the specimen were oriented at angles of 0, 45 and 90 with respect to the surface lay on the compression platens. Ring tests were completed to quantify friction factor at different die temperatures and surface roughness values. Results indicate that die temperature has a strong effect on bulge radius and friction factor. Lay and surface roughness were found to exhibit an effect on metal flow but surface lay of the dies was not discernible on friction factor. The study was repeated under limited conditions using graphite lubricant in order to discover if the trend was repeatable using conditions observed in industry. This was found to be the case.
Exploratory Analysis for the Evaluation of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Cholesterol and Triglycerides after Switching from Tenofovir/Emtricitabine plus Atazanavir/Ritonavir (ATV/r) to Abacavir/Lamivudine plus ATV/r in Patients with Preserved Renal Function

Background and Objectives: Renal toxicity due to tenofovir (TDF) has been largely described in patients with HIV infection. However, other antiretroviral drugs (such as atazanavir [ATV], especially when boosted by ritonavir, ATV/r) could perpetuate some degrees of renal impairment with or without TDF co-administration. Also, possible benefits of stopping TDF in patients without renal diseases is not well known. This study aimed at exploring evolution of renal function and lipid profile after switching from tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) to abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC), maintaining the ATV/r component of the regimen. Methods: Patients in the Italian MASTER Cohort, who switched from TDF/FTC plus ATV/r to ABC/3TC plus ATV/r were included, provided that major renal diseases were not diagnosed before switching (i.e., baseline). Serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides were evaluated at baseline and at month 18 after switching. Results: 126 patients were selected (80% males). Patients were mostly Italians (92%). 79% had undetectable HIV-RNA and 44% were co-infected by HBV and/or HCV. Median age at switch was 47 years (IQR 43-55). A small but significant decrease in serum creatinine [from 1.06 mg/dl (SD: 0.3) to 0.94 mg/dl (SD: 0.2); p<0.001] with an improvement in eGFR [from 86.8 ml/min (SD: 33) to 96.4 ml/min (SD: 37); p<0.001] were observed in per protocol analysis at month 18. Also ITT analysis showed a decrease in mean serum creatinine [from 1.08 mg/dl (SD: 0.35) to 0.95 mg/dl (SD: 0.24); p<0.001] with an improvement in mean eGFR [from 86.9 ml/min/1.73m2 (SD: 24.11) to 95.8 ml/min/1.73m2 (SD: 19.99); p<0.001]. Total cholesterol increased [from 188 mg/dl (SD: 42) to 206 mg/dl (SD: 44); p<0.001] but also HDL increased as well [from 46 mg/dl (SD: 14) to 54 mg/dl (SD: 19); p=0.015]. An increase in triglycerides concentration was observed [from 162 mg/dl (SD: 144) to 214 mg/dl (SD: 109); p=0.027] in per protocol analysis. Also ITT analysis showed increases of both total cholesterol [from 187 mg/dl (SD: 43.69) to 203 mg/dl (SD: 44.10); p<0.001] and HDL fraction [from 46 mg/dl (SD: 15.49) to 52 mg/dl (SD: 17.13); p=0.002] at month 18. Conclusion: This analysis reports an improvement in eGFR and an increase in total cholesterol and HDL fraction at month 18 after switching to ABC/3TC plus ATV/r. Given the fact that renal function was not significantly affected at baseline, our findings may suggest the utility of a proactive switch from TDF to ABC, when otherwise indicated, in patients who cannot avoid using a nucleoside backbone.
Editorial: Theories Of and About Design

Since the " design method movement " began in Europe in 1960's (Cross, 1984), design research has moved along two closely related directions: design theories of how to design, which are often called design methodology, and design theories about what is design, which take design as a phenomenon for scientific investigation. For the former, one can find systematic design methodologies such as synthesis The ultimate goal of design research is to discover and/or develop orders underlying or upholding design activities (Horváth, 2004). This special issue includes six papers focusing on development, application, or validation of theories of and about design. The first paper included in this issue, titled " Fundamentals of design and deployment of large complex systems: OLEV, MH, and Mixalloy " , is contributed by Prof. Nam Suh. In early 1980's, Prof. Suh developed his well-known axiomatic design theory (Suh, 1990), which provides two basic principles for a good design. His strong belief in a rational design process has motivated and inspired many design researchers and has significantly influenced the advancement of design science. In this paper, Prof. Suh demonstrates the power of rational design and system development using the axiomatic design theory through three case studies. The case studies involve large and highly innovative systems: On-Line Electric Vehicle (OLEV), Mobile 12 Harbor (MH), and Mixalloy. In contrast to a widely observed phenomenon that many major corporations often miss the delivery dates of their newly developed systems and exceed the originally estimated development cost, these three innovative systems were developed and deployed at minimum cost and on time. The major reason behind their successes was because in each case the entire system had been designed based on a firm theoretical foundation for system development and rigorous checking of the system architecture. These case studies, among many other success stories in applying the axiomatic design theory, show that axiomatic design theory can be used to solve complex transdisciplinary problems.
Preparation of Ceramic Membranes for Effluent Treatment

This work highlights the fabrication of ceramic microfiltration membranes using drill mud as the raw material. The raw material was pre-processed and paste casting method was used for fabrication. Three different membranes were successfully fabricated (keeping a standard stoichiometric composition of raw materials and binders) at three different sintering temperatures e.g. 500, 800 and 900oC. Comprehensive characterization techniques viz. scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), BET surface area and Mercury porosimetry were followed to ascertain the nature of the membrane fabrication. The membrane sintered at 900oC, having an average pore size of 18im was found best suited for oil-water emulsion studies. A rejection of ca. 38% was observed for this membrane. Another variant of ceramic membrane was fabricated at 900oC with an addition of 25% kaolin. A better rejection of ca. 49% was found for this case which can be attributed to better structural properties of the membrane surface and uniformity in pore size distribution. All the membranes were studied for their regeneration and reusability. A detailed cost analysis was also performed and it was seen that the membranes fabricated were much cheaper than the similar products reported in literature.
TNF-induced endothelial barrier disruption: beyond actin and Rho

Summary The decrease of endothelial barrier function is central to the long-term inflammatory response. A pathological alteration of the ability of endothelial cells to modulate the passage of cells and solutes across the vessel underlies the development of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis. The inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF) mediates changes in the barrier properties of the endothelium. TNF activates different Rho GTPases, increases filamentous actin and remodels endothelial cell morphology. However, inhibition of actin-mediated remodelling is insufficient to prevent endothelial barrier disruption in response to TNF, suggesting that additional molecular mechanisms are involved. Here we discuss, first, the pivotal role of Rac-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to regulate the integrity of endothelial cell-cell junctions and, second, the ability of endothelial adhesion receptors such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1, involved in leukocyte transendothelial migration, to control endothelial permeability to small molecules, often through ROS generation. These adhesion receptors regulate endothelial barrier function in ways both dependent on and independent of their engagement by immune cells, and orchestrate the crosstalk between leukocyte transendothelial migration and endothelial permeability during inflammation.
Nitrogen metabolism and microbial synthesis in sheep fed diets containing slow release urea to replace the conventional urea

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding slow release urea to replace conventional urea in diets for feedlot sheep on nitrogen metabolism and microbial protein synthesis. The substitution levels used as treatments were 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80%. We used 25 Santa Ines x SRD sheep distributed in the treatments in a completely randomized design. The animals were given 50% Tifton-85 hay and 50% concentrate, comprising diets with approximately 12% crude protein. The ingestion, digestion and excretion of nitrogen were not affected by the addition of slow release urea to the diet, in which the digested nitrogen accounted for 72.98% of the ingested. The concentration of plasma urea-N showed a quadratic variation, with the maximum at the level of 72.18% substitution. The microbial protein production and conversion efficiency of the protein into total digestible nutrients were not affected by the addition of slow-release urea in the diets. The replacement of conventional urea with slow release urea in the diet changes the concentrations of urea-N in plasma, however, does not affect the nitrogen balance, nor microbial synthesis and efficiency.
Computation of Infix Probabilities for Probabilistic Context-Free Grammars

The notion of infix probability has been introduced in the literature as a generalization of the notion of prefix (or initial substring) probability, motivated by applications in speech recognition and word error correction. For the case where a probabilistic context-free grammar is used as language model, methods for the computation of infix probabilities have been presented in the literature, based on various simplifying assumptions. Here we present a solution that applies to the problem in its full generality.
Occupancy Modeling Of Herpetofauna And Grassland Nesting Birds At Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Only about 11% of native grasslands remain in the United States (North America Bird Conservation Initiative, 2011). Grasslands are a considerable source of biodiversity and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling (Suttie et al. 2005; Holechek et al. 2011). Stewards, such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, are essential to grassland conservation, especially in Kansas, where less than one percent of land is under federal stewardship or public trust (Holechek et al. 2011). Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, an 8,900 hectare refuge located in Stafford County, has traditionally been managed as a stopover for migratory birds, but is now expanding management practices to include all flora and fauna. To better understand grassland bird and herpetofaunal populations on the refuge, repeatable monitoring protocols for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge were developed to provide baseline data. In this study, single-season occupancy models were generated for target species to test if presence was influenced by habitat type. Herpetofauna and grassland birds were sampled concurrently from April 24 to July 4, 2015. For the sampling season, nine bird species and 1,748 individuals were observed. Seventeen species of herpetofauna and 212 individuals were observed. Occupancy models were constructed for organisms that had > 25 observations. Bird species with adequate sample sizes include Northern Bobwhite, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Western Meadowlark. Herpetofaunal species with > 25 observations include: North American Racer, Plains Garter snake, and Ornate Box Turtle. The Northern Bobwhite, Dickcissel, Eastern Meadowlark, North iii American Racer, and Ornate Box Turtle models showed that the species had high rates of occupancy and detectability and were not modeled with covariates.
Spectrum of looping disturbances in stage 34 chicken hearts after retinoic acid treatment

Background: In a recently developed chick model the teratogen retinoic acid has appeared to induce a spectrum of double outlet right ventricle, which needs further detailed evaluation. It is known that retionic acid is able to induce cardiac malformations. Although the exact mechanism is not known, an interaction with neural crest cell function is thought to exist.
Integrating Features and Similarities: Flexible Models for Heterogeneous Multiview Data

We present a probabilistic framework for learning with heterogeneous multiview data where some views are given as ordinal, binary, or real-valued feature matrices, and some views as similarity matrices. Our framework has the following distinguishing aspects: (i) a unified latent factor model for integrating information from diverse feature (ordinal, binary, real) and similarity based views, and predicting the missing data in each view, leveraging view correlations; (ii) seamless adaptation to binary/multiclass classification where data consists of multiple feature and/or similarity-based views; and (iii) an efficient, variational inference algorithm which is especially flexible in modeling the views with ordinal-valued data (by learning the cutpoints for the ordinal data), and extends naturally to streaming data settings. Our framework subsumes methods such as multiview learning and multiple kernel learning as special cases. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework on several real-world and benchmarks datasets.
An LC-VCO with one octave tuning range

This paper presents a fully integrated low power and low phase-noise VCO, having a tuning range over one octave (1.2 GHz to 2.5 GHz). The architecture is fully differential and the differential tuning offers a common-mode rejection of 31 dB. The VCO is implemented in a 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS process using a 1.8 V supply. The circuit, including the bias, consumes only 11.6 mW at 1.2 GHz oscillation frequency, the phase-noise is -129 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz frequency offset.
Compiler-directed memory hierarchy design for low-energy embedded systems

In real-time data-intensive multimedia processing applications, data transfer and storage significantly influence, if not dominate, all the major cost parameters of the design space - namely power consumption, performance, and chip area. This paper presents an electronic design automation (EDA) methodology for the high-level design of hierarchical memory architectures in embedded data-intensive applications, mainly in the area of multidimensional signal processing. This framework employs a formal model operating with integral polyhedra, using techniques specific to the data-dependence analysis employed in modern compilers. Different from the previous works, the problems of data assignment to the memory layers and of banking the on-chip memory are addressed in a consistent way, based on the same formal model. The main design target is the reduction of the static and dynamic energy consumption in the memory subsystem, but the same formal model and algorithmic flow can be also applied to reduce the overall time of access to memories.