Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Evaluation of Steel Beam Bolted to Reinforced Concrete Column Connections

In order to improve the constructability and meanwhile ensure excellent seismic behavior, an innovative bolted endplate connection to steel beam and reinforced concrete column (RCS) was developed, and three full scale model joints with or without floor slab were tested under simulated seismic loading. The proposed composite joint is characterized by an extended endplate which is welded to steel beam with reduced sections in factory and then bolted to reinforced concrete column using high-strength steel rods in field. The effect of material strength and concrete floor slab on the seismic behavior of joints was studied. Experimental results indicated that both specimens without floor slab exhibited good ductility and energy-dissipating ability with full plastic hinging formed at the reduced sections of steel beam. However, owing to the effect of floor slab, the beam sections became unsymmetrical and positive moment strength of the joint was increased significantly. The specimen with floor slab fractured at the weld between the bottom flange of the beam and the endplate, and the failure mode resembled what occurred during the Northridge earthquake.
Analysis and measurements of conformal patch array antennas on multilayer circular cylinder

In this paper, we present a method of moments (MoM) program to analyze different configurations of arrays of cylindrical-rectangular patches. The patches can be located inside or on the surface of a multilayer circular-cylindrical structure and can be arbitrarily rotated. The antenna structure is rigorously taken into account by using proper Green's functions, and the array is analyzed by using an element-by-element approach. The elements of the MoM matrix are calculated in the spectral domain, and special attention is given to their numerical treatment when analyzing cylindrical antennas with large radii. A laboratory model is built to test different configurations of patches and to validate calculated results. The agreement between measurements and calculations is very good.
Enhancement of wrinkle recovery angle of cotton fabric using citric acid cross-linking agent with nano-TiO2 as a co-catalyst

In this research, the non-formaldehyde wrinkle-resistant treatment of cotton fabrics has been investigated using the citric acid (CA) as a cross-linking agent and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) as a catalyst together with nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) as a co-catalyst compound. The effect of the changes in the concentrations of CA, SHP, and nano-TiO2 on the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA), tensile strength, tearing strength, whiteness index, and flexural rigidity of cotton fabrics was studied using Box–Behnken design. It was found that the addition of nano-TiO2 could enhance the wrinkle resistance and decrease the flexural rigidity of the cotton fabric with little effect on the whiteness index, and tearing and tensile strengths of the treated fabric. The developed empirical models are found to be in good correlation with the selected variables (r2 ≥ 0.8). From this study, it was concluded that 10% CA, 10% sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and 0.1% nano-TiO2 were the optimum concentrations required to enhance the WRA without adversely affecting the other physical properties of the treated cotton fabrics.
Application of information index model in landslide susceptibility mapping on Tonggu Jiangxi PROVINCE, China

The case study presents an information index model for landslide susceptibility mapping in Tonggu County, Jiangxi Province, China. More than 100 landslides were identified from the 2.5-m fused SPOT imagery, and about 60 percent of them were verified in field investigation. It is proved that the landslides are more likely to occur in granite areas, which are strongly weathered, and the areas close to faults. The high elevation accuracy of 75.6% was reached using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The result indicates that the south and parts of the northeast of Tonggu County, including Paipu-Yongning and Daduan-Guqiao Towns, are highly susceptible to damages from landslides.
Accuracy of death certificate completion: the need for formalized physician training.

OBJECTIVE To assess the extent to which accuracy of death certificate completion varies with level of physician training and experience. DESIGN AND SETTING In a classroom setting, subjects were presented with six written cases of hospital deaths adapted from materials from the National Center for Health Statistics and were asked to complete the cause-of-death section of the New York City death certificate. PARTICIPANTS A total of 12 practicing general internists, 21 internal medicine residents, and 35 senior medical students. OUTCOME MEASURES The underlying cause of death recorded by each participant was compared with the correct cause determined by a nosologist. Agreement and disagreement were classified as major or minor depending on concordance within the 17 International Classification of Diseases categories. RESULTS Only one internist and five residents had received formal training in death certificate completion. The overall level of agreement between underlying cause of death reported by the three groups of participants and the correct cause was 56.9% for internists, 56.0% for residents, and 55.7% for medical students, although agreement varied with the type of case, ranging from 15% to 99%. CONCLUSION If the misclassification observed in this pilot study were widespread, it would imply a substantial underreporting of mortality from both circulatory diseases and diabetes. These data strongly support the need to include training in death certificate completion as part of physician education.
Correlation between the Appearance of Neuropeptides in the Rat Trigeminal Ganglion and Reinnervation of the Healing Root Socket after Tooth Extraction

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) modulates bone metabolism. This study examined the temporal appearance of the neuropeptides SP and brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) and their receptors (neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R) and Trk B, respectively) in the rat trigeminal ganglion to investigate the role of neuropeptides in healing after tooth extraction. Rats were anesthetized and their upper right first molars were extracted; the rats were sacrificed 3 hours and 1–21 days after extraction. Their trigeminal ganglion and maxilla were removed, and cryosections were prepared and immunostained using specific antibodies against SP, BDNF, NK1-R, and Trk B. In the tooth sockets after extraction, new bone and a few SP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were first seen at day 7, and bone completely filled the sockets at day 21. In the trigeminal ganglion, the proportions of NK1-R-, BDNF-, and Trk B-immunoreactive neurons changed similarly, i.e., they initially decreased, increased rapidly to maximum levels by day 3, and then decreased gradually to control levels until 21 days. These findings suggest that the appearance of neuropeptides in the trigeminal ganglion, the reinnervation of SP-immunoreactive nerve fibers, and bone repair in the tooth socket during healing after extraction were correlated.
Scalable Public Transportation Queries on the Database

Recent scientic literature focuses on answering Earliest Arrival (EA), Latest Departure (LD) and Shortest Duration (SD) queries in (schedule-based) public transportation networks. Unfortunately, most of the existing solutions operate in main memory, making the proposed methods hard to scale for larger instances and dicult to integrate in a multi-user environment. This work proposes PTLDB (Public Transporation Labels on the DataBase), a novel, scalable, pure-SQL framework for answering EA, LD and SD queries, implemented entirely on an open-source database system. Moreover, we formulate four new types of queries targeting public transportation networks, namely the Earliest Arrival and Latest Departure k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) and Oneto-many queries and propose novel ways to eciently answer them within PTLDB. Our experimentation will show that the proposed solution is fast, scalable and easy to use, making our PTLDB framework a serious contender for use in real-world applications.
The Field Confinement, Narrow Transmission Resonances, and Green Function of a Multilayered Microsphere with Metamaterial Defects

We numerically investigate the optical transmission through a compound spherical stack with conventional and metamaterial (MM) layers and also embedded MM defect. A formation of extremely narrow resonant peak with nearly complete transmittance in area of a band gap is found. We demonstrate that photon fields of certain frequencies can be strongly confined by a left-handed (LH) defect. The influence of a random deviation in the width of compound spherical layers as well the transit to the whispering gallery mode (WGM) is also discussed.
A model for couple-stress fluid film mechanism with reference to human joints

Abstract A theoretical model for couple-stress fluids film mechanism with reference to human joints has been considered in this study. A couple-stress fluid film is taken as a lubricant. The expression for load capacity has been obtained in terms of couple-stress parameter, film thickness, and porosity parameter. The dependence of load on these parameters has been studied graphically.
Evaluation of an FFQ for assessment of antioxidant intake using plasma biomarkers in an ethnically diverse population

Abstract Objective To evaluate FFQ estimates of dietary intake of individual antioxidants, fruit and vegetables in comparison to plasma concentrations of each antioxidant, and to determine which individual foods are associated with plasma antioxidant concentrations. Design Dietary (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, retinol, and vitamin E) intakes over 12 months were estimated from a 121-item FFQ. Correlation coefficients, corrected for within-person variability in diet and plasma antioxidants, were used to examine associations between antioxidant concentrations in diet and plasma. Setting Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS). Subjects Men and women (n 3110) who were randomly selected from the MCCS. Participants were aged 36–72 years and were born in Australia, Greece, Italy or the UK. Results Correlation coefficients for the carotenoids ranged from 0·28 for lycopene to 0·46 for β-cryptoxanthin. There was no association between dietary and plasma retinol or dietary vitamin E with plasma α- and γ-tocopherol. Individual plasma carotenoid concentrations were associated with intakes of fruit and vegetables. Conclusions Our data suggest that the FFQ provides useful information on intakes of each of the carotenoids: α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin. There was no association between diet and plasma markers of retinol or vitamin E; this may reflect the importance of factors other than intake in modifying circulating levels of these nutrients.
Reducing test data volume using external/LBIST hybrid test patterns

A common approach for large industrial designs is to use logic built-in self-test (LBIST) followed by test data from an external tester. Because the fault coverage with LBIST alone is not sufficient, there is a need to top-up the fault coverage with additional deterministic test patterns from an external tester. This paper proposes a technique of combining LBIST and deterministic ATPG to form "hybrid test patterns" which merge pseudo-random and deterministic test data. Experiments have been done on the Motorola PowerPC/sup TM/ microprocessor core to study the proposed hybrid test patterns. Hybrid test patterns provide several advantages: (1) can be applied using STUMPS architecture (Bardell, 82) with a minor modification, (2) significantly reduce external test data stored in tester memory, (3) reduce the number of pseudorandom patterns by orders of magnitude, thus addressing power issues.
Palmitoylation of MIR2 Is Required for Its Function

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes two RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligases (MIR1 and MIR2) that mediate ubiquitination and degradation of cellular proteins important for the establishment of an efficient antiviral immune response. MIR1 and MIR2 share 30% sequence identity; however, their substrate preferences are varied. MIR1 has been shown to primarily downregulate major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), whereas MIR2 can downregulate a wide range of cell surface proteins. Many of the MIR substrates are thought to be present in lipid raft microdomains, a subregion of the plasma membrane known to be important for a wide range of signal transduction events. Palmitoylation is a posttranslational modification that increases recruitment of transmembrane proteins to lipid rafts. In this study, we investigated the importance of palmitoylation for MIR function. We present evidence that MIR2-mediated downregulation of MHC-I and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) but not other substrates is inhibited in the presence of the drug 2-bromohexadecanoic acid (2-Br), a chemical inhibitor of palmitoylation. Biochemical analysis indicates that MIR2 is directly palmitoylated on cysteine 146. Mutation of this cysteine to a phenylalanine prevents MIR2 palmitoylation and blocks the ability of MIR2 to downregulate MHC-I and PECAM-I but not B7.2 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-I), consistent with the phenotype observed after 2-Br treatment. Unpalmitoylated MIR2 does not interact with MHC-I and is thus unable to ubiquitinate and downregulate MHC-I from the cell surface. Furthermore, we observed that MIR2 is palmitoylated in vivo during lytic infection. Palmitoylation may act to regulate MIR2 function and localization during viral infection by allowing MIR2 to properly interact with and downregulate multiple substrates known to play an important role in the host immune response.
Very Low Probability Interpretation of V/Q Lung Scans in Combination with Low Probability Objective Clinical Assessment Reliably Excludes Pulmonary Embolism: Data from PIOPED II

Use of a very low probability interpretation of ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scans, if verified by prospective evaluation to have a low positive predictive value (PPV), will reduce the number of nondiagnostic interpretations of V/Q scans and may be particularly useful in patients with a relative contraindication to CT. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that a very low probability interpretation of the V/Q scan has a PPV of <10%. Methods: Data are from PIOPED II (Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis II). Very low probability criteria are (a) nonsegmental perfusion abnormalities, (b) perfusion defect smaller than corresponding radiographic lesion, (c) ≥2 matched V/Q defects with regionally normal chest radiograph, (d) 1–3 small segmental perfusion defects (<25% of a segment), (e) solitary triple matched defect in middle or upper lung zones, (f) stripe sign around the perfusion defect(s), and (g) perfusion defect from pleural effusion equal to one third or more of the pleural cavity with no other perfusion defect. Results: A very low probability consensus interpretation of the V/Q scan was made in 56% of patients. The PPV of a very low probability interpretation of the V/Q scans was 36 of 440 patients (8.2%). Among patients with suspected pulmonary embolism who had a low clinical probability objective clinical assessment and a very low probability V/Q scan, the PPV was 8 of 259 patients (3.1%). Among women ≤40 y, the PPV of the very low probability V/Q with a low objective clinical assessment was 1 of 50 (2%). Conclusion: The very low probability V/Q scan together with a low probability clinical assessment reliably excludes pulmonary embolism.
Bidding, pricing, and user subscription dynamics in asymmetric-valued Korean LTE spectrum auction: A hierarchical dynamic game approach

The tremendous increase in mobile data traffic coupled with fierce competition in wireless industry brings about spectrum scarcity and bandwidth fragmentation. This inevitably results in asymmetric-valued long term evolution (LTE) spectrum allocation that stems from different timing for twice improvement in capacity between competing operators, given spectrum allocations today. This motivates us to study the economic effects of asymmetric-valued LTE spectrum allocation. In this paper, we formulate the interactions between operators and users as a hierarchical dynamic game framework, where two spiteful operators simultaneously make spectrum acquisition decisions in the upper-level first-price sealed-bid auction game, and dynamic pricing decisions in the lower-level differential game, taking into account user subscription dynamics. Using backward induction, we derive the equilibrium of the entire game under mild conditions. Through analytical and numerical results, we verify our studies by comparing the latest result of LTE spectrum auction in South Korea, which serves as the benchmark of asymmetric-valued LTE spectrum auction designs.
Juxtaposing South Africa’s Private Sector and Its Public Service Regarding Innovation Diffusion, to Explore the Obstacles to E-Governance

Despite the benefits of innovation diffusion in the South African public service, implementation thereof seems to be problematic, particularly with regard to e-governance which would enhance the quality of service delivery, especially accessibility, choice, and mode of operation. This paper reports on differences between the public service and the private sector in terms of innovation diffusion. Innovation diffusion will be investigated to explore identified obstacles that are hindering successful implementation of e-governance. The research inquiry is underpinned by the diffusion of innovation theory, which is premised on the assumption that innovation has a distinct channel, time, and mode of adoption within the organisation. A comparative thematic document analysis was conducted to investigate organisational differences with regard to innovation diffusion. A similar approach has been followed in other countries, where the same conceptual framework has been used to guide document analysis in studies in both the private and the public sectors. As per the recommended conceptual framework, three organisational characteristics were emphasised, namely the external characteristics of the organisation, the organisational structure, and the inherent characteristics of the leadership. The results indicated that the main difference in the external characteristics lies in the focus and the clientele of the private sector. With regard to organisational structure, private organisations have veto power, which is not the case in the public service. Regarding leadership, similarities were observed in social and environmental responsibility and employees’ attitudes towards immediate supervision. Differences identified included risk taking, the adequacy of leadership development, organisational approaches to motivation and involvement in decision making, and leadership style. Due to the organisational differences observed, it is recommended that differentiated strategies be employed to ensure effective innovation diffusion, and ultimately e-governance. It is recommended that the results of this research be used to stimulate discussion on ways to improve collaboration between the mentioned sectors, to capitalise on the benefits of each sector. Keywords—E-governance, ICT, innovation diffusion, comparative analysis.
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in young stroke patients: a case–control study

Retrospective and cross‐sectional studies have suggested that both bacterial and viral infections may be risk factors for atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke and acute coronary events. The correlation between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis remains a source of controversy. Our case–control study is aimed at evaluating the frequency of C. pneumoniae infection in a cohort of young adults with recent cerebrovascular disease and in particular etiologic stroke subtypes. Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies were evaluated by microimmunofluorescence method and antibody titers to both recombinant antigens chlamydial outer protein 2 and 60‐kDa chlamydial heat shock protein (HSP60) by ELISA. The two groups differed with regard to the prevalence of C. pneumoniae IgA (P < 0.001) and IgG (P < 0.0001), as well as the titer of anti‐R‐HSP60 IgG (P < 0.001). We found an increase in IgA titers, suggestive of persistent, chronic active infection, in 16 patients in whom the etiology of the cerebral ischemic event was large‐vessel atherothrombosis. Persistent, active C. pneumoniae infection may be an additional risk factor for ischemic stroke mainly of atherotrombotic origin in young subjects. However, a large‐scale prospective confirmation of our findings is required.
Study on creep mechanical behaviour of P92 steel under multiaxial stress state

The creep mechanical behaviour of P92 steel at 650°C has been studied by experimental research and finite element analysis. During the creep of P92 steel, there existed the notched strengthening effect, which was influenced by the shapes of the notch and the nominal stress. Under the condition of the same notch depth, the creep life enhancement factor increased with decreasing notched radius or the increase of stress. The multiaxial stress caused by the notch effect had a significant influence on the evolution of the microstructure and resulted in a transforming tendency from ductile to brittle at the root of the notch. The fracture position varied with the shapes of the notch: the U shaped notch started to fracture at the root of the notch, while the C shaped notch in the centre of the specimen. The creep process of notched specimens was simulated by embedding Kachanov–Rabotnov creep damage constitutive model into the interface program of finite element software. The result showed that damage distribution of notched specimens varied during the process of creep. The maximum damage location at the end of creep depended on the notch shape: with larger notch radius the maximum damage location was in the centre, while smaller radius of notch specimens was near the notch root, which was consistent with the analysis of the fracture morphology.
Soil moisture retrieval via the Polarimetric Two-Scale Model and dual-pol SAR data

An algorithm able to retrieve the soil moisture content and the surface roughness of a bare soil from a set of measured HH-, VV-SAR images is here presented. The estimation procedure is founded on the prediction of power densities and correlation between the copolar channels provided by the Polarimetric Two-Scale Model that we recently proposed. The performance of the estimation algorithm is assessed by comparing obtained retrieval results to “in situ” measurements. To this aim, data from Little Washita SMEX'03 campaign available in literature are employed.