Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical behaviour of undisturbed diatomaceous soil

Abstract The mechanical behaviour of sedimentary marine soils containing diatoms does not follow classical trends usually found in Soil Mechanics, and evidence of geotechnical singularities of undisturbed samples are still scarce. This article presents new insights on the behaviour of natural diatomaceous soil in compression, shearing and cyclic loading, on undisturbed highly plastic diatomaceous silt from Mejillones Bay in northern Chile. Microscopic observations show that the soil contains significant amount of siliceous diatom. Isotropic compression results in high overconsolidation (OCR > 20) and high compressibility after yielding. Similarly, at low confining stress the undrained shear strength does not depend on pressure and is virtually equal to the UCS = 730 kPa. At higher stresses, a transition to frictional behaviour is observed, characterized by high variability in excess pore pressure generation during undrained triaxial shearing tests, presumably due to heterogeneous diatom layering in undisturbed soil samples. Microscopic observations indicate that high compressibility could be attributed to massive diatom breakage and disturbance of the soil microstructure. Compared to conventional data on fine soils, the cyclic behaviour of the diatomaceous soil is more brittle at low strains, with higher normalized shear modulus and lower damping at shear strains lower than 2 × 10−1%; however, it presents higher degradation at larger strains.
Levels and determinants of maternal morbidity in Sangli, Maharashtra, India: a community based study

Background: In developing countries, the leading cause of disability in women aged 15-44 years is pregnancy and childbirth related complications. Many women do not die of causes related to pregnancy but suffer severe morbidities due to pregnancy related physiological stress . Methods: It is a Community based cross sectional study, conducted at randomly selected villages, towns and households in Sangli, Maharashtra, India. Sampling was done by simple random sampling, with a computed sample size of 3200. Study tool was a pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using percentages and Chi-square test. Microsoft Excel and SPSS 22 were used for analysis. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of maternal morbidity in Sangli, Maharashtra, India. 52.65% women in urban area and 96.53% in rural area suffered from at least one morbidity. In rural area of Sangli, Maharashtra, India maximum of the women surveyed i.e., 30% have primary school education as compared to urban area of Sangli, Maharashtra, India which constitute 34%. A majority of the women in both the districts were suffering from mild complications but the percentage of serious complications is very high in the rural area (15%) than in the urban area (6%) . Conclusions: In spite of low levels of perception about maternal morbidities, relatively higher utilization of health services during antepartum period should be taken as an advantage for initiating complete antenatal services, i.e. beyond the coverage of women by TT injection and supply of IFA tablets. The governmental initiation of supplying protein-rich food to pregnant and lactating mothers through ICDS programme has significantly lowered the morbidity levels probably by lessening the levels of anaemia.
Reconfigurable Array Beampattern Synthesis via Conceptual Sensor Network Modeling and Computation

Reconfigurable array radiates multiple patterns with only a single array via designing multiple excitation vectors with common magnitudes for the same element-index excitation elements, so as to guarantee phase-only control. To tackle this problem, this article proposes a new reconfigurable array beampattern synthesis method. First, we borrow the concept of sensor network consensus computation and model the synthesis problem as a sensor network computation problem via imitating a virtual (conceptual) multinode sensor network, where each “node” corresponds to an individual beampattern synthesis task. More specifically, these “nodes” with the same number as those of radiated patterns share a set of common excitation magnitudes, which results in a special magnitude-consensus computation problem in the imitated sensor network. Then, via locally computing the excitation in each “node” and exchanging current computation results with neighboring “nodes,” all “nodes” obtain the magnitude-consensus excitations after the “network” is stable. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validity and faster convergence speed of the proposed method.
Vascular complications in kidney disease

The main objectives of this thesis were to investigate the association between kidney disease and venous and arterial thrombosis and to provide insight in the mechanism of the association between kidney disease and thrombosis. Furthermore, the mortality risks for hemodialysis patients with catheter, fistula and graft vascular accesses were investigated. Our studies showed that kidney disease was associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis. We showed that patients with chronic kidney disease stages 1–3 (early stages) had an almost 2-fold increased risk of venous thrombosis as compared with subjects without chronic kidney disease. We also showed that patients with a severely decreased kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min) had a 6-fold increased risk of venous thrombosis as compared with persons with a normal kidney function. Furthermore, it was shown that dialysis patients have increased risks of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Dialysis patients with a catheter had increased mortality risks as compared with dialysis patients with an arteriovenous access (fistula or graft). An important mechanism for the increased thrombosis risk in patients with a kidney disease could be hypercoagulability (increased factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels).
Repeated leak detection and repair surveys reduce methane emissions over scale of years

Reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry is a critical climate action policy tool in Canada and the US. Optical gas imaging-based leak detection and repair (LDAR) surveys are commonly used to address fugitive methane emissions or leaks. Despite widespread use, there is little empirical measurement of the effectiveness of LDAR programs at reducing long-term leakage, especially over the scale of months to years. In this study, we measure the effectiveness of LDAR surveys by quantifying emissions at 36 unconventional liquids-rich natural gas facilities in Alberta, Canada. A representative subset of these 36 facilities were visited twice by the same detection team: an initial survey and a post-repair re-survey occurring ∼0.5–2 years after the initial survey. Overall, total emissions reduced by 44% after one LDAR survey, combining a reduction in fugitive emissions of 22% and vented emissions by 47%. Furthermore, >90% of the leaks found in the initial survey were not emitting in the re-survey, suggesting high repair effectiveness. However, fugitive emissions reduced by only 22% because of new leaks that occurred between the surveys. This indicates a need for frequent, effective, and low-cost LDAR surveys to target new leaks. The large reduction in vent emissions is associated with potentially stochastic changes to tank-related emissions, which contributed ∼45% of all emissions. Our data suggest a key role for tank-specific abatement strategies as an effective way to reduce oil and gas methane emissions. Finally, mitigation policies will also benefit from more definitive classification of leaks and vents.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Foreign Exchange Rate Exposure

This paper examines the foreign exchange rate exposures of US companies and how they are linked to foreign macroeconomic determinants. I use US trade-weighted macroeconomic indices of foreign countries to explain the variation in foreign exchange rate exposures, measured as the sensitivities of stock returns to exchange rate returns of US non-financial companies over the period 1995 to 2017. I find strong evidence that the after-hedging exposures of potential exporters are affected by their expectations of foreign market gross domestic products, current account balances, consumer price indices, term spreads, unit labor costs as well as government expenditures.
Comparative Evaluation Of C-Reactive Protein Levels And Leucocyte Counts In Patients With Sickle Cell Anemia, Chronic Generalized Periodontitis And Sickle Cell Anemia With Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinico-Biochemical Study -

s : Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the CRP levels and leucocyte counts in patients with Sickle cell anemia, Sickle cell anemia with chronic periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis. Material andMethods: A total of 90 subjects with an age range of 30-50 years having sickle cell anemia and chronic periodontitis with probing depth ≥5mm and clinical attachment level ≥ 5mm were included and three groups: Group I- Sickle cell anemia; Group II-Sickle Cell anemia with chronic periodontitis and Group III: Chronic severe periodontitis. Blood samples for CRP and leucocytes counts estimation were collected. All participants were subjected to quantitative CRP analysis. Results: Mean CRP levels and leucocyte counts were significantly greater in group II as compared to group I and group III. Conclusion : The present study indicates a positive correlation in CRP levels and leucocyte counts in patients with Sickle cell anemia, chronic periodontitis and both. [Sachin M NJIRM 2016; 7(4):22-27] Words
Blade type nails cause more varus collapse than screw type nails in the treatment of elderly trochanteric fractures

Aim: Blade and screw type nail designs are widely used in the treatment of trochanteric fractures. Although, blade designs were put as last generation nails on the market, it remains unclear which design has better clinical and radiographic outcomes. The purposes of our study were to compare two cephalo medullary nail designs as helical blade and lag screw type for trochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31-A type fractures), to analyse and compare clinical and functional outcomes, complication rates. Material and Methods: This study comprised 101 patients with trochanteric fractures treated with either proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) as blade type nail, or Peritrochanteric nail (PTN) as screw type nail for a minimum of 6 months. We assessed comorbidities, fracture type pre-operatively, operation time, blood loss, reduction quality, tip apex distance intra and post operatively, medical and mechanical complications, partial, full weight bearing time, Harris hip scores and Short form 36 scores and mortality during follow up period. Results: There was no significant difference in the operation time, blood loss, total mechanical or medical complications, partial, full weight bearing time, mortality rate, and Harris Hip scores of PTN or PFNA groups. Lateral migration and varus collapse rates of patients treated with PFNA were significantly higher than patients treated with PTN. However particular SF 36 scores of PFNA group were significantly higher than PTN group. Conclusion: Blade type nail designs caused more varus collapse than screw type nails in the treatment of elderly trochanteric fractures, however these radiographic complications didn’t influence on clinical outcomes of patients.
Upscaling of Elastic Properties in Carbonates: A Modeling Approach Based on a Multiscale Geophysical Data Set

Linking ultrasonic measurements made on samples, with sonic logs and seismic subsurface data, is a key challenge for the understanding of carbonate reservoirs. To deal with this problem, we investigate the elastic properties of dry lacustrine carbonates. At one study site, we perform a seismic refraction survey (100 Hz), as well as “sonic” (54 kHz) and ultrasonic (250 kHz) measurements directly on outcrop and ultrasonic measurements on samples (500 kHz). By comparing the median of each data set, we show that the P wave velocity decreases from laboratory to seismic scale. Nevertheless, the median of the sonic measurements acquired on outcrop surfaces seems to fit with the seismic data, meaning that sonic acquisition may be representative of seismic scale. To explain the variations due to upscaling, we relate the concept of representative elementary volume with the wavelength of each scale of study. Indeed, with upscaling, the wavelength varies from millimetric to pluri‐metric. This change of scale allows us to conclude that the behavior of P wave velocity is due to different geological features (matrix porosity, cracks, and fractures) related to the different wavelengths used. Based on effective medium theory, we quantify the pore aspect ratio at sample scale and the crack/fracture density at outcrop and seismic scales using a multiscale representative elementary volume concept. Results show that the matrix porosity that controls the ultrasonic P wave velocities is progressively lost with upscaling, implying that crack and fracture porosity impacts sonic and seismic P wave velocities, a result of paramount importance for seismic interpretation based on deterministic approaches.
An Investigation of the Ocean’s Role in Atlantic Multidecadal Variability

A mechanistic understanding of the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) is highly desirable since it will considerably aid regional and global climate predictions. Although ocean dynamics have long been invoked to explain the AMV, recent studies have cast doubt on its influence. Here we evaluate the necessity of ocean dynamics for the AMV using an observationally based idealized model that isolates the contribution of atmospheric forcing to the AMV. By demonstrating that this model underestimates the magnitude of the observed sea surface temperature variability in the extratropical North Atlantic, we infer that ocean dynamics contribute significantly to the AMV in this region. This inference holds when we add anthropogenic aerosol forcing and the effects of mixed layer depth variability to the idealized model. Thus, our study suggests that ocean heat transport convergence is needed to explain sea surface temperature variability in the extratropical North Atlantic. Sustained ocean observing systems in the this region will help untangle the physical mechanisms involved.
Validation of the modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire: Is wheeze alone enough for determination of asthma symptoms prevalence? -

Background: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol for asthma prevalence depended mainly on self-reported wheezing symptom in the past 12 months. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of asthma symptoms using self-reported wheezing versus combination of symptoms and spirometric criteria. Materials and Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study covering Northern, Eastern, Western and Central Sudan was conducted during 2009-2012. A modified ISAAC questionnaire for adults was distributed to university students, academic staff, employee and workers chosen randomly. 3974 respondents were included. Any subject with asthma symptoms was interviewed by another special questionnaire and had a bronchodilator reversibility test. Results: Average overall prevalence of asthma symptoms depending on wheeze only symptom was 10% with regional variation ranged from 6% in El Obeid (Western Sudan) to 13% in Kassala (Eastern Sudan). The use of combination of symptoms (wheeze + shortness of breath or nocturnal cough) was more correlated with the reversibility validated prevalence than wheezing alone in all study sites and total sample. Conclusion: Wheezing alone does not predict the true asthma prevalence and the use of combination of symptoms (wheeze plus) is essential to yield a valid asthma symptoms prevalence.
Quality of life among elderly living in old age homes and in family of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India

Ageing is an important part in each one’s life. As old age deteriorate normal physical, psychological factor, isolate them from the society and also leads to economic problems etc. India like many other developing countries in the world is witnessing the rapid ageing of its population. Changing cultural and family value system in present situation is one of the major reasons for increase in old age homes (OAHs) over the country as it causes economic compulsion to children which become the reason behind the abuse and negligence of elderly. Quality of life is determined by conditions of events and decisions during childhood and adulthood including environmental and lifestyle factors. The life-course approach to health means paying attention to individual life stages and transitions.
Network Pharmacology Identifies the Mechanisms of Action of TaohongSiwu Decoction Against Essential Hypertension

Background TaohongSiwu decoction (THSWT), a traditional herbal formula, has been used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as essential hypertension (EH) in China. However, the pharmacological mechanism is not clear. To investigate the mechanisms of THSWT in the treatment of EH, we performed compounds, targets prediction and network analysis using a network pharmacology method. Material/Methods We selected chemical constituents and targets of THSWT according to TCMSP and UniProtKB databases and collected therapeutic targets on EH from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Drugbank and DisGeNET databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed by using String database. Then network was constructed by using Cytoscape_v3. 7.1, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment was performed by using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) software. Results The results of our network pharmacology research showed that the THSWT, composed of 6 Chinese herbs, contained 15 compounds, and 23 genes regulated the main signaling pathways related to EH. Moreover, the PPI network based on targets of THSWT on EH revealed the interaction relationship between targets. These core compounds were 6 of the 15 disease-related compounds in the network, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, Myricanone, beta-sitosterol, baicalein, and the core genes contained ADRB2, CALM1, HMOX1, JUN, PPARG, and VEGFA, which were regulated by more than 3 compounds and significantly associated with Calcium signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Conclusions This network pharmacological study can reveal potential mechanisms of multi-target and multi-component THSWT in the treatment of EH, provide a scientific basis for studying the mechanism.
Hypersensitivity reactions to low molecular weight heparin in a pregnant woman : : case report

Itchy, erythematous or eczematous plaques occurring at the site of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injection are generally attributed to delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) and are reported in the 10% of patients. An even higher risk of reactions to these compounds is described during pregnancy, with an estimated incidence of 19.8%1. Nadroparin is the LMWH with the highest incidence of DHR, as compared, for instance, to dalteparin or enoxaparin. Skin tests, epicutaneous tests and subcutaneous challenge with these compounds have shown an adequate sensitivity and specificity for diagnostic purposes, but we still lack standardised guidelines for selecting safe alternative LMWHs. Cross-reactivity among different LMWHs has been reported in literature in 33-73% of patients. Potential alternative antithrombotic compounds are the heparinoids danaparoid and pentosan polysulfate. Fondaparinux (a chemically synthesised sulfatised pentasaccharide) is actually considered the alternative of choice in cases of allergic reactions to LMWHs, but the experience with this drug during pregnancy is limited to a small cohort of patients, with safety and economical issues yet to be completely addressed. Skin tests with LMWHs have proven to have quite a high negative predictive value, and might be reliably suggested for the identification of safe alternative heparins.
Correlations between personality traits and roosting behaviours suggest a behavioural syndrome in little brown bats

Behavioural syndromes are composed of correlated suites of personality traits and can include traits related to the behaviour and ecology of free-ranging animals. We used captive little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) to test the hypothesis that behaviours measured in standardized tests reflect personality traits and form behavioural syndromes with roosting behaviours. We predicted: (1) measured behaviours would be repeatable; (2) personality traits and roosting behaviours would form behavioural syndromes; and (3) individuals with similar personality scores would associate more strongly. We observed repeatability for some traits and evidence of behavioural syndromes. Activity was strongly repeatable across time and contexts. More central individuals roosted in larger groups, while individuals with high roost-fidelity roosted in larger groups. Individuals with similar activity scores were also more likely to associate in day roosts, suggesting some behavioural assortment. Our results have implications for how behavioural variation might influence transmission of white-nose syndrome.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF POLICY CHANGE ON PHYSICAL CONTACTS IN YOUTH ICE HOCKEY USING VIDEO ANALYSIS

Background Policy disallowing body checking in youth ice hockey significantly reduces the risk of injury and concussion. Based on video analysis, frequency and intensity of player to player physical contacts (PCs) are higher in Pee Wee players (ages 11–12) in leagues allowing body checking, however this has not been examined in Bantam leagues (ages 13–14). Objective To determine the association between body checking policy and the frequency and intensity of physical contacts in Bantam ice hockey players (ages 13–14). Design Cohort study. Setting Ice hockey arenas. Participants Thirteen non-elite (lowest 60% by division of play) Bantam ice hockey games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (2014–15 season) and 13 non-elite games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (2014–15 season) were videotaped. Intervention Policy allowed body checking in Calgary and not Vancouver in the non-elite levels (2014–15). Main Outcome Measurements Incidence rate ratios [IRRs] (adjusted for player position) were estimated using multiple Poisson regression to examine the effect of body checking policy on player-to-player PCs [levels 1–5 with increasing intensity (levels correspond to 4–5 body checking)] and hooking/slashing behaviours. Results Lower rates of higher intensity contacts (levels 4–5 body checking) were observed in Bantam ice hockey players in a league where body checking was disallowed [IRR=0.09; 95% CI: 0.05–0.15]. Players in a league where body checking was disallowed, however, had significantly higher rates of hooking and slashing behaviours [IRR=1.81; 95% CI: 1.33–2.47]. Conclusions Bantam ice hockey players in a league where policy disallowed body checking are at a lower risk of high intensity physical contacts, but commit higher rates of hooking and slashing behaviours. This research informs the mechanisms explaining injury risk reduction related to body checking policy change and have important national public health implications for policy decisions related to rule enforcement in youth sport.