Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Global Combustion Properties with Simple Fuel Property Measurements for Alternative Jet Fuels

Global combustion characteristics of one conventional jet fuel (JP-8) and four non-petroleum alternative jet fuels (Shell Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (SPK), Sasol Iso-Paraffinic Kerosene (IPK), Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ Camelina and HRJ Tallow)) are experimentally examined. The ranking of the fully pre-vaporized global combustion characteristics of these five fuels has been hypothesized
MnOx-Promoted PdAg Alloy Nanoparticles for the Additive-Free Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid at Room Temperature

Formic acid (HCOOH) has a great potential as a safe and a convenient hydrogen carrier for fuel cell applications. However, efficient and CO-free hydrogen production through the decomposition of formic acid at low temperatures ( 99%) at complete conversion (>99%). Moreover this new catalytic system enables facile catalyst recovery and very high stability against agglomeration, leaching, and CO poisoning. Through a comprehensive set of structural and functional characterization experiments, mechanistic origins of the unusually high catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability of this unique .
In situ monitoring of ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composites through power and displacement data

Ultrasonic welding is a very fast joining technique well suited for thermoplastic composites, which does not require the use of foreign materials at the welding interface for either carbon or glass fibre-reinforced substrates. Despite very interesting investigations carried out by several researchers on different aspects of the process, ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composite parts is not well understood yet. This article presents a deep experimental analysis of the transformations and heating mechanisms at the welding interface and their relationship with the dissipated power and the displacement of the sonotrode as provided by a microprocessor-controlled ultrasonic welder. The main aim of this research is to build up the knowledge to enable straightforward monitoring of the process and ultimately of the weld quality through the feedback provided by the ultrasonic welder.
Comparative Structural and Functional Analysis of Orthomyxovirus Polymerase Cap-Snatching Domains

Orthomyxovirus Influenza A virus (IAV) heterotrimeric polymerase performs transcription of viral mRNAs by cap-snatching, which involves generation of capped primers by host pre-mRNA binding via the PB2 subunit cap-binding site and cleavage 10–13 nucleotides from the 5′ cap by the PA subunit endonuclease. Thogotoviruses, tick-borne orthomyxoviruses that includes Thogoto (THOV), Dhori (DHOV) and Jos (JOSV) viruses, are thought to perform cap-snatching by cleaving directly after the cap and thus have no heterogeneous, host-derived sequences at the 5′ extremity of their mRNAs. Based on recent work identifying the cap-binding and endonuclease domains in IAV polymerase, we determined the crystal structures of two THOV PB2 domains, the putative cap-binding and the so-called ‘627-domain’, and the structures of the putative endonuclease domains (PA-Nter) of THOV and DHOV. Despite low sequence similarity, corresponding domains have the same fold confirming the overall architectural similarity of orthomyxovirus polymerases. However the putative Thogotovirus cap-snatching domains in PA and PB2 have non-conservative substitutions of key active site residues. Biochemical analysis confirms that, unlike the IAV domains, the THOV and DHOV PA-Nter domains do not bind divalent cations and have no endonuclease activity and the THOV central PB2 domain does not bind cap analogues. On the other hand, sequence analysis suggests that other, non-influenza, orthomyxoviruses, such as salmon anemia virus (isavirus) and Quaranfil virus likely conserve active cap-snatching domains correlating with the reported occurrence of heterogeneous, host-derived sequences at the 5′ end of the mRNAs of these viruses. These results highlight the unusual nature of transcription initiation by Thogotoviruses.
Accessing Inaccessible Interfaces: In Situ Approaches to Materials Tribology

The field of materials tribology has entered a phase of instrumentation and measurement that involves accessing and following the detailed chemical, structural, and physical interactions that govern friction and wear. Fundamental tribological research involves the development of new experimental methods capable of monitoring phenomena that occur within the life of a sliding contact. Measuring friction phenomena while the process is ongoing is a major improvement over earlier techniques that required the surfaces to be separated and analyzed, thereby interrupting the friction-causing event and modifying surface conditions. In the past, MRS Bulletin has highlighted how in situ approaches can greatly enhance our understanding of materials structure, processing, and performance. This issue highlights in situ approaches as applied to materials tribology, namely, the study of contacting surfaces and interfaces in relative motion.
Study Concerning the Thermal Insulation Panels with Double-Side Anti-Condensation Foil on the Exterior and Polyurethane Foam or Polyisocyanurate on the Interior

The paper aims to assess the energy performance of a thermal rehabilitated ground floor building by using new thermal insulation panels with double-side anti-condensation foil on the exterior and polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate on the interior (PUR or PIR) in various ways. The study also wants to emphasize the benefits of using these insulating materials encouraging their further use. Therefore, five scenarios are carried out, four thermal rehabilitation scenarios and the reference building scenario, without thermal insulation. The obtained results are evaluated by comparison. The results point out the energy performance of PUR and PIR used as thermal insulation panels for the building envelope but also the economic impact and the economic efficiency that involves using such panels. This work is based on the energy efficiency requirements targeting the building envelope and takes into account mainly the behavior of the envelope elements while the heating system is treated in a simplified manner, considering its usual efficiency. The conclusions highlight the main advantages of using these panels for buildings thermal rehabilitation compared to other common materials, such as polystyrene or mineral wool.
Effect of Plum Puree on Quality Characteristics and Sensory Attributes of Functional Chevon Patties

Three different levels (1%, 3% and 5%) of plum puree were attempted in the formulation of low sodium reduced fat meat emulsion to evaluate the possibility of its utilization as antioxidants in chevon patties. The product was evaluated for various quality characteristics and sensory attributes. The pH, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were significantly (P 0.05) in either of the treatment. Yellowness (b*) and redness (a*) values increased and lightness (L) value decreased significantly (P<0.05) with the increasing level of plum puree. All the sensory attributes were either comparable or higher score for PP2 compared to control. Therefore, plum puree at 3% may suitably be used in the development of functional chevon patties without affecting quality and sensory attributes.
Juniperus compacta (Cupressaceae) a new species from Mexico

Recent nrDNA and trnC-trnD sequence data revealed that J. monticola and J. m. f. compacta are not monophyletic, and this prompted additional research using Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). The SNPs data clearly show that J. monticola f. compacta is not conspecific with J. monticola f. monticola. Juniperus monticola f. compacta Mart. is raised to the specific level as: Juniperus compacta (Mart.) R. P. Adams, comb. et. stat. nov.
Retiring the Central Executive

Reasoning, problem solving, comprehension, learning and retrieval, inhibition, switching, updating, or multitasking are often referred to as higher cognition, thought to require control processes or the use of a central executive. However, the concept of an executive controller begs the question of what is controlling the controller and so on, leading to an infinite hierarchy of executives or “homunculi”. In what is now a QJEP citation classic, Baddeley [Baddeley, A. D. (1996). Exploring the central executive. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 49A, 5–28] referred to the concept of a central executive in cognition as a “conceptual ragbag” that acted as a placeholder umbrella term for aspects of cognition that are complex, were poorly understood at the time, and most likely involve several different cognitive functions working in concert. He suggested that with systematic empirical research, advances in understanding might progress sufficiently to allow the executive concept to be “sacked”. This article offers an overview of the 1996 article and of some subsequent systematic research and argues that after two decades of research, there is sufficient advance in understanding to suggest that executive control might arise from the interaction among multiple different functions in cognition that use different, but overlapping, brain networks. The article concludes that the central executive concept might now be offered a dignified retirement.
An Analysis of Writing Dispositions of 6th Grade Students in Terms of Different Variables.

Accepted: 17.04. 2014 This research was conducted with an aim to analyze the writing dispositions of the 6 th grade students in terms of different variables. The research was carried out based on the descriptive survey model. The participants of the research are composed of a total of 672 students as 342 male students and 330 female students from Ankara, Balıkesir, Bartın, Adana, and Kayseri. The research data were obtained by the application of “Personal Information Form” developed by the researchers and “Writing Disposition Scale” developed by Piazza and Siebert (2008) and adapted to Turkish by İşeri and Ünal (2010). For the evaluation of the data, percent, frequency, average scores, t-tests of the independent groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests as Scheffe and Dunnett-C, Kruskall-Wallis-H and Mann-Whitney-U tests were applied. As a result of the findings obtained, it was found out that the dispositions of the 6 th grade students vary by gender, monthly income of the family, home city, frequency of reading books and whether they read a periodical on a regular basis whereas such writing dispositions of the 6 th grades did not vary by GPA (grade-point average) and whether the family bought a newspaper for home on a regular basis.
Muscle hypertrophy following blood flow-restricted, low-force isometric electrical stimulation in rat tibialis anterior: role for muscle hypoxia.

Low-force exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) elicits muscle hypertrophy as seen typically after higher-force exercise. We investigated the effects of microvascular hypoxia [i.e., low microvascular O2 partial pressures (P mvO2)] during contractions on muscle hypertrophic signaling, growth response, and key muscle adaptations for increasing exercise capacity. Wistar rats were fitted with a cuff placed around the upper thigh and inflated to restrict limb blood flow. Low-force isometric contractions (30 Hz) were evoked via electrical stimulation of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. The P mvO2 was determined by phosphorescence quenching. Rats underwent acute and chronic stimulation protocols. Whereas P mvO2 decreased transiently with 30 Hz contractions, simultaneous BFR induced severe hypoxia, reducing P mvO2 lower than present for maximal (100 Hz) contractions. Low-force electrical stimulation (EXER) induced muscle hypertrophy (6.2%, P < 0.01), whereas control group conditions or BFR alone did not. EXER+BFR also induced an increase in muscle mass (11.0%, P < 0.01) and, unique among conditions studied, significantly increased fiber cross-sectional area in the superficial TA ( P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 was enhanced by EXER+BFR, as were peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α and glucose transporter 4 protein levels. Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), and cluster of differentiation 147 increased with EXER alone. EXER+BFR significantly increased MCT1 expression more than EXER alone. These data demonstrate that microvascular hypoxia during contractions is not essential for hypertrophy. However, hypoxia induced via BFR may potentiate the muscle hypertrophic response (as evidenced by the increased superficial fiber cross-sectional area) with increased glucose transporter and mitochondrial biogenesis, which contributes to the pleiotropic effects of exercise training with BFR that culminate in an improved capacity for sustained exercise. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the effects of low microvascular O2 partial pressures (P mvO2) during contractions on muscle hypertrophic signaling and key elements in the muscle adaptation for increasing exercise capacity. Although demonstrating that muscle hypoxia is not obligatory for the hypertrophic response to low-force, electrically induced muscle contractions, the reduced P mvO2 enhanced ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation and potentiated the hypertrophic response. Furthermore, contractions with blood flow restriction increased oxidative capacity, glucose transporter, and mitochondrial biogenesis, which are key determinants of the pleiotropic effects of exercise training.
Analysis of SMA hybrid composite structures using commercial codes

A thermomechanical model for shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators and SMA hybrid composite (SMAHC) structures has been recently implemented in the commercial finite element codes MSC.Nastran and ABAQUS. The model may be easily implemented in any code that has the capability for analysis of laminated composite structures with temperature dependent material properties. The model is also relatively easy to use and requires input of only fundamental engineering properties. A brief description of the model is presented, followed by discussion of implementation and usage in the commercial codes. Results are presented from static and dynamic analysis of SMAHC beams of two types; a beam clamped at each end and a cantilevered beam. Nonlinear static (post-buckling) and random response analyses are demonstrated for the first specimen. Static deflection (shape) control is demonstrated for the cantilevered beam. Approaches for modeling SMAHC material systems with embedded SMA in ribbon and small round wire product forms are demonstrated and compared. The results from the commercial codes are compared to those from a research code as validation of the commercial implementations; excellent correlation is achieved in all cases.
Re-Refining of Waste Lubricating Oil by Solvent Extraction

Re-refining of waste lubricating oil by solvent extraction is one of the potential techniques. The advantages of solvent extraction technique practically offers from environmental and economic points of view have received due attention. In this paper selection of composite solvent and technique to upgrade the used lubricant oil into base oil has been made. The composite solvent 2-propanol, 1-butanol and butanone have two alcohols that make a binary system reasonably effective. This work also attempts to study the performance of the composite solvent in the extraction process for recovering waste lubricating oil. The key parameters considered were vacuum pressure, temperature and the weight ratio of solvent to waste lubricating oil. The performance was investigated on the PSR (Percentage Sludge Removal) and POL (Percent Oil Loss). The best results were obtained using composite solvent 25% 2-propanol, 37% 1-butanol and 38% butanone by a solvent to oil ratio of 6:1 at vacuum pressure 600mmHg and distillation temperature 250 o C. The vacuum distilled oil pretreated with the composite solvents was matched to the standard base oil 500N and 150N, found in close agreement and could be used for similar purpose.
Summary on calibration method of line-structured light sensor

Line-structured light sensor (LLS) can provide the capability of three-dimensional point acquisition for robotics. As one type of 3D scanners, LLS has been widely used in many filed of robotics for its strong anti-interference, fast scanning speed and high measuring accuracy. Researchers have been studying the methods to improve the accuracy, and the operability of the LLS for many years. In this paper, calibration methods for LLS are reviewed, which covers the calibration target and the light plane calibration methods. What's more, some potential improvements are discussed and analyzed. This review paper can be used as a reference guide for researchers to choose suitable calibration method and calibration target for developing an applicable LLS.
Moisture sensitivity of the deformation properties of unbound granular materials

A series of Repeated Load Triaxial (RLT) tests was carried out on a typical Unbound Granular Material (UGM), used as base layers in thin flexible pavements. The tests were performed with different moisture contents to enhance the understanding of the effect of moisture on the deformation properties that may be used for future modeling and design. The grain size distributions of the materials were altered to study the effect on the moisture sensitivity. The influence of moisture on the resilient deformation properties was investigated using the resilient test protocol from the European standard. An existing stress dependent resilient modulus (MR) model was calibrated using the test data and the variation of the model parameters with moisture was investigated. The parameters of a moisture-dependent MR model were also studied for their dependency on the grain size distribution. The multi-stage (MS) loading approach according to the European standard was used to obtain information about the influence of moisture on the permanent deformation characteristics. Results indicate that both the resilient and permanent deformations increase with increasing moisture content. These effects are more pronounced for materials with finer grading.
Towards an Understanding of Mesocestoides vogae Fatty Acid Binding Proteins’ Roles

Two fatty acid binding proteins, MvFABPa and MvFABPb were identified in the parasite Mesocestoides vogae (Platyhelmithes, Cestoda). Fatty acid binding proteins are small intracellular proteins whose members exhibit great diversity. Proteins of this family have been identified in many organisms, of which Platyhelminthes are among the most primitive. These proteins have particular relevance in flatworms since de novo synthesis of fatty acids is absent. Fatty acids should be captured from the media needing an efficient transport system to uptake and distribute these molecules. While HLBPs could be involved in the shuttle of fatty acids to the surrounding host tissues and convey them into the parasite, FABPs could be responsible for the intracellular trafficking. In an effort to understand the role of MvFABPs in fatty acid transport of M. vogae larvae, we analysed the intracellular localization of both MvFABPs and the co-localization with in vivo uptake of fatty acid analogue BODIPY FL C16. Immunohistochemical studies on larvae sections using specific antibodies, showed a diffuse cytoplasmic distribution of each protein with some expression in nuclei and mitochondria. MvFABPs distribution was confirmed by mass spectrometry identification from 2D-electrophoresis of larvae subcellular fractions. This work is the first report showing intracellular distribution of MvFABPs as well as the co-localization of these proteins with the BODIPY FL C16 incorporated from the media. Our results suggest that fatty acid binding proteins could target fatty acids to cellular compartments including nuclei. In this sense, M. vogae FABPs could participate in several cellular processes fulfilling most of the functions attributed to vertebrate’s counterparts.
Zomepirac Acyl Glucuronide Is Responsible for Zomepirac-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice

Glucuronidation, an important phase II metabolic route, is generally considered to be a detoxification pathway. However, acyl glucuronides (AGs) have been implicated in the toxicity of carboxylic acid drugs due to their electrophilic reactivity. Zomepirac (ZP) was withdrawn from the market because of adverse effects such as renal toxicity. Although ZP is mainly metabolized to acyl glucuronide (ZP-AG) by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, the role of ZP-AG in renal toxicity is unknown. In this study, we established a ZP-induced kidney injury mouse model by pretreatment with tri-o-tolyl phosphate (TOTP), a nonselective esterase inhibitor, and l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione synthesis inhibitor. The role of ZP-AG in renal toxicity was investigated using this model. The model showed significant increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE), but not alanine aminotransferase. The ZP-AG concentrations were elevated by cotreatment with TOTP in the plasma and liver and especially in the kidney. The ZP-AG concentrations in the kidney correlated with values for BUN and CRE. Upon histopathological examination, vacuoles and infiltration of mononuclear cells were observed in the model mouse. In addition to immune-related responses, oxidative stress markers, such as the glutathione/disulfide glutathione ratio and malondialdehyde levels, were different in the mouse model. The suppression of ZP-induced kidney injury by tempol, an antioxidant agent, suggested the involvement of oxidative stress in ZP-induced kidney injury. This is the first study to demonstrate that AG accumulation in the kidney by TOTP and BSO treatment could explain renal toxicity and to show the in vivo toxicological potential of AGs.
Same-Day Imaging Using Small Proteins: Clinical Experience and Translational Prospects in Oncology

Imaging of expression of therapeutic targets may enable stratification of patients for targeted treatments. The use of small radiolabeled probes based on the heavy-chain variable region of heavy-chain–only immunoglobulins or nonimmunoglobulin scaffolds permits rapid localization of radiotracers in tumors and rapid clearance from normal tissues. This makes high-contrast imaging possible on the day of injection. This mini review focuses on small proteins for radionuclide-based imaging that would allow same-day imaging, with the emphasis on clinical applications and promising preclinical developments within the field of oncology.