Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation and experimental measurement of acoustic wave reflectometry for leak detection in pipes

Leakage of oil and gas pipe systems, water pipes and other pipe networks can cause serious environmental, health and economic problems. In order to minimise the damages brought to the environment, human health and the economic issues, rapid non-destructive detection of pipeline leakage is imperative. In recent works, number of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods was used in detecting this defect in pipeline systems such ultrasonic, magnetic particle inspection, pressure transient and acoustic wave methods. In this study, the acoustic wave method and a modal frequency technique are used to detect leakage in pipeline system. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to simulate acoustic wave propagation in fluid-filled pipes with leakage. Furthermore, experimental testing was conducted to validate some of the numerical results. The experiment performed consisted of the measurement of acoustic wave propagation in a straight fluid-filled pipe. The FEA analysis of fluidfilled pipe can be used to simulate the acoustic wave propagation and acoustic wave reflectometry of a fluid-filled pipe with leakage of different using the ACAX element in order for accurate predictions. Also, the measured signal of acoustic wave propagation in pipeline from the experiment can be decomposed and de-noised to identify and locate leakages of different sizes.
Examining Associations Between Funtional Brain Activation and Behavior in Adolescents With a History of Prenatal Drug Exposure

METHODS Prenatal Drug Exposure (PDE) and Development in Childhood Previous research examining outcomes in children with a history of PDE has yielded mixed results. In most global domains, such as physical growth or IQ, the effects of prenatal drug exposure on development do not appear to be greater than those observed with other teratogens or more powerful than other known environmental risk factors (e.g., poverty; Frank et al 2001). However, reports examining specific cognitive domains, such as executive functioning or visual-spatial skills, have reported deleterious effects of PDE. For example, one study of 4-year-old children documented impairments in visual-spatial abilities, as measured by the Weschler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence-Revised, in exposed children despite the fact that IQ scores were similar to the nonexposed comparison group (Singer et al., 2004). Other studies of school-aged children have reported impaired performance on tests of visuospatial working memory (Schroder et al., 2004, Mayes et al., 2006). However, it remains unclear whether these effects persist into adolescence.
Using word recognition tests to estimate premorbid IQ in early dementia: Longitudinal data

This study examined the utility of word recognition scores for estimating actual Verbal IQ scores obtained from 1–5 years earlier. Participants were 271 persons remaining normal and 24 initially normal persons who developed cognitive impairment over longitudinal follow-up. A previously published regression equation based on education and the American modification of the National Adult Reading Test (Nelson, 1982) was used to estimate Mayo Verbal IQ. In spite of correlating well with prior obtained scores (r = .7) the predicted score tended to overestimate the obtained Mayo Verbal IQ. A revised equation was developed in the normal sample, which improved accuracy of prediction. Among the 24 persons who developed cognitive impairment over a 5-year span, the revised predicted scores provided reasonable estimates of initial Mayo Verbal IQ. To aid in clinical interpretation, a table of the normal frequencies of predicted Mayo Verbal IQ minus contemporaneously obtained Mayo Verbal IQ is provided. (JINS, 1997, 3, 528–533.)
Modulation of the Host Cell Proteome by the Intracellular Apicomplexan Parasite Toxoplasma gondii

ABSTRACT To investigate how intracellular parasites manipulate their host cell environment at the molecular level, we undertook a quantitative proteomic study of cells following infection with the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Using conventional two-dimensional electrophoresis, difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE), and mass spectrometry, we identified host proteins that were consistently modulated in expression following infection. We detected modification of protein expression in key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid and sterol metabolism, mitosis, apoptosis, and structural-protein expression, suggestive of global reprogramming of cell metabolism by the parasite. Many of the differentially expressed proteins had not been previously implicated in the response to the parasite, while others provide important corroborative protein evidence for previously proposed hypotheses of pathogen-cell interactions. Significantly, over one-third of all modulated proteins were mitochondrial, and this was further investigated by DIGE analysis of a mitochondrion-enriched preparation from infected cells. Comparison of our proteomic data with previous transcriptional studies suggested that a complex relationship exits between transcription and protein expression that may be partly explained by posttranslational modifications of proteins and revealed the importance of investigating protein changes when interpreting transcriptional data. To investigate this further, we used phosphatase treatment and DIGE to demonstrate changes in the phosphorylation states of several key proteins following infection. Overall, our findings indicate that the host cell proteome responds in a dramatic way to T. gondii invasion, in terms of both protein expression changes and protein modifications, and reveal a complex and intimate molecular relationship between host and parasite.
Solving Linear Pseudo-Boolean Constraint Problems with Local Search

Stochastic local search is one of the most successful methods for model finding in propositional satisfiability. However, many combinatorial problems have no concise propositional encoding. In this paper, we show that domain-independent local search for satisfiability (Walksat) can be generalized to handle systems of linear pseudo-Boolean (0-1 integer) constraints, a representation that is widely used in operations research. We introduce the algorithm WSAT (PB) and demonstrate its potential in two case studies. The first application is an optimization problem from radar surveillance. Experiments on problems of realistic size show that WSAT (PB) is an efficient heuristic to find good approximate solutions. For most of the test problems, it found provably optimal solutions. In the second case study, we show that pseudo-Boolean local search can efficiently solve the progressive party problem, a problem that is hard for constraint programming with chronological backtracking, and whose 0-1 encoding is beyond the size limitations of integer linear programming.
Technology in Early Childhood Education: Finding the Balance. By Request Series.

This booklet is the seventeenth in a series addressing current educational concerns. The booklet focuses on technology in the early childhood classroom, discussing technology and child development, technology in the curriculum, and technology-related inequities. The booklet includes a discussion of research and literature, implications for policy and practice, a description of how Northwestern educators are using technology in early childhood classrooms, and selected resources. (Contains 27 references.) (EV) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
Difference threshold test for M-FSK signaling with Reed-Solomon coding and diversity combining in Rayleigh fading channels

The difference threshold test (DTT) is considered as a reliability measure in noncoherent M-ary orthogonal frequency shift keying signaling with Reed-Solomon coding and diversity combining under the multichannel environment. The DTT declares erasures when the difference between the largest and second largest energy detector outputs does not exceed a given threshold. We show that the DTT outperforms the ratio threshold test (RTT) for finite modulation size and diversity order. The asymptotic performance for infinite modulation size and diversity order is then investigated. It is proved that the minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required to achieve error-free communication for the DTT is the same as that for the RTT.
HMMs with Explicit State Duration Applied to Handwritten Arabic Word Recognition

This paper describes an off-line segmentation-free handwritten Arabic words recognition system. The described system uses discrete HMMs with explicit state duration of various kinds (Gauss, Poisson and gamma) for the word classification purpose. After preprocessing, the word image is analyzed from right to left in order to extract from it a sequence of feature vectors. Then, vector quantization is applied to this sequence and its output is submitted to a HMMs classifier based on a likelihood criterion for identifying the word using the viterbi algorithm. Several experiments were performed using the IFN/ENIT benchmark database, they showed, on the one hand, a substantial improvement in the recognition rate when HMMs with explicit state duration of either discrete or continuous distribution are used instead of classical HMMs (i.e. with implicit state duration), on the other hand, the gamma distribution for the state duration, that have given the best recognition rate (91.23 % in top 2), seems more suitable for the HMMs based modeling of Arabic handwriting
The hormone withdrawal hypothesis of postpartum depression: A translational approach

The hormone withdrawal hypothesis of postpartum depression (PPD) attributes the onset of depressive symptoms to the rapid postpartum withdrawal of the ovarian hormones estradiol and progesterone that occurs during the first five days following childbirth. Although a number of human and non-human animal studies have supported the hormone withdrawal hypothesis, several studies have failed to support this hypothesis. The current research was designed to test the hormone withdrawal hypothesis of PPD using a novel translational research design that includes a series of experimental animal studies and a longitudinal human study. It was hypothesized that estradiol and progesterone withdrawal would cause increased behavioral despair, anhedonia, and anxiety in the rodent studies. In the human study, it was hypothesized that 1) decreases in estradiol would be associated with increases in negative affect and decreases in positive affect; 2) decreases in progesterone would be associated with increases in anxiety; and 3) these associations would be stronger in women with a past episode of PPD compared to those without a history of PPD. In the animal studies, rats were ovariectomized and administered ovarian hormones or placebo (i.e., hormone administration), followed by placebo only (i.e., withdrawal). Animals in these experiments were given the forcedswim test to measure behavioral despair; lateral hypothalamic selfstimulation to measure anhedonia; or the elevated plus maze to measure anxiety. In the human study, women made mood ratings and collected saliva samples daily starting in the third trimester and continuing until 10 days postpartum. In the animal studies, withdrawal from estradiol alone was associated with behavioral despair (t=2.26, p=.02) and anhedonia (t=3.2, p=.007). In the human study, there a significant prospective association between estradiol and negative affect in women who developed PPD (r=-0.34, p<.001). This association, when combined with group status (i.e., history of PPD versus no history of depression), was used to correctly identify 100% of women who developed PPD. The results of this project contribute to evidence of a neurobiological basis for PPD. Estradiol
22 A Model of Evolutionary Change in Proteins

In the eight years since we last examined the amino acid exchanges seen in closely related proteins,' the information has doubled in quantity and comes from a much wider variety of protein types. The matrices derived from these data that describe the amino acid replacement probabilities between two sequences at various evolutionary distances are more accurate and the scoring matrix that is derived is more sensitive i n detecting distant relationships than the one that we previously deri~ed.2,~ The method used 'in this chapter is essentially the same as that described in the Atlas, Volume 34 and Volume 5. ' An accepted poinfmutation in a protein is a replacement of one amino acid by another, accepted by natural selection. I t is the result of two distinct processes: the first is the Occurrence of a mutation in the portion of the gene template producing one amino acid of a protein: the second is the acceptance. of the mutation by the species as the new predominant form. To be accepted, the new amino acid usually must function in a way similar to the old one: chemical and physical similarities are found between the amino acids that are observed to interchange frequently. Any complete discussion of the observed behavior of amino acids in the evolutionary process must consider the frequency of change of each amino acid to each other one and the propensity of each to remain unchanged. There are 20 X 20 = 400 possible comparisons. To collect a useful amount of information on these, a great many observations are necessary. The body of data used in this study includes 1,572 changes i n 71 groups of closely related proteins appearing in the Atlas volumes through Supplement 2. The mutation data were accumulated from the phylo-genetic trees and from a few pairs of related sequences. The sequences of all the nodal common ancestors in each tree are routinely generated. Consider, for example, the much simplified artificial phylogenic tree of Figure 78. 345 The matrix of accepted point mutations calculated from this tree is shown in Figure 79. We have assumed that the likelihood of amino acid X replacing Y is the same as that of Y replacing X, and hence 1 is entered in box YX as well as in box XY. This assumption is reasonable, because this likelihood should depend on the product of the frequencies of occurrence of the two …
The Role of Hormones in the Aging of Plants - A Mini-Review

Background: In plants, the final stage of organ development is termed senescence. This is a deterioration process that leads to the decay of tissues and organs, and that, in the case of annual, biennial and/or monocarpic plants, leads to the death of the plant itself. The main function of leaf senescence is nutrient recycle and, since this confers an adaptive advantage, it can be considered an evolutionary selected process. Multiple developmental and environmental signals control senescence, and among them plant hormones are understood to play important roles. In particular, the function of cytokinins and ethylene in senescence has been studied for decades, but it is only since Arabidopsis thaliana was established as a model organism for molecular genetic studies that the underlying molecular and biochemical events have begun to be elucidated. Methods: In this review, we summarize the present understanding of the role of hormones in the developmental control of leaf senescence in plants and in particular highlight recent studies which address its molecular control. Results: Important findings which connect hormone action to developmental senescence were made in the past few years. For example, it was shown that ethylene activity in natural, age-dependent leaf senescence is conferred by the regulatory function of EIN2, an ethylene-signaling component, in the control of the transcription factor oresara 1 (ORE1), which regulates a large set of senescence-associated genes in their expression. ORE1 mRNA abundance is regulated by the microRNA miR164, which in aging plants is degraded in an EIN2-dependent manner, and it is interesting that another microRNA also governs the hormonal control of senescence. miR319 regulates mRNA abundance of a class of transcription factors which control the expression of LOX2 (lipoxygenase 2), a key enzyme in the JA biosynthetic pathway, and thereby regulates JA homeostasis in senescing leaves. Conclusion: Reverse and forward genetics have facilitated the elucidation of molecular mechanisms involved in the control of leaf senescence by phytohormones. Studies initiated on the interactions between the different hormonal pathways that control leaf senescence should improve our knowledge in the future.
What determines online consumers to migrate from PCs to mobile devices? - An empirical approach on consumers' internet cross-channel behaviours

With the improvement of telecommunication and wireless internet-access technologies, smart mobile devices have been extensively applied for mobile shopping. In this paper, PPM model is taken as a theoretical framework and an empirical research method is employed to determine the antecedents influencing consumers' decisions on migrating from PC-based shopping to mobile shopping. We found that inconvenience, perceived high price, security, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use are the significant antecedents influencing consumers' channel migration intention of choosing mobile shopping; while the hypothesis of switching cost is not supported.
Long-term health effects in adults born during the Holocaust.

BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that exposure to starvation and stress between conception and early infancy may have deleterious effects on health later in life; this phenomenon is termed fetal origin of adult disease. OBJECTIVES To determine whether exposure to the Holocaust from preconception to early infancy is a cause of chronic morbidity in adulthood. METHODS This pilot study involved 70 European Jews born in countries under Nazi rule (exposed group) during the period 1940-1945 who were interviewed to determine the presence of chronic diseases. A control group of 230 Israeli-born individuals of the same descent, age, and gender distribution were extracted from the Israel National Health Interview Survey-2 (unexposed group). The prevalence of selected risk factors and chronic diseases was compared between the groups. RESULTS The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and morbidity was significantly higher in the exposed group: body mass index (BMI) (29.06 +/- 3.2 vs. 26.97 +/- 4.42, P = 0.015), hypertension (62.9% vs. 43%, P = 0.003), dyslipidemia (72.9% vs. 46.1%, P < 0.001), diabetes (32.9% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.006), angina pectoris (18.6% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.001) and congestive heart failure (8.6% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.013). The prevalence of cancer (30.0% vs. 8.7% P < 0.001), peptic ulcer disease (21.4% vs. 7%, P = 0.001), headaches/migraines (24.3% vs. 12.6%, P < 0.001) and anxiety/depression (50.0% vs. 8.3%, P < 0.001) was also higher in the exposed group. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that exposure to Holocaust conditions in early life may be associated with a higher prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular morbidity, malignancy and peptic diseases in adulthood. These findings set the stage for further research, which might define those exposed as a high risk group for chronic morbidity.
Generation of Macrophage Variants With 5‐Azacytidine: Selection for Mannose Receptor Expression

Mannose receptors are expressed only in primary macrophages. Established macrophage‐derived cell lines, although apparently possessing the potential to synthesize mannose receptors, do not express them on their plasma membranes. Using the drug 5‐Azacytidine, mannose receptor expression was induced in the macrophage‐derived mouse cell line J774. Receptor positive cells were sorted through a fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS) prior to cloning. Clones were isolated which continuously express mannose receptors in culture. These macrophages were able to endocytose β‐glucuronidase and phagocytose yeast particles via mannose receptors. Secretion of the lysosomal enzyme β‐hexosaminidase was also reduced in proportion to the degree of mannose receptor expression.
Challenges Toward Wireless Communications for High-Speed Railway

High-speed railway (HSR) brings convenience to peoples' lives and is generally considered as one of the most sustainable developments for ground transportation. One of the important parts of HSR construction is the signaling system, which is also called the “operation control system,” where wireless communications play a key role in the transmission of train control data. We discuss in detail the main differences in scientific research for wireless communications between the HSR operation scenarios and the conventional public land mobile scenarios. The latest research progress in wireless channel modeling in viaducts, cuttings, and tunnels scenarios are discussed. The characteristics of nonstationary channel and the line-of-sight (LOS) sparse and LOS multiple-input-multiple-output channels, which are the typical channels in HSR scenarios, are analyzed. Some novel concepts such as composite transportation and key challenging techniques such as train-to-train communication, vacuum maglev train techniques, the security for HSR, and the fifth-generation wireless communications related techniques for future HSR development for safer, more comfortable, and more secure HSR operation are also discussed.
Genome-Wide Association Study Provides Insight into the Genetic Control of Plant Height in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Plant height is a key morphological trait of rapeseed. In this study, we measured plant height of a rapeseed population across six environments. This population contains 476 inbred lines representing the major Chinese rapeseed genepool and 44 lines from other countries. The 60K Brassica Infinium® SNP array was utilized to genotype the association panel. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed via three methods, including a robust, novel, nonparametric Anderson–Darling (A–D) test. Consequently, 68 loci were identified as significantly associated with plant height (P < 5.22 × 10−5), and more than 70% of the loci (48) overlapped the confidence intervals of reported QTLs from nine mapping populations. Moreover, 24 GWAS loci were detected with selective sweep signals, which reflected the signatures of historical semi-dwarf breeding. In the linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay range up—and downstream of 65 loci (r2 > 0.1), we found plausible candidates orthologous to the documented Arabidopsis genes involved in height regulation. One significant association found by GWAS colocalized with the established height locus BnRGA in rapeseed. Our results provide insights into the genetic basis of plant height in rapeseed and may facilitate marker-based breeding.