Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting the pulse: How deviations from regular patterns in online data can identify offline phenomena

Purpose – The steady increase of data on human behavior collected online holds significant research potential for social scientists. The purpose of this paper is to add a systematic discussion of different online services, their data generating processes, the offline phenomena connected to these data, and by demonstrating, in a proof of concept, a new approach for the detection of extraordinary offline phenomena by the analysis of online data. Design/methodology/approach – To detect traces of extraordinary offline phenomena in online data, the paper determines the normal state of the respective communication environment by measuring the regular dynamics of specific variables in data documenting user behavior online. In its proof of concept, the paper does so by concentrating on the diversity of hashtags used on Twitter during a given time span. The paper then uses the seasonal trend decomposition procedure based on loess (STL) to determine large deviations between the state of the system as forecasted by .
Mechanical Properties of Thin Film Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide is a very attractive material for a variety of applications. Originally considered for use in high power and high temperature electronics because of its large bandgap, designers of MEMS are now considering use of silicon carbide because of its stability at high temperatures, resistance to corrosives, high stiffness, and radiation resistance. However, as with any new structural material, its mechanical properties must be measured for design information. This research measures the elastic modulus, strength, and Poisson's ratio of two different silicon carbides using microtensile testing. One material is a 0.5-1νm thick film from Case Western Reserve University. Preliminary results give an average of 420 GPa for elastic modulus, a strength of 1.2 GPa, and a Poisson's ratio of 0.19. The second material is from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an average thickness of 30 microns. Preliminary results show an elastic modulus of 430 GPa, a strength of 0.49 GPa, and a Poisson's ratio of 0.24. In addition to the most recent results, techniques used to obtain these results, microstructure investigations, and a comparison of the materials are detailed.
Characterization of Acoustic Sources by Optical Feedback Interferometry

Sound can be described as the propagation of pressure variations in compressible media that involves compression and expansion and induces a change in the density of the medium. This change in acoustic pressure as it induces a change of the refractive index can be measured by optical methods, the most recent being the optical feedback interferometry. With this technique, a laser diode is beaming on a reflective surface thus creating a cavity where the acoustic wave propagates. This paper presents anovel experimental technique to measure radiation pattern of acoustic sources based on optical feedback interferometry in a laser diode.
Functional Strength Training and Movement Performance Therapy for Upper Limb Recovery Early Poststroke—Efficacy, Neural Correlates, Predictive Markers, and Cost-Effectiveness: FAST-INdiCATE Trial

Background Variation in physiological deficits underlying upper limb paresis after stroke could influence how people recover and to which physical therapy they best respond. Objectives To determine whether functional strength training (FST) improves upper limb recovery more than movement performance therapy (MPT). To identify: (a) neural correlates of response and (b) whether pre-intervention neural characteristics predict response. Design Explanatory investigations within a randomised, controlled, observer-blind, and multicentre trial. Randomisation was computer-generated and concealed by an independent facility until baseline measures were completed. Primary time point was outcome, after the 6-week intervention phase. Follow-up was at 6 months after stroke. Participants With some voluntary muscle contraction in the paretic upper limb, not full dexterity, when recruited up to 60 days after an anterior cerebral circulation territory stroke. Interventions Conventional physical therapy (CPT) plus either MPT or FST for up to 90 min-a-day, 5 days-a-week for 6 weeks. FST was “hands-off” progressive resistive exercise cemented into functional task training. MPT was “hands-on” sensory/facilitation techniques for smooth and accurate movement. Outcomes The primary efficacy measure was the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Neural measures: fractional anisotropy (FA) corpus callosum midline; asymmetry of corticospinal tracts FA; and resting motor threshold (RMT) of motor-evoked potentials. Analysis Covariance models tested ARAT change from baseline. At outcome: correlation coefficients assessed relationship between change in ARAT and neural measures; an interaction term assessed whether baseline neural characteristics predicted response. Results 288 Participants had: mean age of 72.2 (SD 12.5) years and mean ARAT 25.5 (18.2). For 240 participants with ARAT at baseline and outcome the mean change was 9.70 (11.72) for FST + CPT and 7.90 (9.18) for MPT + CPT, which did not differ statistically (p = 0.298). Correlations between ARAT change scores and baseline neural values were between 0.199, p = 0.320 for MPT + CPT RMT (n = 27) and −0.147, p = 0.385 for asymmetry of corticospinal tracts FA (n = 37). Interaction effects between neural values and ARAT change between baseline and outcome were not statistically significant. Conclusions There was no significant difference in upper limb improvement between FST and MPT. Baseline neural measures did not correlate with upper limb recovery or predict therapy response. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials: ISRCT 19090862, http://www.controlled-trials.com
A Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene-Based Ditopic Receptor for Alkylammonium Ions Controlled by Ag+ Ions

A receptor cone-1 based on a hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene bearing three pyridyl groups was successfully synthesized, which has a C3-symmetric conformation and is capable of binding alkylammonium and metal ions simultaneously in a cooperative fashion. It can bind alkylammonium ions through the π-cavity formed by three aryl rings. This behaviour is consistent with the cone-in/cone-out conformational rearrangement needed to reorganize the cavity for endo-complexation. As a C3-symmetrical pyridyl-substituted calixarene, receptor cone-1 can also bind an Ag+ ion, and the nitrogen atoms are turned towards the inside of the cavity and interact with Ag+. After complexation of tris(2-pyridylamide) derivative receptor cone-1 with Ag+, the original C3-symmetry was retained and higher complexation selectivity for n-BuNH3+ versus t-BuNH3+ was observed. Thus, it is believed that this receptor will have a role to play in the sensing, detection, and recognition of Ag+ and n-BuNH3+ ions.
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion.

Purpose We investigated the pathophysiology of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) by evaluating the retina, brain, and carotid artery in patients with BRAO. Methods This study was a retrospective registry study. We used 46 eyes from 46 patients with acute BRAO and evaluated the medical history, including previous cardiovascular disease, and compared brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) and carotid artery stenosis state between the embolic BRAO group and nonembolic BRAO group. We measured differences in cerebrovascular characteristics, including brain MRI, according to the existence of retinal emboli. Results The embolic BRAO group tended to have a significantly higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease history, including ischemic heart disease and smoking history (P = 0.018 and P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the embolic group had a higher frequency of acute cerebral infarctions and stenotic carotid arteries (P = 0.017 and P = 0.028, respectively). Although the overall frequency of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) did not differ between embolic and nonembolic groups, the nonembolic BRAO group showed a significantly higher prevalence of cerebral SVD without large vessel pathology (P = 0.008). Conclusions Patients with BRAO showed different cerebrovascular characteristics following retinal emboli, including brain MRI findings. The results suggest that we must consider SVD etiology as well as large vessel disease mechanisms in the pathophysiology of BRAO.
Universal Hypothesis Testing with Kernels: Asymptotically Optimal Tests for Goodness of Fit

We characterize the asymptotic performance of nonparametric goodness of fit testing. The exponential decay rate of the type-II error probability is used as the asymptotic performance metric, and a test is optimal if it achieves the maximum rate subject to a constant level constraint on the type-I error probability. We show that two classes of Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD) based tests attain this optimality on $\mathbb R^d$, while the quadratic-time Kernel Stein Discrepancy (KSD) based tests achieve the maximum exponential decay rate under a relaxed level constraint. Under the same performance metric, we proceed to show that the quadratic-time MMD based two-sample tests are also optimal for general two-sample problems, provided that kernels are bounded continuous and characteristic. Key to our approach are Sanov's theorem from large deviation theory and the weak metrizable properties of the MMD and KSD.
Learning implicational models of universal grammar parameters

The use of parameters in the description of natural language syntax has to balance between the need to discriminate among (sometimes subtly different) languages, which can be seen as a cross-linguistic version of Chomsky's descriptive adequacy (Chomsky, 1964), and the complexity of the acquisition task that a large number of parameters would imply, which is a problem for explanatory adequacy. Here we first present a novel approach in which machine learning is used to detect hidden dependencies in a table of parameters. The result is a dependency graph in which some of the parameters can be fully predicted from others. These findings can be then subjected to linguistic analysis, which may either refute them by providing typological counter-examples of languages not included in the original dataset, dismiss them on theoretical grounds, or uphold them as tentative empirical laws worth of further study. Machine learning is also used to explore the full sets of parameters that are sufficient to distinguish one historically established language family from others. These results provide a new type of empirical evidence about the historical adequacy of parameter theories.
Low-current focused-ion-beam induced deposition of three-dimensional tungsten nanoscale conductors

We have used focused-ion-beam assisted chemical vapour deposition to grow ‘flying’ tungsten nanorods—i.e. nanoscale wiring which is not lying on the substrate surface. Flying rods of cross-sectional diameter of the order 100 nm were grown with a 1 pA gallium ion-beam current. The electrical resistivity of such flying nanorods is comparable to that of nanowires grown on the substrate surface. Such flying nanorods could be used to make electrical contact to single vertical nanocrystals.
A tableau calculus for a nonmonotonic extension of the Description Logic DL-Litecore

In this paper we introduce a tableau calculus for a nonmonoto nic extension of the low complexity Description Logic DL-Litecore of theDL-Lite family. The extension, calledDL-LitecTmin, can be used to reason about typicality and defeasible properties. The calculus performs a twophase computation to check whether a query is minimally entailed from the initial knowledge base. It is sound, complete and terminating. Furthermore, it is a dec ision procedure for DL-LitecTmin knowledge bases, whose complexity matches the known result s for the logic, namely that entailment is in Π 2 .
Soft Morphing Motion of Flytrap Robot Using Bending Propagating Actuation

This paper presents a bending propagating actuation using SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) spring for an effective shape transition of a flytrap-inspired soft morphing structure. The flytrap-inspired soft morphing structure is made from unsymmetric CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Prepreg) structure which shows bi-stability and snap-through phenomenon. For a thin and large curved bistable CFRP structure, SMA spring is more acceptable than SMA wire and piezoelectric actuator which used in previous investigations. A bending propagating actuation is proposed which can induce snap-through of the bi-stable CFRP structure effectively. From this research, effective shape transition of soft morphing structure is possible.
Controlled growth of highly uniform, axial/radial direction-defined, individually addressable InP nanowire arrays

We report on the systematically controlled growth of InP nanowire arrays by catalyst-free selective area metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy on partially masked InP(111)A substrates. The length, diameter, shape and position of the nanowires were precisely controlled by careful choice of the growth conditions and mask patterning. Manipulation of the growth conditions also enabled us to deliberately define the nanowire growth along either the axial or the radial direction, which has significant potential for the realization of novel nanostructures. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that the InP nanowires grown were single-crystalline with wurtzite crystal structure and the photoluminescence studies carried out at 4 K on InP nanowire arrays revealed a single intense emission peak with a significant blueshift. The controlled fabrication thus enabled the nanowires to be realized in a highly uniform manner as reproducibly identical structures and with perfect positioning in predetermined configurations, making them highly suitable for practical integration into nanodevices.
In silico analysis of TTR gene (coding and non-coding regions, and interactive network) and its implications in transthyretin-related amyloidosis

Abstract Introduction: Transthyretin (TTR)-related amyloidosis is a life-threatening disease. Currently, several questions about the pathogenic mechanisms of TTR-related amyloidosis remain unanswered. Methods: We have investigated various TTR-related issues using different in silico approaches. Results: Using an amino acid similarity-based analysis, we have indicated the most relevant TTR secondary structures in determining mutation impact. Our amyloidogenic propensity analysis of TTR missense substitutions has highlighted a similar pattern for wild-type and mutated TTR amino β acid sequences. However, some mutations present differences with respect to the general distribution. We have identified non-coding variants in cis-regulatory elements of the TTR gene, and our analysis on V122I-related haplotypes has indicated differences in non-coding regulatory variants, suggesting differences among V122I carriers. The analysis of methylation status indicated CpG sites that may affect TTR expression. Finally, our interactive network analysis revealed functional partners of TTR that may play a modifier role in the pathogenesis of TTR-related amyloidosis. Discussion and conclusion: Our data provided new insights into the pathogenesis of TTR-related amyloidosis that, if they were to be confirmed through experimental investigations, could significantly improve our understanding of the disease.
Evaluation of a Community-Based HIV Preventive Intervention for Female Sex Workers in Rural Areas of Karnataka State, South India

To examine changes in behavioral outcomes among rural female sex workers (FSWs) involved in a community-based comprehensive HIV preventive intervention program in south India. A total of 14, 284 rural FSWs were reached by means of a community-based model for delivering outreach, medical, and referral services. Changes in behavior were assessed using 2 rounds of polling booth surveys conducted in 2008 and 2011. In all, 95% of the mapped FSWs were reached at least once, 80.3% received condoms as per need, and 71% received health services for sexually transmitted infections. There was a significant increase in condom use (from 60.4% to 72.4%, P = .001) and utilization of HIV counseling and testing services (from 63.9% to 92.4%; P = .000) between the 2 time periods. This model for a community-based rural outreach and HIV care was effective and could also be applied to many other health problems.
Generating Four-Wing Hyperchaotic Attractor and Two-Wing, Three-Wing, and Four-Wing Chaotic Attractors in 4D Memristive System

By adding only one smooth flux-controlled memristor into a three-dimensional (3D) pseudo four-wing chaotic system, a new real four-wing hyperchaotic system is constructed in this paper. It is interesting to see that this new memristive chaotic system can generate a four-wing hyperchaotic attractor with a line of equilibria. Moreover, it can generate two-, three- and four-wing chaotic attractors with the variation of a single parameter which denotes the strength of the memristor. At the same time, various coexisting multiple attractors (e.g. three-wing attractors, four-wing attractors and attractors with state transition under the same system parameters) are observed in this system, which means that extreme multistability arises. The complex dynamical behaviors of the proposed system are analyzed by Lyapunov exponents (LEs), phase portraits, Poincare maps, and time series. An electronic circuit is finally designed to implement the hyperchaotic memristive system.
Effect of an electronic alert on risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients undergoing computed tomography.

BACKGROUND Prophylaxis against contrast-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients is underused. We evaluated the impact of a computerized alert program for contrast-induced AKI for hospitalized patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN Quality improvement report. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 463 adult inpatients in a single center with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN We developed a computer alert program in which the responsible physician was alerted to a patient's risk of contrast-induced AKI in the form of a warning message box and was recommended to consider prophylactic measures for contrast-induced AKI when he or she ordered contrast-enhanced CT for patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The intervention was applied simultaneously to all hospitalized patients from March 18, 2010. The hospital's contrast-induced AKI preventive guidelines included prehydration, posthydration, and oral N-acetylcysteine. OUTCOME & MEASUREMENTS Use of prophylactic interventions, development of contrast-induced AKI. Contrast-induced AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level (≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥50%) 24-72 hours after contrast medium exposure. RESULTS 258 adult inpatients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were identified as undergoing contrast-enhanced CT before application of the computer alert program (from October 28, 2009, to March 17, 2010), and 205, after its application (from March 18, 2010, to August 5, 2010). Individuals in the postalert group received contrast-induced AKI prophylaxis more often than those in the prealert group (55% vs 25% for total prophylaxis; P < 0.001). The incidence of contrast-induced AKI was lower in the postalert group than in the prealert group (3% vs 10%; P = 0.02). LIMITATIONS Observation bias; only 61.5% of participants were evaluated for contrast-induced AKI. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a computerized alert program in hospitalized patients was followed by increased use of prophylaxis and decreased risk of contrast-induced AKI.
Roles of TLR/MyD88/MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways in the Regulation of Phagocytosis and Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression in Response to E. faecalis Infection

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium residing in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, but in certain situations it is also an opportunistic pathogen which can cause serious disease. Macrophages have been shown to play a critical role in controlling infections by commensal enterococci and also have an important role in mediating chromosomal instability and promoting colon cancer during high-level enterococcal colonization in genetically susceptible mice. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction of macrophages with enterococci during infection are not fully understood. In this study, using BMDM and RAW264.7 macrophages we show that enterococcal infection activates ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK as well as NF-κB, and drives polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype. Inhibition of NF-κB activation significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, as did the inhibition of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK, although to differing extent. Enterococci-induced activation of these pathways and subsequent cytokine expression was contact dependent, modest compared to activation by E. coli and, required the adaptor protein MyD88. Phagocytosis of enterococci by macrophages was enhanced by preopsonization with E. faecalis antiserum and involved the ERK and JNK signaling pathways, with the adaptor protein MyD88 as an important mediator. This study of the interaction of macrophages with enterococci could provide a foundation for studying the pathogenesis of infection by this opportunistic pathogen and to developing new therapeutic approaches to combat enterococcal infection.
Controlling the fabrication of self-assembled microwires from silica nanoparticles

We report on recent advances made in fabricating photonic microwires from silica nanoparticles using evaporative self-assembly. Silica microwires up to 7 cm in length and widths as small as 10 µm were fabricated with rectangular cross sections. A model of fabrication is put forward and confirmed by experimental observation. A crude dependence on concentration for an idealised spherical droplet is explored.
Preparation of carbon fibre reinforced aluminium via ultrasonic liquid infiltration technique

AbstractAn ultrasonic liquid infiltration technique has been developed for the fabrication of carbon fibre reinforced aluminium (CF/Al) precursor wires. The principal effect of ultrasound on aluminium infiltration into carbon fibres is considered to be caused by cavitation. The acoustic power required to produce cavitation in the present experimental system has been approximately calculated to be about 150 W, which is much greater than the requirement, several tens of watts, for overcoming the capillary pressure among carbon fibres. The observations on the morphology of the CF/Al precursor wires show that there are generally four states of infiltration: totally non-infiltrated, non-infiltrated in the centre and in some local regions of the wires, and completely infiltrated. It is found that carbon fibres can be sufficiently impregnated by molten aluminium given the appropriate application of ultrasound. Furthermore, a single fibre tensile test shows that there is no strength degradation of carbon fibres a.
Plasma-Sprayed Metal-Glass and Metal-Glass Fluoride Coatings for Lubrication to 900 C

Plasma-sprayed composites, which have good oxidation-resistance and self-lubricating characteristics to 900 C, were developed. The composites are a nichrome matrix containing dispersed glass for oxidation protection and calcium fluoride for lubrication; they are applied to bearing surfaces by plasma spraying layers about 0.050 centimeters thick which are then machined to 0.025 centimeters. Oscillating bearing tests were performed in air to 900 C at unit radial loads up to 3.5 × 107 N/M2 (5,000 psi) and a thrust load of 1960N (440 lbs). Bearings with a composite liner in the bore were in good condition after over 50,000 oscillating cycles accumulated during repeated, bearing temperatures cycles between 25 and 900 C. Presented at the 29th Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, April 28—May 2, 1974