Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser‐induced reversion of 
 δ′ precipitates in an Al‐Li alloy: Study on temperature rise in pulsed laser atom probe

The influence of tuning the laser pulse energy during the analyses on the resulting microstructure in a specimen utilizing an ultra‐fast laser assisted atom probe was demonstrated by a case study of a binary Al‐Li alloy. The decomposition parameters, such as the size, number density, volume fraction, and composition of δ′ precipitates, were carefully monitored after each analysis. A simple model was employed to estimate the corresponding specimen temperature for each value of the laser energy. The results indicated that the corresponding temperatures for the laser pulse energy in the range of 10 to 80 pJ are located inside the miscibility gap of the binary Al‐Li phase diagram and fall into the metastable equilibrium field. In addition, the corresponding temperature for a laser pulse energy of 100 pJ was in fairly good agreement with reported range of δ′ solvus temperature, suggesting a result of reversion upon heating due to laser pulsing. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:727–737, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Building detection using HOG descriptors

One of the most important applications of remote sensing is detecting and analyzing man-made structures in aerial and satellite images. Buildings deserve specific consideration among man-made structures. Manual detection is the one way of labeling the buildings. Recent satellite image resolutions allow researchers manual detection. However, this approach is cumbersome and prone to errors. Therefore, an automated method is needed. Unfortunately, the solution is not straightforward due to various factors. In this study, we propose an adaptation of an earlier successful method, Histogram of Oriented Gradients, to building detection. We test our method on several Ikonos satellite images and provide the results.
A Two-level Spatial In-Memory Index

Very large volumes of spatial data increasingly become available and demand effective management. While there has been decades of research on spatial data management, few works consider the current state of commodity hardware, having relatively large memory and the ability of parallel multi-core processing. In this work, we re-consider the design of spatial indexing under this new reality. Specifically, we propose a main-memory indexing approach for objects with spatial extent, which is based on a classic regular space partitioning into disjoint tiles. The novelty of our index is that the contents of each tile are further partitioned into four classes. This second-level partitioning not only reduces the number of comparisons required to compute the results, but also avoids the generation and elimination of duplicate results, which is an inherent problem of spatial indexes based on disjoint space partitioning. The spatial partitions defined by our indexing scheme are totally independent, facilitating effortless parallel evaluation, as no synchronization or communication between the partitions is necessary. We show how our index can be used to efficiently process spatial range queries and drastically reduce the cost of the refinement step of the queries. In addition, we study the efficient processing of numerous range queries in batch and in parallel. Extensive experiments on real datasets confirm the efficiency of our approaches.
Changes in the provision of post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV after sexual exposure following introduction of guidelines and publicity campaigns

In July 2004, British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) published guidelines for post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure (PEPSE) and the Terence Higgins Trust (THT) launched a campaign promoting PEPSE among men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated subsequent changes in PEPSE attendances. Individuals requesting PEPSE in 2004 were identified from clinic databases. Comparisons of clinical data, exposure characteristics and follow-up were made pre and post campaign. Data were available for 197/216 (91%) PEP attendances. The proportion requesting PEP following sexual exposure increased significantly following the campaign. The majority commencing PEPSE were MSM, with the proportion of MSM increasing significantly from 36/46 (78%) pre to 76/80 (95%) following the campaign. Most prescriptions were in high-risk groups and within guidelines. Times to initiation and completion rates were unchanged. Access to PEPSE following the THT campaign and introduction of BASHH guidelines increased. Promotion of earlier initiation of PEPSE and improvement of completion and follow-up is required.
Probabilistic Non-Negative Matrix Factorization and Its Robust Extensions for Topic Modeling

Traditional topic model with maximum likelihood estimate inevitably suffers from the conditional independence of words given the document’s topic distribution. In this paper, we follow the generative procedure of topic model and learn the topic-word distribution and topics distribution via directly approximating the word-document co-occurrence matrix with matrix decomposition technique. These methods include: (1) Approximating the normalized document-word conditional distribution with the documents probability matrix and words probability matrix based on probabilistic non-negative matrix factorization (NMF); (2) Since the standard NMF is well known to be non-robust to noises and outliers, we extended the probabilistic NMF of the topic model to its robust versions using l21-norm and capped l21-norm based loss functions, respectively. The proposed framework inherits the explicit probabilistic meaning of factors in topic models and simultaneously makes the conditional independence assumption on words unnecessary. Straightforward and efficient algorithms are exploited to solve the corresponding non-smooth and non-convex problems. Experimental results over several benchmark datasets illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.
Chromosome Substitution Lines: Concept, Development and Utilization in the Genetic Improvement of Upland Cotton

Cotton is the most important natural fiber source for the textile industry world-wide. It is also an alternative of the man-made petroleum-based “synthetic fibers” providing an advantage for a sustainable environment. Cotton is formed by developing seed of several Gossypium species, which are mainly grown as an important cash crop in more than 70 countries including USA, India, China and Uzbekistan (Smith and Coyle, 1997). Although cotton plants are best known as the renewable source of textile materials for clothing, the fiber, seed and plants have many other uses, including home insulation to save energy, protein-rich seedderived feed for animals, cottonseed oil as a foodstuff for humans, and as a source of mulch and biomass (Cotton Incorporated, 2010, http://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/sustainabilityabout/responsible-economic-development, verified on October 14, 2011). This brings significant humanitarian and economic benefits. For example, scientists are exploring genetic means to better harness its highly nutritious seed for food and feed (Sunilkumar et al., 2006).
Comorbid Visual and Cognitive Impairment

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and consequences of coexisting vision and cognitive impairments in an Asian population. Data were collected from 4508 community-dwelling Singaporeans aged 60 years and older. Cognition was assessed by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire whereas vision, disability, and self-rated health (SRH) were determined by self-report. Vision impairment was present in 902 (18.5%) participants and cognitive impairment in 835 (13.6%), with 232 (3.5%) participants experiencing both impairments. Persons with the comorbidity experienced higher odds of disability than persons with either single impairment. The association of vision impairment with SRH was stronger among women (odds ratio [OR] = 6.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.64-9.92) than among men (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.21-2.41). Concurrent cognitive and vision impairment is prevalent in older Singaporeans and is associated with high rates of disability. Gender differences in vision-dependent roles may affect the patient-perceived impact of this comorbidity.
A Multicenter Study Evaluation of the Digene Hybrid Capture II Signal Amplification Technique for Detection of Hepatitis B Virus DNA in Serum Samples and Testing of EUROHEP Standards

ABSTRACT We have evaluated the new Digene Hybrid Capture II HBV DNA Test (HCII HBV), which is a 96-well microtiter plate-based signal amplification assay. This test uses hybrid capture technology that specifically detects RNA-DNA hybrids. HCII HBV is able to quantify hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA at between 1.4 × 105 and 1.7 × 109 HBV copies per ml in a standard format. By using a modified sample preparation method, which allows the input of 30-fold more serum for an ultrasensitive format, the sensitivity of the assay can be increased reproducibly to approximately 8,000 copies of HBV per ml. By using a combination of these two formats, the assay can quantify over a total range of 6 logs. In our multicenter evaluation study, the mean laboratory-to-laboratory coefficients of variation were 22, 7, and 12% at the three sites, respectively, with a combined specificity of 98.4%. The linearities of both the standard test and the ultrasensitive test were excellent, with Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.997 and 0.999, respectively. Furthermore, the intra-assay reproducibility for the standard assay gave coefficients of variation of from 13 to 33, 9 to 21, and 3 to 8% at the three sites, respectively. HCII HBV was shown to be genotype independent when the EUROHEP standards for genotypes A and D were used. This assay allows the accurate measurement of HBV DNA levels in serum and can be clinically used for the monitoring of responses to antiviral agents for patients chronically infected with HBV.
An ATP-competitive Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor Reveals Rapamycin-resistant Functions of mTORC1*

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is the catalytic subunit of two functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, that coordinately promote cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Rapamycin is a potent allosteric mTORC1 inhibitor with clinical applications as an immunosuppressant and anti-cancer agent. Here we find that Torin1, a highly potent and selective ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor that directly inhibits both complexes, impairs cell growth and proliferation to a far greater degree than rapamycin. Surprisingly, these effects are independent of mTORC2 inhibition and are instead because of suppression of rapamycin-resistant functions of mTORC1 that are necessary for cap-dependent translation and suppression of autophagy. These effects are at least partly mediated by mTORC1-dependent and rapamycin-resistant phosphorylation of 4E-BP1. Our findings challenge the assumption that rapamycin completely inhibits mTORC1 and indicate that direct inhibitors of mTORC1 kinase activity may be more successful than rapamycin at inhibiting tumors that depend on mTORC1.
Transient Physical Effects in Electron Beam Sintering

The extensive use of the electron beam in manufacturing processes like welding or perforating revealed the high potentials for also using it for solid freeform fabrication. First approaches like feeding wire into a melt pool have successfully shown the technical feasibility. Among other features, the electron beam exhibits high scanning speed, high power output, and beam density. While in laser-based machines the fabrication is working in a stable way, transient physical effects in the electron beam process can be observed, which still restrict process stability. For instance, a high power input of the electron beam can result in sudden scattering of the metal powder. The authors have developed an electron beam freeform fabrication system and examined the above mentioned effects. Thus, the paper provides methods in order to identify, isolate and avoid these effects, and to finally realize a reproducible process. Introduction Since the introduction of the first metal processing additive layer manufacturing machines in 1994, their development is proceeding with an enormous speed. Meanwhile, eight different companies are competing on the world market [1]. For all machines, the process implied is almost similar: A laser beam is used to solidify metal powder which is formed in layers. Most obvious distinctive features are the means of positioning the laser spot on the building plate, the composition of the powder material and the mechanical realization of forming a powder layer. At least one equipment manufacturer, the Swedish company ARCAM AB, has started the usage of an electron beam as an energy source for the solidification of the powder. The enormous potentials of this energy source [2] have been implied partially with a machine receivable on the market. Up to now, only a few independent scientific papers deal with the material related quality of the parts built on such a machine.
Nonlinear control of five phase induction motor with synchronized third harmonic flux injection

The paper deals with the novel control system for five phase induction motor (IM) that enables the injection of the rotor flux 3rd harmonic component. Two multiscalar models are transformed from the α1-β1 and α2-β2 vector models developed in the 1st and 3rd harmonic planes. Based on the obtained multiscalar models the synthesis of dual multiscalar control is established. The obtained two multiscalar control systems can independently regulate amplitudes and the relative position of rotor flux and stator current vectors in the 1st and 3rd harmonic plane respectively. Full decoupling of rotor angular speed and rotor flux control and possibility of the injection of third harmonic flux exactly synchronized with fundamental flux component are main benefits of the proposed control. The alignment of 1st harmonic and 3rd harmonic components of the rotor flux is provided by the action of the second multiscalar control system. The cascade of two controllers: 3rd harmonic flux angle controller and 3rd harmonic flux angular velocity controller is used for generation of torque reference signal in the second control system. Compared to previously published control schemes the proposed algorithm gives the possibility of exact alignment of the fundamental and 3rd harmonic rotor flux waveforms. The newly derived control structure was investigated by simulations. The obtained simulation results show that the air-gap flux is aligned both in steady state and transients of the five phase IM which ensures trapezoidal shape of air gap induction waveform independently of the machine load condition.
Laparoscopic Cholecystostomy in Pigs : Technique and Comparison with Traditional Open Cholecystostomy for Surgical Stress

ABST RACT This article describes a simple technique of laparoscopic cholecystostomy (LC) and compares the LC technique with open cholecystostomy (OC) for clinical outcome and surgical stress response. LC was performed under general anesthesia using three portals. The gallbladder was fixed to the anterior abdominal wall using two sets of simple interrupted sutures placed between the anterior abdominal wall and gallbladder, rather than the traditional single set. A cauterized incision was made at the gallbladder fundus such that it lay at the center of a purse-string suture; an 18-F Malecot catheter was introduced into the gallbladder lumen through this incision. The mean duration required for completing LC was 38±12 min, which was decreased by 16 min with increasing experience. In a matched group of pigs, OC was performed using the conventional approach. All animals underwent tube cholecystocholangiography and follow-up laparoscopy at 15 days and 1 month after the surgery, respectively. The investigations showed that the gallbladder was viable with no bile leakage or abscess formation and that it remained adherent to the abdominal wall. In addition, the serum concentrations of cortisol, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein showed that the surgical stress response was lower for LC than OC. Thus, in terms of surgical stress, and possibly operative time, laparoscopic placement of the Malecot catheter using a three-portal approach and two suture anchors may be more beneficial than OC for the creation of a short-term access route into the gallbladder and bile ducts in pigs, under both interventional and experimental settings.
STRONG-MOTION MODELING OF THE IMPERIAL VALLEY EARTHQUAKE OF 1979

Twelve three-component strong-motion displacement records are modeled for the 1979 Imperial Valley earthquake to recover the distribution of slip on the Imperial fault plane. The final model, for which point source responses are calculated by a discrete wavenumber/finite element technique, uses a structure with gradients in material properties rather than layers. The effects of a velocity gradient are investigated by comparing synthetics with a layer-over-a-half-space model using generalized rays. It is shown that a uniform fault rupture model on a rectangular fault plane does not explain the data. The preferred fault model has slip concentrated below 5 km (in the basement material) and between the epicenter (5 km south of the international border) and Highway 80. Within this region, there appears to be two localized areas of larger dislocations; one just north of the border near Bonds Corner and a second under Interstate 8 at Meloland Overpass. A major arrival associated with large amplitude vertical accelerations (up to 1.7 g) is identified in the El Centro array records. This arrival has an S-P time of approximately 2.3 sec at many of the array stations and is modeled as originating from a localized source 8 km to the south of the array. The moment is estimated to be 5.0 × 10^(25) dyne-cm from the strong-motion records, which is consistent with teleseismic body-wave estimates. The preferred fault model is strike-slip with a 90° dip. The average strike is 143°. However to explain vertical waveforms near the fault trace, a corrugated or wiggly fault plane is introduced. The average rupture velocity is in the range 2.5 to 2.7 km-sec (0.8 to 0.9 times the basement shear-wave velocity). The preferred model has unilateral rupture propagation to the north, although the data would allow a small amount of propagation to the south. The estimated stress drop for the entire fault plane is only 5 to 10 bars; however, the stress drop over the more localized sources is about 200 bars. The fault model is consistent with the pattern of seismicity and observations of aseismic creep in the Imperial Valley and suggests that the southern half of the Imperial fault acts as a locked section which breaks periodically.
The Influence of Automatic Enrollment, Catch-Up, and Ira Contributions on 401(K) Accumulations at Retirement

This paper builds on the model scenarios presented in Holden and VanDerhei ("Can 401(k) Accumulations Generate Significant Income for Future Retirees? " ICI Perspective, Vol. 8, no. 3, and EBRI Issue Brief 251, November 2002; and Appendix: EBRI/ICI Accumulation Projection Model, ICI Perspective, Vol. 8, no. 3A, November 2002 - Appendix). It presents new scenarios that examine the role that 401(k) accumulations might play in retirement by analyzing certain factors that influence outcomes for 401(k) participants, including: plan design, through automatic enrollment; tax policy, through catch-up contributions; and individuals themselves, through saving in IRAs when not offered 401(k) plans.
IMPACT OF SENSOR READINGS OF GRAIN MASS YIELD ON COMBINE SPEED

Original scientific paper The paper analyzes the impact of sensor readings of dry grain mass yield of wheat, barley and rapeseed on combine speed during harvesting on three plots. The combine was fitted with site-specific yield monitoring sensors. This paper displays detailed tables of statistical procedure carried out for wheat in the analysis of combine speed, whereas final results for barley and rapeseed are itemized. After harvest, the three plots were divided into three groups each according to yield levels: low, medium and high, respectively. On the rapeseed plot, the Kruskal-Wallis H test did not reveal statistically significant difference in combine speed between the plot zones that belong to different yield-level groups, χ(2, N = 2187) = 4,570, p = 0,102. On the basis of mean values for group ranks, the highest combine speed on wheat and barley plots has been found in the medium-yield-level group. Therefore, subsequent analysis of differences was conducted between the groups using Mann-Whitney U test. Combine speed during wheat harvest did not differ significantly in the lowand high-yield-level zones of the plot, Z = −1,213 and N = 3453, p = 0,225, while comparison between speeds within the medium-yield-level group to the other two groups exhibited statistically significant difference, effect size being approx. 0,1. During barley harvest, combine speeds differ statistically significantly when all three groups are compared for low and high impact according to Cohen’s criterion based on effect size.
Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Studies: A Comparison of Random Intercept, Normal-Normal, and Binomial-Normal Bivariate Summary ROC Approaches

Background . The authors compared 3 recently introduced refinements of the Littenberg and Moses summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method for pooling studies of a diagnostic test: the random intercept (RI) linear meta-regression model, the approximate normal distribution (normal-normal [NN] model), and the binomial distribution (binomial-normal [BN] model). Methods . Using data from a published meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging of the menisci and cruciate ligaments, the authors varied the overall sensitivity and specificity, the between-studies variance, the within-study sample size, and the number of studies to evaluate the performances of the 3 methods in a simulation study. The parameters to be compared are the associated intercept, slope, and residual variance, using bias, mean squared error, and coverage probabilities. Results . The BN method always gave unbiased estimates of the intercept and slope parameter. The coverage probabilities were also reasonably acceptable, unless the number of studies was very small. In contrast, the RI and NN methods could produce large biases with poor coverage probabilities, especially when sample sizes of individual studies were small or when sensitivities or specificities were close to 1. Although this was rare in the simulations, the bivariate methods can suffer from nonconvergence mostly due to the correlation being close to ± 1. Conclusion . The binomial-normal model performed better than the other recently introduced methods for meta-analysis of data from studies of test performance.
Measuring body fat: calibrating the rulers. Intermethod comparisons in 389 normal Caucasian subjects.

In this study from Columbia University, 389 (156 men and 233 women) healthy white subjects ranging from 19 to 94 years, with body mass index ranging from 15 to 35 kg/m2, had their body fat measured using eight different methods. These methods included anthropometric assessments as defined by Durnin and Womersley1 and Steinkamp et al,2 underwater weighing, total body potassium, dual-photon absorptiometry, total body water, total body electrical conductivity, and bioelectric impedance analysis. All subjects were studied after an overnight fast. Statistical analysis of the data utilized repeated-measures analysis of variance to test the hypothesis that the eight methods yielded the same average percent of body fat. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for each pair of body fat measurements. Linear regression equations were calculated for each pair of methods and for each method using age as an independent variable. The reliability of the methods was calculated using the intraclass correlation coe.