Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MIXING AND COMPACTION TEMPERATURES OF ASPHALT MIXTURES WITH MODIFIED BITUMEN

In opposition to neat bitumens, modified ones have non-Newtonian rheological behaviour, shear-thinning type. Viscosity varies not only with temperature but also with shear rate and modifying agent (type and content). Traditional equiviscous methodology based on dynamic viscosity values of 0.17±0.02 Pa.s and 0.28±0.02 Pa.s determine extremely high temperatures, which increases energy consumption and may cause bitumen-polymer bond degradation. Field experience indicates that lower temperatures can be used without compromising aggregate evolving with bitumen and on-site compaction. This paper presents a rheological study of several paving grade bitumens, from different suppliers and base crudes, before and after lab modification with SBS (2 to 4%), aiming to compare mixing and compaction temperatures determined with different methodologies (traditional equiviscous/Superpave, zero shear rate viscosity and high shear rate viscosity) and recommended by the suppliers. The rheology of bitumen was assessed by measuring the dynamic viscosity with a rotational viscometer for different temperature and shear rate conditions. Viscosity – shear rate dependency was modeled with Cross and Power models for each test temperature. The results have shown that the same paving grade bitumen, produced from different crudes, have very different rheological behaviours. The high shear rate viscosity (evolution) method determines the nearest mixing and compaction temperatures to the ones indicated by the suppliers. The Superpave and the high shear rate viscosity (original) methods determine very high temperatures, often above 180oC for mixing condition, while with zero and low shear rate viscosity methods the temperatures are much lower than the ones recommended by the suppliers.
GRID RELIABILITY : A STUDY OF FAILURES ON THE EGEE INFRASTRUCTURE

The emergence of Grid infrastructures like EGEE has enabled the deploy ment of large-scale computational experiments that address challenging scientifi problems in various fields. However, to realize their full potential, Grid infrastru ctures need to achieve a higher degree of dependability, i.e., they need to impro ve the ratio of Grid-job requests that complete successfully in the presence of G ridcomponent failures. To achieve this, however, we need to determine, a nalyze and classify the causes of job failures on Grids. In this paper we study the reasons behind Grid job failures in the context of EGEE, the largest Grid in f astructure currently in operation. We present points of failure in a Grid that a ffect the execution of jobs, and describe error types and contributing factors . We discuss various information sources that provide users and administra tor with indications about failures, and assess their usefulness based on erro r i formation accuracy and completeness. Finally, we discuss two case studies, desc ribing failures that occurred on a production site of EGEE and the troubleshooting p rocess for each case.
Discrimination of Arabidopsis PAD4 Activities in Defense against Green Peach Aphid and Pathogens1[W][OA]

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) lipase-like protein PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4) is essential for defense against green peach aphid (GPA; Myzus persicae) and the pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. In basal resistance to virulent strains of P. syringae and H. arabidopsidis, PAD4 functions together with its interacting partner ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1) to promote salicylic acid (SA)-dependent and SA-independent defenses. By contrast, dissociated forms of PAD4 and EDS1 signal effector-triggered immunity to avirulent strains of these pathogens. PAD4-controlled defense against GPA requires neither EDS1 nor SA. Here, we show that resistance to GPA is unaltered in an eds1 salicylic acid induction deficient2 (sid2) double mutant, indicating that redundancy between EDS1 and SID2-dependent SA, previously reported for effector-triggered immunity conditioned by certain nucleotide-binding-leucine-rich repeat receptors, does not explain the dispensability of EDS1 and SID2 in defense against GPA. Mutation of a conserved serine (S118) in the predicted lipase catalytic triad of PAD4 abolished PAD4-conditioned antibiosis and deterrence against GPA feeding, but S118 was dispensable for deterring GPA settling and promoting senescence in GPA-infested plants as well as for pathogen resistance. These results highlight distinct molecular activities of PAD4 determining particular aspects of defense against aphids and pathogens.
Improving Meta-analyses in Sport and Exercise

Flaws in recent meta-analyses in our disciplines include extraction of inappropriate measures or units from published studies, inadequate documentation of the standard errors used to weight the effects, deficiencies in accounting for heterogeneity in the effect between studies, inappropriate treatment of multiple measures from the same studies, absent or deficient analysis of publication bias, and failure to interpret the clinical or practical importance of the metaanalyzed mean and heterogeneity. More attention to these flaws by authors, reviewers and editors will raise the quality of meta-analyses accepted for publication. Until then researchers and practitioners should use published metaanalyses with caution, especially those lacking adequate analysis of heterogeneity: use such analyses primarily as convenient reference lists to find studies from which to draw conclusions about the effect in settings similar to your own.
Antimycobacterial Activity of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Lignans

The antimycobacterial activity of (-)-cubebin (1), hinokinin (2), and some of their semisynthetic derivatives, namely (-)-O-acetyl-cubebin (3), (-)-O-methyl-cubebin (4), (-)-O-(N,Ndimethylamine- ethyl)-cubebin (5) and (-)-6,6´-dinitrohinokinin (6), was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ATCC 27294), M. kansasii (ATCC 12478), and M. avium (ATCC 15769). The MIC values ranged from 31.25 to 2000 μg/mL. Among the evaluated compounds, 2 displayed a MIC value of 62.5 μg/mL against M. tuberculosis, while 3 and 4 displayed MIC values of 62.5 and 31.25 μg/mL, respectively, against M. avium. All compounds were inactive against M. kansasii. These are promising results concerning the search for biologically active natural products, highlighting that new approaches to the prevention, treatment, and cure of tuberculosis are extremely important.
The Effects of Blast Exposure on Protein Deimination in the Brain

Oxidative stress and calcium excitotoxicity are hallmarks of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While these early disruptions may be corrected over a relatively short period of time, long-lasting consequences of TBI including impaired cognition and mood imbalances can persist for years, even in the absence of any evidence of overt injury based on neuroimaging. This investigation examined the possibility that disordered protein deimination occurs as a result of TBI and may thus contribute to the long-term pathologies of TBI. Protein deimination is a calcium-activated, posttranslational modification implicated in the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, where aberrant deimination creates antigenic epitopes that elicit an autoimmune attack. The present study utilized proteomic analyses to show that blast TBI alters the deimination status of proteins in the porcine cerebral cortex. The affected proteins represent a small subset of the entire brain proteome and include glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin, proteins reported to be involved in autoimmune-based pathologies. The data also indicate that blast injury is associated with an increase in immunoglobulins in the brain, possibly representing autoantibodies directed against novel protein epitopes. These findings indicate that aberrant protein deimination is a biomarker for blast TBI and may therefore underlie chronic neuropathologies of head injury.
Development of Textile Proximity Sensor for Medication Adherence Management System

In this study, we developed textile proximity sensor using conductive textile to develop a Medication adherence management system. The textile proximity sensor utilizes the principle of the capacitor, and the ring type sensor used to reduce the fringe-effect. When take medicines, we made a custom PCB that converts the change of the data measured by the sensor into a digital value so that transmitted the PC. In order to compare the performance of the system, we evaluated the correlation between the data variation according to the quantity of pills in the electronic compact scale and the data in this system. As a result, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.956(p<0.01), confirmed a good correlation between the scale and our system. Therefore, we concluded that our system evaluated able to whether or not to take medication.
Nesting Probabilistic Programs

We formalize the notion of nesting probabilistic programming queries and investigate the resulting statistical implications. We demonstrate that while query nesting allows the definition of models which could not otherwise be expressed, such as those involving agents reasoning about other agents, existing systems take approaches which lead to inconsistent estimates. We show how to correct this by delineating possible ways one might want to nest queries and asserting the respective conditions required for convergence. We further introduce a new online nested Monte Carlo estimator that makes it substantially easier to ensure these conditions are met, thereby providing a simple framework for designing statistically correct inference engines. We prove the correctness of this online estimator and show that, when using the recommended setup, its asymptotic variance is always better than that of the equivalent fixed estimator, while its bias is always within a factor of two.
HeComm: End-to-end secured communication in a heterogeneous IoT environment via fog computing

In this paper we describe the HeComm (Heterogeneous Communication) architecture. The HeComm architecture utilizes fog computing to provide end-to-end secured communication between IoT nodes residing in networks that operate over different communication protocols. While the fog serves as a bridge between the heterogeneous networks, it does not have access to the confidential data that are being exchanged between the IoT nodes. The HeComm architecture can be divided into two parts: the HeComm protocol and the HeComm communication. The HeComm protocol allows IoT network managers to establish a secret key that is used in the HeComm communication. The HeComm communication secures the exchanged data between the IoT nodes by using object security. This enables an end-to-end protection of the communicated data without putting all trust in the fog. We evaluate the HeComm architecture through a security analysis and via a proof-of-concept implementation that connects an IoT node in a 6LoWPAN network to a node in a LoRaWAN network. The results indicate that the IoT nodes in the HeComm architecture meet the requirements of Class 1 constrained nodes. Furthermore, the HeComm architecture comprises a combination of widely used algorithms and protocols that are often supported in modern IoT devices and platforms, which facilitates the practical deployment of our solution.
Prevalence Rates of ADIPOQ Polymorphisms in Indian Population and a Comparison with Other Populations

Introduction: The adiponectin gene, ADIPOQ, encodes an adipocytokine, known as adiponectin hormone. This hormone is known to be associated with insulin sensitization, fat metabolism, immunity, and inflammatory response. Polymorphisms in ADIPOQ gene lower the adiponectin levels, increasing the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Aims: The study aimed to calculate the prevalence rates of ADIPOQ polymorphisms in Indian population and to compare those prevalence rates with that of other populations. Subjects and Methods: Microarray-based genotypic data of 14 ADIPOQ polymorphisms from 703 individuals of Indian origin were used. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency estimation, identity-by-descent, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, Chi-square test of significance were used for statistical analysis. Results: Allelic and genotypic frequencies of ADIPOQ polymorphisms, Chi-square tests of significance for allelic and genotypic frequencies across various populations. Conclusions: East Asians are very different from Indians in terms of allelic and genotypic frequencies of ADIPOQ polymorphisms. Europeans have similar genotypic and allelic patterns with Indians. Admixture Americans and Africans also showed significant differences with polymorphisms of the Indian population.
The Value of Physical Examination: A New Conceptual Framework

Abstract The physical examination defines medical practice, yet its role is being questioned increasingly, with statistical comparisons of diagnostic accuracy often the sole metric used against newer technologies. We set out to highlight seven ways in which the physical examination has value beyond diagnostic accuracy to reaffirm its place in the core skills of a physician and guide future research, teaching, and curriculum design. We show that this more comprehensive approach to the physical examination of its “utility” beyond that of reaching a diagnosis can be beneficial to both doctor and patient.
Nanostructure array of coupled RTDs as cellular neural networks

The processing capabilities of a proposed nanoelectronic device are investigated. The device is considered as a global dynamical system with local circuit model components. The system equations and the corresponding network model are presented. The characteristics of this network model are compared with the cellular neural networks. Certain characteristics of the network are analysed theoretically and demonstrated with circuit‐system level simulations. As a novel property, it is shown that the single layer nanodevice network structure is a basic reaction–diffusion system and it is capable of autowave propagation. Furthermore, the same network structure exhibits several image processing capabilities like image smoothing, edge enhancement, and horizontal or vertical line detection using simple arrangements of the device parameters. Copyright ©2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intermediaries for the World-Wide Web: overview and classification

Intermediaries are software entities deployed on Internet hosts of the wireline and wireless Web that intervene in the flow of information from clients to origin servers at the application level of the WWW. Intermediary systems fall under the general term of "middleware". Intermediaries represent a useful abstraction for the design and study of emerging software infrastructures for "next-generation" Web services. Their importance is increasing with the increasing demand for personalization, localization, and support for ubiquitous access over different physical media and protocols. We present an overview of a wide range of systems that can be described as intermediaries, classifying them in a number of broad categories according to their basic functionalities. Going beyond simple WWW proxies, we examine the requirements arising from the need to support personalization, mobility and ubiquity under high loads. We identify and refine a set of important properties and characteristics of intermediary systems. Based on these properties, we introduce a detailed taxonomy of characteristic systems and identify a number of key components of emerging intermediary infrastructures.
Secondary Metabolites from the Deep-Sea Derived Fungus Acaromyces ingoldii FS121

Activity-guided isolation of the fermentation broth of the deep-sea derived fungus Acaromyces ingoldii FS121, which was obtained from the China South Sea, yielded a new naphtha-[2,3-b]pyrandione analogue, acaromycin A (1) and a new thiazole analogue, acaromyester A (2), as well as the known compound (+)-cryptosporin (3). Their structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for in vitro growth inhibitory activities against four tumor cell lines (MCF-7, NCI-H460, SF-268 and HepG-2), wherein compounds 1 and 3 exhibited considerable growth inhibitory effects, with IC50 values less than 10 µM.
A mathematical steel panel zone model for flanged cruciform columns

Cruciform sections are an appropriate option for columns of orthogonal moment resisting frames for equal bending strength and stiffness about two main axes and the implementation is easier for continuity plates. These columns consist of two I-shaped sections, so that one of them is cut out in middle and two generated T-shaped sections be welded into I-shaped profile. Furthermore, in steel moment frames, unbalance moment at the beam-column connection leads to shear deformation in panel zone. Most of the obtained relations for panel zone strength derived from experimental and analytical results are on I-shaped columns with almost thin flanges. In this paper, a parametric study has been carried out using Finite Element Method (FEM) with effective parameters at the panel zone behavior. These parameters consist of column flange thickness, column web thickness, and thickness of continuity plates. Additionally, a mathematical model has been suggested to determine strength of cruciform column panel zone and has been shown its accuracy and efficiency.
A biomechanical liver model for intraoperative soft tissue registration

Organ motion due to respiration and contact with surgical instruments can significantly degrade the accuracy of image guided surgery. In most applications the ensuing soft tissue deformations have to be compensated in order to register preoperative planning data to the patient. Biomechanical models can be used to perform an accurate registration based on sparse intraoperative sensor data. Using elasticity theory, the approach can be formulated as a boundary value problem with displacement boundary conditions. In this paper, several models of the liver from the literature and a new simplified model are evaluated with regards to their application to intraoperative soft tissue registration. We construct finite element models of a liver phantom using the different material laws. Thereafter, typical deformation pattern that occur during surgery are imposed by applying displacement boundary conditions. A comparative numerical study shows that the maximal registration error of all non-linear models stays below 1.1mm, while the linear model produces errors up to 3.9mm. It can be concluded that linear elastic models are not suitable for the registration of the liver and that a geometrically non-linear formulation has to be used. Although the stiffness parameters of the non-linear materials differ considerably, the calculated displacement fields are very similar. This suggests that a difficult patient-specific parameterization of the model might not be necessary for intraoperative soft tissue registration. We also demonstrate that the new simplified model achieves nearly the same registration accuracy as complex quasi-linear viscoelastic models.
FIRST SEARCHES FOR OPTICAL COUNTERPARTS TO GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE CANDIDATE EVENTS

During the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and Virgo joint science runs in 2009–2010, gravitational wave (GW) data from three interferometer detectors were analyzed within minutes to select GW candidate events and infer their apparent sky positions. Target coordinates were transmitted to several telescopes for follow-up observations aimed at the detection of an associated optical transient. Images were obtained for eight such GW candidates. We present the methods used to analyze the image data as well as the transient search results. No optical transient was identified with a convincing association with any of these candidates, and none of the GW triggers showed strong evidence for being astrophysical in nature. We compare the sensitivities of these observations to several model light curves from possible sources of interest, and discuss prospects for future joint GW-optical observations of this type.
MicroRNAs and Recent Insights into Pediatric Ovarian Cancers

Ovarian cancer is the most common pediatric gynecologic malignancy. When diagnosed in children, ovarian cancers present unique challenges that differ dramatically from those faced by adults. Here, we review the spectrum of ovarian cancers found in young women and girls and discuss the biology of these diseases. A number of advances have recently shed significant new understanding on the potential causes of ovarian cancer in this unique population. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how altered expression of non-coding RNA transcripts known as microRNAs play a key role in the etiology of ovarian germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors. Emerging transgenic models for these diseases are also reviewed. Lastly, future challenges and opportunities for understanding pediatric ovarian cancers, delineating clinically useful biomarkers, and developing targeted therapies are discussed.
New paradigms for access control in open environments

Many access control models and policies have been proposed in recent years for different purposes. Access control is now evolving with the complex environments that it support. In open environments such as the Internet, the decision to grant access to a resource is often based on the characteristics of the requestor rather than its identity. Also, people have often little control over their personal information once it has been disclosed to third parties. Privacy and secondary usage regulations are increasingly demanding attention. In this paper, we present the emerging trends in the access control field to address the new needs and desiderata of today's systems
A hierarchical model for syllable recognition

Inspired by recent findings on the similarities between the primary auditory and visual cortex we propose a neural network for speech recognition based on a hierarchical feedforward architecture for visual object recognition. When using a Gammatone filterbank for the spectral analysis the resulting spectrograms of syllables can be interpreted as images. After a preprocessing enhancing the formants in the speech signal and a length normalization, the images can than be fed into the visual hierarchy. We demonstrate the validity of our approach on the recognition of 25 different monosyllabic words and compare the results to the Sphinx-4 speech recognition system. Especially for noisy speech our hierarchical model achieves a clear improvement.