Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ranking by pairwise comparison a note on risk minimization

We consider the problem of learning ranking functions in a supervised manner. A ranking function is a mapping from instances to rankings over a finite number of labels and can thus be seen as an extension of a classification function. Our learning method, referred to as ranking by pairwise comparison (RPC), is a two-step procedure. First, a valued preference structure is induced from given preference data, using a natural extension of so-called pairwise classification. A ranking is then derived from that preference structure by means of a simple scoring function. It is shown that, under some idealized assumptions, a prediction thus obtained is a risk minimizer if the distance resp. similarity between rankings is measured by the Spearman rank correlation. We conclude the paper by outlining a potential application of the method in (qualitative) fuzzy classification and identifying some extensions necessary in this context.
Multiscale FEM simulations of cross‐linked actin network embedded in cytosol with the focus on the filament orientation

The present contribution focuses on the application of the multiscale finite element method to the modeling of actin networks that are embedded in the cytosol. These cell components are of particular importance with regard to the cell response to external stimuli. The homogenization strategy chosen uses the Hill‐Mandel macrohomogeneity condition for bridging 2 scales: the macroscopic scale that is related to the cell level and the microscopic scale related to the representative volume element. For the modeling of filaments, the Holzapfel‐Ogden β‐model is applied. It provides a relationship between the tensile force and the caused stretches, serves as the basis for the derivation of the stress and elasticity tensors, and enables a novel finite element implementation. The elements with the neo‐Hookean constitutive law are applied for the simulation of the cytosol. The results presented corroborate the main advantage of the concept, namely, its flexibility with regard to the choice of the representative volume element as well as of macroscopic tests. The focus is particularly placed on the study of the filament orientation and of its influence on the effective behavior.
Effect of Polypropylene Fiber on the Plastic Shrinkage Stress and Plastic Shrinkage Ratio of Mortar

The effects of polypropylene fiber on the plastic shrinkage stress and plastic shrinkage ratio of the mortars were investigated by use of a self-designed measuring device.The research results show that the maximum plastic shrinkage force and plastic shrinkage stress of plain cement mortar are 28.5 N and 0.003 2 MPa respectively.The plastic shrinkage ratio of plain cement mortar is 3 600 μe,which is much bigger than the drying shrinkage ratio of hardened cement mortar.The plastic shrinkage of cement mortar can be reduced by the addition of PP fiber.The modification of PP fiber has more effect on the improvement of plastic shrinkage of cement mortar than normal PP fiber.The test results also show that PP fibers have no obvious effect on the slump and mechanical properties of cement mortars.So it is suggested that the significance of PP fiber on the reduction of plastic shrinkage of cement mortar should be paid more attention.
Study of different dry methods for drying remolded bentonite sample with mercury intrusion test

The remolded bentonite samples with different water contents were prepared after drying with air dry method,drying method and freeze dry method.Their cumulative intrusion curves were obtained with mercury intrusion test.The division of pore scale for remolded bentonite samples were made according to the test result;then the quantitative analysis of pore criterion distribution characteristics was made according to the test result.The results show that the pore diameters and pore-scale distributions of soil prepared by air dry method,drying method and freeze dry method are great different.The higher of water content is,the more obvious difference is;the pore diameter of soil prepared by air dry method and drying method become small,causes the change of micropore characteristic;the pore diameter of soil prepared by freeze dry method does not become small,so does not cause the change of micropore characteristic.And the conclusion is drawn that the freeze dry method is the best method for drying remolded bentonite sample using mercury intrusion test.
Allosteric mechanism of action of the therapeutic anti-IgE antibody omalizumab

Immunoglobulin E and its interactions with receptors FcϵRI and CD23 play a central role in allergic disease. Omalizumab, a clinically approved therapeutic antibody, inhibits the interaction between IgE and FcϵRI, preventing mast cell and basophil activation, and blocks IgE binding to CD23 on B cells and antigen-presenting cells. We solved the crystal structure of the complex between an omalizumab-derived Fab and IgE-Fc, with one Fab bound to each Cϵ3 domain. Free IgE-Fc adopts an acutely bent structure, but in the complex it is only partially bent, with large-scale conformational changes in the Cϵ3 domains that inhibit the interaction with FcϵRI. CD23 binding is inhibited sterically due to overlapping binding sites on each Cϵ3 domain. Studies of omalizumab Fab binding in solution demonstrate the allosteric basis for FcϵRI inhibition and, together with the structure, reveal how omalizumab may accelerate dissociation of receptor-bound IgE from FcϵRI, exploiting the intrinsic flexibility and allosteric potential of IgE.
PARP-1 protects against colorectal tumor induction, but promotes inflammation-driven colorectal tumor progression

Significance Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a DNA repair protein and part of the genome maintenance network. On the other hand, PARP-1 is involved in pathophysiological processes such as inflammation. Chronic inflammation has emerged as a key event in carcinogenesis, including the formation of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our data reveal that PARP-1 is abundantly expressed in human CRC, correlating with disease progression. Using transgenic mouse models, we show that PARP-1 fosters inflammation-driven colorectal tumor growth and stimulates the IL6-STAT3-cyclin D1 axis in tumors. In turn, PARP-1 protects against alkylation-triggered colorectal tumor induction dependent on the repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). These findings unveil the opposing functions of PARP-1 in CRC initiation and CRC progression and its link to MGMT. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumor entities, which is causally linked to DNA repair defects and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we studied the role of the DNA repair protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) in CRC. Tissue microarray analysis revealed PARP-1 overexpression in human CRC, correlating with disease progression. To elucidate its function in CRC, PARP-1 deficient (PARP-1−/−) and wild-type animals (WT) were subjected to azoxymethane (AOM)/ dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colorectal carcinogenesis. Miniendoscopy showed significantly more tumors in WT than in PARP-1−/− mice. Although the lack of PARP-1 moderately increased DNA damage, both genotypes exhibited comparable levels of AOM-induced autophagy and cell death. Interestingly, miniendoscopy revealed a higher AOM/DSS-triggered intestinal inflammation in WT animals, which was associated with increased levels of innate immune cells and proinflammatory cytokines. Tumors in WT animals were more aggressive, showing higher levels of STAT3 activation and cyclin D1 up-regulation. PARP-1−/− animals were then crossed with O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-deficient animals hypersensitive to AOM. Intriguingly, PARP-1−/−/MGMT−/− double knockout (DKO) mice developed more, but much smaller tumors than MGMT−/− animals. In contrast to MGMT-deficient mice, DKO animals showed strongly reduced AOM-dependent colonic cell death despite similar O6-methylguanine levels. Studies with PARP-1−/− cells provided evidence for increased alkylation-induced DNA strand break formation when MGMT was inhibited, suggesting a role of PARP-1 in the response to O6-methylguanine adducts. Our findings reveal PARP-1 as a double-edged sword in colorectal carcinogenesis, which suppresses tumor initiation following DNA alkylation in a MGMT-dependent manner, but promotes inflammation-driven tumor progression.
Twinning Assisted Crack Propagation of Magnesium-Rare Earth Casting and Wrought Alloys under Bending

Due to their high specific strength, good corrosion resistance and high temperature strength Magnesium alloys containing Rare Earth additions are promising candidates for structural and engine applications in the transportation industry. Also medical applications, like bone screws and nails, benefit from their moderate corrosion rate and biocompatibility. All applications need materials which show a high strength, ductility and fracture toughness in case a crack has formed during service to keep safety against rupture. In this study four extruded Mg10Gd based alloys modified with Nd and La have been 3-point-bend tested at low a deformation speed to evaluate the influence of the microstructure on crack growth. A comparison to the cast material (subjected to T4 to increase ductility and to reduce the dendritic microstructure) shows an increase in strength and ductility due to the fine grained microstructure as a result of recrystallization during extrusion. The maximum bending strength and outer strain to crack initiation is also strongly influenced by the alloying system itself. The influence of Nd and La to the binary alloy Mg10Gd is discussed in using tensile, compression and bending tests. The increase in strength results in reduced elongation to fracture in tension loading as well as the outer strain for the crack initiation during bending tests. Tensile tests are often discussed to be not a reliable method for determining the Young’s modulus of magnesium. Therefore resonance frequency damping analysis has been applied to determine the dynamic modulus of elasticity, which is compared with the flexural (bending) modulus. Crack growth is discussed using light microscopy and correlated with bending stress-strain curves. The crack growth rate of the extruded, fine grained material is many times higher than of the cast, coarse grained material. Crack propagation is mostly transgranular and assisted by twinning.
Comparison of Elastic Properties of Nickel-Titanium Orthodontic Archwires Porównanie właściwości sprężystych ortodontycznych drutów niklowo-tytanowych

Background. Cognizance of the mechanical properties of nickel-titanium archwires is necessary for the management of orthodontic therapy with fixed appliances. Acting on the periodontium with forces that are too heavy may lead to such complications as: pain, tooth root resorption and destruction of the alveolar bone and may also lead to retardation in tooth movement. Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the activation and deactivation forces of nickel-titanium archwires: Titanol Superelastic, Copper NiTi 35 o C and NeoSentalloy. Material and Methods. The examined material was 90 samples of Titanol Superelastic, Copper NiTi 35 o C and NeoSentalloy with diameters of 0.016 and 0.016 × 0.022. All tests were carried out on the Zwick mechanical tests machine at a temperature of 30 o C. Results. In the group of archwires with diameters 0.016, the levels of deactivation forces were, respectively, from highest to lowest: Titanol Supertelastic, NeoSentalloy, Copper NiTi 35 o C. In the group of rectangular archwires 0.016 × 0.022, the highest deactivation forces were released in Titanol Superelastic. With the high levels of deflection, 0.016 × 0.022 NeoSentalloy archwires released statistically significantly higher levels of force than 0.016 x 0.022 Copper NiTi 35 o C, but this force diminished rapidly with lower deflection and below 3 mm of deflection, the highest forces were released by Copper NiTi 35 o C. Conclusions. Testing the mechanical properties of the nickel-titanium wires of various diameters, it was found that round section wires release forces which fall within the range of optimal forces (Adv Clin Exp Med 2013, 22, 2, 253–260).
Penetration and bactericidal efficacy of two oral care products in an oral biofilm model.

PURPOSE To investigate the immediate penetration and bactericidal effect of two oral care products marketed in China on an intact natural plaque biofilm model at different time points. METHODS Eight subjects (aged 20 to 30 years; Turesky Plaque Index Score 2 to 3) were enrolled in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Plaque accumulators were worn by the subjects for 6 and 48 hours for harvesting the dental biofilm. Then the biofilms from different groups were stained with the LIVE/DEAD BacLight fluorescence system to investigate the changes in thickness and fluorescence intensity of living bacteria in biofilm 5 and 15 minutes post-treatment with a mouthrinse containing 0.074% cetylpyridinium chloride (1-minute treatment) or a toothpaste supernatant containing 1.16% stannous chloride (2-minute treatment). In addition, a specific Sn2+ probe was utilized to evaluate the penetration of Sn2+ in the biofilm. Fluorescent images were collected using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Analysis of covariance was used for statistical analyses. All comparisons were two-sided using a 5% level of significance. RESULTS The thickness of generated plaque biofilm increased gradually from 7.352±4.22 µm at 6 hours to 16.73±7.38 µm at 48 hours (P< 0.05), whereas the thickness and fluorescence intensity of living bacteria stayed unchanged over time. After the treatment of toothpaste supernatant, the ratios of living bacteria thickness and fluorescence intensity of 6- and 48-hour plaque biofilm were significantly decreased (P< 0.05). Treatment of mouthrinse reduced the ratio of living bacteria thickness, but showed no significant impact on overall fluorescence intensity of living bacteria. For 48-hour biofilm, toothpaste supernatant significantly reduced fluorescence intensity of living bacteria from outer layer through inner layer, whereas the mouthrinse showed bactericidal effect only in the outer layer and middle layer. A wide distribution of Sn2+ was shown in the biofilm with the treatment of the tested toothpaste. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This biofilm model proved to be useful and appropriate for pre-clinical testing of anti-plaque agents. A brief exposure of the biofilm to the tested toothpaste produced significant losses in bacteria viability across outer-middle-inner layers. The tested mouthrinse exerted its bactericidal effect mostly in outer and middle layers of biofilm. The penetration of Sn2+ in the biofilm performed an important function in the bactericidal effect of the toothpaste.
The Complexity of Prenex Separation Logic with One Selector

We first show that infinite satisfiability can be reduced to finite satisfiability for all prenex formulas of Separation Logic with $k\geq1$ selector fields ($\seplogk{k}$). Second, we show that this entails the decidability of the finite and infinite satisfiability problem for the class of prenex formulas of $\seplogk{1}$, by reduction to the first-order theory of one unary function symbol and unary predicate symbols. We also prove that the complexity is not elementary, by reduction from the first-order theory of one unary function symbol. Finally, we prove that the Bernays-Sch\"onfinkel-Ramsey fragment of prenex $\seplogk{1}$ formulae with quantifier prefix in the language $\exists^*\forall^*$ is \pspace-complete. The definition of a complete (hierarchical) classification of the complexity of prenex $\seplogk{1}$, according to the quantifier alternation depth is left as an open problem.
Interfacing Graphene-Based Materials With Neural Cells

The scientific community has witnessed an exponential increase in the applications of graphene and graphene-based materials in a wide range of fields, from engineering to electronics to biotechnologies and biomedical applications. For what concerns neuroscience, the interest raised by these materials is two-fold. On one side, nanosheets made of graphene or graphene derivatives (graphene oxide, or its reduced form) can be used as carriers for drug delivery. Here, an important aspect is to evaluate their toxicity, which strongly depends on flake composition, chemical functionalization and dimensions. On the other side, graphene can be exploited as a substrate for tissue engineering. In this case, conductivity is probably the most relevant amongst the various properties of the different graphene materials, as it may allow to instruct and interrogate neural networks, as well as to drive neural growth and differentiation, which holds a great potential in regenerative medicine. In this review, we try to give a comprehensive view of the accomplishments and new challenges of the field, as well as which in our view are the most exciting directions to take in the immediate future. These include the need to engineer multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) able to cross the blood-brain-barrier to reach neural cells, and to achieve on-demand delivery of specific drugs. We describe the state-of-the-art in the use of graphene materials to engineer three-dimensional scaffolds to drive neuronal growth and regeneration in vivo, and the possibility of using graphene as a component of hybrid composites/multi-layer organic electronics devices. Last but not least, we address the need of an accurate theoretical modeling of the interface between graphene and biological material, by modeling the interaction of graphene with proteins and cell membranes at the nanoscale, and describing the physical mechanism(s) of charge transfer by which the various graphene materials can influence the excitability and physiology of neural cells.
Oxidative Stress-Mediated Overexpression of Uracil DNA Glycosylase in Leishmania donovani Confers Tolerance against Antileishmanial Drugs

Leishmania donovani is an intracellular protozoan parasite that causes endemic tropical disease visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Present drugs used against this fatal disease are facing resistance and toxicity issues. Survival of leishmania inside the host cells depends on the parasite's capacity to cope up with highly oxidative environment. Base excision repair (BER) pathway in L. donovani remains unexplored. We studied uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG), the key enzyme involved in BER pathway, and found that the glycosylase activity of recombinant LdUNG (Leishmania donovani UNG) expressed in E. coli is in sync with the activity of the parasite lysate under different reaction conditions. Overexpression of UNG in the parasite enhances its tolerance towards various agents which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and shows a higher infectivity in macrophages. Surprisingly, exposure of parasite to amphotericin B and sodium antimony gluconate upregulates the expression of UNG. Further, we found that the drug resistant parasites isolated from VL patients show higher expression of UNG. Mechanisms of action of some currently used drugs include accumulation of ROS. Our findings strongly suggest that targeting LdUNG would be an attractive therapeutic strategy as well as potential measure to tackle the problem of drug resistance in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Synergistically improved thermal conductivity of polyamide-6 with low melting temperature metal and graphite

Low melting temperature metal (LMTM)-tin (Sn) was introduced into polyamide-6 (PA6) and PA6/graphite composites respectively to improve the thermal conductivity of PA6 by melt processing (extruding and injection molding). After introducing Sn, the thermal conductivity of PA6/Sn was nearly constant because of the serious agglomeration of Sn. However, when 20 wt% (5.4 vol%) of Sn was added into PA6 containing 50 wt% (33.3 vol%) of graphite, the thermal conductivity of the composite was dramatically increased to 5.364 versus 1.852 W·(m·K) –1 for the PA6/graphite composite, which suggests that the incorporation of graphite and Sn have a significant synergistic effect on the thermal conductivity improvement of PA6. What is more, the electrical conductivity of the composite increased nearly 8 orders of magnitudes after introducing both graphite and Sn. Characterization of microstructure and energy dispersive spectrum analysis (EDS) indicates that the dispersion of Sn in PA6/graphite/Sn was much more uniform than that of PA6/Sn composite. According to Differential Scanning Calorimetry measurement and EDS, the uniform dispersion of Sn in PA6/graphite/Sn and the high thermal conductivity of PA6/graphite/Sn are speculated to be related with the electron transfer between graphite and Sn, which makes Sn distribute evenly around the graphite layers.
Damped thermoelectric waves

Dynamic measurement techniques such as ac resistivity and the Cahill 3-/spl omega/ [1990] thermal conductivity method induce periodic currents in materials. In thermoelectric materials the coupling between electrical and thermal effects means the normal mode excitations are generally attenuated waves of mixed electrical/thermal character. Since ZT is one measure of the coupling between the electrical and thermal effects it is perhaps not surprising that ZT is also a measure of the mixing. This paper examines solutions to the coupled thermoelectric diffusion problem and discusses some implications for measurements.
Whole body impedance cardiography and continuous pulse wave analysis in the measurement of human haemodynamics during passive head-up tilt

Objective: Ageing is associated with increased postural blood pressure changes and attenuated cardiovascular reactivity. As the background of these changes remains uncertain, we examined arterial stiffness, cardiac function and vascular resistance in healthy subjects in supine position and during orthostatic challenge. Methods: Haemodynamics of 179 normotensive subjects (109 female and 70 male, 21–59 years) were examined using continuous radial pulse wave analysis, whole-body impedance cardiography, and plethysmographic finger blood pressures. Results: Both in supine position and during head-up tilt central and peripheral blood pressure and augmentation index (amplitude of the reflected pressure wave divided by pulse pressure) increased, and time of pulse wave reflection decreased with age. Supine pulse wave velocity progressively increased with age. There were only minor differences in supine and upright systemic vascular resistance, cardiac index, stroke index, and heart rate that were not systematically related to age. In regression analysis, the explanatory factors for a more pronounced decrease in central systolic blood pressure during the head-up tilt were in the age of 50–59 years, higher baseline pulse wave velocity and central systolic BP. None of the changes in other haemodynamic variables during tilt were related to age. Conclusion: As no systematic age-related differences were observed in cardiac function or vascular resistance, these results support the view that progressive reduction of large arterial compliance contributes lated to the exaggerated age-re