Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional materials as inorganic analogues of graphene: methods of preparation, optical properties and applications

Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as GaSe, InSe, and WSe2 in form of bulk crystal and few-layer sheets have been prepared by mechanical exfoliation method. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis was used for the study of surface morphology and estimation of thicknesses of the exfoliated thin semiconductor layers. Optical absorption and magneto-optical Faraday rotation spectra of 2D materials at different temperatures have been studied. In spectral region near long-wavelength absorption edge for all the studied layered crystals at low temperatures the exciton series have been observed. It was shown that in GaSe and InSe crystals these series consist of three lines, whereas in WSe2 two exciton lines were revealed. The observed exciton series were interpreted in framework of 3D exciton model. In the absorption spectra of GaSe and InSe crystals at higher photon energies than band gap Eg additional exciton structure also was observed. In case of thin exfoliated WSe2 flakes with thickness less than 80 nm shift of ground exciton band to shorter wavelengths has been revealed, which is associated with quantum size effect. Faraday rotation spectra of the 2D crystals have been confirme INTRODd dominant role of excitons near absorption edge.
Part 4: Rupture tests of pipeline segments containing long real corrosion defects

shaped internal corrosion defects. Measurements were taken in order to determine the actual dimensions of each of the tubular specimens and their respective metal loss defect profiles. Tensile specimens were tested to determine the actual material properties. The failure pressures measured in the laboratory tests were compared with those predicted by four assessment methods: the ASME B31G method, 4 the DNV RPF101 method for single defects, 5 the RSTRENG effective area method, 7 and the DNV RP-F101 method for complex-shaped defects. 5
Approximating Betweenness Centrality in Fully Dynamic Networks

Abstract Betweenness is a well-known centrality measure that ranks the nodes of a network according to their participation in shortest paths. Because exact computations are prohibitive in large networks, several approximation algorithms have been proposed. Besides that, recent years have seen the publication of dynamic algorithms for efficient recomputation of betweenness in networks that change over time. In this article, we propose the first betweenness centrality approximation algorithms with a provable guarantee on the maximum approximation error for dynamic networks. Several new intermediate algorithmic results contribute to the respective approximation algorithms: (i) new upper bounds on the vertex diameter, (ii) the first fully dynamic algorithm for updating an approximation of the vertex diameter in undirected graphs, and (iii) an algorithm with lower time complexity for updating single-source shortest paths in unweighted graphs after a batch of edge actions. Using approximation, our algorithms are the first to make in-memory computation of betweenness in dynamic networks with millions of edges feasible. Our experiments show that our algorithms can achieve substantial speedups compared to recomputation, up to several orders of magnitude. Moreover, the approximation accuracy is usually significantly better than the theoretical guarantee in terms of absolute error. More importantly, for reasonably small approximation error thresholds, the rank of nodes is well preserved, in particular for nodes with high betweenness.
Assessment of a Culturally-Tailored Sexual Health Education Program for African American Youth

African American youth are affected disproportionately by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and teenage pregnancy when compared to other racial groups. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the To Help Young People Establish (2 HYPE) Abstinence Club, a behavioral intervention designed to promote delayed sexual activity among African American youth ages 12–18 in Atlanta, Georgia. The intervention included 20 h of curriculum and creative arts instruction. Pre- and post-intervention survey data collected from 2008–2010 were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Intervention (n = 651) and comparison (n = 112) groups were compared through analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression models. There was a statistically significant increase in intervention youth who were thinking about being abstinent (p = 0.0005). Those who had not been engaged in sexual activity were two times more likely to plan abstinence compared to participants that had been previously sexually active previously (odds ratio 2.41; 95% confidence interval 1.62, 3.60). Significant results hold implications for subsequent community-based participatory research and practice that broadens the understanding of the relevance of marriage, as just one among other life success milestones that may hold more importance to African American youth in positioning the value of delayed and responsible sexual activity towards effective STIs, HIV/AIDS, and teen pregnancy risk reduction interventions.
Improved product identification method using CNN for mixed-reality web shopping system

E-commerce (EC) sites have become quite popular for online shopping. However, a user of an EC site must possess certain skills to search for his/her desired product from the numerous web pages. A mixed-reality web-shopping system with panoramic views mitigates this problem. The users of this system can shop in the same manner as they do in a real shop, by viewing the panoramic photographs taken inside the shop. However, one problem with this system is the detection of a product selected in the panoramic view by the user. Although we proposed a product identification system using convolutional neural networks (CNN), its performance was not satisfactory. In this research, we propose a method to improve the recognition rate of the CNN.
Unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries: Is there really a difference between surgical management in the acute or chronic setting?

AIM To compare the outcomes of unstable ACJ injuries managed with an arthroscopy-assisted anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments in the acute and chronic setting. METHODS A retrospective revision was performed. The SF36, visual analog scale for pain, DASH questionnaire, constant score and the global satisfaction were assessed at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS 22 patients were included. Results of the questionnaires assessed at the last follow-up visit showed no significant differences between the study groups. CONCLUSION Management of ACJ injuries in the acute or chronic setting may involve comparable outcomes if biological and mechanical aspects are considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Coordinates Early Tooth Mineralization

Formation of highly organized dental hard tissues is a complex process involving sequential and ordered deposition of an extracellular scaffold, followed by its mineralization. Odontoblast and ameloblast differentiation involves reciprocal and sequential epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Similar to early tooth development, various Bmps are expressed during this process, although their functions have not been explored in detail. Here, we investigated the role of odontoblast-derived Bmp2 for tooth mineralization using Bmp2 conditional knockout mice. In developing molars, Bmp2LacZ reporter mice revealed restricted expression of Bmp2 in early polarized and functional odontoblasts while it was not expressed in mature odontoblasts. Loss of Bmp2 in neural crest cells, which includes all dental mesenchyme, caused a delay in dentin and enamel deposition. Immunohistochemistry for nestin and dentin sialoprotein (Dsp) revealed polarization defects in odontoblasts, indicative of a role for Bmp2 in odontoblast organization. Surprisingly, pSmad1/5/8, an indicator of Bmp signaling, was predominantly reduced in ameloblasts, with reduced expression of amelogenin (Amlx), ameloblastin (Ambn), and matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp20). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry showed that loss of Bmp2 resulted in increased expression of the Wnt antagonists dickkopf 1 (Dkk1) in the epithelium and sclerostin (Sost) in mesenchyme and epithelium. Odontoblasts showed reduced Wnt signaling, which is important for odontoblast differentiation, and a strong reduction in dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) but not collagen 1 a1 (Col1a1) expression. Mature Bmp2-deficient teeth, which were obtained by transplanting tooth germs from Bmp2-deficient embryos under a kidney capsule, showed a dentinogenesis imperfecta type II–like appearance. Micro–computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy revealed reduced dentin and enamel thickness, indistinguishable primary and secondary dentin, and deposition of ectopic osteodentin. This establishes that Bmp2 provides an early temporal, nonredundant signal for directed and organized tooth mineralization.
Data Needs for a Serious Illness Care Accountability System: A Framework and Recommendations.

BACKGROUND Successful implementation of a comprehensive accountability system for community-based serious illness care will require a robust data infrastructure. Data will be needed to support care delivery, quality measurement, value-based payment, and evaluation and monitoring. OBJECTIVE The specific data needs in these areas need to be identified and understood, so that gaps in currently available data may be addressed. DESIGN We developed a framework that includes the needed data and data infrastructure to support the features and characteristics of a serious illness care accountability system. Based on this framework, we analyze the current data landscape to identify gaps in available data resources and capacities. This analysis was informed by conducting Internet-based research, interviews with key informants, and a survey of key informants. RESULTS Based on the identified gaps, we present a series of priority recommendations for advancing the data infrastructure to support community-based serious illness care. These recommendations include additional measurement of patient-reported outcomes, increasing interoperability among various data sources, increasing development and exchange of patient care plans, leveraging newly standardized data on patient functional and cognitive status, and using patient-reported information for clinical decision support at the point of care. CONCLUSION There are significant unmet data needs for a comprehensive accountability system in serious illness care, but these gaps can be prioritized and addressed through alignment and collaboration across stakeholders.
Metabolic effects of caffeine in humans: lipid oxidation or futile cycling?

BACKGROUND Caffeine ingestion stimulates both lipolysis and energy expenditure. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to determine whether the lipolytic effect of caffeine is associated with increased lipid oxidation or futile cycling between triacylglycerol and free fatty acids (FFAs) and whether the effects of caffeine are mediated via the sympathetic nervous system. DESIGN Respiratory exchange and [1-(13)C]palmitate were used to trace lipid oxidation and FFA turnover in 8 healthy, young men for 90 min before and 240 min after ingestion of placebo, caffeine (10 mg/kg), or caffeine during beta-adrenoceptor blockade. RESULTS During fasting conditions, there were few differences in measured variables between the 3 tests. During steady state conditions (last hour of the test) after ingestion of caffeine, lipid turnover increased 2-fold (P < 0.005), and the mean (+/-SEM) thermic effect was 13.3 +/- 2.2% (P < 0.001), both of which were greater than after ingestion of placebo or caffeine during beta-adrenoceptor blockade. After ingestion of caffeine, oxidative FFA disposal increased 44% (236 +/- 21 to 340 +/- 16 micro mol/min), whereas nonoxidative FFA disposal increased 2.3-fold (455 +/- 66 to 1054 +/- 242 micro mol/min; P < 0.01). In postabsorptive conditions, 34% of lipids were oxidized and 66% were recycled. Caffeine ingestion increased energy expenditure 13% and doubled the turnover of lipids, of which 24% were oxidized and 76% were recycled. beta-Adrenoceptor blockade decreased, but did not inhibit, these variables. CONCLUSIONS Many, but not all, of the effects of caffeine are mediated via the sympathetic nervous system. The effect of caffeine on lipid mobilization in resting conditions can be interpreted in 2 ways: lipid mobilization alone is insufficient to drive lipid oxidation, or large increments in lipid turnover result in small increments in lipid oxidation.
Studies on mechanical behavior and microstructural analysis of tailor welded blanks of Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy sheet

In the present study, Ti–6Al–4V alloy sheets having a thickness of 1.6 mm and 2 mm are chosen for carrying out weldability studies using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. The quality of the weld was examined through metallographic (macro- and micrographs) analyses. The welded specimens were subjected to mechanical tests to examine the behavior of tailor welded blanks (TWBs). Grain coarsening at fusion zone (FZ) and heat affected zone was confirmed through optical microscope. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the presence of thin α-phases surrounded by β-grains at FZ. The maximum hardness distribution of 383 HV is obtained at FZ. Tensile test results revealed an increase of 3.58% strength as compared to the thin base metal. At fracture surface, the presence of various sized dimples was identified through SEM. Erichsen cupping test showed that formability performance of the TWB was affected by a negligible percentage.
Prediction of electronic and magnetic properties of Full Heusler Alloy – Ir2CrAl

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties were predicted for Full Heusler Alloy - Ir2CrAl using local spin density approximation as implemented in Wien2k 13.1. We analyzed and predicted that the compound can be used for spintronic application as we recognize 100% spin polarization, half metallicity and ferromagnetic with magnetic moment of 3 µB.
Informal Lending in Emerging Markets

Microentrepreneurs in emerging markets often rely on informal lenders for their routine borrowing needs. This paper investigates informal lenders’ and microentrepreneurs’ incentives to participate in a lender–borrower relationship in a market in which repayments are neither law protected nor asset secured. We consider a borrower who seeks a short-term loan, invests in a project, and repays in full using her project earnings if the project is successful. If the project fails, the borrower uses her outside option to repay over a period of time. The analysis uncovers an interesting effect of the borrower’s outside option on the loan rate offered by the lender—the loan rate first increases and then decreases with the borrower’s outside option. An important policy implication is that an increase in the outside options of the poor microentrepreneurs might actually reduce their surplus. Finally, we find that lenders in emerging markets may be more likely to engage in informal lending compared to those in develop.
Structure-Promiscuity Relationship Puzzles—Extensively Assayed Analogs with Large Differences in Target Annotations

Publicly available screening data were systematically searched for extensively assayed structural analogs with large differences in the number of targets they were active against. Screening compounds with potential chemical liabilities that may give rise to assay artifacts were identified and excluded from the analysis. “Promiscuity cliffs” were frequently identified, defined here as pairs of structural analogs with a difference of at least 20 target annotations across all assays they were tested in. New assay indices were introduced to prioritize cliffs formed by screening compounds that were extensively tested in comparably large numbers of assays including many shared assays. In these cases, large differences in promiscuity degrees were not attributable to differences in assay frequency and/or lack of assay overlap. Such analog pairs have high priority for further exploring molecular origins of multi-target activities. Therefore, these promiscuity cliffs and associated target annotations are made freely available. The corresponding analogs often represent equally puzzling and interesting examples of structure-promiscuity relationships.
Artificial plant optimisation algorithm with three-period photosynthesis

In the standard version of artificial plant optimisation algorithm APOA, the light responsive curve of photosynthesis operator is selected as rectangular hyperbolic model. However, different light responsive curve may result in different performance, therefore, a combination of some different light responsive curves may increase the effectiveness of photosynthesis operator. In this paper, the whole evaluation process is divided into three parts, while different light responsive curve is selected in each part. With orthogonal experimental design, an optimal combination model is determined which consists of parabola model, updated rectangular hyperbolic model and straight line model, and is called three-period photosynthesis operator. To test the performance, some famous benchmarks are employed to test, and simulation results show it is effective.
Function of the Plant DNA Polymerase Epsilon in Replicative Stress Sensing, a Genetic Analysis1

DNA polymerase epsilon plays a key role in replicative stress sensing and signaling. Faithful transmission of the genetic information is essential in all living organisms. DNA replication is therefore a critical step of cell proliferation, because of the potential occurrence of replication errors or DNA damage when progression of a replication fork is hampered causing replicative stress. Like other types of DNA damage, replicative stress activates the DNA damage response, a signaling cascade allowing cell cycle arrest and repair of lesions. The replicative DNA polymerase ε (Pol ε) was shown to activate the S-phase checkpoint in yeast in response to replicative stress, but whether this mechanism functions in multicellular eukaryotes remains unclear. Here, we explored the genetic interaction between Pol ε and the main elements of the DNA damage response in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that mutations affecting the polymerase domain of Pol ε trigger ATR-dependent signaling leading to SOG1 activation, WEE1-dependent cell cycle inhibition, and tolerance to replicative stress induced by hydroxyurea, but result in enhanced sensitivity to a wide range of DNA damaging agents. Using knock-down lines, we also provide evidence for the direct role of Pol ε in replicative stress sensing. Together, our results demonstrate that the role of Pol ε in replicative stress sensing is conserved in plants, and provide, to our knowledge, the first genetic dissection of the downstream signaling events in a multicellular eukaryote.
Psychometric evaluation of HIV risk behavior assessments using Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI) among orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia

ABSTRACT Social desirability bias and underreporting of HIV risk behaviors are significant challenges to the accurate evaluation of HIV prevention programs for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in sub-Saharan Africa. Valid and reliable HIV risk behavior instruments are critical to address these challenges. We assessed the psychometric properties of two risk behavior measures, the World Aids Foundation Survey (WAF) and the Peer HIV Risk Behavior Screener (PHRBS), administered to 210 OVC in Zambia using Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing. All WAF subscales exhibited good internal reliability (α > .80); only the Sexual Behavior Practices subscale strongly distinguished (P < .01) adolescents who engaged in HIV risk behaviors (“cases”) from those who did not (“non-cases”). An 8-item version of the PHRBS, refined using exploratory factor analysis, demonstrated good internal reliability (α = 87), differentiated “cases” from “non-cases” (P < .01), and correlated strongly with the Sexual Behavior Practices subcale (r = .34, P < .01). Results suggest that report of peers’ sexual behaviors can serve as a proxy for OVCs’ own behavior in contexts where social desirability bias affects reporting.
HaploGrep 2: mitochondrial haplogroup classification in the era of high-throughput sequencing

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiles can be classified into phylogenetic clusters (haplogroups), which is of great relevance for evolutionary, forensic and medical genetics. With the extensive growth of the underlying phylogenetic tree summarizing the published mtDNA sequences, the manual process of haplogroup classification would be too time-consuming. The previously published classification tool HaploGrep provided an automatic way to address this issue. Here, we present the completely updated version HaploGrep 2 offering several advanced features, including a generic rule-based system for immediate quality control (QC). This allows detecting artificial recombinants and missing variants as well as annotating rare and phantom mutations. Furthermore, the handling of high-throughput data in form of VCF files is now directly supported. For data output, several graphical reports are generated in real time, such as a multiple sequence alignment format, a VCF format and extended haplogroup QC reports, all viewable directly within the application. In addition, HaploGrep 2 generates a publication-ready phylogenetic tree of all input samples encoded relative to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence. Finally, new distance measures and optimizations of the algorithm increase accuracy and speed-up the application. HaploGrep 2 can be accessed freely and without any registration at http://haplogrep.uibk. ac.at.
Regulation of Gastric Electrical and Mechanical Activity by Cholinesterases in Mice

Background/Aims Gastric peristalsis begins in the orad corpus and propagates to the pylorus. Directionality of peristalsis depends upon orderly generation and propagation of electrical slow waves and a frequency gradient between proximal and distal pacemakers. We sought to understand how chronotropic agonists affect coupling between corpus and antrum. Methods Electrophysiological and imaging techniques were used to investigate regulation of gastric slow wave frequency by muscarinic agonists in mice. We also investigated the expression and role of cholinesterases in regulating slow wave frequency and motor patterns in the stomach. Results Both acetycholinesterase (Ache) and butyrylcholine esterase (Bche) are expressed in gastric muscles and AChE is localized to varicose processes of motor neurons. Inhibition of AChE in the absence of stimulation increased slow wave frequency in corpus and throughout muscle strips containing corpus and antrum. CCh caused depolarization and increased slow wave frequency. Stimulation of cholinergic neurons increased slow wave frequency but did not cause depolarization. Neostigmine (1 μM) increased slow wave frequency, but uncoupling between corpus and antrum was not detected. Motility mapping of contractile activity in gastric muscles showed similar effects of enteric nerve stimulation on the frequency and propagation of slow waves, but neostigmine (> 1 μM) caused aberrant contractile frequency and propagation and ectopic pacemaking. Conclusions Our data show that slow wave uncoupling is difficult to assess with electrical recording from a single or double sites and suggest that efficient metabolism of ACh released from motor neurons is an extremely important regulator of slow wave frequency and propagation and gastric motility patterns.