Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Microwave Treated WC-10Co-4Cr Composite Coating on AISI 4140 Alloy Steel

WC-10Co-4Cr composite coatings have been coated with AISI 4140 low alloy steel substrate using high-speed oxygen fuel (HVOF) technology with a particle size from 0 to 50 microns. Microwave heating energy is used to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of sprayed coatings as post-heat treatment technique. Microwave fused coatings exhibit greater surface roughness, porosity, micro hardness, and wear strength than the as sprayed deposition. The as coated and fused coatings have been characterized by x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) procedure. Wear behaviors under normal loads of 5N, 10N and 15N have been investigated by a pin on a disc device at temperatures of 30 °C, 100 °C and 200 °C. The results revealed that microwave-treated coatings are highly recommended to protect the sliding surface, such as a high-speed spindle, under different environmental conditions.
Spatial-temporal variation patterns of groundwater tables in the middle section of the Hexi Corridor

It is of great significance to research spatial-temporal variations of groundwater tables from the perspective of the whole groundwater variable field in a basin. In this study, the original observation matrix was constructed using 38 monitoring wells data from 1984 to 2019 in the Heihe River Basin in the middle section of the Hexi Corridor and processed to be centered and standardized, respectively. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) method was used to decompose the transformed matrices to obtain spatial and temporal variation patterns of groundwater tables which were represented by the spatial weights of typical uncorrelated modes with the corresponding temporal functions (TF). The resulting main variation pattern showed general drops in regional groundwater tables for both centered and standardized cases, especially in the southeast regions when using centered EOF modes. The second to fifth modes presented reverse distribution characteristics from the northwest to southeast directions. The downward trend in the first TF series indicated that the groundwater depth of the whole basin varied to be deeper. The local rise occurring at some sites demonstrated the positive effects of continuous ecological water delivery since 2000, but was still not recovered to the previous level due to long-term serious groundwater overdrawing.
Self-supervised Semantic Learning of LiDAR Point Clouds for Large-scale Scene Understanding

Self-supervised Semantic Learning of LiDAR Point Clouds for Large-scale Scene Understanding Haowei Zhang Master of Applied Science Graduate Department of Institute for Aerospace Studies University of Toronto 2021 Semantic segmentation is a challenging task in the robotic vision community to classify various objects in a scene. While recent works employ supervised deep learning approaches using hand-annotated examples, these training samples are often costly to obtain. In this thesis, we present a self-supervised semantic learning method for large-scale scene understanding. Our offline method retrieves point cloud annotations by combining a mapping and localization solution with ray-tracing algorithms. Through multi-session navigation experiences in the same environment, our method labels points as members of four semantic classes: ground, non-movable, long-term movable, and short-term movable. These semantic labels allow us to train a semantic segmentation network without any hand annotations, which can then be used online to remove dynamic points in point clouds. For a qualitative and quantitative analysis, we demonstrate our method on a simulation dataset. We also provide a qualitative evaluation on a real-world dataset. Furthermore, by semantically filtering out movable points, results show that our method improves existing localization performance.
Methane Emission by Ruminants and Its Measurement- A Review

Livestock and especially ruminants accounts for up to one-third of the emitted methane worldwide (IPCC, 2007). Methane (CH4) from agriculture arises primarily from enteric fermentation. Therefore, ruminants are responsible for enteric emissions of CH4 during the normal digestive process. Among ruminants, cattle are the major contributor to greenhouse effect through CH4 emission followed by sheep and goats (Charmley et al., 2008). Fermentation CH4 is the sum of enteric CH4 and manure CH4 (Mihina et al., 2012). Enteric fermentation is a large source of methane, which has a global warming potential 28 times as strong as that of CO2 on a 100-year time horizon (Stocker et al., 2013). It has been proven to be the second most anthropogenic greenhouse gas (Turner et al., 2016) that accounts for a significant energy loss to the ruminants i.e. about 2-15% of feed energy (Hess et al., 2004). It accounts for 1737 % of anthropogenic CH4 (Sejian et al., 2011) from ruminants and its emission depends on several factors like animal species, International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 07 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
The position of the liquid and vapor boundaries and its influence on the evaporation/condensation coefficients

Citation for published version (APA): Wolf, M. C. W. , Enright, R. , Frijns, A. J. H. , Nedea, S. V. , Graur, I. , & Polikarpov, A. (2018). The position of the liquid and vapor boundaries and its influence on the evaporation/condensation coefficients. In L. Baldas, S. Colin, I. Graur, P. Perrier, J. Brandner, K. Haas-Santo, & M. Knapp (Eds.), Proceedings of the 3rd MIGRATE International Workshop, Bastia, France (pp. 56-59). [MIGRATE2018:210706]
Buddies as In-Group Influencers in Online Support Groups: A Social Network Analysis of Processes and Outcomes

Buddies, serving as in-group influencers to aid demographically similar cobuddies, are extensively used in face-to-face support groups to enhance positive social influence. The authors examine the efficacy of buddies in online support groups and investigate underlying mediating processes using social network analysis. They observe what happens when members of support groups for quitting smoking, including members who are relatively active and less active in the group, after a few days are called on to be buddies and assigned to specific cobuddies. The findings indicate that, consistent with normative expectations for buddies, members form especially strong ties with their designated cobuddies. The more active buddies are in the group, the stronger the ties they form with their cobuddies and, in turn, their cobuddies form stronger ties with group members overall, which then relates to cobuddy goal attainment. The findings suggest that interactive marketers should consider using buddies in online support groups but observe activity levels before making buddy assignments, because positive outcomes are contingent on buddies being active in the group. Marketers should also ensure that online support group members post to everyone, not just their buddies, because ties formed among group members as a whole are crucial for goal attainment.
Functionalized Graphene Origami Metamaterials with Tunable Thermal Conductivity

Graphene with tunable thermo-mechanical property is of great importance for next-generation thermal management devices. Distinct from previously reported porous graphene materials that tune the thermal conductivity at the cost of degrading their mechanical properties, non-porous hydrogenated graphene origami metamaterial exhibits a unique combination of tunable thermal conductivity, high strength, and enhanced stretchability. Through molecular dynamics simulation, an extremely broad range of thermal conductivity can be obtained by tuning the geometrical parameters of the Miura-ori nanoarchitecture of graphene origami, altering the adatom types and density, designing new origami patterns, and applying mechanical strains. By analyzing and comparing the results from atomistic and continuum-based simulations, the effect of length scale on the thermal property of graphene origami metamaterials is explored. The temperature distribution and the phonon density of states of the proposed graphene origami are examined to illustrate the heat conduction mechanism. Finally, 3D graphene origami metamaterials are constructed based on the coupling and assembling of graphene origami strips, and their thermo-mechanical performance is elucidated. Negative coefficients of thermal expansion are obtained in graphene origami nanotubes. The introduced strategy for controlling the thermo-mechanical properties of graphene metamaterials can open up new avenues for developing thermoelectric devices, heat management systems, and flexible nanoelectronics.
RBC deformability measurement based on variations of pressure in multiple micropillar channels during blood delivery using a disposable air-compressed pump

Subpopulations of red blood cells (RBCs) are attributed to symptoms associated with hematological disorders. To detect differences in subpopulations of RBCs, RBC deformability has been considered as a promising label-free biomarker. To realize high throughput and a label-free approach, previous methods have required bulky syringe pumps for blood delivery and time-resolved micro-PIV techniques to obtain blood velocity fields. In this study, blood (∼0.2 mL) is delivered using a disposable air-compressed pump. Subsequently, RBC deformability is quantified by analyzing the cell-to-liquid interface in the pressure channel (β) caused by successive clogging of RBCs in multiple micropillar channels. By averaging temporal variations in the intensity of captured images of the blood within the pressure channel for a specific duration, a normalized deformability index (DIβ) is defined to quantify RBC deformability. Through the operation of the disposable air-compressed pump, blood velocity is gradually reduced over time. As observed, RBC clogging in the micropillar channel led to an increase in the value of β accompanied by fluctuations with the passage of time. A quantitative comparison of the proposed method (DIβ) against the previous method (ΔV) is performed using blood samples composed of homogeneous and heterogeneous hardened RBCs. Upon performing linear regression analysis between DIβ and ΔV, the coefficient of regression provides values as high as R2 = 0.96–0.99 (i.e., P < 0.001). Thus, DIβ could be effectively used to detect variations in the deformability of RBCs. Finally, the variation in RBC deformability is quantified over a storage period of 1 week. As a result, the values of these properties remained constant for a storage time of 1 week. The indices exhibited a significant relationship because regression analysis yielded a high value of R2 = 0.7916 (i.e., P < 0.001). In view of these experimental demonstrations, the proposed method of the normalized deformability index can be used to quantify RBC deformability, especially using a disposable air-compressed pump.
RP-HPLC METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF ASPIRIN AND OMEPRAZOLE IN BULK AND DOSAGE FORM

RP-HPLC method was developed for the determination of Omeprazole (OME) & Aspirin (ASP) in bulk and dosage form. Mobile phase use for the separation of OME & ASP is methanol and 0.05%OPA in water (pH= 3.5) with ratio of 60:40. The Colum used as C18 (Cosmosil) 4.6×150mm and flow rate 0.7mL/min. UV detector is used and the detection wavelength is 231nm. Retention time of OME and ASP are 4.61 & 8.03 min, respectively. This method was validated as per ICH guidelines. Linearity was observed at 10-50µg/mL of OME and 20-100µg/mL of ASP. The % RSD is found to be less than 2%. The resolution between OME and ASP is 11.55 and the tailing factors of both are less than 2.0. Therotical plates for OME and ASP are 5060, and 9367, respectively. Total run time is 15min. The developed RP-HPLC method was accurate, precise, selective and rapid for simultaneous estimation of Omeprazole and Aspirin in the pharmaceutical dosage form. ” Keyword: Omeprazole, Aspirin, RP-HPLC validation.
The effectiveness of alprostadil in treating coronary microcirculation dysfunction following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in a pig model

Though alprostadil has been reported to improve the impaired microcirculation of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, its effectiveness as a treatment for coronary microvasculature dysfunction (CMD) following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. A total of 18 miniature pigs with CMD following STEMI were randomized into three groups that received an intracoronary injection of 5 ml of normal saline, 2 mg of nicorandil or 10 µg of alprostadil immediately after measurement of the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and then an intravenous drip containing 5 ml of normal saline, 2 mg of nicorandil or 10 µg of alprostadil once a day for 6 days. The IMR, cardiac function using ultrasound, infarct areas and heparanase levels in infarct areas were measured and compared between the three groups. The IMR decreased markedly 10 min after alprostadil or nicorandil intracoronary injection (both P<0.05) but not following saline injection (P>0.05). After 7 days, the IMR was substantially lower in the alprostadil and nicorandil groups compared with the saline group (both P<0.05) and the ejection fraction was considerably higher in the alprostadil and nicorandil groups compared with the saline group (both P<0.05). Differences in infarct areas and the relative heparanase expression levels among the 3 groups were similar to the differences in the ejection fraction. No significant differences in the above assessment indexes were identified in the alprostadil and nicorandil groups. Alprostadil infusion improved coronary microcirculation function, reduced the infarct area and limited left ventricular dilatation in a pig coronary microvasculature dysfunction model following STEMI.
Isolation and molecular characterization of the hemagglutinin gene of H9N2 avian influenza viruses from poultry in Java, Indonesia

Objective: The avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 circulating in Indonesia has raised increasing concern about its impact on poultry and its public health risks. In this study, the H9N2 virus from chicken poultry farms in Java was isolated and characterized molecularly. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three pooled samples of chicken brain, cloacal swab, trachea, and oviduct were taken from multiple chickens infected with AIV in five regions of Java, Indonesia. The samples were isolated from specific pathogenic-free embryonated eggs that were 9 days old. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to identify H9N2 viruses. Results: This study was successful in detecting and characterizing 13 H9N2 isolates. The sequencing analysis of hemagglutinin genes revealed a 96.9%–98.8% similarity to the H9N2 AIV isolated from Vietnam in 2014 (A/muscovy duck/Vietnam/LBM719/2014). According to the phylogenetic analysis, all recent H9N2 viruses were members of the lineage Y280 and clade h9.4. 2.5. Nine of the H9N2 isolates studied showed PSKSSR↓GLF motifs at the cleavage site, while four had PSKSSR↓GLF. Notably, all contemporary viruses have leucine (L) at position 216 in the receptor-binding region, indicating that the virus can interact with a human-like receptor. Conclusion: This study described the features of recent H9N2 viruses spreading in Java’s poultry industry. Additionally, H9N2 infection prevention and management must be implemented to avoid the occurrence of virus mutations in the Indonesian poultry industry.
Engineering nanotheranostic strategies for liver cancer

The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma have continued to increase over the last few years, and the medicine-based outlook of patients is poor. Given great ideas from the development of nanotechnology in medicine, especially the advantages in the treatments of liver cancer. Some engineering nanoparticles with active targeting, ligand modification, and passive targeting capacity achieve efficient drug delivery to tumor cells. In addition, the behavior of drug release is also applied to the drug loading nanosystem based on the tumor microenvironment. Considering clinical use of local treatment of liver cancer, in situ drug delivery of nanogels is also fully studied in orthotopic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ablation therapy. Furthermore, novel therapies including gene therapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy are also applied as combined therapy for liver cancer. Engineering nonviral polymers to function as gene delivery vectors with increased efficiency and specificity, and strategies of co-delivery of therapeutic genes and drugs show great therapeutic effect against liver tumors, including drug-resistant tumors. Phototherapy is also applied in surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Combination strategies significantly enhance therapeutic effects and decrease side effects. Overall, the application of nanotechnology could bring a revolutionary change to the current treatment of liver cancer.
The impact of COVID-19 on people ageing with an intellectual disability in Ireland: Protocol for a follow-up survey

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many people, but individuals with an intellectual disability, given the prevalence of congregate living and high levels of co-morbid conditions, may be particularly vulnerable at this time. A prior initial survey of participants of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) found that, despite a majority of participants being tested, only a small proportion had tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, despite some reporting positive aspects to the lockdown, a similar proportion were experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. The pandemic and lockdowns have continued, and it is possible that experiences and consequences have changed over time. Aim: To explore over time and in greater depth the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns and to further establish rates of infection, rates of vaccination and participants’ experiences. Methods: A structured questionnaire for people with intellectual disability participating in the IDS-TILDA longitudinal study, to be administered by telephone/video in summer 2021. Where participants are unable to respond independently, a proxy respondent will be invited to either assist the participant or answer questions on their behalf. This questionnaire will include questions from the first COVID-19 questionnaire, with extra questions assessing “long COVID” (i.e. COVID-19 lasting for 12 weeks or longer), infection control behaviours, changes in mental health, social contacts and loneliness, frailty, healthcare, and incidence of vaccination. Impact: The results of this survey will be used to inform healthcare provision for people with intellectual disability during the latter stages of the lockdown and into the future.
Low-doses of aspirin promote the growth of human PC-9 lung cancer cells through activation of the MAPK family

Aspirin has been reported for its anti-tumor activity, however, there are few studies on its effects in lung cancer. The present study found that aspirin had a dual role in the proliferation of human lung cancer PC-9 (formerly known as PC-14) and A549 cells, and in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. The cells were treated with 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 mM aspirin for 24-72 h or 7-12 days and cell proliferation was examined by MTT and colony formation assay. In order to explore the relationship between the proliferation-enhancing effect of low-dose aspirin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling activation, PC-9 cells were pretreated with 10 µM PD98059 (a specific inhibitor of ERK), SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38) and SP600125 (a specific inhibitor of JNK) for 30 min respectively. Western blot assay was performed to detect the activation of MAPK members in PC-9 cells. Cellular apoptosis was detected using flow cytometer-based Annexin V/propidium iodide dual staining. An assessment of MAPK inhibitors was performed to further validate the role of JNK, p38 and ERK in aspirin-promoted PC-9 cell growth. It was demonstrated that aspirin could promote the growth of human PC-9 lung cancer cells and induced MAPK activation at low concentrations. All the MAPK inhibitors tested (PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125) were able to inhibit the aspirin-induced proliferation of PC-9 cells.
Multivariate genome-wide association study of leaf shape in a Populus deltoides and P. simonii F1 pedigree

Leaf morphology exhibits tremendous diversity between and within species, and is likely related to adaptation to environmental factors. Most poplar species are of great economic and ecological values and their leaf morphology can be a good predictor for wood productivity and environment adaptation. It is important to understand the genetic mechanism behind variation in leaf shape. Although some initial efforts have been made to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for poplar leaf traits, more effort needs to be expended to unravel the polygenic architecture of the complex traits of leaf shape. Here, we performed a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of poplar leaf shape traits in a randomized complete block design with clones from F1 hybrids of Populus deltoides and Populus simonii. A total of 35 SNPs were identified as significantly associated with the multiple traits of a moderate number of regular polar radii between the leaf centroid and its edge points, which could represent the leaf shape, based on a multivariate linear mixed model. In contrast, the univariate linear mixed model was applied as single leaf traits for GWAS, leading to genomic inflation; thus, no significant SNPs were detected for leaf length, measures of leaf width, leaf area, or the ratio of leaf length to leaf width under genomic control. Investigation of the candidate genes showed that most flanking regions of the significant leaf shape-associated SNPs harbored genes that were related to leaf growth and development and to the regulation of leaf morphology. The combined use of the traditional experimental design and the multivariate linear mixed model could greatly improve the power in GWAS because the multiple trait data from a large number of individuals with replicates of clones were incorporated into the statistical model. The results of this study will enhance the understanding of the genetic mechanism of leaf shape variation in Populus. In addition, a moderate number of regular leaf polar radii can largely represent the leaf shape and can be used for GWAS of such a complicated trait in Populus, instead of the higher-dimensional regular radius data that were previously considered to well represent leaf shape.