Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Glued-Laminated Bamboo Based on a Life Cycle Assessment

The bamboo industry plays a significant strategic role in the world’s economy. Laminated bamboo, with increasing yearly yields, is the intermediate material for bamboo products such as furniture, floor board, and container floor. The trilaminar straight joint glued-laminated bamboo production line is the leading enterprise in Fujian Province, and it was used to conduct a load analysis of the data collected from a year’s production, based on the life cycle assessment system. The results show that the processing of glued-laminated bamboo contributes notably to the acidification potential, eutrophication potential, global warming potential, and photochemical ozone creation potential, whereas resource depletion and ozone depletion are affected by the urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive, among which the urea contributes the most. As for processing, carbonization, desiccation, and thermo-compression, these have the greatest impacts on the environmental load, with a total contribution rate of greater than 67%, as the main source for the power depletion is from the processing of fossil fuel. In addition, the oxynitride, phosphide, sulfide, aromatic hydrocarbon, etc., that are discharged from the reaction intensify the eutrophication potential, the photochemical ozone creation potential, and the acidification potential.
Crystal Structure and Physical Properties of HfB4 via First-Principles Calculations

By using the particle swarm optimization algorithm for crystal structure prediction, we reveal a newly orthorhombic Cmcm structure of HfB4, which is more energetically superior to the previously proposed YB4-, ReP4-, FeB4-, CrB4-, and MnB4-type structures in the considered pressure range. The phonon dispersion and elastic constants calculations confirm that the new phase is dynamically and mechanically stable. The calculated large shear modulus (240 GPa) and high hardness (45.7 GPa) imply that the predicted Cmcm-HfB4 is a potential superhard material. Meanwhile, the directional dependences of the Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus for HfB4 are systematically investigated. Further analyses of the density of states and electronic localization function indicate that the strong B-B and B-Hf covalent bonds greatly contribute to its high hardness and stability.
Description and evaluation of the semiautomated 4-hour rapid ID 32 Strep method for identification of streptococci and members of related genera

The rapid ID 32 Strep system (bioMérieux, La Balme les Grottes, France) is a new system which allows the identification in 4 h of most streptococci and members of related genera encountered in medical and veterinary bacteriology. Four hundred thirty-three isolates first identified by conventional methods and belonging to the genera Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Gemella, Leuconostoc, Erysipelothrix, Gardnerella, and Listeria were tested. Overall, rapid ID 32 Strep correctly identified 413 (95.3%) of the strains, with 109 (25.1%) requiring extra tests for complete identification. Sixteen strains (3.7%) were not identified, and 4 (1.0%) were misidentified. The rapid ID 32 Strep system is a suitable alternative for rapid identification of members of the genus Streptococcus and of related genera.
Reliability of Ball Grid Array (BGA) Assembly with Reworkable Capillary Underfill Material

In this paper, the reliability of the BGA assembly with underfill material is studied by three-point bend test, mechanical bending fatigue test and thermal fatigue test. With the rapid development of surface mount technology (SMT), ball grid array (BGA)/chip scale package (CSP) are widely used in portable electronic devices, such as phone, pager, and PDA. But to increase reliability of BGA/CSP is a big challenge to the application of these devices. One important method to improve reliability of BGA or CSP is underfilling technology. Therefore, the effect of reworkable capillary underfill material on reliability of BGA assembly needs to be investigated systematically. In this study, samples are reflowed with an optimized "rpid ramp" temperature profile. Then some samples are underfilled by two different reworkable capillary underfill materials. All three kinds of samples are divided into three groups respectively. One group of samples is subjected to three point bend load at normal temperature on the mini-mechanical testing. The second group of samples is subjected to mechanical bending fatigue load at a fatigue frequency of 60 cyclic per minute on mini-mechanical testing too. The third group of samples is subjected to thermal fatigue shock at temperature -40~+125degC, and the dwell time 20 min. Three point bend experimental results show that the reworkable capillary underfill material can improved the static mechanical reliability of BGA assembly. And the failure modes BGA assembly is also different with different underfill material. The mechanical bending fatigue experimental results show that the BGA assembly with two different reworkable capillary underfill exhibits higher mechanical bending fatigure reliability than that of the BGA assembly without any underfill materials. Thermal fatigue experimental results show that the thermal fatigue reliability of BGA assembly with U1 underfill material is lower than that of BGA assembly without any underfill material. The reliability of BGA assembly with U2 underfill material is higher than that of BGA assembly without any underfill material
Graph Matching using Commute Time Spanning Tr

This paper exploits the properties of the commute time for the purposes of graph matching. Our starting point is the random walk on the graph, which is determined by the heat-kernel of the graph and can be computed from the spectrum of the graph Laplacian. We characterise the random walk using the commute time between nodes, and show how this quantity may be computed from the Laplacian spectrum using the discrete Green’s function. We use the commute-time to locate the minimum spanning tree of the graph. The spanning trees located using commute time prove to be stable to structural variations. We match the graphs by applying a tree-matching method to the spanning trees. We experiment with the method on synthetic and real-world image data, where it proves to be effective.
Neuroendocrine tumors and second primary malignancy--a relationship with clinical impact?

BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are frequently associated with synchronous or metachronous secondary primary malignancies (SPM). The aim of this study was to report on 14 patients with NET and SPM from a series of 96 patients with NET. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fourteen patients with NET and synchronous or metachronous SPM were reviewed for primary site and characteristics of NET and associated SPMs as well as the outcome of these combined malignancies. RESULTS From 1987 to 2002, 14 (14.6%) out of 96 patients with NET were identified with SPM. The median age of the patients at diagnosis of NET was 69 years (range: 56-86 yrs). There were nine female and five male patients. The localization of NET was: four in appendix, three ileum, two duodenum, one stomach, one jejunum, one pancreatic tail, one rectum and one lung. Five patients had synchronous SPM (two colon cancers with one double colon cancer, one gastric cancer, one bladder cancer, one ovarian cancer) and nine metachronous SPM (two basal cell carcinomas, one colon cancer, two breast cancer, one gastric MALT-lymphoma, one ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, one bladder cancer, one hepatocellular carcinoma), three months to five years after diagnosis of NET. Five patients died of metastatic tumor (three SPM: 1, 7, 10 yrs; two NET: 1, 9 yrs), two patients died of other causes (1, 7 yrs), three patients are alive with metastatic tumor (two NET: 5, 6 yrs; one SPM: 10 yrs) while four patients are tumor-free (6 ms, 2, 9, 10 yrs). CONCLUSION NET is associated to a high degree with gastrointestinal and genitourinary SPM. In 5/14 (36%) patients SPM was diagnosed synchronously, while in 8/14 (57%) patients SPM was diagnosed metachronously. In 8/14 patients (57%) primary symptoms were caused by SPM. As a consequence, every NET should be regarded as an index tumor and risk-adapted follow-up with thorough investigation, mainly of the GI and genitourinary tracts, is to be recommended.
Toward the development of a one-dose classical swine fever subunit vaccine: antigen titration, immunity onset, and duration of immunity

Highly contagious classical swine fever (CSF) remains a major trade and health problem in the pig industry, resulting in large economic losses worldwide. In CSF-endemic countries, attenuated CSF virus (CSFV) vaccines have been routinely used to control the disease. However, eradication of CSFV in a geographical area would require permanent reduction to zero presence of the virus. It is therefore of paramount importance to develop a safe, potent, and non-infectious CSF vaccine. We have previously reported on a cost-effective CSF E2 subunit vaccine, KNB-E2, which can protect against CSF symptoms in a single dose containing 75 µg of recombinant CSFV glycoprotein E2. In this study, we report on a series of animal studies undertaken to elucidate further the efficacy of KNB-E2. We found that pigs vaccinated with a single KNB-E2 dose containing 25 µg of recombinant CSFV glycoprotein E2 were protected from clinical symptoms of CSF. In addition, KNB-E2-mediated reduction of CSF symptoms was observed at two weeks post-vaccination and the vaccinated pigs continued to exhibit reduced CSF clinical signs when virus challenged at two months and four months post-vaccination. These results suggest that KNB-E2 effectively reduces CSF clinical signs, indicating the potential of this vaccine for safely minimizing CSF-related losses.
Search result list evaluation versus document evaluation: similarities and differences

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to compare the evaluation of search result lists and documents, in particular evaluation criteria, elements, association between criteria and elements, pre/post and evaluation activities, and the time spent on evaluation.Design/methodology/approach – The study analyzed the data collected from 31 general users through prequestionnaires, think aloud protocols and logs, and post questionnaires. Types of evaluation criteria, elements, associations between criteria and elements, evaluation activities and their associated pre/post activities, and time were analyzed based on open coding.Findings – The study identifies the similarities and differences of list and document evaluation by analyzing 21 evaluation criteria applied, 13 evaluation elements examined, pre/post and evaluation activities performed and time spent. In addition, the authors also explored the time spent in evaluating lists and documents for different types of tasks.Research limitations/implications – This .
Comparative effect of local radiotherapy and surgery on cell‐mediated immunity against a mouse transplantable mammary tumor

The specific anti‐tumor cell‐mediated immunity was investigated in mice bearing syngeneic transplantable tumors and submitted to local X‐irradiation. For this purpose, in vitro tests evaluating the immunologically specific inhibitory effect of lymphoid cells on target tumor cells were performed. The use of lymphoid cells obtained by peritoneal washings permitted us to follow the evolution of the immune status in the same mice during and after the treatment. At the same time when the non‐treated tumor‐bearing controls were immunologically inactive, being in an immunological “eclipse” phase, a significant reactivation of cellular immunity could be detected in a parallel series of mice, submitted to X‐ray treatment, as soon as the tumors began to decrease in size. This activity could still be detected more than 2 months after complete remission of the tumors. If a decrease in this immunity was observed, it was always premonitory of tumor recurrences and the immunological status of the relapsing animals became comparable to that of the tumor‐bearing non‐treated controls. The results obtained were very similar whether the whole population of peritoneal cells or only the “non‐adhering” fraction of it was used for in vitro tests. However, in the latter case, the immunological reactivation following X‐ray treatment appeared to begin earlier and to last longer. When compared with the surgically treated animals, the mice cured by X‐rays showed an earlier immunological reactivation. This reactivation, once it occurred, lasted in both cases for a comparable period after the total elimination of the tumors.
Preliminary Study on Diffuse Axonal Injury by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Histopathology Imaging

The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for detecting diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in a mouse model. Brain tissues from DAI mouse model were prepared with H&E, silver, and β‐amyloid precursor protein (β–APP) immunohistochemistry stains and were also studied with FTIR. The infrared spectrum images showed high absorption of amide II in the subcortical white matter of the experimental mouse brain, while there was no obvious expression of amide II in the control mouse brain. The areas with high absorption of amide II were in the same distribution as the DAI region confirmed by the silver and β‐APP studies. The result suggests that high absorption of amide II correlates with axonal injury. The use of FTIR imaging allows the biochemical changes associated with DAI pathologies to be detected in the tissues, thus providing an important adjunct method to the current conventional pathological diagnostic techniques.
An analysis of the effectiveness of interventions intended to help people stop smoking.

In a systematic review of the efficacy of interventions intended to help people stop smoking, data have been analyzed from 188 randomized controlled trials. Following personal advice and encouragement to stop smoking given by physicians during a single routine consultation, an estimated 2% (95% confidence limits, 1%, 3%; P < .001) of all smokers stopped smoking and did not relapse up to 1 year as a direct consequence of the advice. The effect is modest but cost-effective: the cost of saving a life is about $1500. Supplementary interventions (follow-up letters or visits, demonstration of spirometry, etc) have an additional effect--variable in extent. Advice and encouragement are particularly effective for smokers at special risk--pregnant women (efficacy; 8%) and patients with ischemic heart disease. Behavior modification techniques (relaxation, rewards and punishment, avoiding "trigger" situations, etc), in group or individual sessions led by a psychologist, have an effect that is statistically significant (P = .05) but no greater than simple advice by a physician (2%); yet, these techniques are several times more expensive. The effect of hypnosis is unproved (no trials have used biochemical markers). Nicotine replacement therapy is effective in an estimated 13% of smokers who seek help in cessation; the effect is greater in those who are nicotine-dependent. Other pharmacological treatments are not of proven efficacy, and acupuncture is ineffective. Sudden cessation or gradual reduction in smoking are similar in their efficacy on average. Physicians should take time to advise all their patients who smoke to quit. Smokers who are intent on stopping should be given additional support and encouraged to use nicotine replacement therapy.
The Effects of Cenozoic Global Change on Squirrel Phylogeny

By modifying habitats and creating bridges and barriers between landmasses, climate change and tectonic events are believed to have important consequences for diversification of terrestrial organisms. Such consequences should be most evident in phylogenetic histories of groups that are ancient, widespread, and diverse. The squirrel family (Sciuridae) is one of very few mammalian families endemic to Eurasia, Africa, and North and South America and is ideal for examining these issues. Through phylogenetic and molecular-clock analyses, we infer that arrival and diversification of squirrels in Africa, on Sunda Shelf islands, across Beringea, and across the Panamanian isthmus coincide in timing and location with multiple well-documented sea-level, tectonic, and paleontological events. These precise correspondences point to an important role for global change in the diversification of a major group of mammals.
Increased IL-17A expression in temporal artery lesions is a predictor of sustained response to glucocorticoid treatment in patients with giant-cell arteritis

Background Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) exerts pivotal proinflammatory functions in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Objective To investigate IL-17A expression in temporal artery lesions from patients with giant-cell arteritis (GCA), and its relationship with disease outcome. Methods Fifty-seven patients with biopsy-proven GCA were prospectively evaluated, treated and followed for 4.5 years (52–464 weeks). Relapses, time (weeks) required to achieve a maintenance prednisone dose <10 mg/day, and time (weeks) to complete prednisone withdrawal were prospectively recorded. IL-17A mRNA was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in temporal arteries from all patients and 19 controls. IL-17 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Results IL-17A expression was significantly increased in temporal artery samples from GCA patients compared with controls (6.22±8.61 vs 2.50±3.9 relative units, p=0.016). Surprisingly, patients with strong IL-17A expression tended to experience less relapses, and required significantly shorter treatment periods (median 25 vs 44 weeks to achieve <10 mg prednisone/day, p=0.0079). There was no correlation between IL-17A and RORc or RORα expression suggesting that these transcription factors may not exclusively reflect Th17 differentiation, and that cells other than Th17 cells might contribute to IL-17 expression in active patients. Accordingly, FoxP3+IL-17A+ cells were identified in lesions by confocal microscopy and were dramatically reduced in specimens from treated patients. Conclusions IL-17A expression is increased in GCA lesions, and is a predictor of response to glucocorticoid treatment. The contribution of FoxP3+ cells to IL-17A production in untreated patients suggests that induced-Tregs may facilitate disease remission when proinflammatory cytokine production is downregulated by glucocorticosteroids.
Fast iterative algorithm forH∞ optimization problems

In the general H<sup>∞</sup> optimization problem, the most computationally demanding work is the computation of the optimal H<sup>∞</sup> norm denoted by γ<sub>o</sub>. The problem of computing γ<sub>o</sub> can be considered as that of finding a γ such that μ(γ) equals to 1. Some new properties of μ(γ) are revealed and studied. Based on these properties and those found by Chu and Doyle, and Wang and Pearson, a very fast search scheme for finding γ<sub>o</sub> is proposed.
Sliding mode compensation of inverse dynamics velocity control

Direct drive manipulators operate at high speeds, because the reduction gears are eliminated for accurate positioning of the end effector. Obviously, inverse dynamics velocity control is a suitable choice for the control of direct drive manipulator to tackle the dynamic effects due to its high speed operation. However, uncertainty in the dynamic model, and also in the inverse dynamic model, of the manipulator deteriorates its tracking performance. This paper presents a novel approach of inverse dynamics velocity control of direct drive manipulator based on sliding mode compensation technique. The compensated inverse dynamics velocity control scheme is robust against the ill-effects of the model uncertainties and exhibits robust tracking performance of the desired velocity trajectories in the robot joint space. Moreover, the proposed inverse dynamic controller can be designed based on the nominal dynamic model, thus eliminating the need for the online calculation of the computation intensive time varying parameters of the robot dynamic model. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm has been validated in the simulation considering a 3 DOF direct drive manipulator model.
A Fast Iterated Bootstrap Procedure for Approximating the Small-Sample Bias

This article proposes a fast approximation for the small sample bias correction of the iterated bootstrap. The approximation adapts existing fast approximation techniques of the bootstrap p-value and quantile functions to the problem of estimating the bias function. We show an optimality result which holds under general conditions not requiring an asymptotic pivot. Monte Carlo evidence, from the linear instrumental variable model and the nonlinear GMM, suggest that in addition to its computational appeal and success in reducing the mean and median bias in identified models, the fast approximation provides scope for bias reduction in weakly identified configurations.
Task-based assessment of breast tomosynthesis: effect of acquisition parameters and quantum noise.

PURPOSE Tomosynthesis is a promising modality for breast imaging. The appearance of the tomosynthesis reconstructed image is greatly affected by the choice of acquisition and reconstruction parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the limitations of tomosynthesis breast imaging due to scan parameters and quantum noise. Tomosynthesis image quality was assessed based on performance of a mathematical observer model in a signal-known exactly (SKE) detection task. METHODS SKE detectability (d') was estimated using a prewhitening observer model. Structured breast background was simulated using filtered noise. Detectability was estimated for designer nodules ranging from 0.05 to 0.8 cm in diameter. Tomosynthesis slices were reconstructed using iterative maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization. The tomosynthesis scan angle was varied between 15 degrees and 60 degrees, the number of views between 11 and 41 and the total number of x-ray quanta was infinity, 6 X 10(5), and 6 x 10(4). Detectability in tomosynthesis was compared to that in a single projection. RESULTS For constant angular sampling distance, increasing the angular scan range increased detectability for all signal sizes. Large-scale signals were little affected by quantum noise or angular sampling. For small-scale signals, quantum noise and insufficient angular sampling degraded detectability. At high quantum noise levels, angular step size of 3 degrees or below was sufficient to avoid image degradation. At lower quantum noise levels, increased angular sampling always resulted in increased detectability. The ratio of detectability in the tomosynthesis slice to that in a single projection exhibited a peak that shifted to larger signal sizes when the angular range increased. For a given angular range, the peak shifted toward smaller signals when the number of views was increased. The ratio was greater than unity for all conditions evaluated. CONCLUSION The effect of acquisition parameters on lesion detectability depends on signal size. Tomosynthesis scan angle had an effect on detectability for all signals sizes, while quantum noise and angular sampling only affected the detectability small-scale signals.