Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and fabrication of state-of-the-art end structures for Budd M1 cars

The Volpe Center and the Federal Railroad Administration are engaged in active research aimed at improving rail vehicle crashworthiness. One component of this research is focused on improving the performance of passenger train cab cars during collisions with heavy objects at grade crossings. New standards have been approved by the American Public Transportation Association that increase the strength requirements for cab car end structures and impose further requirements on their ability to absorb energy during a collision. The FRA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to include these new standards in 49CFR238.211. These standards include requirements for demonstration of energy absorption through either quasi-static or dynamic tests. The intent of each test method is to demonstrate a minimum level of energy absorption—120,000 ft-lbs for a corner post load and 135,000 ft-lbs for a collision post load—while limiting occupied volume intrusion to less than 10 inches. To aid in the development of these new standards, the FRA and Volpe Center are conducting a set of three tests: quasi-static loading of both the collision and corner posts, and dynamic loading of the collision post only. (A dynamic test of the corner post was conducted as part of an earlier program). These tests were developed to illustrate testing methodologies and to demonstrate the feasibility of the new energy absorption and large deformation requirements. In+ each test, the post is loaded 30 inches above the underframe by a proxy object that is 36-inches wide, with a 48-inch diameter cylindrical face. In support of this testing program, the research reported here focused on the design and fabrication of end frames suitable for retrofitting onto the cab end of a Budd M1 cab car. The design of an end frame for retrofit onto the cab end of a Budd Pioneer cab car was modified to account for differences between the two car designs. In addition, reinforcements to the M1 car body and connections from the end frame to the car body were designed and fabricated. An FEA model of the end frame retrofit onto the M1 cab car was developed based upon the detailed design. A series of linear and nonlinear static, quasi-static, and dynamic FEAs were performed to evaluate the performance of the design. Preliminary analyses revealed the need for a few minor modifications to the connections in order to meet design requirements; these were incorporated into the final design for manufacture. Components for the end frame, connections between the end frame and the car body, and reinforcements to the car body were fabricated based on detailed design drawings and then assembled and connected to the reinforced M1 Car, from which the original end frame had been cut off. A successful dynamic test was completed in April, 2008; quasi-static tests are scheduled for summer 2008. The results of FEA model predictions are compared with the results of the dynamic test. © 2008 ASME
New Guidelines for Fatigue Design of HSS Connections

The current specifications for fatigue design of hollow structural section (HSS) connections are both outdated, and, in view of recent research results fairly inaccurate. Analyses of a large number of connections have been carried out, incorporating results from other researchers. The result is this paper, which contains an outline for improved fatigue design guidelines for HSS structures that are welded directly together without the use of additional stiffeners. To clarify the use of these guidelines and show the difference between the proposed and existing design methods, three HSS connections are analyzed with existing design guidelines as well as with the proposed guidelines.
Solution for the indefinite maintenance of nucleic acids in their cell of origin.

Solution for indefinite maintenance of nucleic acids in their cell of origin. The invention relates to a product whose characteristics allow to maintain a biological sample obtained from an individual under conditions such that the quality of the nucleic acids extracted after not affected ensuring integrity regardless of the time spent from obtaining the sample to the nucleic acid extraction. For this purpose, a liquid (blood, semen, cell culture, etc.) biological sample either solid (organ) or a eukaryote or prokaryote in a solution consisting of a mixture of EDTA (Ethylen-diamine-tetraacetic acid) is mixed in its trisodium form of sodium fluoride (NaF) and saturation with Thymol (extracted from
Efficient risk assessment of lifeline networks under spatially correlated ground motions using selective recursive decomposition algorithm

For effective hazard mitigation planning and prompt‐but‐prudent post‐disaster responses, it is essential to evaluate the reliability of infrastructure networks accurately and efficiently. A nonsimulation‐based algorithm, termed as a recursive decomposition algorithm (RDA), was recently proposed to identify disjoint cut sets and link sets and to compute the network reliability. This paper introduces a ‘selective’ RDA, which preferentially identifies critical disjoint cut sets and link sets to calculate the probabilities of network disconnection events with a significantly reduced number of identified sets. To this end, the original RDA is improved by replacing the shortest path algorithm with an algorithm that identifies the most reliable path, and by using a graph decomposition scheme based on the probabilities associated with the subgraphs. The critical sets identified by the algorithm are also used to compute conditional probability‐based importance measures that quantify the relative importance of network components by their contributions to network disconnection events. This paper also introduces a risk assessment framework for lifeline networks based on the use of the selective RDA, which can consider both interevent and intraevent uncertainties of spatially correlated ground motions. The risk assessment framework and the selective RDA are demonstrated by a hypothetical network example, and the gas and water transmission networks of Shelby County in Tennessee, USA. The examples show that the proposed framework and the selective RDA greatly improve efficiency of risk assessment of complex lifeline networks, which are characterized by a large number of components, complex network topology, and statistical dependence between component failures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an Approach for Evaluating the Quality of Requirements

In engineering design, the needs of stakeholders are often captured and expressed in natural language (NL). While this facilitates such tasks as sharing information with non-specialists, there are several associated problems including ambiguity, incompleteness, understandability, and testability. Traditionally, these issues were managed through tedious procedures such as reading requirements documents and looking for errors, but new approaches are being developed to assist designers in collecting, analysing, and clarifying requirements. The quality of the end-product is strongly related to the clarity of requirements and, thus, requirements should be managed carefully. This paper proposes to combine diverse requirements quality measures found from literature. These metrics are coherently integrated in a single software tool. This paper also proposes a new metric for clustering requirements based on their similarity to increase the quality of requirement model. The proposed methodology is tested on a case study and results show that this tool provides designers with insight on the quality of individual requirements as well as with a holistic assessment of the entire set of requirements.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Training propulsion: Locomotor adaptation to accelerations of the trailing limb

Many stroke survivors suffer from hemiparesis, a condition that results in impaired walking ability. Walking ability is commonly assessed by walking speed, which is dependent on propulsive force both in healthy and stroke populations. Propulsive force is determined by two factors: ankle moment and the posture of the trailing limb during push-off. Recent work has used robotic assistance strategies to modulate propulsive force with some success. However, robotic strategies are limited by their high cost and the technical difficulty of fitting and operating robotic devices with stroke survivors in a clinical setting. We present a new paradigm for goal-oriented gait training that utilizes a split belt treadmill to train both components of propulsive force generation, achieved by accelerating the treadmill belt of the trailing limb during push off. Belt accelerations require subjects to produce greater propulsive force to maintain their position on the treadmill and increases trailing limb angle through increased velocity of the accelerated limb. We hypothesized that accelerations would cause locomotor adaptation that would result in measurable after effects in the form of increased propulsive force generation. We tested our protocol on healthy subjects at two levels of belt accelerations. Our results show that 79% of subjects significantly increased propulsive force generation, and that larger accelerations translated to larger, more persistent behavioral gains.
A Sonosensitizer-based Polymeric Nanoplatform for Realizing Chemo-sonodynamic Combination Therapy of Lung Cancer 

BackgroundLung cancer was regarded as the most common type of tumors worldwide, and the relative lethality was considerably high. However, since the tumor tissues located in deeper parts in human bodies, the traditional technologies like photodynamic therapy could not reached desired effect. Sonosensitizers can induce sonodynamic therapy, possessing the benefits of deep penetration and effective tumor inhibition by generating reactive oxygen. Besides, ultrasound possessed the ability of deep penetration, which showed favorable tumor inhibition effect.ResultsA redox/enzyme/ultrasound responsive Rhein-chondroitin sulfate nano-preparation encapsulating docetaxel was initially fabricated. The nanoparticles show increased cellular uptake with quick drug release, revealing good stability and monodispersed form in physiological environment. Also, Rhein could induce apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential change, enhancing the expression of apoptosis-related protein. Further, the inhibited metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer cells by sonodynamic therapy would lead to reduced expression of M2 type macrophages.ConclusionRhein was firstly discovered to possess the sonodynamic effect in this work by generating plenty of reactive oxygen after treating by ultrasound. The nanoplatform enhanced synergistic anti-tumor effect by both sonodynamic therapy and chemotherapeutic efficacy, and showed benign biocompatibility, which might pave a way for the investigation of chemo-sonodynamic therapy with different cancers.
Stable haptic display with energy-compensating control

Sampled-data system nature is the main factor for a haptic system to exhibit non-passive behaviors or instabilities through "energy leaks", particularly for stiff objects rendering. An energy-compensating method is presented aiming to improve the haptic system's performance based on the concept of doing work. Using ideal continuous-time haptic system as a reference, we define an energy-compensating controller (ECC controller) which compensates the energy leaks caused by zero-order-hold and asynchronous switching during entering and leaving contacts. The ECC controller not only removes the unwanted over-work from the virtual environment during leaving contacts to eliminate the system's potential non-passive behaviors, but also enlarges the work that should be done by the operator according to the reference system's value when new contacts arise. The proposed method was tested and verified with the implementation of a "virtual stiff-wall" via Delta 6-DOF haptic device.
Performance of line-start single phase permanent magnet motors for domestic applications

Many domestic appliances require low-power motors operating at essentially constant speed to drive pumps and fans. Line-start permanent-magnet motors can provide an alternative to the conventional single-phase induction motor in the fractional kW range. These motors employ a 2-pole magnet rotor and a simple skeleton stator construction with a bobbin coil for ease of manufacture. The motor can run synchronously in either direction and relies upon an impulse torque to start. The paper describes a combined circuit/finite-element approach that employs the power of the FE approach to accommodate the complex geometry and magnetic saturation and the simplicity of the circuit method for time-stepping transient solutions. This approach can be formulated in a manner that keeps computational solution times to a reasonable level, The analytical model is used to illustrate the run-up and steady-state performance of a commercial domestic pump motor with experimental measurements included to provide verification of the approach. The paper investigates the influence of certain key design features on the performance of the motor and in particular the direction of rotation.
Genome-wide association study for milk production traits in an economically important local dairy sheep breed

Abstract In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for five milk production traits in the Valle del Belice sheep. Repeated measurements for milk yield (MY), fat percentage and yield (F% and FY) and protein percentage and yield (P% and PY) on 481 ewes, were available for the analysis. The animals were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine 50k BeadChip. Weighted deregressed breeding values (DEBVw) were used as phenotypes for GWAS analysis. A total of 23 genome-wide significant SNPs were identified: 3 associated with MY, 9 with FY, and 11 with P%. Several SNPs mapped within known candidate genes or previously reported QTL for milk production traits in livestock species. Additional interesting markers were identified on OAR3 for FY and P%. These SNPs supported some previous findings and also added new information useful to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the milk production and quality traits in dairy sheep. Highlights A total of 23 significant SNPs were detected. Several SNPs mapped within known candidate genes or previously reported QTL for milk production traits. These results could provide information to understand the genetic architecture of milk production traits in dairy sheep.
Wireless Driving of a Micromirror Device by Electoromagnetic Excitation Tuned to Mechanical Resonance of Rotation

Wireless driving of a micromirror device is achieved by electromagnetic excitation tuned to the mechanical resonance of the mirror rotation. The micromirror used is designed for low-voltage-driving. Static mirror rotation angle is 7.7 deg. at 12 V bias. The micromirror is connected to a coil for receiving the driving energy through electromagnetic induction. Magnetic field of 19.3 mT at the surface of the first coil induces 0.6 V at the second coil that is 24 mm apart from the first coil. An LC resonance circuit is incorporated in the second coil system to enhance the induced voltage. The LC resonance frequency is tuned to induce the mechanical resonance of the micromirror device. When the separation distance between the first and second coils is 24 mm, the voltage induced by the LC resonance is 1.43 V. Mirror rotation angle is 0.3 deg. for half stroke is achieved. It is expected that the rotation angle is expanded by increasing the Q factors of the electrical circuit and mechanical resonance of the micromirror. These will be achieved by reducing the loss in the electrical circuits and packaging the micromirror device in vacuum with hermetic seal.
Fully-integrated LC VCOs at RF on silicon

Fully integrated negative conductance voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) design examples at GHz frequencies in Si BiCMOS and CMOS technologies are provided. The advantages and shortcomings of the structures are briefly presented together with the associated design trade-offs. Phase noise of a CMOS VCO is calculated based on the Linear Time-Variant Impulse Sensitivity Function (ISF) theory and compared to the simulations. Experimental results of two fully integrated CMOS VCOs designed with 0.5 /spl mu/m and 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS technologies at 2.2 GHz are given.
Adaptive Blind Channel Equalization

Shafayat Abrar1, Azzedine Zerguine2 and Asoke Kumar Nandi3 1Department of Electrical Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad 44000 2Department of Electrical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261 3Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX 1Pakistan 2Saudi Arabia 3United Kingdom
MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECT OF BALANITES AEGYPTIACA FRUITS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Balanites aegyptiaca ( B. aegyptiaca ) is an anti-diabetic medicinal plant traditionally used in Egyptian folk medicine as alternative therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. No available studies revealed the mechanism(s) of the associated anti-diabetic effect especially at the molecular level. This study aimed to explore the possible molecular mechanism(s) that underline B. aegyptiaca fruits aqueous extract administration in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Four equal groups (n=10) of albino rats were used. The prepared aqueous extract of B. aegyptiaca fruits was given orally (80 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks) to normal control and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg BW, i. p.) -induced-diabetic rats. Administration of B. aegyptiaca fruits aqueous extract in diabetic rats significantly elevated the serum insulin (91%) and reduced serum glucose (54%), cholesterol (26%), triglycerides (16%) and LDL cholesterol (25%) compared to the diabetic control. Produced hypoglycemia in treated diabetic rats simultaneously accompanied at least by significant improving ( p <0.05) of pancreatic insulin and α-amylase; hepatic insulin receptor A, glucose transporters (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4), and adipocyte leptin gene expressions. In conclusion: The anti-diabetic effect of B. aegyptiaca fruits aqueous extract was achieved by increasing insulin level as well as stimulating endogenous insulin secretion and enhancing its action at the target tissues. So it covered at least most of the main therapeutic strategies of diabetes. More studies are needed for preparation of a standardized dose and dosage regimen of active constituents of this promising fruit that can play a significant role in the management of type 2 diabetes and related complications. Key words: Balanites aegyptiaca ; streptozotocin; α-amylase; insulin receptor A; GLUT-2; GLUT-4; leptin
Testing the attitude determination and control of a CubeSat with hardware-in-the-loop

This thesis presents a methodology for testing the attitude determination and control of a CubeSat within a constrained environment. This approach first evaluates the concept of operations of the satellite mission, then takes into account the limitations of the test environment, formulates test plans that can validate algorithms with hardware-in-the-loop, and presents a model by which these tests can be evaluated. The Microsized Microwave Atmospheric Satellite (MicroMAS), a dual-spinner 3U CubeSat, is used as a case study to demonstrate both the overall methodology and the validation model. Laboratory experiments were performed with a one-degree-of-freedom rotation test set-up inside of a Helmholtz Cage magnetic field simulator. The theoretical development of the control algorithms and design choices are discussed. A software model of the controller, hardware, and test environment was used to evaluate the results from these experimental tests. The results showed that, using the designed control system, the satellite model is able to successfully detumble itself, achieve a desired angular rotation, and compensate for the momentum introduced by a rotating payload. The test data are analyzed and show that the control system is able to meet the mission pointing requirements of maintaining within 1 degree (3σ) deviation from the nominal LVLH attitude after its slew maneuver, before payload spin-up. During its science operation mode, the tests showed a pointing deviation from nominal attitude of about 2.2 degrees (3σ). The details of the constraints and limitations of the test environment and their impacts are discussed.
Hot-gas filter testing with the transport reactor demonstration unit

The objectives of the hot-gas cleanup (HGC) work on the transport reactor demonstration unit (TRDU) located at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) is to demonstrate acceptable performance of hot-gas filter elements in a pilot-scale system prior to long-term demonstration tests. The primary focus of the experimental effort in the 2-year project will be the testing of hot-gas filter element performance (particulate collection efficiency, filter pressure differential, filter cleanability, and durability) as a function of temperature and filter face velocity during short-term operation (100-200 hours). This filter vessel will be utilized in combination with the TRDU to evaluate the performance of selected hot-gas filter elements under gasification operating conditions. This work will directly support the power systems development facility (PSDF) utilizing the M.W. Kellogg transport reactor located at Wilsonville, Alabama and, indirectly, the Foster Wheeler advanced pressurized fluid-bed combustor, also located at Wilsonville.
FREE-FIELD MEASUREMENTS OF EARTH STRESS, STRAIN, AND GROUND MOTION

Abstract : Earth cover provides protection to underground structures against the effects of air shock loading. Part of this protection may result from attenuation of stress with thickness of the cover. Measurements of vertical earth stress at three depths and at five ground ranges were made during Shots 9 and 10 of Operation UPSHOT KNOTHOLE to detect and evaluate stress attenuation with depth. A practical system for measuring free-field earth stresses and strains resulting from transient loads has been tested with sufficient thoroughness to establish its feasibility. Arrays of directionally sensitive earth stress and strain gages and accelerometers were installed 5 ft deep to record these parameters during Shots 1, 9, and 10 of UPSHOT KNOTHOLE. Duplicate instrumentation showed that stress measurements were reproducible with average deviations of 16 per cent and strain measurements with average deviations of 35 per cent.