Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theory of Fokker–Planck Equations for Reliability and Remaining Useful Lifetime Prognostics

A theory to predict the reliability evolution and remaining useful lifetime (RUL) of technical devices in the framework of Fokker–Planck equations (FPE) is discussed and illustrated with examples. The FPE is a partial differential equation for the probability density in the space of aging model variables. This stochastic physics approach to prognostics is based on the mathematical equivalence of the FPE and Langevin equations covering, e.g., Brownian motion (BM) models with drift. Given an aging model, the FPE is an efficient framework for simulating the time dependent reliability, which is obtained from integration of the probability density in the acceptance region in condition space. Wear-out failures are associated with the probability flux out of the acceptance region through boundaries defined by end-of-life conditions. Chance failures can be included with sink terms in the FPE. Additional information gain by, e.g., condition monitoring (CM), can be considered by updating the probability density via Bayesian inference. The concept is useful if the deterministic part of the aging model can be formulated in terms of ordinary differential equations for aging variables, which requires a certain understanding of the physics of degradation and failure. To illustrate the concept, simulation results with own or commercial (here COMSOL Multiphysics) solvers for partial differential equations are presented for simple examples, including BM models with drift, stress–strength reliability, and battery aging.
Exhuming the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt: the importance of tectonic discontinuities

Tectonic processes that have been proposed to explain the transport to the surface of regional metamorphic belts can be broadly divided into two types. (i) Corner‐flow within a convergent margin bounded by two essentially rigid plates associated with extension at shallow levels. This type of model assumes deformation is distributed throughout the margin and that any discontinuities are of secondary importance. (ii) Expulsion or extrusion of coherent metamorphic nappes. In this second idea, tectonic discontinuities are fundamental in the transport to the surface of metamorphic rocks. The wealth of geological data available from a variety of studies in the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, southwest Japan makes it well‐suited for studying the relative importance of continuous vs. discontinuous deformation in the process of exhumation. In the Sanbagawa belt a sudden decrease in metamorphic pressure going down section of several kilobars suggests the presence of a major tectonic contact separating two major regional nappes: an overlying higher‐pressure Besshi nappe and an underlying lower‐pressure Oboke nappe. Major tectonic discontinuities have also been proposed within the Besshi nappe, however, indicators of metamorphic temperature, the results of radiometric age dating, and microstructural studies all suggest that post‐metamorphic discontinuities are minor and that this nappe formed and remained as an essentially coherent unit. Lithological associations and petrological studies suggest the following positions for the two nappes. The Besshi nappe formed deep within the former accretionary wedge, adjacent to the overlying mantle wedge, and with a dip of roughly 30 °C. In contrast, the Oboke nappe formed at moderate depths within the accretionary wedge, was distant from the mantle wedge, and was roughly horizontal. Penetrative deformation that post‐dates the peak of metamorphism has affected nearly all of the Sanbagawa belt and has played an important role in its exhumation. However, the presence of a broad coherent Besshi nappe overlying the lower‐pressure Oboke nappe suggests that some process such as buoyancy‐driven extrusion was also important in the exhumation process and in forming the structure of the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt.
High-Barrier, Biodegradable Films with Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polylactic Acid + Wax Double Coatings: Influence of Relative Humidity on Transport Properties and Suitability for Modified Atmosphere Packaging Applications

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) exhibits outstanding gas-barrier properties, which favor its use as a biodegradable, high-barrier coating on food-packaging films, possibly in combination with modified atmospheres. Nonetheless, its high sensitivity to water can result in a severe loss of barrier properties, significantly limiting its applications with fresh foods and in high-humidity conditions. In this work, the water vapor (PWV) and oxygen permeability (PO2) of high-barrier biodegradable films with PVOH/PLA + wax double coatings were extensively characterized in a wide range of relative humidity (from 30 to 90%), aimed at understanding the extent of the interaction of water with the wax and the polymer matrices and the impact of this on the permeation process. What is more, a mathematical model was applied to the PWV data set in order to assess its potential to predict the permeability of the multilayer films by varying storage/working relative humidity (RH) conditions. The carbon dioxide permeability (PCO2) of the films was further evaluated, and the corresponding permselectivity values were calculated. The study was finally augmented through modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tests, which were carried out on double-coated films loaded with 0 and 5% wax, and UV-Vis analyses. The results pointed out the efficacy of the PLA + wax coating layer in hampering the permeation of water molecules, thus reducing PVOH swelling, as well as the UV-shielding ability of the multilayer structures. Moreover, the MAP tests underlined the suitability of the double-coated films for being used as a sustainable alternative for the preservation of foods under modified atmospheres.
Global adjustment of the thermocline in response to deepwater formation

The global adjustment of the thermocline in response to deepwater formation is studied in a single mode model on a beta‐plane. The signal is carried from ocean to ocean by Kelvin waves, which travel equatorward along western boundaries, eastward across the equator, poleward at the eastern boundaries, and then eastward around the southern tip of continents into the next ocean basin. The interior is filled by Rossby waves emanating from eastern boundaries. Stronger (weaker) deepwater formation induces an upward (downward) motion of the main thermocline in the world oceans. The adjustment is completed on centennial time scales.
Use of a radiative transfer model to simulate the postfire spectral response to burn severity

[1] Burn severity is related to fire intensity and fire duration and provides a quantitative measure related to fire impact and biomass consumption. Traditional field-based methods to estimate burn severity are time consuming, labor intensive, and normally limited in spatial extent. Remotely sensed data may provide a means to estimate severity levels across large areas, but it is critical to understand the causes of variability in spectral response with variations in burn severity. To address this issue, a combined leaf (Prospect) and canopy (Kuusk) reflectance model was used to simulate the spectral response of a range of vegetation canopies with different burn severity levels. The key aspects examined in the simulations were change in soil color, change in foliage color from green to brown (burned), and change in leaf area index (LAI). For each simulation the composite burn index (CBI) was determined using the same rules used in the field to estimate burn severity levels. Statistical analyses examined the strength of the correlations between CBI and reflectance in individual wave bands in the 400–2500 nm range and CBI and a range of spectral indices combining pairs of wave bands. The results showed that wave bands in the near infrared (NIR) were most strongly related to the CBI of the simulated canopies because of their sensitivity to reduction in LAI. Spectral indices combining reflectance in wave bands in the NIR and shortwave infrared and red edge region showed stronger correlations with CBI. Forward stepwise regression with two to six terms selected wave bands in these regions and accounted for more than 90% of the variation in CBI.
Substrate DNA Promoting Binding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MtrA by Facilitating Dimerization and Interpretation of Affinity by Minor Groove Width

In order to deepen the understanding of the role and regulation mechanisms of prokaryotic global transcription regulators in complex processes, including virulence, the associations between the affinity and binding sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MtrA have been explored extensively. Analysis of MtrA 294 diversified 26 bp binding sequences revealed that the sequence similarity of fragments was not simply associated with affinity. The unique variation patterns of GC content and periodical and sequential fluctuation of affinity contribution curves were observed along the sequence in this study. Furthermore, docking analysis demonstrated that the structure of the dimer MtrA-DNA (high affinity) was generally consistent with other OmpR family members, while Arg 219 and Gly 220 of the wing domain interacted with the minor groove. The results of the binding box replacement experiment proved that box 2 was essential for binding, which implied the differential roles of the two boxes in the binding process. Furthermore, the results of the substitution of the nucleotide at the 20th and/or 21st positions indicated that the affinity was negatively associated with the value of minor groove width precisely at the 21st position. The dimerization of the unphosphorylated MtrA facilitated by a low-affinity DNA fragment was observed for the first time. However, the proportion of the dimer was associated with the affinity of substrate DNA, which further suggested that the affinity was actually one characteristic of the stability of dimers. Based on the finding of 17 inter-molecule hydrogen bonds identified in the interface of the MtrA dimer, including 8 symmetric complementary ones in the conserved α4-β5-α5 face, we propose that hydrogen bonds should be considered just as important as salt bridges and the hydrophobic patch in the dimerization. Our comprehensive study on a large number of binding fragments with quantitative affinity values provided new insight into the molecular mechanism of dimerization, binding specificity and affinity determination of MtrA and clues for solving the puzzle of how global transcription factors regulate a large quantity of target genes.
Effects of Three-Dimensional Graphene–Carbon Nanotube Hybrid on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Cement Paste

This work experimentally studies the mechanical properties and microstructure of cementitious composites reinforced with a three-dimensional graphene–carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid. Firstly, the graphene–CNT (GC) hybrid is dispersed in cement pastes using ultrasonication and surfactant, and then, the effect of the GC hybrid on the early hydration of the cement pastes is investigated. The experimental results show that adding the GC hybrid shortens the setting stage of cement hydration and accelerates the early hydration process. Moreover, the macro- and micro-mechanical properties of each group are evaluated. The 7- and 28-day strength of the cement pastes improves with addition of the GC hybrid. Finally, the microstructural analysis demonstrates that the GC hybrid is reasonably well distributed in cement and forms a spatial network, which could bridge the cracks and compact the cementitious matrix.
Federated Learning Empowered V2V Resource Allocation in IRS-assisted Vehicular Networks

To solve the issue of the low transmission rate and energy efficiency in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, a periodic-federated-adjusted double deep Q-network (PFADDQN) algorithm is proposed for intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)assisted vehicular networks. Considering the constraints in channel and power allocation in V2V communication, a joint benefit, which is defined as the combination of transmission success rate and energy consumption, is maximized. By using ajoint federated learning and double deep Q-network approach, the original NPhard optimization problem is solved. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed PFADDQN algorithm over other baselines in IRS-assisted vehicular networks.
Characterization of Quaternary and Suspected Quaternary Faults, Amargosa area, Nevada and California

This report presents the results of geologic studies that help define the Quaternary history of selected faults in the region around Yucca Mountain, Nevada. These results are relevant to the seismic-design basis of a potential nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. The relevancy is based, in part, on a need for additional geologic data that became apparent in ongoing studies by S. Pezzopane (written commun., 1995) that resulted in the identification of 51 relevant and potentially relevant (see appendix A for definitions) individual and compound faults and fault zones in the 100-km-radius region around the Yucca Mountain site. These structures were divided into local and regional categories by Pezzopane (1995); this report deals with selected regional structures. In this introduction, the authors outline the scope and strategy of the studies and the tectonic environment of the studied structures.
A Systematic Review of Chemotherapeutic Regimens Used in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor with one of the worst prognosis. Its incidence has been on the rise in recent years. First-line and second-line treatments as well as adjuvant therapies have been employed in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer along with traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy that has been enhanced. The prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still quite bad despite recent improvements in diagnostic and treatment methods. Since most patients are not candidates for treatment with a curative purpose, effective palliative care is crucial. For this systematic review, between December 25, 2022, and January 5, 2023, we searched PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, and Science Direct and discovered 225 relevant articles. The appropriateness of the literature abstracts for the pooled analysis was evaluated using different combinations of keywords such as pancreatic cancer, first- and second-line chemotherapy, palliative chemotherapy, gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (GnP), FOLFIRINOX (FFX), and fluorouracil. Eight research studies with a total of 15,236 people, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were included. The only treatment of choice for patients without metastatic disease who have clinical staging that suggests resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) should be resection. This research examined how first- and second-line chemotherapeutic regimens (using different drug combinations) affected patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) or BRPC and how they responded in terms of overall survival (OS), tumor resectability, and progression-free interval. The review concludes by highlighting the results of these therapies. Notably, a growing body of research indicates that the two most popular first-line medication combinations GnP and FFX have similar results in RCTs and in real-world populations. Results of second-line therapy after first-line regime failure are still dismal, and there is still a great deal of doubt regarding the best course of action. More RCTs and real-world evidence studies that address current and innovative regimens, as well as the best order in which to administer them, are required, with a greater emphasis on targeted therapy with fewer side effects.
Treatment of stroke in aged male and female rats with Vepoloxamer and tPA reduces neurovascular damage

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, mainly affecting the elderly. Unfortunately, current treatments for acute ischemic stroke warrant improvement. To date, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is of limited use in stroke patients mainly due to its narrow therapeutic window and potential for hemorrhagic complication. The adjuvant treatment with Vepoloxamer, a purified amphipathic polymer has been shown to enhance the thrombolytic efficacy of tPA treatment in young adult male rats after embolic stroke. However, most stroke patients are aged; therefore, the current study investigated the therapeutic effect of the combined tPA and Vepoloxamer treatment in aged male and female rats subjected to embolic stroke. Methods Male and female Wistar rats at 18 months of age were subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion and treated either with monotherapy of tPA or Vepoloxamer, a combination of these two agents, or saline at 4 h after stroke onset. Neurological outcomes were evaluated with a battery of behavioral tests including adhesive removal, foot-fault, and modified neurological severity score tests at 1 and 7 days after stroke onset, followed by histopathological analysis of infarct volume. Residual clot size and vascular patency and integrity were analyzed. Results The combination treatment with Vepoloxamer and tPA significantly reduced infarct volume and neurological deficits in male and female rats compared to rats treated with saline and the monotherapies of tPA and Vepoloxamer. While Vepoloxamer monotherapy moderately reduced neurological deficits, monotherapies with tPA and Vepoloxamer failed to reduce infarct volume compared to saline treatment. Furthermore, the combination treatment with tPA and Vepoloxamer accelerated thrombolysis, reduced ischemia and tPA-potentiated microvascular disruption, and concomitantly improved cerebrovascular integrity and perfusion in the male ischemic rats. Conclusion Combination treatment with tPA and Vepoloxamer at 4 h after stroke onset effectively reduces ischemic neurovascular damage by accelerating thrombolysis and reducing ischemia and tPA potentiated side effects in the aged rats. This funding suggests that the combination treatment with tPA and Vepoloxamer represents a promising strategy to potentially apply to the general population of stroke patients.
Unit Hydrograph Derivation for Ungauged Watersheds by Stream-Order Laws

Hydrologists have attempted to relate the hydrologic response of watersheds as runoff production from rainfall to watershed topographic structures for many years. The recently proposed geomorphologic instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) method is perhaps the most promising development in this direction; if successful, it would allow the derivation of the unit hydrograph (UH) for ungaged or inadequately gaged watersheds without the need of observed runoff and rainfall data. In this method, the geomorphic ratios of the Horton-Strahler stream-ordering laws are incorporated in the GIUH model for UH generation. In view of the variety of project requirements and the different levels of topographic detail available from maps or geographic information systems (GISs) five different levels of geomorphic data are allowed for incorporation with a kinematic-wave and stream-law based instantaneous UH model. Testing of the model on two hilly watersheds in the eastern United States and two relatively flat-slope watersheds in Illinois are presented. Comparison between the simulated and observed hydrographs for a number of rainstorms indicate the potential of this model as a useful tool in watershed rainfall-runoff analysis.
Toward Characterizing 3-D Microwave Field With Microscale Resolution Using Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

Measurement of radio frequency chip microwave field is of great importance for the manufacturing of precision instruments and the development of integrated circuits. In this article, the characterization of chip surface 3-D microwave field distribution was realized with high resolution based on diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, and the field-image separation technique was developed to suppress the stray light noise caused by the reflection of the chip. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified by characterizing the planar microwave fields at different powers and the 3-D microwave fields at different frequencies radiated by an antenna chip with a characteristic linewidth of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$100~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The microwave field of chip radiation was accurately reconstructed with a vertical resolution of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$30~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and the optimal NV detection sensitivity is 0.8 nT/Hz1/2. The results provide a new approach for antenna radiation detection and on-chip measurement based on quantum detection techniques.
Walking-Speed-Adaptive Gait Phase Estimation for Wearable Robots

This paper introduces a Gait Phase Estimation Module (GPEM) and its real-time algorithm designed to estimate gait phases continuously and monotonically across a range of walking speeds and accelerations/decelerations. To address the challenges of real-world applications, we propose a speed-adaptive online gait phase estimation algorithm, which enables precise estimation of gait phases during both constant speed locomotion and dynamic speed changes. Experimental verification demonstrates that the proposed method offers smooth, continuous, and repetitive gait phase estimation when compared to conventional approaches such as the phase portrait method and time-based estimation. The proposed method achieved a 48% reduction in gait phase deviation compared to time-based estimation and a 48.29% reduction compared to the phase portrait method. The proposed algorithm is integrated within the GPEM, allowing for its versatile application in controlling gait assistive robots without incurring additional computational burden. The results of this study contribute to the development of robust and efficient gait phase estimation techniques for various robotic applications.
Enhancing Wearable Gait Monitoring Systems: Identifying Optimal Kinematic Inputs in Typical Adolescents

Machine learning-based gait systems facilitate the real-time control of gait assistive technologies in neurological conditions. Improving such systems needs the identification of kinematic signals from inertial measurement unit wearables (IMUs) that are robust across different walking conditions without extensive data processing. We quantify changes in two kinematic signals, acceleration and angular velocity, from IMUs worn on the frontal plane of bilateral shanks and thighs in 30 adolescents (8–18 years) on a treadmills and outdoor overground walking at three different speeds (self-selected, slow, and fast). Primary curve-based analyses included similarity analyses such as cosine, Euclidean distance, Poincare analysis, and a newly defined bilateral symmetry dissimilarity test (BSDT). Analysis indicated that superior–inferior shank acceleration (SI shank Acc) and medial–lateral shank angular velocity (ML shank AV) demonstrated no differences to the control signal in BSDT, indicating the least variability across the different walking conditions. Both SI shank Acc and ML shank AV were also robust in Poincare analysis. Secondary parameter-based similarity analyses with conventional spatiotemporal gait parameters were also performed. This normative dataset of walking reports raw signal kinematics that demonstrate the least to most variability in switching between treadmill and outdoor walking to help guide future machine learning models to assist gait in pediatric neurological conditions.