Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Describing Nanomaterials: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Data Communities

Fundamental in building any materials database is the capability to describe the materials whose data are contained therein accurately. While many systems exist for describing traditional materials, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and others, the evolving field of nanotechnology presents new challenges. In this paper, we define the goals of a materials description system and the information categories used to describe traditional materials. We then discuss the challenges presented by materials on the nanoscale and suggest ways of overcoming those challenges.
Nutritional modulation of resistance to infectious diseases.

Dietary characteristics can modulate a bird's susceptibility to infectious challenges and subtle influences due to the level of nutrients or the types of ingredients may at times be of critical importance. This review considers seven mechanisms for nutritional modulation of resistance to infectious disease in poultry. 1) Nutrition may impact the development of the immune system, both in ovo and in the first weeks posthatch. Micronutrient deficiencies that affect developmental events, such as the seeding of lymphoid organs and clonal expansion of lymphocyte clones, can negatively impact the immune system later in life. 2) A substrate role of nutrients is necessary for the immune response so that responding cells can divide and synthesize effector molecules. The quantitative need for nutrients for supporting a normal immune system, as well as the proliferation of leukocytes and the production of antibodies during an infectious challenge, is very small relative to uses for growth or egg production. It is likely that the systemic acute phase response that accompanies most infectious challenges is a more significant consumer of nutrients than the immune system itself. 3) The low concentration of some nutrients (e.g., iron) in body fluids makes them the limiting substrates for the proliferation of invading pathogens and the supply of these nutrients is further limited during the immune response. 4) Some nutrients (e.g., fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E) have direct regulatory actions on leukocytes by binding to intracellular receptors or by modifying the release of second messengers. 5) The diet may also have indirect regulatory effects that are mediated by the classical endocrine system. 6) Physical and chemical aspects of the diet can modify the populations of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, the capacity of pathogens to attach to enterocytes, and the integrity of the intestinal epithelium.
Acute Metabolic and Enjoyment Responses of Three Walking Protocols

Encouraging physical activity is a key component of public health. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that interval walking would produce higher oxygen uptake (VO2) and similar enjoyment responses during and following exercise compared to continuous walking. Ten healthy adults (4 women, 6 men; mean age = 24 ± 5 years) completed the following 3 walking bouts in counterbalanced order and equated for total volume (90 MET·min): 1) 30 min of low-moderate continuous walking (3 METs; ~ 4.8 km/h), 2) 24 min and 24 s of interval walking (IW1) with cycles of 30 s:60 s of high-moderate (5 METs; ~ 6.4 km/h):low-moderate intensities, and 3) 26 min and 20 s of interval walking (IW2) with cycles of 30 s:120 s of high-moderate:low-moderate intensities. Accumulated O2 uptake during exercise was higher during IW2 (28,232 ± 2,782 mL) compared to IW1 (26,561 ± 2,685 mL; p = 0.03) and continuous walking (24,500 ± 2,427 mL; p = 0.001), and higher during IW1 than during continuous walking (p = 0.001). EPOC over 20 min was higher after IW1 (1,268 ± 117 mL O2) compared to continuous walking (892 ± 73 mL; p = 0.04); the 2 interval walking protocols were not different (IW2: 1,174 ± 178 mL; p > 0.05). Exercise enjoyment before, during, and after exercise did not differ among the walking protocols (all p > 0.05). Interval walking elicited greater VO2 and EPOC in shorter total durations of exercise compared to continuous walking of a similar enjoyment and volume.
Experimental Performance Evaluation of a MAC Protocol for Cooperative ARQ Scenarios

This paper provides details and performance evaluation of the implementation of the Persistent Relay Carrier Sensing Multiple Access (PRCSMA) protocol for Cooperative ARQ (C-ARQ) scenarios using off-the-shelf wireless cards. The underlying idea of PRCSMA is to modify the basic rules of the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol to execute a distributed C-ARQ scheme in wireless networks in order to enhance their performance and to extend coverage. For the implementation, we modify the HostAP driver for off-the-shelf air-interfaces. HostAP is a Linux based driver for 802.11b WLAN cards based on Intersil's Prism 2.5. Performance evaluation tests provide proof-of-concept of the efficiency, in terms of mean delay, of the PRCSMA in realistic conditions.
The brain uses extrasomatic information to estimate limb displacement

A fundamental problem faced by the brain is to estimate whether a touched object is rigidly attached to a ground reference or is movable. A simple solution to this problem would be for the brain to test whether pushing on the object with a limb is accompanied by limb displacement. The mere act of pushing excites large populations of mechanoreceptors, generating a sensory response that is only weakly sensitive to limb displacement if the movements are small, and thus can hardly be used to determine the mobility of the object. In the mechanical world, displacement or deformation of objects frequently co-occurs with microscopic fluctuations associated with the frictional sliding of surfaces in contact or with micro-failures inside an object. In this study, we provide compelling evidence that the brain relies on these microscopic mechanical events to estimate the displacement of the limb in contact with an object, and hence the mobility of the touched object. We show that when pressing with a finger on a stiff surface, fluctuations that resemble the mechanical response of granular solids provoke a sensation of limb displacement. Our findings suggest that when acting on an external object, prior knowledge about the sensory consequences of interacting with the object contributes to proprioception.
Some climatological and synoptic aspects of severe weather development in the northwestern United States

This study examines severe convective storms (those producing either 3/4 inch in diameter or greater hail, wind gusts equal to or greater thall 50 knots, or tornadoes) occurring in that portion of the northwestern United States extending from Washington and Oregon through Idaho into the western portions of Montana and Wyoming. The climatology of severe weather events in this region reveals that the frequency of occurrence is greatest near the Continental Divide with the frequency progressively decreasing towards the Washington and Oregon coasts. Compared with other portions of the United States (e.g., the Great Plains), the frequency is relatively low. However, the data re veal that within the region, significant severe weather episodes (SSWEs) that are particularly destructive, and/or affect relatively large areas occur about twice a year. To aid forecasters in the anticipation of SSWEs in the northwestern United States, composite charts displaying common patterns and parameter values have been prepared.
Performance and Detection of M-ary Frequency Shift Keying in Triple Layer Wireless Sensor Network

This paper proposes an innovative triple layer Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) system, which monitors M-ary events like temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. with the help of geographically distributed sensors. The sensors convey signals to the fusion centre using M-ary Frequency Shift Keying (MFSK) modulation scheme over independent Rayleigh fading channels. At the fusion centre, detection takes place with the help of Selection Combining (SC) diversity scheme, which assures a simple and economical receiver circuitry. With the aid of various simulations, the performance and efficacy of the system has been analyzed by varying modulation levels, number of local sensors and probability of correct detection by the sensors. The study endeavors to prove that triple layer WSN system is an economical and dependable system capable of correct detection of M-ary events by integrating frequency diversity together with antenna diversity.
Ultrasound‐guided supra‐inguinal fascia iliaca block: a cadaveric evaluation of a novel approach

Existing descriptions of ultrasound‐guided fascia iliaca block focus on injection of local anaesthetic inferior to the inguinal ligament, relying on supra‐inguinal spread to block the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the iliac fossa. In this study, we explored injectate spread and nerve involvement in a cadaveric dye‐injection model, using a supra‐inguinal ultrasound‐guided technique that places local anaesthetic directly into the iliac fossa. Bilateral injections of 20 ml 0.25% aniline blue dye were made in six unembalmed cadavers. The femoral nerve was stained by the dye in all twelve injections. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was stained bilaterally in five cadavers, but the nerve was absent on both sides in the sixth cadaver. The ilio‐inguinal nerve passed into the iliac fossa over the iliacus muscle in eight of the hemi‐pelvi and was stained in seven of these occasions. We have performed more than 150 blocks in patients using this approach without complications. Injection using this technique in cadavers leads to extensive fluid spread throughout the iliac fossa. In patients this approach may allow a lower volume block of the femoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve while still injecting at a distance from the femoral nerve.
Automatic video summarizing tool using MPEG-7 descriptors for personal video recorder

We introduce an automatic video summarizing tool (AVST) for a personal video recorder. The tool utilizes MPEG-7 visual descriptors to generate a video index for a summary. The resulting index generates not only a preview of a movie but also allows non-linear access with thumbnails. In addition, the index supports the searching of shots similar to a desired one within saved video sequences. Moreover, simple shot-based video editing can readily be achieved using the generated index.
Author ' s personal copy Spousal mate retention in the newlywed year and three years later

The function of mate retention tactics is to prevent a long-term partner from defecting from the relationship and to ward off potential mate poachers. These tactics include Concealment of Mate, Appearance Enhancement, and Violence against Rivals. The current research is the first to investigate the performance of husband’s and wife’s mate retention tactics over time. We assessed 49 husbands and 65 wives on their performance of 19 mate retention tactics once as newlyweds and again four years into the marriage. With this unique dataset, we investigated (1) the cross-time stability of husbands’ and wives’ performance reports of mate retention tactics and (2) sex differences in performance reports of mate retention tactics over time. The results indicated that (1) husbands’ and wives’ performance reports of mate retention tactics as newlyweds correlate positively with their performance reports of mate retention tactics three years later, (2) husbands’ and wives’ performance reports of mate retention tactics decreases after three years of marriage, and (3) sex differences in performance reports of mate retention tactics persist over time. Discussion offers speculations on the stability and change found in mate retention performance, suggests potential correlates of mate retention performance, and addresses limitations of this research. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Paleo-Drainage Network, Morphotectonics, and Fluvial Terraces: Clues from the Verde Stream in the Middle Sangro River (Central Italy)

This work analyzes the role of paleo-drainage network, morphotectonics, and surface processes in landscape evolution in a sector of the transition zone between the chain and the piedmont area of Central Apennines. Particularly, it focuses on the Verde Stream, a tributary of the middle Sangro River valley, which flows in the southeastern Abruzzo area at the boundary with the Molise region. The Verde Stream was investigated through a drainage basin scale geomorphological analysis incorporating the morphometry of the orography and hydrography, structural geomorphological field mapping, and the investigation of morphological field evidence of tectonics with their statistical azimuthal distributions. The local data obtained were compared with the analysis of the middle Sangro River valley and the tectonic features of the Abruzzo–Molise area. This approach led us to also provide relevant clues about the definition of the role of karst features and paleo-landscapes in the general setting of the study area and to identify the impact of active tectonics, confirmed by recent and active seismicity. In conclusion, the paper contributes to defining the main stages of the geomorphological evolution of this area, driven by uplift and local tectonics and due to a combination of fluvial, karst, and landslide processes.
Skull Deformity in a Herring Gull Chick (Larus argentatus)

A skull deformity resulting in death of a herring gull chick (Larus argentatus) is described in detail. The bones of the skull and upper jaw were twisted, assymetrical and of unusual size or absent. The lower jaw had an almost “spoon-like” external appearance and lacked normal articular surfaces.
Relationship Between Cardiac Rehabilitation and Long-Term Risks of Death and Myocardial Infarction Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries

Background— For patients with coronary heart disease, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves survival rate and has beneficial effects on risk factors for coronary artery disease. The relationship between the number of sessions attended and long-term outcomes is unknown. Methods and Results— In a national 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries, we identified 30 161 elderly patients who attended at least 1 cardiac rehabilitation session between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2005. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to estimate the relationship between the number of sessions attended and death and myocardial infarction (MI) at 4 years. The cumulative number of sessions was a time-dependent covariate. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and subsequent hospitalization, patients who attended 36 sessions had a 14% lower risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 0.97) and a 12% lower risk of MI (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.93) than those who attended 24 sessions; a 22% lower risk of death (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.87) and a 23% lower risk of MI (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.87) than those who attended 12 sessions; and a 47% lower risk of death (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.59) and a 31% lower risk of MI (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.81) than those who attended 1 session. Conclusions— Among Medicare beneficiaries, a strong dose–response relationship existed between the number of cardiac rehabilitation sessions and long-term outcomes. Attending all 36 sessions reimbursed by Medicare was associated with lower risks of death and MI at 4 years compared with attending fewer sessions.
Applications and societal benefits of plastics

This article explains the history, from 1600 BC to 2008, of materials that are today termed ‘plastics’. It includes production volumes and current consumption patterns of five main commodity plastics: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate. The use of additives to modify the properties of these plastics and any associated safety, in use, issues for the resulting polymeric materials are described. A comparison is made with the thermal and barrier properties of other materials to demonstrate the versatility of plastics. Societal benefits for health, safety, energy saving and material conservation are described, and the particular advantages of plastics in society are outlined. Concerns relating to littering and trends in recycling of plastics are also described. Finally, we give predictions for some of the potential applications of plastic over the next 20 years.
Identification of Process-Localized mRNAs from Cultured Rodent Hippocampal Neurons

The regulated translation of localized mRNAs in neurons provides a mechanism for spatially restricting gene expression in a synapse-specific manner. To identify the population of mRNAs present in distal neuronal processes of rodent hippocampal neurons, we grew neurons on polycarbonate filters etched with 3 μm pores. Although the neuronal cell bodies remained on the top surface of the filters, dendrites, axons, and glial processes penetrated through the pores to grow along the bottom surface of the membrane where they could be mechanically separated from cell bodies. Quantitative PCR and immunochemical analyses of the process preparation revealed that it was remarkably free of somatic contamination. Microarray analysis of RNA isolated from the processes identified over 100 potentially localized mRNAs. In situ hybridization studies of 19 of these transcripts confirmed that all 19 were present in dendrites, validating the utility of this approach for identifying dendritically localized transcripts. Many of the identified mRNAs encoded components of the translational machinery and several were associated with the RNA-binding protein Staufen. These findings indicate that there is a rich repertoire of mRNAs whose translation can be locally regulated and support the emerging idea that local protein synthesis serves to boost the translational capacity of synapses.
Different regulation of the expression of mouse hepatic cytochrome P450 2B enzymes by glucocorticoid and phenobarbital.

The effect of the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, and phenobarbital upon the expression of Cyp2b9 and Cyp2b10, major CYP2B subfamilies in the mouse, was differentiated in C57BL/6 mouse liver and hepatocytes in primary culture. Overall expression was higher in the untreated female liver than in the male liver. More Cyp2b9 than Cyp2b10 mRNA was present in the female liver, whereas the level of Cyp2b10 was higher in the male. Phenobarbital increased Cyp2b10 expression more than did Cyp2b9 in both sexes. Treatment with dexamethasone markedly induced Cyp2b10 expression dose dependently, but simultaneously suppressed Cyp2b9 in both sexes. Evidence of this was obtained both in vivo and in hepatocyte culture. Furthermore, the existence of at least two unknown species of CYP2B, whose expressions were either increased or decreased by dexamethasone was suggested. Adrenalectomy increased the expression of Cyp2b9 and Cyp2b10 mRNAs, especially that of Cyp2b9 in the male liver. In addition, the expression of one unknown species which was constitutively suppressed increased in adrenalectomized male mice. That the treatment of dexamethasone or adrenalectomy altered the expression of CYP2B subfamilies suggests that endogenous glucocorticoid hormone plays a basic role in the constitutive expression of cytochrome P450. Furthermore, the sex-related difference in the expression of Cyp2b9 and Cyp2b10 suggests that sex-dependent secretion of endogeneous modulating factors is involved in the regulatory pathway.
MIF Gene Polymorphism rs755622 Is Associated With Coronary Artery Disease and Severity of Coronary Lesions in a Chinese Kazakh Population

AbstractInflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recent studies indicate that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine which mediates the inflammatory process during atherosclerosis.The polymorphism of MIF gene (rs755622 [−173G/C], rs1007888, and rs2096525) were genotyped by TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay in 320 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 603 controls in a Chinese Kazakh population. Coronary angiography was performed on all CAD patients and Gensini score was used to assess the severity of coronary artery lesions.The frequency of the CC genotype and C allele of rs755622 were significantly higher in CAD patients than that in control subjects (8.4% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001, 30.3% vs. 22.1%, P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with CC genotype or C allele had a higher risk for CAD (CC genotype vs. GG genotype, OR = 2.224, 95% CI, 1.239–3.992, P = 0.007, and C allele vs. G allele, OR = 1.473, 95% CI, 1.156–1.876, P = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, CAD patients with rs755622 C allele (CC + CG genotype) have higher levels of Gensini score when compared to C allele noncarriers (32.74 ± 26.66 vs. 21.44 ± 19.40, P < 0.001, adjusted). Our results suggested that the CC genotype and C allele of MIF rs755622 SNP may be a genetic marker for the risk of CAD and potentially predict the severity of CAD in Chinese Kazakh population.
A new modulator for digital RF power amplifiers utilizing a wave-table approach

This work presents for the first time a wave-table based coding scheme to generate a high speed binary input signal for digital RF power amplifiers. The approach maximizes the utilization of the time domain handling capabilities of the pulse forming circuit. Key features are a greatly improved output spectrum purity in comparison to common digital modulators, the ability to adjust the modulator to any given pulse forming hardware and a built-in signal correction option that comes without additional computational cost. The proposed concept is emulated with an arbitrary waveform generator and shows for a 5 MHz WCDMA signal (6.5 dB PAPR) at 900 MHz an EVM of 0.9 % and better than >55 dB ACLR. To the authors' knowledge these are the best values achieved for a single-bit coding scheme without digital predistortion (DPD) reported so far that still maintains maximum power coding efficiency.