Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bubble‐Free Aqueous Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) by Pulse‐Potential Application

A novel method based on the application of a square-wave pulse potential of 50% duty cycle has been demonstrated to obtain dense bubble-free deposits of alumina by constant voltage electrophoretic deposition (EPD) from an aqueous suspension. Application of continuous dc voltage invariably resulted in the incorporation of bubbles in the deposits. Bubbles in the deposit decreased progressively with decrease in the size of pulse width during the pulse potential EPD. A unique and narrow band of pulse width exists for each voltage within which a bubble-free deposit is obtained. The band is wider at low applied voltages than at higher voltages. Such bands of pulse width were found to be independent of substrate material and occurred at the same range for stainless steel and nickel substrates, suggesting that the process may be generic and applicable to any conductive substrate. The green density of deposits obtained by pulse EPD has been found to be the same as those obtained by continuous dc voltage EPD. The cathodic pulse EPD produced uniform and homogeneous deposits and was more convenient and amenable to better control than anodic pulse EPD.
Determination of In-plane Shear Strength of Unidirectional Composite Materials Using the Off-axis Three-point Flexure and Off-axis Tensile Tests

The aim of this work is to compare from an experimental point of view the determination of in-plane shear strength of unidirectional composite materials by means of two off-axis tests: three-point flexure and tensile. In the case of the off-axis three-point flexure test, the condition of small displacements and the condition of lift-off between the specimen and the fixture supports have been taken into account. Some considerations regarding stress and displacement fields are presented. The in-plane shear characterization has been performed on a carbon fiber reinforced unidirectional laminate with several fiber orientation angles: 10°, 20°, 30°, and 45°. Test conditions for both off-axis experimental methods, in order to ensure their applicability, are presented. Off-axis flexure test is considered more suitable than off-axis tensile test for the determination of in-plane shear strength.
Pretty Bad Privacy: Pitfalls of DNS Encryption

As awareness for privacy of Domain Name System (DNS) is increasing, a number of mechanisms for encryption of DNS packets were proposed. We study the prominent defences, focusing on the privacy guarantees, interoperability with the DNS infrastructure, and the efficiency overhead. In particular: •We explore dependencies in DNS and show techniques that utilise side channel leaks, due to transitive trust, allowing to infer information about the target domain in an encrypted DNS packet. •We examine common DNS servers configurations and show that the proposals are expected to encounter deployment obstacles with (at least) 38% of 50K-top Alexa domains and (at least) 12% of the top-level domains (TLDs), and will disrupt the DNS functionality and availability for clients. •We show that due to the non-interoperability with the caches, the proposals for end-to-end encryption may have a prohibitive traffic overhead on the name servers. Our work indicates that further study may be required to adjust the proposals to stand up to their security guarantees, and to make them suitable for the common servers' configurations in the DNS infrastructure. Our study is based on collection and analysis of the DNS traffic of 50K-top Alexa domains and 568 TLDs.
Cold Code: the global initiative to DNA barcode amphibians and nonavian reptiles

DNA barcoding facilitates the identification of species and the estimation of biodiversity by using nucleotide sequences, usually from the mitochondrial genome. Most studies accomplish this task by using the gene encoding cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI; Entrez COX1). Within this barcoding framework, many taxonomic initiatives exist, such as those specializing in fishes, birds, mammals, and fungi. Other efforts center on regions, such as the Arctic, or on other topics, such as health. DNA barcoding initiatives exist for all groups of vertebrates except for amphibians and nonavian reptiles. We announce the formation of Cold Code, the international initiative to DNA barcode all species of these ‘cold‐blooded’ vertebrates. The project has a Steering Committee, Coordinators, and a home page. To facilitate Cold Code, the Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences will sequence COI for the first 10 specimens of a species at no cost to the steward of the tissues.
Development of a bio-inspired soft gripper with claws

A soft gripper with claws has been proposed in this paper. This gripper is bio-inspired by inchworm's true leg which can reliably able to adhere on roughness surface including trunks, branches, rocks and concrete. Two rows of sharp hooks are placed on two sides of a soft palm and are connected by two Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) springs. This paper covers the design concept and fabrication process. Experimental results demonstrate the grasp biting force reached 9.15 N, equivalently 0.93 kg which is 15 times its own weight. Some objects with different shapes, dimensions and roughness were also proved to be graspable for the soft gripper. Moreover, the antidumping torque, anti-slipping force and anti-loosing force were measured, warranting the grasping reliability.
Highly sensitive MYD88L265P mutation detection by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in Waldenström macroglobulinemia

We here describe a novel method for MYD88L265P mutation detection and minimal residual disease monitoring in Waldenström macroglobulinemia, by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells, as well as in circulating cell-free DNA. Our method shows a sensitivity of 5.00×10−5, which is far superior to the widely used allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (1.00×10−3). Overall, 291 unsorted samples from 148 patients (133 with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, 11 with IgG lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and 4 with IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) were analyzed: 194 were baseline samples and 97 were followup samples. One hundred and twenty-two of 128 (95.3%) bone marrow and 47/66 (71.2%) baseline peripheral blood samples scored positive for MYD88L265P. To investigate whether MYD88L265P detection by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction could be used for minimal residual disease monitoring, mutation levels were compared with IGH-based minimal residual disease analysis in 10 patients, and was found to be as informative as the classical, standardized, but not yet validated in Waldenström macroglobulinemia, IGH-based minimal residual disease assay (r2=0.64). Finally, MYD88L265P detection by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction on plasma circulating tumor DNA from 60 patients showed a good correlation with bone marrow findings (bone marrow median mutational value 1.92×10−2, plasma circulating tumor DNA value: 1.4×10−2, peripheral blood value: 1.03×10−3). This study indicates that droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay of MYD88L265P is a feasible and sensitive tool for mutation screening and minimal residual disease monitoring in Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Both unsorted bone marrow and peripheral blood samples can be reliably tested, as can circulating tumor DNA, which represents an attractive, less invasive alternative to bone marrow for MYD88L265P detection.
Effectiveness of MI Paste Plus and Remin Pro on remineralization and color improvement of postorthodontic white spot lesions

Background: This clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of two remineralizing creams on regression of white spot lesions (WSLs) after orthodontic therapy. Materials and Methods: The study included patients with WSLs on their upper anterior teeth who recently completed orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics of Mashhad Dental School and two private offices. The participants were randomly assigned into three groups by treatment: (1) a 12-week regimen of a cream containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and fluoride (MI Paste Plus); (2) a 12-week regimen of a cream containing hydroxyapatite and fluoride (Remin Pro); and (3) usual home care (control). Thirty-nine patients participated and three withdrew. The main outcomes including area, mineral content, and color of WSLs were measured at enrolment and 4, 8, and 12 weeks later, respectively. Blinding was applied for outcome assessment only. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and repeated measures analysis at the statistical significance of P < 0.05. Results: Over a 3-month period, the application of both MI Paste Plus and Remin Pro caused significantly greater reduction in area and significantly higher increase in mineral content of WSLs compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The appearance of WSLs improved significantly in both experimental groups (P < 0.05), but not in the control group. No side effect was observed throughout the experiment. Conclusion: The application of either MI Paste Plus or Remin Pro was effective in reducing the area, increasing the mineral content and improving the appearance of demineralized enamel, indicating that these products could be recommended for managing postorthodontic WSLs.
Associations between atopic dermatitis and other disorders

Atopic dermatitis is a heterogeneous, chronic, and inflammatory skin disease that is associated with a profound symptom burden. Recent studies have demonstrated associations between atopic dermatitis and a number of multi-organ and systemic disorders. The origin of these comorbid conditions is likely multifactorial, with combined effects of skin-barrier disruption, immune dysregulation, intense symptoms, and iatrogenic complications. Some of these comorbid conditions appear to be related to the underlying severity of atopic dermatitis and inadequate disease control. This review will summarize recent developments in the understanding of the comorbid health disorders associated with atopic dermatitis, particularly infections, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular disease.
Gene expression patterns unveil a new level of molecular heterogeneity in colorectal cancer

The recognition that colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease in terms of clinical behaviour and response to therapy translates into an urgent need for robust molecular disease subclassifiers that can explain this heterogeneity beyond current parameters (MSI, KRAS, BRAF). Attempts to fill this gap are emerging. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) reported two main CRC groups, based on the incidence and spectrum of mutated genes, and another paper reported an EMT expression signature defined subgroup. We performed a prior free analysis of CRC heterogeneity on 1113 CRC gene expression profiles and confronted our findings to established molecular determinants and clinical, histopathological and survival data. Unsupervised clustering based on gene modules allowed us to distinguish at least five different gene expression CRC subtypes, which we call surface crypt‐like, lower crypt‐like, CIMP‐H‐like, mesenchymal and mixed. A gene set enrichment analysis combined with literature search of gene module members identified distinct biological motifs in different subtypes. The subtypes, which were not derived based on outcome, nonetheless showed differences in prognosis. Known gene copy number variations and mutations in key cancer‐associated genes differed between subtypes, but the subtypes provided molecular information beyond that contained in these variables. Morphological features significantly differed between subtypes. The objective existence of the subtypes and their clinical and molecular characteristics were validated in an independent set of 720 CRC expression profiles. Our subtypes provide a novel perspective on the heterogeneity of CRC. The proposed subtypes should be further explored retrospectively on existing clinical trial datasets and, when sufficiently robust, be prospectively assessed for clinical relevance in terms of prognosis and treatment response predictive capacity. Original microarray data were uploaded to the ArrayExpress database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress/) under Accession Nos E‐MTAB‐990 and E‐MTAB‐1026. © 2013 Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A review on solid dispersion: a modern formulation approach in drug delivery system

Drugs those are given as solid dosage form and having low solubility often have a lack of flexibility in drug formulation and administration. The dissolution rate could be the rate-limiting process in the absorption of a drug from a solid dosage form of relatively insoluble drugs. Solid dispersion technologies are promising techniques for improving the water solubility, and hence dissolution and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. It is done for Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) II Class drugs. Solid dispersion is the dispersion of one or more active ingredients in hydrophilic inert carrier matrix at molecular level. Solid dispersions of poorly water-soluble drugs with water-soluble carriers have been reduced the incidence of these problems and enhanced dissolution. The focus of this review article is on advantages, disadvantages and the method of preparation, and characterization of the solid dispersion. This review also discusses the recent advances in the field of solid dispersion technology.
Targeting memory reconsolidation to prevent the return of fear in patients with fear of flying

When a memory is recalled, it may again exist in a labile state and stored information becomes amenable to change, a psychobiological process known as reconsolidation. Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders involves accessing a fear memory and modifying it with less fearful information. A preclinical study reported that providing a reminder of a fear memory 10 min prior to extinction training in humans decreased fear up to 1 year later (Schiller et al., 2010). Methods: For this pilot clinical study, we used virtual reality exposure therapy (VRE) for fear of flying (FoF) to determine if using a cue to reactivate the memory of the feared stimulus 10 min prior to exposure sessions leads to fewer anxiety‐related behaviors and a more durable response compared to a neutral cue. FoF participants (N = 89) received four sessions of anxiety management training followed by four sessions of VRE. Participants were randomly assigned to receive an FoF cue (reactivation group) or a neutral cue (control group) prior to the VRE sessions. Heart rate (HR) and skin conductance levels (SCLs) were collected during posttreatment and 3‐month follow‐up assessments as objective markers of fear responding. Results: Treatment was effective and all clinical measures improved equally between groups at posttreatment with maintained gains through follow‐ups. Significant differences were identified with regard to HR and SCL indices. Conclusions: These results suggest that memory reactivation prior to exposure therapy did not have an impact on clinical measures but may enhance the effect of exposure therapy at the physiological level.
Experimental and numerical analysis of fracture processes in concrete : proefschrift

A combined experimental and numerical approach is adopted to investigate fracture processes in concrete. The experimental programme focuses on the failure of concrete subjected to mixed mode I and II loading. The influence of shear load on the nucleation and propagation of cracks in concrete is studied by means of four-point-shear tests on single and double edge notched beams. A numerical model for simulating fracture is developed in which the heterogeneous microstructure of concrete is implemented. The model is used to carry out simulations of different fracture experiments. In Chapter 1 of this report the subject of the investigation is clarified. Chapter 2 deals with a summary of research regarding tensile fracture and combined tensile and shear fracture of concrete. An overview of different types of experiments is given. Furthermore numerical models and simulations of fracture tests are discussed. The experiments conducted in the present investigation are described in Chapter 3. Beam specimens with one or two notches, made of different concrete mixes are loaded in fourpoint- shear. All experiments are carried out under displacement control using a closed loop hydraulic system. In the developed test set-up experiments can be carried out either with freely rotating or fixed supports. The results of the various experiments are presented in Chapter 4. The experimental outcome is presented by means of crack patterns, different load-deformation curves and details of cracks obtained with an optical microscope. In Chapter 5 the numerical model is explained. Different ways of implementing heterogeneity are presented. The determination of the various input parameters is discussed. Simulations of different types of experiments are presented in Chapter 6, i.e. uniaxial tensile tests, four-point-shear tests, pull-out of anchor bolts and mixed mode tests on plate specimens. The last chapter includes a discussion of the results and a summary of the conclusions. The main conclusion derived from the experimental part of this investigation is that fracture in concrete is a mode I mechanism, even if the external loading on a specimen is a combination of tensile and shear. The numerical model developed has proved able to predict fracture in concrete quite accurately. Simulations with the model increase insight into the fracture mechanism.
Efficient design and implement an electrically small HF antenna

HF small antennas are widely applied in military, mobile, radar and marine activities. In the design of electrically small antennas, there is a tradeoff between its size and parameters. In this paper, an electrically small monopole HF antenna with the height of 116cm, diameter of 19cm and weight of 7kg, covering 1.5 to 30MHz selective was designed, simulated and implemented. The method used in the paper is a capacitive top and inductive center loaded. Suitable resonance at operation frequencies, with desired performance, was achieved. Because of operating at the low frequencies, the bandwidth and radiation efficiency were degraded. These were improved using the lossy and large diameter of the material.
Effects of nano-clay particles on the short-term properties of self-compacting concrete

The properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) can be manipulated by the addition of nano-montmorillonite (NMMT) clays. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on incorporating small dosages of NMMT clays (.25, .50, .75 and 1.00% addition by mass of total cementitious material) into SCC. Tests were conducted on fresh and hardened specimens to measure workability (by slump ﬂow, V-funnel and L-box), mechanical (by compressive and splitting tensile strengths), durability (electrical resistivity and water penetration) and microstructural (X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy) properties of control and NMMT-reinforced SCCs. The results showed that the addition of . 5% NMMT resulted in the highest compressive strength; however, a mixture with . 75% NMMT had the highest splitting tensile strength among mixtures at curing ages of 7, 28 and 56 days. Nevertheless, durability of specimens was improved by the addition of NMMT up to 1%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests indicated that NMMT particles can possess pozzolanic activity and pore-filling ability, which refined the microstructure of SCC mixtures. Based on the microstructural test results, lower enhancement of mechanical properties of SCC specimens at higher addition dosages could be related to the lower NMMT efficiency due to higher risks of NMMT particles agglomeration.
Qualitative separation of the effect of voids on the static mechanical properties of hygrothermally conditioned carbon/epoxy composites

The paper investigates the effect of voids and hygrothermal conditions on bending, compressive, and interlami- nar shear strength (ILSS) of T300/914 composite laminates. By adopting different autoclave pressures during a cure cycle, specimens with three different void contents ranging from 0.33% to 1.50% were obtained. Experimental results reveal that compressive, bending strength, and ILSS decrease with increasing void contents and immersion time. The most significant decrease in strength of aged specimens is in the ILSS and compressive strength, followed by the bending strength. The effect of voids on the absorption/desorption behavior is also discussed. For a similar porosity, the compressive strength and ILSS of dried specimens are higher than that of the aged specimens, while they are lower than that of the unaged specimens. The bending strength of the dried specimens is higher than that of the unaged specimens. The experimental results are explained by the supportive micrographs that illustrate different types of voids and their morphology before and after mois- ture absorption/desorption.
Novel Observation Technique for Contact Condition of Fabric

An observation technique is developed to provide a fundamental understanding of the surface contact condition between the human body and clothes. As a substitute for the body, transparent silicone rubber is used. The contact condition between the rubber and fabric is observed through the rubber using photomicrography. The method visualizes contact condition changes for different contact pressures and fabric structures. Using the relationship between the contact condition and the pressure, it is useful to estimate the two-dimensional distribution of contact pressure, which is important in clothing comfort.
A CMOS image sensor with charge domain interlace scan

This paper presents the first CMOS image sensor which implements a charge domain interlacing principle to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) under the same exposure condition (integration time and light intensity). A novel pixel is designed to fit the charge domain interlacing principle, which works in field integration and frame integration mode. This CMOS image sensor also contains a programmable universal image sensor peripheral circuit, thus this sensor can also be used in progressive scan. Comparing the performances of the sensor working in charge domain interlacing and in the progressive scan, the chip measurement results prove that under the same exposure condition, the light response of the charge domain interlacing is the twice that of the progressive scan. The SNR performance can be increased by 6 dB in low light level.