Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on engineering properties of fibre-lime treated soils

For the purpose of preventing lime-treated filled soils from brittle failure,an attempt to admix discrete polypropylene fibre into lime soil was put forward.Six groups of soil samples were prepared at different percentages of fibre and lime content and were subjected to four tests including unconfined compression test,shear test,swelling percentage test and shrinkage test.It was indicated by the test results that the presence of fibre gave great rises to the strength and plasticity of lime soils,which changed the failure mode of lime soils from brittleness to ductility.Furthermore,addition of fibre caused a decrease in swelling potential of lime treated soils while led to an increase in shrinkage potential.It was shown that the improvement of engineering properties of lime soils was mainly attributed to the development of tension in fibre.It therefore was concluded that the addition of fibre and lime mixture could be considered as an efficient improvement method for engineering properties of filled soils.
Comparison of Singleplex Specific IgE Detection Immunoassays: ImmunoCAP Phadia 250 and Immulite 2000 3gAllergy

Background The identification of clinically meaningful specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) is important for the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases. Various in vitro sIgE detection methods are available worldwide. Depending on the number of antigens that can be tested simultaneously, there are two representative methods: singleplex and multiplex. Singleplex sIgE detection is mainly provided by Thermo Fisher (ImmunoCAP) and Siemens (Immulite). This study aimed to compare the diagnostic agreement of two singleplex sIgE detection assays. Methods Sera from 209 Korean patients with allergic disease were used to compare the ImmunoCAP and Immulite assays with respect to the following allergens: inhalant allergens (Dermatophagoides farinae, cat and dog dander, oak, rye grass, mugwort, Alternaria, German cockroach) and food allergens (hen's egg white, cow's milk, wheat, peanut, soybean, and shrimp). Data from 902 paired comparison tests were included for comparisons. Qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative comparisons were performed using statistical analyses. Results In qualitative comparisons, the positivity and negativity agreements ranged from 75% (wheat, shrimp) to 96% (Alternaria). Class consistency (classes 0–6) was well matched. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for all allergens except shrimp were over 0.7. In quantitative comparisons, all allergens excluding shrimp showed >0.7 intra-class correlation coefficients. Conclusions The ImmunoCAP and Immulite systems showed similar performances. However, clinicians should consider fundamental methodological differences between the assays.
Data Flow Testing

This document discusses data flow testing: a form of structural (white box) testing that is a variant on path testing, focussing on the definition and usage of variables, rather than the structure of the program. Two different topics relating to data flow testing are discussed: define/use testing, along with a set of test coverage metrics; and the concept of splitting a program into slices, according to its variables, to ease the testing of large software systems.
Feline Leukemia Virus and Other Pathogens as Important Threats to the Survival of the Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Background The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is considered the most endangered felid species in the world. In order to save this species, the Spanish authorities implemented a captive breeding program recruiting lynxes from the wild. In this context, a retrospective survey on prevalence of selected feline pathogens in free-ranging lynxes was initiated. Methodology/ Principal Findings We systematically analyzed the prevalence and importance of seven viral, one protozoan (Cytauxzoon felis), and several bacterial (e.g., hemotropic mycoplasma) infections in 77 of approximately 200 remaining free-ranging Iberian lynxes of the Doñana and Sierra Morena areas, in Southern Spain, between 2003 and 2007. With the exception of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), evidence of infection by all tested feline pathogens was found in Iberian lynxes. Fourteen lynxes were feline leukemia virus (FeLV) provirus-positive; eleven of these were antigenemic (FeLV p27 positive). All 14 animals tested negative for other viral infections. During a six-month period in 2007, six of the provirus-positive antigenemic lynxes died. Infection with FeLV but not with other infectious agents was associated with mortality (p<0.001). Sequencing of the FeLV surface glycoprotein gene revealed a common origin for ten of the eleven samples. The ten sequences were closely related to FeLV-A/61E, originally isolated from cats in the USA. Endogenous FeLV sequences were not detected. Conclusions/Significance It was concluded that the FeLV infection most likely originated from domestic cats invading the lynx's habitats. Data available regarding the time frame, co-infections, and outcome of FeLV-infections suggest that, in contrast to the domestic cat, the FeLV strain affecting the lynxes in 2007 is highly virulent to this species. Our data argue strongly for vaccination of lynxes and domestic cats in and around lynx's habitats in order to prevent further spread of the virus as well as reduction the domestic cat population if the lynx population is to be maintained.
Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep are Associated with Greater Cognitive Decline in Older Men without Dementia.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To examine the association between periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) and change in selected aspects of cognition in community-dwelling older men. METHODS We studied 2,636 older men without dementia who underwent in-home polysomnography with measurement of the periodic limb movement index (PLMI) and periodic limb movement arousal index (PLMAI) using piezoelectric sensors. Random-effects models and logistic regression were used to examine the association between PLMI, PLMAI, and 3- to 4-y change in cognition. RESULTS After multivariable adjustment, men with a high PLMI had greater decline on the Trail Making Test - Part B (P trend = 0.02); those with a PLMI ≥ 30 were 48% more likely (odds ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.07) to experience the development of significant cognitive impairment (≥ 1 SD above mean change). Further adjustment for sleep efficiency, nocturnal hypoxemia, or dopaminergic medication use and analysis among men without Parkinson disease (n = 2,607) showed similar findings. No significant association was found for PLMAI or for Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores. CONCLUSIONS Among older men without dementia, higher PLMS frequency was associated with greater decline in cognition, particularly in executive function.
Motor-Evoked Potentials in the Lower Back Are Modulated by Visual Perception of Lifted Weight

Facilitation of the primary motor cortex (M1) during the mere observation of an action is highly congruent with the observed action itself. This congruency comprises several features of the executed action such as somatotopy and temporal coding. Studies using reach-grasp-lift paradigms showed that the muscle-specific facilitation of the observer’s motor system reflects the degree of grip force exerted in an observed hand action. The weight judgment of a lifted object during action observation is an easy task which is the case for hand actions as well as for lifting boxes from the ground. Here we investigated whether the cortical representation in M1 for lumbar back muscles is modulated due to the observation of a whole-body lifting movement as it was shown for hand action. We used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure the corticospinal excitability of the m. erector spinae (ES) while subjects visually observed the recorded sequences of a person lifting boxes of different weights from the floor. Consistent with the results regarding hand action the present study reveals a differential modulation of corticospinal excitability despite the relatively small M1 representation of the back also for lifting actions that mainly involve the lower back musculature.
In vitro activity of the novel echinocandin CD101 at pH 7 and 4 against Candida spp. isolates from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis

Background: The novel echinocandin CD101 has stability properties amenable to topical formulation for use in the treatment of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC). CD101 has demonstrated potent antifungal activity at pH 7, but assessment of its activity at the physiological pH of the vaginal environment is needed. Objectives: To evaluate the antifungal activity of CD101 against clinical VVC isolates of Candida spp. , including azole-resistant strains, at pH 4. Methods: MIC values of CD101 and comparators (fluconazole, itraconazole, micafungin, caspofungin and anidulafungin) were assessed via broth microdilution. MIC assays were conducted at pH 7 and 4 after 24 and 48 h against a 108 VVC isolate panel of Candida spp. , including Candida albicans (n = 60), Candida glabrata (n = 21), Candida parapsilosis (n = 14) and Candida tropicalis (n = 13). Results: Overall, MIC values of all drugs were slightly higher at pH 4 versus 7 and at 48 versus 24 h of incubation. CD101 MIC values typically exhibited ∼4-fold shifts at pH 4 and were not affected by azole susceptibility. C. parapsilosis susceptibility was the least affected at pH 4 and did not increase for most drugs. Conclusions: CD101 had potent activity against all Candida isolates tested, including azole-resistant strains. Although there was some reduction in activity at pH 4 versus 7, the resulting MIC values were still well below the intravaginal CD101 drug concentrations anticipated to be present following topical administration. These results support continued development of topical CD101 for the treatment of VVC/RVVC.
Draft Genome Sequence of Sphingorhabdus sp. Strain EL138, a Metabolically Versatile Alphaproteobacterium Isolated from the Gorgonian Coral Eunicella labiata

ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Sphingorhabdus sp. strain EL138, an alphaproteobacterium that shows potential to degrade polycyclic aromatic compounds and to cope with various heavy metals and antibiotics. Moreover, the strain, isolated from the gorgonian coral Eunicella labiata, possesses several genes involved in the biosynthesis of polyphosphates, polyketides, and terpenoids.
Dietary Intake of Meat Cooking-Related Mutagens (HCAs) and Risk of Colorectal Adenoma and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Much evidence suggests that the positive association between meat intake and colorectal adenoma (CRA) and cancer (CRC) risk is mediated by mutagenic compounds generated during cooking at high temperature. A number of epidemiological studies have estimated the effect of meat-related mutagens intake on CRC/CRA risk with contradictory and sometimes inconsistent results. A literature search was carried out (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) to identify articles reporting the relationship between the intake of meat-related mutagens (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoxaline: DiMeIQx, benzo(a) pyrene (B(a)P) and “meat derived mutagenic activity” (MDM)) and CRC/CRA risk. A random-effect model was used to calculate the risk association. Thirty-nine studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Polled CRA risk (15229 cases) was significantly increased by intake of PhIP (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.13,1.28; p < 0.001), MeIQx (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.05,1.23; p = 0.001), DiMeIQx (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05,1.21; p = 0.001), B(a)P (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02,1.19; p = 0.017) and MDM (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07,1.28; p = 0.001). A linear and curvilinear trend was observed in dose–response meta-analysis between CRA risk in association with PhIP, MDM, and MeIQx. CRC risk (21,344 cases) was increased by uptake of MeIQx (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.04,1.25; p = 0.004), DiMeIQx (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02,1.22; p = 0.014) and MDM (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06,1.19; p < 0.001). No publication bias could be detected, whereas heterogeneity was in some cases rather high. Mutagenic compounds formed during cooking of meat at high temperature may be responsible of its carcinogenicity.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide in an Emulsion System and its Deposition on PES Nonwoven Fabrics

Zinc oxide precipitated from an emulsion system was characterised by a narrow particle size distribution and large specific surface area. The product was subjected to morphological and dispersive evaluations, and its application possibilities were indicated. The precipitated zinc oxide can be used as a surface modifier of different types of textile products mainly because it shows considerable barrier properties protecting against UV radiation and antibacterial activity. These new properties open possibilities for many new applications.
Maximum Likelihood Indoor Localization of a WiFi Radio Transmitter with Structural Knowledge

In this paper, we present a method for estimating the location of a WiFi transmitter by a receiver using the radio resource and knowledge of the indoor room structure. We derive a three-ray path propagation model for the received radio signal in a known indoor environment. We show that the position of the transmitter could be localized using the received radio signal measurements. The likelihood under this model exhibits multiple local peaks when only few frequencies are used, which leads to the location ambiguities under the Maximum Likelihood criterion. We observed in simulation that the ambiguous locations under the Maximum Likelihood estimation vary with the WiFi radio frequency used but the ground truth location is always presented as a peak. Therefore, we use multiple WiFi frequency bands to resolve the localization ambiguity. A subspace based method is applied in combination with Maximum Likelihood method utilizing the same set of measurements to improve localization efficiency. Simulation using commercial ray tracing software presents promising result.
Efficient magnetic resonant coupling wireless power transfer with a novel conical-helix resonator

: To improve the performance of magnetic resonant coupling wireless power transfer (MRC-WPT), a novel conical-helix resonator is designed and optimized for ef ﬁ cient power transfer. Simulation is conducted to investigate characteristics of the proposed resonator and compare with the traditional helix-helix coils. It has been observed that the performance of the MRC-WPT system with conical-helix resonator is superior to that with the helix-helix resonator. Experimental prototype is set up for validation. The results indicate that the voltage transferred to the receiving coil is largely improved for the MRC-WPT system with the proposed resonator when distance between transmitter and receiver varies.
Government Purchases and Real Interest Rates

This paper examines the dynamic impact of government purchases in a simple general equilibrium model with both durable and non-durable consumer goods as well as productive capital. The model generates perhaps surprising results. In particular, increases in government purchases are shown to cause reductions in real interest rates. The model thus provides a possible explanation for the observed behavior of real interest rates around wars.
Numerical modeling tensile failure behavior of concrete at mesoscale using extended finite element method

Uniaxial tensile behavior of concrete plays an important role in the behavior of concrete specimens as well as structural elements. A 2D mesoscale analysis is performed to investigate the fracture process of concrete subjected to uniaxial tension by using the extended finite element method. The concrete considered includes the hydrated cement paste, aggregate particles, and the interfacial transition zones. In the cracked domain, to represent the discontinuities of a displacement field, the Heaviside jump function is added to the common finite element approximation for the local enrichment based on the framework of partition of unity. A user-defined subroutine for the extended finite element method is implemented with FORTRAN codes and embedded into the commercial software ABAQUS. The failure process of the L-specimen is studied, and good agreement is obtained between the experimental observation and the present simulation results. Based on the extended finite element method, the fracture process of the concrete under uniaxial tension is investigated subsequently. The influences of aggregate distribution, aggregate size, and aggregate shape as well as the strength of interfacial transition zone on the failure process and the global deformation process of concrete are analyzed. The crack initiation, propagation, and failure mode of concrete specimens are also discussed in detail. The simulation results indicate that the macroscopic mechanical properties of concrete are merely dependent on the aggregate distribution, but dependent on aggregate shape, size, and strength of the interfacial transition zone.
An Adjuvanted A(H5N1) Subvirion Vaccine Elicits Virus-Specific Antibody Response and Improves Protection Against Lethal Influenza Viral Challenge in Mouse Model of Protein Energy Malnutrition

Background Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) increases susceptibility to infectious diseases, including influenza infection, but no studies have addressed the potential influences of PEM on the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of avian influenza A(H5N1) vaccine. Methods We investigated the role of PEM on vaccine-mediated protection after a lethal challenge with recombinant A(H5N1) virus using isocaloric diets providing either adequate protein (AP; 18% protein) or very low protein (VLP; 2% protein) in an established murine model of influenza vaccination. Results We demonstrated that mice maintained on a VLP diet succumb to lethal challenge at greater rates than mice maintained on an AP diet, despite comparable immunization regimens. Importantly, there was no virus-induced mortality in both VLP and AP groups of mice when either group was immunized with adjuvanted low-dose A(H5N1) subvirion vaccine. Conclusions Our results suggest that adjuvanted vaccination in populations where PEM is endemic may be one strategy to boost vaccination-promoted immunity and improve outcomes associated with highly pathogenic A(H5N1).
FPGA acceleration of Bayesian model based analysis for time-independent problems

Inverse problems in plasma physics commonly face a tradeoff between approximated real-time schemes or post-processed rigorous uncertainty handling. Bayesian analysis allows parameter and uncertainty estimation as well as joint analysis of multiple diagnostics in a strict mathematical way. It also improves the inference from correlated measurements but with long processing times. For linear and non-linear problems, many optimal and sub-optimal Bayesian online algorithms are available but generally targeted at dynamic systems and introducing some level of approximation. Given plasma physics time-independent non-linear inverse problems, several Wendelstein 7-X diagnostics use a Bayesian inference framework. This research focuses on accelerating this type of mathematically intense standard Bayesian analysis for such inverse problems. We show a significant acceleration for the estimation of electron density and temperature profiles. The approach maintains a floating-point double precision while reducing the processing time useful in applications where a reliable error estimation is required together with a fast processing time.
Role of estrogen and RAS signaling in repeated implantation failure

In humans, hormonal regulation is crucial for the preparation of uterine environment leading to either successful implantation or menstrual cycle. Estrogen is a pivotal female steroid hormone that regulates the uterine dynamics along with progesterone in the estrous and menstrual cycles in humans. Estrogen signals act via nuclear estrogen receptor or membrane-bound receptor. The membrane-bound estrogen receptor plays a crucial role in the rapid response of estrogen in the uterine epithelium. Recently, RASD1 has received attention as a novel signal transducer of estrogen in various systems including female reproductive organs. In this review, we discuss the regulation of estrogen and RASD1 signaling in the uterus and also provide insights into RAS as a novel signaling molecule in repeated implantation failure.
Cost‐effectiveness of conservation payment schemes for species with different range sizes

Payments to compensate landowners for carrying out costly land‐use measures that benefit endangered biodiversity have become an important policy instrument. When designing such payments, it is important to take into account that spatially connected habitats are more valuable for many species than isolated ones. One way to incentivize provision of connected habitats is to offer landowners an agglomeration bonus, that is, a bonus on top of payments they are receiving to conserve land if the land is spatially connected. Researchers have compared the cost‐effectiveness of the agglomeration bonus with 2 alternatives: an all‐or‐nothing, agglomeration payment, where landowners receive a payment only if the conserved land parcels have a certain level of spatial connectivity, and a spatially homogeneous payment, where landowners receive a payment for conserved land parcels irrespective of their location. Their results show the agglomeration bonus is rarely the most cost‐effective option, and when it is, it is only slightly better than one of the alternatives. This suggests that the agglomeration bonus should not be given priority as a policy design option. However, this finding is based on consideration of only 1 species. We examined whether the same applied to 2 species, one for which the homogeneous payment is best and the other for which the agglomeration payment is most cost‐effective. We modified a published conceptual model so that we were able to assess the cost‐effectiveness of payment schemes for 2 species and applied it to a grassland bird and a grassland butterfly in Germany that require the same habitat but have different spatial‐connectivity needs. When conserving both species, the agglomeration bonus was more cost‐effective than the agglomeration and the homogeneous payment; thus, we showed that as a policy the agglomeration bonus is a useful conservation‐payment option.
Left anterior descending coronary artery dissection during ventricular tachycardia ablation – case report

Abstract Fascicular left ventricular tachycardia (VT) is the second most frequent idiopathic left VT in the setting of a structurally normal heart. Catheter ablation is curative in most patients with low complication rates. We report a case of ostial left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion during fascicular ventricular tachycardia ablation. Dissection was the most likely cause of LAD obstruction. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first case reporting selective LAD dissection during electrophysiology study with no left main coronary artery (LMCA) affection.