Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Situ Measurement of Grain Rotation During Deformation of Polycrystals

Texture evolution governs many of the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of polycrystalline materials, but texture models have only been tested on the macroscopic level, which makes it hard to distinguish between approaches that are conceptually very different. Here, we present a universal method for providing data on the underlying structural dynamics at the grain and subgrain level. The method is based on diffraction with focused hard x-rays. First results relate to the tensile deformation of pure aluminum. Experimental grain rotations are inconsistent with the classical Taylor and Sachs models.
A GC-MS method for determination of amino acid uptake by plants.

In this study, we present a rapid, robust and sensitive method for quantification of plant amino acid uptake using universally (U) (13C, 15N)-labelled amino acids and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Amino acids were analysed as their tert-butyldimethylsilyl (tBDMS) derivatives and displayed detection limits in the range 10-100 fmol on column, depending on the amino acid. The technique allows for simultaneous detection and quantification of both unlabelled and isotopically labelled species of amino acids. This makes simple quantification of plant amino acid uptake from an isotopically labelled source possible. The analytical variation was low, concerning total amino acid concentrations (relative standard deviation, rsd, less than 5.3%) as well as enrichment of U-13C, 15N-labelled glycine (Gly), arginine (Arg) and glutamic acid (Glu) (rsd<2.1%). An application of the GC-MS method was conducted on non-mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris roots supplied with U-13C, 15N-labelled amino acids. Intact, labelled amino acids were traced in root extracts. This provided conclusive evidence of plant root uptake of intact amino acids. Uptake rates of the three amino acids Gly, Glu and Arg in the range 0.5-37.9 &mgr;mol g-1 dry weight h-1 were recorded. These rates are comparable with those recorded in earlier studies of amino acid uptake, using other methods, as well as uptake rates measured for nitrate and ammonium.
Generalizing to Unseen Head Poses in Facial Expression Recognition and Action Unit Intensity Estimation

Facial expression analysis is challenged by the numerous degrees of freedom regarding head pose, identity, illumination, occlusions, and the expressions itself. It currently seems hardly possible to densely cover this enormous space with data for training a universal well-performing expression recognition system. In this paper we address the sub-challenge of generalizing to head poses that were not seen in the training data, aiming at getting along with sparse coverage of the pose subspace. For this purpose we (1) propose a novel face normalization method called FaNC that massively reduces pose-induced image variance; (2) we compare the impact of the proposed and other normalization methods on (a) action unit intensity estimation with the FERA 2017 challenge data (achieving new state of the art) and (b) facial expression recognition with the Multi-PIE dataset; and (3) we discuss the head pose distribution needed to train a pose-invariant CNN-based recognition system. The proposed FaNC method normalizes pose and facial proportions while retaining expression information and runs in less than 2 ms. When comparing results achieved by training a CNN on the output images of FaNC and other normalization methods, FaNC generalizes significantly better than others to unseen poses if they deviate more than 20° from the poses available during training. Code and data are available.
Myth or reality — Does the Aurora vulnerability pose a risk to my generator?

There have been many reports of cyberintrusions, hacking, unauthorized operations, and malicious attacks on the electric power system. Many of these reports are uncorroborated and strengthen the skepticism of the very people in position to prevent these invasions. One vulnerability that has drawn substantial discussion is the Aurora vulnerability, which focuses on electric power generators. Since the dramatic video and interview on the television news in 2007 showing how to cause severe damage to a generator, many generation providers are concerned they could become a victim. This paper discusses the Aurora vulnerability, how it is implemented, what the risk factors are, who is vulnerable, and what steps will mitigate this risk. Standard generator protection is not sufficient to thwart a well-executed Aurora attack. This paper presents how the Aurora vulnerability works, what key indicators show a risk, what different methods can be used to initiate an attack, and what modifications can be made to control systems to minimize risk. Many of the recommendations from this paper are low-cost mitigation techniques that can readily be incorporated into standard practices at a generating facility. Comprehensive mitigation techniques include protection and control, electronic and physical security, monitoring, training, risk assessment, and information protection. Making positive changes in these areas can help to maintain control of generators and protect these critical assets.
Trehalose and sucrose protect both membranes and proteins in intact bacteria during drying

The microorganisms Escherichia coli DH5 alpha and Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1 show an increased tolerance to freeze-drying when dried in the presence of the disaccharides trehalose and sucrose. When the bacteria were dried with 100 mM trehalose, 70% of the E. coli and 57% of the B. thuringiensis organisms survived, compared with 56 and 44%, respectively, when they were dried with sucrose. Only 8% of the E. coli and 14% of the B. thuringiensis organisms survived drying without the sugars. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the role of membrane phase transitions in the survival of the organisms during drying and rehydration. Both E. coli and B. thuringiensis showed an increase of 30 to 40 degrees C in the temperature of their phospholipid phase transition when dried without the sugars, while phase transition temperatures of those dried with the sugars remained near those of the hydrated cells. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy microscope made it possible to investigate the effects of drying on the protein structure in the intact cells. The amide II peak shifts from 1,543 cm-1 in the hydrated cells to about 1,533 cm-1 in the cells dried without sugar. There is no shift in the amide II peak when the cells are dried with trehalose or sucrose. We attribute the increased survival to the sugars' ability to lower the membrane phase transition temperature and to protect protein structure in the dry state. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Function as Receptors for Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Activation of Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinases 1 and 2

Abstract— Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) activates the extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) through its specific receptors. Interaction of FGF2 with cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans has also been suggested to induce intracellular signals. Thus, we investigated whether FGF2 can stimulate ERK1/2 activation through heparan sulfate proteoglycans using mechanisms that do not depend on receptor activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. The activation of FGF receptors was inhibited by treating cells with 5′-deoxy-5′methyl-thioadenosine and by expressing truncated dominant-negative FGF receptors. In both cases, FGF2 was able to stimulate the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 despite the absence of detectable FGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity. The FGF2 activation of ERK1/2 in the absence of receptor activity was completely dependent on heparan sulfate, because this activity was abolished by heparinase III digestion of the cells. In contrast, heparinase III treatment of control cells, with functional FGF receptors, showed only slight changes in FGF2-mediated ERK1/2 activation kinetics. Thus, in addition to serving as coreceptors for FGF receptor activation, heparan sulfate proteoglycans might also function directly as receptors for FGF2-induced ERK1/2 activation. Activation of ERK1/2 via cell-surface proteoglycans could have significant biological consequences, potentially directing cell response toward growth, migration, or differentiation.
Back injuries among union carpenters in Washington State, 1989-2003.

BACKGROUND There is limited information on occupational back pain specific to carpenters despite their known exposures to recognized occupational risk factors and limited opportunities for modified work due to the predominantly heavy nature of their work. METHODS By combining union records with worker's compensation claims, we describe work-related back injuries, including associated medical diagnoses, among a well-defined cohort of union carpenters between 1989 and 2003. High risk subgroups were explored based on age, gender, union tenure, and predominant type of work. Paid lost time claims were contrasted to less serious events, and injuries sustained from overexertion activities were contrasted with those sustained through more acute trauma. RESULTS Back injuries occurred at an overall rate of 6.2/200,000 hours worked. Most injuries were coded in the compensation records as sprains, but there was little agreement between these nature of injury codes and ICD9 diagnosis codes. Injury rates declined most significantly over time for injuries secondary to overexertion. In multivariate analyses, we observed similar patterns of risk for the types of claims evaluated despite disparate mechanisms and severity. Those who worked predominantly in residential carpentry or drywall installation were consistently at greatest risk. CONCLUSIONS Overexertion injuries from manual materials handling activities are responsible for the largest burden of back injuries among these carpenters, but a growing proportion of injuries result from acute traumatic events. Interventions are called for which specifically address risk among residential carpenters and drywall installers. These data provide additional evidence that Bureau of Labor Statistics data underestimate work-related injuries.
MANGE EPIZOOTIC IN WHITE-NOSED COATIS IN WESTERN MEXICO

From November of 1994 to June of 1996 an epizootic of mange, probably caused by the mite Notoedres cati, occurred in white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica) in the tropical dry forests of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve in western Mexico. A monitoring scheme to determine the extent and severity of the epizootic within coatis was implemented. Trapping periods and transects were conducted for 2 yr. To control the spread of the disease, all captured infected coatis were either euthanized or treated with acaricides such as Butox® and Ivomec-F®, depending on the severity of their infection. Four other species of wild mammals and feral cats had skin conditions resembling mange. A more severe problem with the disease was predicted and later confirmed in the less isolated areas of the reserve, with a higher density of coatis. Our results indicate that epizootics may be more prone to occur in areas with greater fragmentation and less isolation from anthropogenic influence. Interestingly, although there was an apparently severe impact of the mange epizootic in the coati population, the long-term impact of the disease is unknown but appears to be negligible. So in order to understand the role of diseases in wildlife populations, long-term experimental studies are required.
Additional use of immunostaining for active caspase 3 and cleaved actin and PARP fragments to detect apoptosis in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND Apoptosis might play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure (CHF). Detection of apoptosis in tissue mostly relies on the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Recent studies showed, however, that TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes were not in apoptosis. Therefore, additional methods are warranted. In this study, we tested the specificity of the TUNEL method by additional immunostaining for enzymes and cleaved proteins that are considered specific for apoptosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We tested 25 myocardial tissue sections from 16 patients with severe CHF (caused by either idiopathic or ischemic cardiomyopathy) for the existence of apoptosis. We compared TUNEL with immunostaining for caspase 3, active caspase 3, cleaved actin, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). TUNEL-positive myocytes were seen in 68% of the specimens. Immunostaining in myocytes for active caspase 3 and caspase 3 was positive in only a few patients, whereas staining for cleaved actin and PARP was negative in all patients. CONCLUSION We found variable myocyte labeling with TUNEL in the failing myocardium of patients with CHF and only obtained scarce additional immunohistochemical evidence for myocyte apoptosis with immunostaining for active caspase 3 and caspase 3 and no positive myocytes with immunostaining for cleaved actin or PARP fragments. These findings support the notion that TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes are not conclusive for the existence of apoptosis.
Direct and Indirect Intersectoral Knowledge Spillovers and Labour Productivity in the Spanish Economy

This paper analyses the importance of externalities related to the spread of innovation. Such spillover effects arise from productive sectors being dependent on each other as both suppliers and demanders of intermediate inputs. We borrow Spatial Econometrics techniques to perform our analysis. Our proposal expressly addresses these direct and indirect relationships among sectors, obtaining that direct spillovers emanating form the input supplier-demander relationship are the most only relevant ones in terms of increasing productivity. Our results indicate that the technological intensity of suppliers and the productive structure of the underlying economy are key factors in the effectiveness of technological knowledge spillovers increasing total industrial productivity.
Weighted Polynomial Approximation for Automated Detection of Inspiratory Flow Limitation

Inspiratory flow limitation (IFL) is a critical symptom of sleep breathing disorders. A characteristic flattened flow-time curve indicates the presence of highest resistance flow limitation. This study involved investigating a real-time algorithm for detecting IFL during sleep. Three categories of inspiratory flow shape were collected from previous studies for use as a development set. Of these, 16 cases were labeled as non-IFL and 78 as IFL which were further categorized into minor level (20 cases) and severe level (58 cases) of obstruction. In this study, algorithms using polynomial functions were proposed for extracting the features of IFL. Methods using first- to third-order polynomial approximations were applied to calculate the fitting curve to obtain the mean absolute error. The proposed algorithm is described by the weighted third-order (w.3rd-order) polynomial function. For validation, a total of 1,093 inspiratory breaths were acquired as a test set. The accuracy levels of the classifications produced by the presented feature detection methods were analyzed, and the performance levels were compared using a misclassification cobweb. According to the results, the algorithm using the w.3rd-order polynomial approximation achieved an accuracy of 94.14% for IFL classification. We concluded that this algorithm achieved effective automatic IFL detection during sleep.
Dengue NS1 Antigen

· Classification of the substance or mixture: The product does not need classification according to OSHA HazCom Standard 29 CFR paragraph (d) of §1910.1200(g) and GHS Rev 03. · Label elements: · GHS label elements Non-Regulated Material · Hazard pictograms: Non-Regulated Material · Signal word: Non-Regulated Material · Hazard statements: Non-Regulated Material · Unknown acute toxicity: 0 % of the mixture consists of component(s) of unknown toxicity. · Classification system: NFPA ratings (scale 0-4) HMIS HEALTH 0 HMIS FIRE 0 HMIS REACTIVITY 0 HIMIS-ratings: (scale 0-4) HMIS HEALTH 0 HMIS FIRE 0 HMIS REACTIVITY 0 Hazard(s) not otherwise classified (HNOC): None known
Prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for conservatively and surgically treated patients with aortic valve stenosis

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with aortic stenosis being treated conservatively or undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods: 159 patients were followed up for a median of 902 days. 102 patients underwent AVR and 57 were treated conservatively. NT-proBNP at baseline was raised in association with the degree of severity and of functional status. Results: During follow up 21 patients (13%) died of cardiac causes or required rehospitalisation for decompensated heart failure. NT-proBNP at baseline was higher in patients with an adverse outcome than in event-free survivors (median 623 (interquartile range 204–1854) pg/ml v 1054 (687–2960) pg/ml, p = 0.028). This difference was even more obvious in conservatively treated patients (331 (129–881) pg/ml v 1102 (796–2960) pg/ml, p = 0.002). Baseline NT-proBNP independently predicted an adverse outcome in the entire study group and in particular in conservatively treated patients (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.65, p = 0.028 and AUC = 0.82, p = 0.002, respectively) but not in patients undergoing AVR (AUC = 0.544). At a cut-off value of 640 pg/ml, baseline NT-proBNP was discriminative for an adverse outcome. Conclusion: NT-proBNP concentration is related to severity of aortic stenosis and provides independent prognostic information for an adverse outcome. However, this predictive value is limited to conservatively treated patients. Thus, the data suggest that assessing NT-proBNP may have incremental value for selecting the optimal timing of valve replacement.
A Review of 100 Patients Transported on Extracorporeal Life Support

Between May 1990 and January 1999, 100 patients (68 adult, 32 pediatric) with severe respiratory or cardiac instability were successfully transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center on extracorporeal life support. Diagnoses included adult respiratory distress syndrome (n = 78), cardiac failure (n = 7), sepsis (n = 7), asthma (n = 5), respiratory distress syndrome (of newborn) (n = 2), and airway compromise (n = 1). Of the patients, 53 were supported with venovenous bypass and 47 with venoarterial bypass. Patients were transported by ground ambulance (n = 80), helicopter (n = 15), or fixed-wing aircraft (n = 5). The median transport distance was 44 miles (range 2–790 miles), and the median transport time was 5 hours and 30 minutes (range: 1 h 33 min to 16 h 6 min). Sixty-six patients (66%) survived to discharge. One death occurred during cannulation, and two patients died before cannulation began. Complications that occurred during transport included 10 cases of electrical failure, 3 cases of circuit tubing leakage, and 1 case each of circuit rupture, membrane lung thrombosis, and membrane lung leakage. None of the complications occurring during transport had an adverse effect on outcome. We conclude that the long distance transport of patients on extracorporeal life support can be safely accomplished and is an effective option for the unstable patient with severe respiratory or cardiac failure.
Impact of radiologic intervention on mortality in necrotizing pancreatitis: the role of organ failure.

BACKGROUND Our group previously reported that organ failure and mortality in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) are not different between patients with infected and sterile necrosis. Since that report, management of this disease has evolved to include image-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) to improve morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the effect of PCD on mortality in NP. DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS A total of 689 consecutive patients treated for acute pancreatitis between 2001 and 2005, of whom 64 (9.3%) had pancreatic necrosis documented on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mortality and organ failure. RESULTS In the 64 patients with documented NP, overall mortality was 16%. Thirty-six patients (56%) had organ failure according to the Atlanta classification. Compared with patients with sterile necrosis, those with infected necrosis did not have an increased prevalence of organ failure or increased need for intubation, pressors, or dialysis but had an increased mortality. Mortality in patients treated conservatively was 1 of 29 (3%); in those with PCD alone, 6 of 11 (55%); in those with PCD and surgery, 2 of 17 (12%); and in those with surgery alone, 1 of 7 (14%). All patients treated with PCD alone had organ failure, whereas 10 (59%) of those with PCD and surgery had organ failure. CONCLUSION The use of PCD did not improve the mortality of NP among patients with organ failure.
Comparative External Versus Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Results in 115 Patients (130 Eyes)

BACKGROUND: Epiphora is an annoying symptom, embarrassing the patient both socially and functionally. The two widely accepted treatment modalities of epiphora resulting from obstruction of the nasolacrimal ductus are external and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the results, operative time, and complications of external and videoendoscopic endonasal DCR performed between December 1994 and December 1998. METHODS: In group 1, conventional primary external DCR with or without silicone tube intubation was performed in 79 patients (66 women and 13 men) with unilateral dacryocystitis. In group 2, endoscopic primary endonasal DCR with hammer-chisel removal of bone located over the lacrimal sac was performed in 51 eyes of 36 patients, 33 women and 3 men (15 bilateral procedures). RESULTS: The follow-up period was 6 to 48 months (mean 25 months) after surgery. The age range was from 4 to 76 years (mean 38.5 years). The success rates of external and endoscopic hammer-chisel DCR were found to be 89.8% and 88.2%, respectively. A lower complication rate was observed in the endoscopic group, with minimal morbidity and shorter operative time compared with the external approach. CONCLUSIONS: Hammer-chisel endoscopic DCR is practical, less traumatic, less time-consuming, and cosmetically more convenient than the external approach. The success rate of the endoscopic DCR procedure is comparable with that of traditional external DCR, and it also allows simultaneous correction of any intranasal pathology. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;123:488-91.