Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CRACK DETECTION BY BISPECTRAL ANALYSIS

SOMMARIO La misura di vibrazioni é frequentemente adottata per individuare cricche di fatica nelle strutture. In questo lavoro é presentata una metodologia, basata sull'analisi bispettrale, al fine di rilevare la presenza di una cricca in una trave a sezione costante; la tecnica di analisi del segnale è applicata alla risposta del sistema sottoposto ad eccitazione random mediante shaker. ABSTRACT Vibration measurements are frequently used to detect fatigue cracks in structures. In this paper, a procedure based on bispectral analysis for the detection of a fatigue crack in a straight beam is presented, using the response data gathered from Gaussian white noise excitation.
Host–symbiont–pathogen interactions in blood-feeding parasites: nutrition, immune cross-talk and gene exchange

Abstract Animals are common hosts of mutualistic, commensal and pathogenic microorganisms. Blood-feeding parasites feed on a diet that is nutritionally unbalanced and thus often rely on symbionts to supplement essential nutrients. However, they are also of medical importance as they can be infected by pathogens such as bacteria, protists or viruses that take advantage of the blood-feeding nutritional strategy for own transmission. Since blood-feeding evolved multiple times independently in diverse animals, it showcases a gradient of host–microbe interactions. While some parasitic lineages are possibly asymbiotic and manage to supplement their diet from other food sources, other lineages are either loosely associated with extracellular gut symbionts or harbour intracellular obligate symbionts that are essential for the host development and reproduction. What is perhaps even more diverse are the pathogenic lineages that infect blood-feeding parasites. This microbial diversity not only puts the host into a complicated situation – distinguishing between microorganisms that can greatly decrease or increase its fitness – but also increases opportunity for horizontal gene transfer to occur in this environment. In this review, I first introduce this diversity of mutualistic and pathogenic microorganisms associated with blood-feeding animals and then focus on patterns in their interactions, particularly nutrition, immune cross-talk and gene exchange.
Study on YBCO Superconducting Tape of 10m in Length

The high performance Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) coated conductor is promising in electric applications such as cables, motors, energy storage and magnets, due to its high irreversibility field at 77 K. The CeO2/YSZ/Y2O3 buffer layers are deposited in situ on NiW metal tape one by one by magnetron sputtering technique continuously, to prepare the YBCO coated conductor. The main deposition conditions and the orientation relationship between different layers are studied in this paper. Furthermore, the tape of 10 m in length with biaxially textured multi-layer CeO2/YSZ/Y2O3 buffer layers is successfully obtained. The average -scan FWHM values for Y2O3(222), YSZ(111), and CeO2(111) are 7.69°, 7.75° and 7.93°, respectively, distributed in a range of 7° to 8.2° along the tape. The results indicate that a continuous and uniform buffer layer with a good texture is deposited over the length. The microstructure and interfaces of buffer layers are observed by SEM and TEM, and a continuous, dense, and crack-free surface morphology is revealed for CeO2, as well as for Y2O3 and YSZ. The YBCO superconducting coatings with a highly c-axis orientation and in-plane alignment are obtained successfully on the NiW tape with the structure of CeO2/YSZ/Y2O3 buffer layers using magnetron sputtering technique, with the critical current being 40 A/cm-width (77 K, 0 T), and superconducting transition temperature being 88 K for the YBCO layer.
APPLICATION OF NONLINEAR REGRESSION MODEL TO DETECTTHE THICKNESS OF PROTEIN LAYER

The thickness of protein layer was studied by applying nonlinear regression model to fit the reflection spectrum.To reduce the influence of systematic noise, a polystyrene film was spread on the slide surface. The reflection spectrum was normalized to that of bare glass slide substrate to eliminate the light source influence. The results were compared with that of the classical interferometry and enzyme labeled antigen-antibody interactions. Good agreements among these results suggested the proposed method is authentic.
Exploring Product Solution Differences Due to Choice Model Selection in the Presence of Noncompensatory Decisions With Conjunctive Screening Rules

Research in market-based product design has often used compensatory preference models that assume an additive part-worth rule. These additive models have a simple, usable form and their parameters can be estimated using existing software packages. However, marketing research literature has demonstrated that consumers sometimes use noncompensatory-derived heuristics to simplify their choice decisions. This paper explores the quality of optimal solution obtained to a product line design search when using a compensatory model in the presence of noncompensatory choices and a noncompensatory model with conjunctive screening rules. Motivation for this work comes from the challenges posed by Bayesian-based noncompensatory models: the need for screening rule assumptions, probabilistic representations of noncompensatory choices, and discontinuous choice probability functions. This paper demonstrates how respondents making noncompensatory choices with conjunctive rules can lead to compensatory model estimations with distinct respondent segmentation and relative, large absolute part-worth values. Results from a product design problem suggest that using a compensatory model can provide benefits of smaller design errors and reduced computational costs. Product design optimization problems using real choice data confirm that the compensatory model and the noncompensatory model with conjunctive rules provide comparable solutions that have similar likelihoods of not being screened out when using a consideration set verifier. While many different noncompensatory heuristic rules exist, the presented study is limited to conjunctive screening rules. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4035051]
Cell-Type-Specific Contributions of Medial Prefrontal Neurons to Flexible Behaviors

Behavioral flexibility and impulse control are necessary for successful execution of adaptive behavior. They are impaired in patients with damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and in some clinically important conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been investigated as a critical structure for behavioral flexibility and impulse control, the contribution of the underlying pyramidal neuron cell types in the mPFC remained to be understood. Here we show that interneuron-mediated local inactivation of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC of male and female mice induces both premature responses and choice bias, and establish that these impulsive and compulsive responses are modulated independently. Cell-type-specific photoinhibition of pyramidal deep layer corticostriatal or corticothalamic neurons reduces behavioral flexibility without inducing premature responses. Together, our data confirm the role of corticostriatal neurons in behavioral flexibility and demonstrate that flexible behaviors are also modulated by direct projections from deep layer corticothalamic neurons in the mPFC to midline thalamic nuclei. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Behavioral flexibility and impulse control are indispensable for animals to adapt to changes in the environment and often affected in patients with PFC damage and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We used a probabilistic reversal task to dissect the underlying neural circuitry in the mPFC. Through characterization of the three major pyramidal cell types in the mPFC with optogenetic silencing, we demonstrated that corticostriatal and corticothalamic but not corticocortical pyramidal neurons are temporally recruited for behavioral flexibility. Together, our findings confirm the role of corticostriatal projections in cognitive flexibility and identify corticothalamic neurons as equally important for behavioral flexibility.
Electromagnetic Levitation of Silicon and Silicon-Iron Alloy Droplets

Abstract In this paper, the design of an electromagnetic levitation system and a technique for non-conductive silicon heating and conductive silicon levitation is described. The aim of the work is to describe the various parameters including coil design, applied power and specimen weight that govern the temperature of levitated silicon and silicon-iron alloy droplets.
Optical Sensitivity Comparison of Multiblock Gold–Silver Nanorods Toward Biomolecule Detection: Quadrupole Surface Plasmonic Detection of Dopamine

In this work, we tested multiblock nanorods (NRs) with Au and Ag segments for the surface plasmonic detection of dopamine (DA). A change in the quadrupole surface plasmon mode was found to be sensitive to the Au/Ag block length and relative block ratio in a single NR. The surfaces of the NRs were decorated with monoclonal antibody (Mab) against DA. By comparing the results for pure Au NRs with those obtained for multiblock Au–Ag–Au NRs, we found that the magnitude of peak-shifting for the multiblock NRs was much larger than that for pure Au NRs. This result was attributed to the higher sensitivity of Ag to a change in the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium when compared to Au and the sensitive surface plasmon coupling at the junction between Au and Ag blocks. The magnitude of peak-shifting was tuned as a function of both the length of the Ag block and the number of repeating units of Au and Ag in the NRs.
Vector Seeded Region Growing for Parenchyma Classification in Brain MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become a useful modality because it provides unparallel capability of revealing soft tissue characterization as well as 3-D and has become an efficient instrument for clinical diagnoses and research in recent years. When tissues are classified by means of MRI, the images are multi-spectral. Therefore, if only a single image with a certain spectrum is processed, the goal of tissue classification will not be achieved because the single image can’t provide adequate information. Consequently, it is necessary to integrate the information of all the spectral images to classify tissues. Multi-spectral image processing techniques are hence employed to collect spectral information for classification and of clinically critical values. This paper presents a new classification approach, it is called Vector Seeded Region Growing (VSRG). The VSRG mainly select seed pixel vectors by means of standard deviation and relative Euclidean distance. Through the VSRG processing, the data dimensionality of MRI can be decreased and the desired target of interest can be classified which the brain tissue and brain tumor segmentation. A series of experiments are conducted and compared to the commonly used c-means method for performance evaluation. The results indicate the possible usefulness of this method for MR image classification.
Nonoperative Treatment of Lymphedema

Abstract Complex decongestive therapy is the mainstay of lymphedema (LE) therapy. It consists of two phases: an intensive volume reduction phase, principally involving low-stretch bandages and manual lymph drainage (MLD), followed by compression garment use to maintain the reduction achieved. Adjunctive treatments include the use of a sequential gradient pump, LE-specific exercises, skin and nail care, as well as risk-reduction precautions. Herein the techniques are described and the evidence for their effectiveness is reviewed.
Fluid resuscitation-associated increased mortality and inflammatory cytokine expression in murine polymicrobial sepsis

1 Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA 2 Pulmonary and Critical Care Sections of Veterans Administration, New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, USA 3 Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
Interventional Management of “Balloon-Uncrossable” Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion: Is There Any Way Out?

It has been estimated that coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is encountered in 15 to 20% patients referred for coronary angiography (CAG). The success of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTO can be attributed to the vast array of hardware that has now become available and also to the vastly enhanced operator expertise. It is however realistic to state that despite the tremendous increase in the rate of success, there then comes a subset of CTO where PCI attempts fail. The reason for such failures given that other variables remain constant is the inability to cross the CTO lesion. This can be due to a failure to cross the lesion with a guide wire (despite guide wire escalation). The second cause of failure is the inability to cross the lesion with a balloon (balloon-uncrossable [BU] CTO). This can occur despite the successful placement of a guidewire in the distal true lumen. The BU lesions contribute 2% to 10% of CTO PCI failure cases. The author attempts to present a creative solution to assist crossing such lesions.
Combined coherent x-ray micro-diffraction and local mechanical loading on copper nanocrystals

Coherent x-ray micro-diffraction and local mechanical loading can be combined to investigate the mechanical deformation in crystalline nanostructures. Here we present measurements of plastic deformation in a copper crystal of sub-micron size obtained by loading the sample with an Atomic Force Microscopy tip. The appearance of sharp features in the diffraction pattern, while conserving its global shape, is attributed to crystal defects induced by the tip.
Pour Convergence: College Students’ Definitions and Free-Poured Volumes of Standard Alcohol Servings

We examined the correspondence between college students’ (N = 192, 71% women) definitions of free-pours and their free-poured volumes of beer, wine, and liquor. Participants’ mean beer definitions and free-pours were positively correlated; participants’ mean wine and liquor definitions were larger than their free-pours, which were fairly accurate. Contrary to what the aggregate mean values indicated, fewer than half of the participants accurately free-poured a standard volume of beer, wine, or liquor (37.4%, 35.1%, and 22.2%, respectively) or provided an accurate definition of beer (45.8%); similar to the aggregate data, few participants provided accurate definitions of standard serving of wine (12.2%) or liquor (12.8%) Instead, a majority of participants’ definitions and free-pours were well over or under a standard serving. For all three types of alcohol, there was little correspondence between each individual participant’s definitions and his or her free-poured volumes. These data suggest analyses of individual data points may provide information important for data collection, prevention, and intervention strategies.
Deficits in temporal processing correlate with clinical progression in Huntington's disease

Precise temporal performance is crucial for several complex tasks. Time estimation in the second‐to‐minutes range—known as interval timing—involves the interaction of the basal ganglia and the prefrontal cortex via dopaminergic–glutamatergic pathways. Patients with Huntington's disease (HD) present deficits in cognitive and motor functions that require fine control of temporal processing. The objective of the present work was to assess temporal cognition through a peak‐interval time (PI) production task in patients with HD and its potential correlation with the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS).
DEVELOPMENT OF DETECTORS AND CALIBRATION METHODS FOR SPECTRAL IRRADIANCE AND RADIOMETRIC TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS

The research work, described in this thesis, has been carried out at the Metrology Research Institute of Helsinki University of Technology between 2000 and 2005. The research focused on the development of new detectors, calibration methods and their applications in optical radiometry. A new photodetector, which is based on three GaAsP Schottky-barrier photodiodes, has been introduced. The spectral properties of the GaAsP trap detector have been studied in the wavelength range between 200 nm and 600 nm. Spectral reflectance of a single windowless GaAsP photodiode, measured with high-accuracy gonioreflectometer, has been presented. Based on these measurements, the internal quantum efficiencies for both the single photodiode and the trap detector have been calculated. A novel scanning method for characterization of filter radiometers, which uses a wavelength tuneable Ti:Sapphire laser source, has been described. High accuracy calibration of filter radiometers at 900 nm has been conducted. The results have been compared to the spectral irradiance responsivities measured with the more conventional monochromator-based method. Both the laser-based method and the monochromator-based method have been used for characterization of the detectors for radiometric measurements of the thermodynamic temperatures of several blackbodies in irradiance mode. Four filter radiometers with central wavelengths between 600 nm and 900 nm have been used. The measured temperatures include the freezing temperature of silver and copper, which are defined by the International Temperature Scale of 1990.
Identifying sociodemographic, programmatic and dietary drivers of anaemia reduction in pregnant Indian women over 10 years

Abstract Objective Anaemia is a major contributor to the global disease burden and half of pregnant women in India were anaemic in 2016. The aetiology of anaemia is complex, yet anaemia determinants are frequently examined in isolation. We sought to explore how shifts in sociodemographic (wealth, age at pregnancy, education, open defecation, cooking fuel type, household size), programmatic (iron–folic acid tablet consumption, antenatal care visits) and dietary factors (intake of Fe, folic acid, vitamin B12, phytate) predicted changes in anaemia prevalence. Design Nutrient levels for eighty-eight food items were multiplied by household consumption of these foods to estimate household-level nutrient supply. A synthetic panel data set was created from two rounds of the District Level Household and Facility Survey (2002–04 and 2012–13) and Household Consumer Expenditures Survey (2004–05 and 2011–12). Ordinary least-squares multivariate regression models were used. Setting Districts (n 446) spanning north, north-east, central and south India. Subjects Pregnant women aged 15–49 years (n 17 138). Results In the model accounting for both non-dietary and dietary factors, increased age at pregnancy (P<0·001), reduced village-level open defecation (P=0·001), consuming more Fe (P<0·001) and folic acid (P=0·018) and less phytate (P=0·002), and urbanization (P=0·015) were associated with anaemia reductions. A 10 mg increase in daily household Fe supply from 2012 levels was associated with a 10 % reduction in anaemia. Conclusions Public health interventions to combat anaemia in pregnant women should use a holistic approach, including promotion of delayed marriage, construction and use of toilets, and measures that facilitate adoption of nutrient-rich diets.
An Easy & Collaborative RDF Data Entry Method using the Spreadsheet Metaphor

Spreadsheets are widely used by knowledge workers, especially in the industrial sector. Their methodology enables a well understood, easy and fast possibility to enter data. As filling out a spreadsheet is more accessible to common knowledge workers than defining RDF statements, in this paper, we propose an easy-to-use, zero-configuration, web-based spreadsheet editor that simultaneously transfers spreadsheet entries into RDF statements. It enables various kinds of users to easily create semantic data whether they are RDF experts or novices. The typical scenario we address focuses on creating instance data starting with an empty knowledge base that is filled incrementally. In a user study, participants were able to create more statements in shorter time, having similar or even significantly outperforming quality, compared to other approaches.
The Influence of Source and Type of Support on College Students' Physical Activity Behavior.

BACKGROUND College is a place where students develop health behaviors that persist throughout adulthood, yet a large percentage of students are not engaging in adequate physical activity. Social support is associated with physical activity; however, the effects of source (ie, family and friend) and type (ie, companionship, esteem, and informational) are not fully understood. The current study examined the effects of different sources and types of social support on college students' physical activity behaviors. METHODS An online survey tool collected data from 733 college students enrolled at a Mid-Atlantic university. Structural equation models and a repeated-measures analysis of variance were conducted. RESULTS Support from family and friends was associated with physical activity behaviors; however, support from friends exerted a stronger effect. Students received different types of support from their network, which differentially influenced physical activity behaviors. Students received higher levels of companionship support from their friends and higher levels of esteem support from their family, which was positively associated with physical activity behaviors. Students received higher levels of informational support from their families, which was negatively associated with physical activity behaviors. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of examining the independent effects of source and type of support on college students' physical activity.
Exogenous delivery of chaperonin subunit fragment ApiCCT1 modulates mutant Huntingtin cellular phenotypes

Aggregation of misfolded proteins is characteristic of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington disease (HD). The CCT/TRiC (chaperonin containing TCP-1/TCP-1 ring) chaperonin complex can inhibit aggregation and cellular toxicity induced by expanded repeat Huntingtin (mHtt) fragments. The substrate-binding apical domain of CCT/TRiC subunit CCT1, ApiCCT1, is sufficient to inhibit aggregation of expanded repeat mHtt fragments in vitro, providing therapeutic promise for HD. However, a key hurdle in considering ApiCCT1 as a potential treatment is in delivery. Because ApiCCT1 has a region of similarity to the HIV Tat protein cell-transduction domain, we tested whether recombinant ApiCCT1 (ApiCCT1r) protein could enter cells following exogenous delivery and modulate an established panel of mHtt-mediated cell-based phenotypes. Cell fractionation studies demonstrate that exogenous ApiCCT1r can penetrate cell membranes and can localize to the nucleus, consistent with a strategy that can target both cytosolic and nuclear pathogenic events in HD. ApiCCT1r application does indeed modulate HD cellular phenotypes by decreasing formation of visible inclusions, fibrillar oligomers, and insoluble mHtt derived from expression of a truncated mHtt exon 1 fragment. ApiCCT1r also delays the onset of inclusion body formation as visualized via live imaging. ApiCCT1r reduces mHtt-mediated toxicity in immortalized striatal cells derived from full-length knock-in HD mice, suggesting that therapeutic benefit may extend beyond effects on aggregation. These studies provide the basis for a potentially robust and unique therapeutic strategy to target mHtt-mediated protein pathogenesis.