Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decreasing the Clinker Component in Cementing Materials: Performance of Portland-Limestone Cements in Concrete in combination with Supplementary Cementing Materials

Portland-limestone cements have been used in Europe for decades and now meet EN 197 CEMIIA-L (6-20% limestone) or CEM IIB-L (1-35% limestone). In Canada, Portland-limestone cements (PLC) with up to 15% interground limestone were included in CSA A3001 in 2008, and adopted in the CSA A23.1 concrete standard in 2009 (except for sulfate exposures until further data is collected). In CSA A3001, these cements have the same setting time and strength development performance as Portland cements, and this is typically achieved through grinding to increased Blaine finenesses (but similar 45 Pm sieve residue) in order to get similar particle size distribution of the harder clinker fraction, and by optimizing the calcium sulfate addition to the cement. As well, part of the calcium carbonate will react with clinker aluminate phases to form calcium-carboaluminates, filling in porosity, and contributing to strength. One of the initial concerns was that concrete producers would not be able to use normal levels of fly ash or slag in combination with Portland-limestone cements. However, this concern appears to be unfounded and certainly with slag, PLC mixtures can actually develop better early strengths and lower permeabilities than when used with Portland cements. The additional aluminates from slag, and likely fly ash, appear to help form more carboaluminates. Therefore, when PLC with 15% limestone is used in combination with 25% slag, the clinker factor in the cementitious component of concrete will drop to less than 60%. This contribution provides data on the impact of PLC on both the physical and durability properties of concrete made with and without slag.
State estimation and prediction using clustered particle filters

Significance Particle filtering is an essential tool for the estimation and prediction of complex systems including non-Gaussian features. A class of particle filters, clustered particle filters, is introduced for high-dimensional dynamical systems such as geophysical systems. The proposed method uses relatively few particles compared with the standard particle filter and captures the non-Gaussian features of the true signal, which are typical in complex nonlinear systems. The method is also robust for the difficult regime of high-quality sparse and infrequent observations and does not show any filter divergence in our tests. In the clustered particle filter, coarse-grained localization is implemented through the clustering of state variables and particles are adjusted to stabilize the filter. Particle filtering is an essential tool to improve uncertain model predictions by incorporating noisy observational data from complex systems including non-Gaussian features. A class of particle filters, clustered particle filters, is introduced for high-dimensional nonlinear systems, which uses relatively few particles compared with the standard particle filter. The clustered particle filter captures non-Gaussian features of the true signal, which are typical in complex nonlinear dynamical systems such as geophysical systems. The method is also robust in the difficult regime of high-quality sparse and infrequent observations. The key features of the clustered particle filtering are coarse-grained localization through the clustering of the state variables and particle adjustment to stabilize the method; each observation affects only neighbor state variables through clustering and particles are adjusted to prevent particle collapse due to high-quality observations. The clustered particle filter is tested for the 40-dimensional Lorenz 96 model with several dynamical regimes including strongly non-Gaussian statistics. The clustered particle filter shows robust skill in both achieving accurate filter results and capturing non-Gaussian statistics of the true signal. It is further extended to multiscale data assimilation, which provides the large-scale estimation by combining a cheap reduced-order forecast model and mixed observations of the large- and small-scale variables. This approach enables the use of a larger number of particles due to the computational savings in the forecast model. The multiscale clustered particle filter is tested for one-dimensional dispersive wave turbulence using a forecast model with model errors.
Context-aware Youtube recommender system

Youtube is one of the most popular video sharing online resource that has millions of users around the world. The huge bulk of videos, which are growing at a high rate is posing problems for users to traverse through to relevant content. Users are facilitated with recommended videos that appeal to there interests. Following a hybrid recommendation approach, videos are recommended based on both collaborative recommendation and content-based recommendation. A limitation associated to this approach is that the videos recommended may not necessarily be appropriate to the current context that the user is in. Its very common for a single user to follow different interests depending of on the context they are in. A context-aware recommender system is proposed for Youtube that keeps track of multiple interests of a user and recommends videos based on their current context only. It serves a user better in finding relevant videos and has higher relevance to human judgment.
The balance of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-6·soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and IL-6·sIL-6R·sgp130 complexes allows simultaneous classic and trans-signaling

Interleukin (IL-)6 is the major pro-inflammatory cytokine within the IL-6 family. IL-6 signals via glycoprotein 130 (gp130) and the membrane-bound or soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), referred to as classic or trans-signaling, respectively. Whereas inflammation triggers IL-6 expression, eventually rising to nanogram/ml serum levels, soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) and soluble gp130 (sgp130) are constitutively present in the upper nanogram/ml range. Calculations based on intermolecular affinities have suggested that systemic IL-6 is immediately trapped in IL-6·sIL-6R and IL-6·sIL-6R·sgp130 complexes, indicating that sIL-6R and sgp130 constitute a buffer system that increases the serum half-life of IL-6 or restricts systemic IL-6 signaling. However, this scenario has not been experimentally validated. Here, we quantified IL-6·sIL-6R and IL-6·sIL-6R·sgp130 complexes over a wide concentration range. The amounts of IL-6 used in this study reflect concentrations found during active inflammatory events. Our results indicated that most IL-6 is free and not complexed with sIL-6R or sgp130, indicating that the level of endogenous sgp130 in the bloodstream is not sufficient to block IL-6 trans-signaling via sIL-6R. Importantly, addition of the single-domain antibody VHH6, which specifically stabilizes IL-6·sIL-6R complexes but did not bind to IL-6 or sIL-6R alone, drove free IL-6 into IL-6·sIL-6R complexes and boosted trans-signaling but not classic signaling, demonstrating that endogenous sIL-6R has at least the potential to form complexes with IL-6. Our findings indicate that even though high concentrations of sIL-6R and sgp130 are present in human serum, the relative ratio of free IL-6 to IL-6·sIL-6R allows for simultaneous classic and trans-signaling.
Dislocation instabilities and microstructure in anisotropic -Fe

Abstract We compare theoretical predictions of the shapes of dislocation shear loops in highly anisotropic crystals with TEM of -Fe irradiated at high temperatures. The sharp-cornered microstructure we observe is explained via instability of certain dislocation orientations, emerging as the temperature, and hence anisotropy, increases above a critical value. The microstructure features shear dislocations with -type Burgers vectors, which casts doubt on the traditional view that plasticity is mediated exclusively by -type dislocations in bcc crystals, at least in Fe and ferritic steels. These observations provide experimental evidence for a new mechanism for high-temperature plastic deformation, which may contribute to the severe loss of strength observed above 500C.
Cytokeratin-8 in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: More Than a Simple Structural Cytoskeletal Protein

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is almost universally fatal. Elevated keratin-8 (KRT8) protein expression is an established diagnostic cancer biomarker in several epithelial cancers (but not ATC). Several keratins, including KRT8, have been suggested to have a role in cell biology beyond that of structural cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we provide evidence that KRT8 plays a direct role in the growth of ATCs. Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of >5000 patients demonstrates that KRT8 mutation and copy number amplification are frequently evident in epithelial-derived cancers. Carcinomas arising from diverse tissues exhibit KRT8 mRNA and protein overexpression when compared to normal tissue levels. Similarly, in a panel of patient-derived ATC cell lines and patient tumors, KRT8 expression shows a similar pattern. sh-RNA-mediated KRT8 knockdown in these cell lines increases apoptosis, whereas forced overexpression of KRT8 confers resistance to apoptosis under peroxide-induced cell stress conditions. We further show that KRT8 protein binds to annexin A2, a protein known to mediate apoptosis as well as the redox pathway.
Fabrication and Properties of Si3N4-SiC-C Refractory Composites

Si3N4-SiC-C refractory composites were prepared under the condition of 1450°C × 3h with electrofoging anthracite, Si3N4, SiC as the raw material and the modification emulsified bitumen as the binder. The effects of the silicon and silica fine powder additives on the compressive strength of Si3N4- SiC-C refractory composites were studied. The results indicated that adding an appropriate ratio range of silicon or silica fine powder in the composites both can improve the compressive strength of the material.
The Crystalline Structure of Benzene

BY means of X-ray measurements upon single crystals, using the rotation method, I have been able to determine the unit cell of benzene. The cell is simple orthorhombic, of dimensions a=7.44 A. , b=9.65 A. , and c=6.81 A. at −22° C. , and contains four molecules. As a result of the examination of about one hundred crystal planes, the space group was found to be Ql5h (orthorhombic bipyramidal). From this it can be shown that in the crystal the molecule has a centre but no planes of symmetry. Taking a standard molecule at a corner of the cell, the three derived molecules are situated at the centres of the cell faces. This pseudo-face-centred arrangement accounts both for the fact that the plane (111) gives the strongest X-ray reflections, and also for the bipyramidal habit of benzene crystals.
Prognosis and Its Predictors After Incident Stroke in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Although patients with type 1 diabetes have a poor prognosis after a stroke, predictors of survival after an incident stroke in these patients are poorly studied. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this observational study, a total of 144 patients of 4,083 with type 1 diabetes from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study suffered an incident stroke in 1997–2010, and were followed for a mean 3.4 ± 3.1 years after the stroke. Information was recorded on hard cardiovascular events and death as a result of cardiovascular or diabetes-related cause, collectively referred to as vascular composite end point. Information was collected from medical records, death certificates, and the National Care Register of Health Care. Predictors at the time of the incident stroke were studied for the end points. RESULTS During follow-up, 104 (72%) patients suffered a vascular composite end point. Of these, 33 (32%) had a recurrent stroke, 33 (32%) a hard cardiovascular event, and 76 (53%) died of cardiovascular or diabetes-related causes, with an overall 1-year survival of 76% and 5-year survival of 58%. The predictors of a vascular composite end point were hemorrhagic stroke subtype (hazard ratio 2.03 [95% CI 1.29–3.19]), as well as chronic kidney disease stage 2 (2.48 [1.17–5.24]), stage 3 (3.04 [1.54–6.04]), stage 4 (3.95 [1.72–9.04]), and stage 5 (6.71 [3.14–14.34]). All-cause mortality increased with deteriorating kidney function. CONCLUSIONS Patients with type 1 diabetes with an incident stroke have a poor cardiovascular prognosis and a high risk of all-cause mortality. In particular, hemorrhagic stroke subtype and progression of diabetic kidney disease conveys worse outcome.
Psychological and Physiological Responses following Repeated Peer Death

Objective Undergraduates at a university in the United States were exposed – directly and indirectly – to 14 peer deaths during one academic year. We examined how individual and social factors were associated with psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression, somatization) and physiological (i.e., cortisol) distress responses following this unexpected and repeated experience with loss. Method Two to three months after the final peer death, respondents (N = 122, 61% female, 18–23 years, M = 20.13, SD = 1.14) reported prior adverse experiences, degree of closeness with the deceased, acute responses to the peer deaths, ongoing distress responses, social support, support seeking, and media viewing. A subset (n = 24) returned hair samples for evaluation of cortisol responses during the previous 3 months. Results Ongoing psychological distress was associated with a) prior interpersonal trauma, b) fewer social supports, and c) media exposure to news of the deaths (p's<.05). Participants who had no prior bereavements showed, on average, high cortisol (>25 p/mg) compared to individuals with one or two prior bereavement experiences (who were, on average, within the normal range, 10 to 25 p/mg) (p<.05). Only 8% of the sample utilized available university psychological or physical health resources and support groups. Conclusions Limited research has examined the psychological and physiological impact of exposure to chronic, repeated peer loss, despite the fact that there are groups of individuals (e.g., police, military soldiers) that routinely face such exposures. Prior adversity appears to play a role in shaping psychological and physiological responses to repeated loss. This topic warrants further research given the health implications of repeated loss for individuals in high-risk occupations and university settings.
Gay Acres: Sexual Orientation Differences in Health Indicators Among Rural and Nonrural Individuals.

PURPOSE Geographic location is a significant factor that influences health status and health disparities. Yet, little is known about the relationship between geographic location and health and health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. This study used a US population-based sample to evaluate the associations of sexual orientation with health indicators by rural/nonrural residence. METHODS Data were pooled from the 10 states that collected sexual orientation in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. Rural status was defined using metropolitan statistical area, and group differences by sexual orientation were stratified by gender and rural/nonrural status. Chi-square tests for categorical variables were used to assess bivariate relationships. Multivariable logistic regression models stratified by gender and rural/nonrural status were used to assess the association of sexual orientation to health indicators, while adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, and partnership status. All analyses were weighted to adjust for the complex sampling design. FINDINGS Significant differences between LGB and heterosexual participants emerged for several health indicators, with bisexuals having a greater number of differences than gay men/lesbians. There were fewer differences in health indicators for rural LGB participants compared to heterosexuals than nonrural participants. CONCLUSIONS Rural residence appears to influence the pattern of LGB health disparities. Future work is needed to confirm and identify the exact etiology or rural/nonrural differences in LGB health.
Exosomes and Microvesicles Exosome: A Novel and Safer Therapeutic Refinement of Mesenchymal Stem Cell

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has just been approved as the first “off-the-shelf” stem cell pharmaceutical drug with an anticipation of more approvals following completion of numerous rigorous clinical trials. Despite this progress, the rationale for MSC therapeutic efficacy remains tenuous and is increasingly rationalized on a secretion rather than differentiation mechanism. Recent studies identifying exosome as the secreted agent mediating MSC therapeutic efficacy could potentially reduce a cell-based drug to a safer biologicbased alternative. Here we review the development of MSC exosome as a potential first-in-class therapeutic, and the unique challenges in the manufacture and regulatory oversight of this new class of therapeutics.
Trends in Hospitalization for Hypertensive Emergency, and Relationship of End-Organ Damage With In-Hospital Mortality

BACKGROUND There are no comprehensive guidelines on management of hypertensive emergency (HTNE) and complications. Despite advances in antihypertensive medications HTNE is accompanied with significant morbidity and mortality. METHODS We queried the 2002-2012 nationwide inpatient sample database to identify patients with HTNE. Trends in incidence of HTNE and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between end-organ complications and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Between 2002 and 2012, 129,914 admissions were included. Six hundred and thirty (0.48%) patients died during their hospital stay. There was an increase in the number of HTNE admissions (9,511-15,479; Ptrend < 0.001) with concurrent reduction of in-hospital mortality (0.8-0.3%; Ptrend < 0.001) by the year 2012 compared to 2002. Patients who died during hospitalization were older, had longer length of stay, higher cost of stay, more comorbidities, and higher risk scores. Presence of acute cardiorespiratory failure [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 15.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 13.2-18.9], stroke or transient ischemia attack (TIA) (adjusted OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 6.3-9.9), chest pain (adjusted OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 4.4-7.7), stroke/TIA (adjusted OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 4.5-7.7), and aortic dissection (adjusted OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.8-12.4) were most predictive of higher in-hospital mortality in addition to factors such as age, aortic dissection, acute myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and presence of neurological symptoms. CONCLUSION A rising trend in hospitalization for HTNE, with an overall decrease in in-hospital mortality was observed from 2002 to 2012, possibly related to changes in coding practices and improved management. Presence of acute cardiorespiratory failure, stroke/TIA, chest pain, and aortic dissection were most predictive of higher hospital mortality.
iTour

Although tourist maps are useful resources for people to visit scenic areas, they are also commonly distorted and omit details according to the purposes and functions of a map. In this paper, we present iTour, a semi-automatic system that turns tourist maps into digital maps. By involving users in matching the road network of a tourist map and the paired standard map, our system computes road network correspondence between the two maps. By doing so, users can navigate on such GPS-enabled tourist maps using mobile devices. This transformation creates the possibility of augmenting a large number of tourist maps with digital map features. To evaluate the performance of matching road networks, we compared the presented semi-automatic interface to a manual interface. The results showed that the semi-automatic interface saved participants significant effort in generating correspondence and was perceived to require significantly less time by the participants. In addition, we conducted a field study of the iTour in comparison to using a tourist map and Google Maps together. Our results showed that iTour helped participants find their way during travel. The participants provided positive feedback on the combination of tourist maps and GPS location because of its highlights of important landmarks, showing users' locations relative to those landmarks, and saving the effort of switching tourist maps and Google Maps.
Applying biometrics to design three-factor remote user authentication scheme with key agreement

There are some biometrics-based three-factor remote user authentication schemes proposed by researchers for ensure high security features for network-based application systems. Recently, Das pointed out the security flaws of Li and Hwang's three-factor remote user authentication scheme, and proposed an enhanced biometrics-based three-factor remote user authentication scheme. Das's scheme overcomes the defects of Li and Hwang's scheme, and maintains the advantages of Li and Hwang's scheme at the same time. However, after detailed analysis, we find that Das's scheme remains vulnerable to forgery attack and stolen smart card attack; at the same time, Das's scheme cannot provide the session key agreement after the mutual authentication. To provide more security features, we design a three-factor remote user authentication scheme with key agreement using biometrics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Child Gender and Psychosocial Factors on Physical Activity From Fifth to Sixth Grade.

BACKGROUND Gender differences in physical activity (PA) trajectories during adolescence are well documented, yet little research has examined whether the determinants of these trajectories vary by child's gender. This study is one of few prospective examinations of gender differences in the influences of psychosocial and socioenvironmental factors on changes in objectively measured PA. METHODS Students and parents from elementary and middle schools located in 2 school districts in South Carolina were enrolled in a prospective cohort study of changes in children's PA from elementary to middle school. Measures included children's and/or parents' ratings of various psychosocial and socioenvironmental factors as well as objectively measured PA, children's anthropometric characteristics, and neighborhood factors at fifth and sixth grades. RESULTS Parents' reports of children's sport and class participation, parent-reported support for PA, and neighborhood resources for PA were protective against declines in PA for both boys and girls. The effects of 2 factors-children's self-efficacy and parents' leisure-time PA-on changes in PA over time were moderated by the child's gender. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of these dynamics may inform the development of interventions.