Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of cobalt addition on transformation behavior and drawability of hypereutectoid steel wire.

The grain boundary cementite and Widmanstatten cementite consisted in a hypereutectoid steel have been considered to cause the brittle fracture. In this study, the effect of cobalt addition on the transformation behavior of the hypereutectoid steel has been examined in order to control the grain boundary cementite precipitation. It was found that in the case of hypereutectoid steels containing carbon content less than 1.3 wt%, the grain boundary cementite precipitation could be suppressed with the cobalt addition and patenting treatment.By suppression of grain boundary cementite, the hypereutectoid steel showed good drawability comparable with that of eutectoid steel and the increase of tensile strength comparing with eutectoid steel. The analysis using Embury-Fisher relation showed that the increase of workhardening rate was due to the refinement of lamellar spacing, which was confirmed by microstructural observation. Furthermore, it was found that refinement of lamellar spacing was attributed to increased carbon content in the case of fully pearlitic microstructure. The effect of cobalt addition on the transformation behavior was also discussed from CCT curves.
Development and characterisation of a novel three-dimensional inter-kingdom wound biofilm model

Abstract Chronic diabetic foot ulcers are frequently colonised and infected by polymicrobial biofilms that ultimately prevent healing. This study aimed to create a novel in vitro inter-kingdom wound biofilm model on complex hydrogel-based cellulose substrata to test commonly used topical wound treatments. Inter-kingdom triadic biofilms composed of Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were shown to be quantitatively greater in this model compared to a simple substratum when assessed by conventional culture, metabolic dye and live dead qPCR. These biofilms were both structurally complex and compositionally dynamic in response to topical therapy, so when treated with either chlorhexidine or povidone iodine, principal component analysis revealed that the 3-D cellulose model was minimally impacted compared to the simple substratum model. This study highlights the importance of biofilm substratum and inclusion of relevant polymicrobial and inter-kingdom components, as these impact penetration and efficacy of topical antiseptics.
Episodic gonadotropin-releasing hormone release from the rat isolated median eminence in vitro.

Several studies have demonstrated that the rat isolated mediobasohypothalamus can release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in a pulsatile manner in vitro. We have now used an in vitro perfusion system to characterize GnRH release from the adult male Sprague-Dawley rat isolated median eminence (ME) alone. After 1 h stabilization periods, eight MEs released GnRH in an episodic pattern during 4-hour experiments (samples collected every 4 min, RIA in triplicate) with mean (+/- SE) release rates of 2.2 +/- 0.2 pg GnRH/4 min and peak amplitudes of 1.3 +/- 0.2 pg/4 min. The intervals between significant peaks were variable, although 70% were in the range of 12-24 min, i.e. similar to the non-gonadal steroid-modulated frequency of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion in gonadectomized rats in vivo. During nine additional experiments, MEs were perifused with control medium (containing 2.5 mM calcium) through the first hour of sample collection, then either calcium-free medium containing 0.5 mM of the calcium chelator EGTA and 100 microM of the intracellular calcium antagonist TMB-8 or calcium-free medium containing just 100 microM TMB-8 for 2 h, followed by a final hour with control medium. Removal of calcium activity decreased the frequency of GnRH peaks from 3.2 +/- 0.3 to 1.3 +/- 0.2/h, which then increased to 2.3 +/- 0.3/h with subsequent replacement of control medium. Removal of available calcium also decreased mean GnRH release by 51 +/- 11%, which returned to basal levels with subsequent calcium replacement. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
25-Hydroxyvitamin D and blood pressure: a plateau effect in adults with African ancestry living at different latitudes

Objective: This study examined the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and blood pressure above and below 25(OH)D levels of 20 ng/ml in young adults with African ancestry. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from a pooled sample of 2242 adults with African ancestry from five different latitudes (403 in the United States, 474 in South Africa, 479 in Ghana, 448 in Jamaica, and 438 in Seychelles). Piecewise linear regression models with a single knot were fitted to determine above and below a 25(OH)D level of 20 ng/ml the slope of SBP and DBP while adjusting for covariates including calcium intake and site. Results: The mean age was 34.4 (6.1) years, and 46.3% were men. Mean SBP and DBP were 118.1 (15.6) and 73.2 (12.2) mmHg, respectively, and were significantly higher among the United States vs Ghana, Jamaica, and Seychelles groups (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the United States vs all other sites (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). When 25(OH)D levels were less than 20 ng/ml, slopes of SBP [−0.33 (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.57, −0.07)] and DBP [−0.21 (95% CI −0.40, −0.02)] were negative and significantly different from zero after adjustment for covariates. In contrast, with 25(OH)D levels above 20 ng/ml, the slopes of SBP [−0.03 (95% CI −0.13, 0.06)] and DBP [−0.04 (−0.11, 0.03)] did not differ significantly from zero. Conclusion : The cross-sectional association of 25(OH)D with blood pressure is strongest when 25(OH)D levels are less than 20 ng/ml in young adults with African ancestry.
Local microRNA‐133a downregulation is associated with hypertrophy in the dyssynchronous heart

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) creates considerable regional differences in mechanical load within the left ventricle (LV). We investigated expression of selected microRNAs (miRs) in relation to regional hypertrophy and fibrosis in LBBB hearts and their reversibility upon cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Effect of Prior Injury on Changes to Biceps Femoris Architecture across an Australian Football League Season

Purpose To assess in-season alterations of biceps femoris long head (BFlh) fascicle length in elite Australian footballers with and without a history of unilateral hamstring strain injury (HSI) in the past 12 months. Methods Thirty elite Australian football players were recruited. Twelve had a history of unilateral HSI. Eighteen had no HSI history. All had their BFlh architecture assessed at approximately monthly intervals, six times across a competitive season. Results The previously injured limb’s BFlh fascicles increased from the start of the season and peaked at week 5. Fascicle length gradually decreased until the end of the season, where they were shortest. The contralateral uninjured limb’s fascicles were the longest when assessed at week 5 and showed a reduction in-season where weeks 17 and 23 were shorter than week 1. Control group fascicles were longest at week 5 and reduced in-season. The previously injured limb’s BFlh fascicles were shorter than the control group at all weeks and the contralateral uninjured limb at week 5. Compared with the control group, the contralateral uninjured limb had shorter fascicles from weeks 9 to 23. Conclusions Athletes with a history of HSI end the season with shorter fascicles than they start. Limbs without a history of HSI display similar BFlh fascicle lengths at the end of the season as they begin with. All athletes increase fascicle length at the beginning of the season; however, the extent of the increase differed based on history of HSI. These findings show that a HSI history may influence structural adaptation of the BFlh in-season.
No effect of fetal sex on amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of fetal sex on the concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AF-AFP) in singletons and twins. MATERIAL AND METHODS Amniocentesis was performed for advanced maternal age between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. Only patients with normal karyotypes, uncomplicated gestations and normal ultrasound examination were included. AFP was measured in amniotic fluid by RIA and results, expressed as multiples of the median (MoM), were grouped according to fetal sex and were compared by t test. RESULTS A total of 603 singleton pregnancies (294 females and 309 males) and 45 twin pregnancies discordant for sex met the inclusion criteria. The mean AF-AFP in singleton males was 1.06 vs. 1.04 MoM in singleton females. In twins, the mean AF-AFP was, respectively, 1.05 and 1.07 MoM (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Gender had no impact on AF-AFP in singleton or twin pregnancies, suggesting that the differential influence of sex hormones on the activity of the AFP gene is negligible.
Roles of triglyceride and phosphate in atherosclerosis of diabetic hemodialysis patients

Background: A growing number of patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are undergoing long-term hemodialysis (HD). HD needs a vascular access (VA) and complications of VA account for a sizable proportion of its costs. One of the important cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of premature deaths in the world. So, it is essential to find the risk factors to treat them before they cause an obvious CVD. Methods: We analyzed data from 174 ESRD patients who were candidate for Arterio Venous Fistula (AVF) creation from April 2008 to March 2009 in Hasheminejad Kidney Center by convenient sampling. X-ray images were used and C 4.5 algorithm of data mining techniques revealed the roles of two risk factors for atherosclerosis of diabetic ESRD patients. Pearson coefficient was also used to measure the correlation between the parameters. Results: Diabetic patients had significantly more calcified arteries in their forearm X-ray than other patients (p<0.001). Occurrence of atherosclerotic CVD in diabetic HD patients has an adverse relation compared with the controlled levels of their plasma levels of Triglyceride (TG) and Phosphorus. We found an inverse effect of TG and phosphorus plasma levels on the atherosclerotic involvement of radial and ulnar arteries in diabetic HD patients. We observed that the prevalence of radial and ulnar arteries calcification in these patients is lower when they have higher plasma levels of TG and phosphorous. Conclusion: This study investigates the role of high plasma levels of TG and phosphorous in the development of atherosclerosis in diabetic HD patients. Although many studies showed that hypertriglyceridemia plays a promoting role in the development of CVD, our study also found an inverse effect of plasma levels of TG on the atherosclerotic involvement of radial and ulnar arteries in diabetic patients, and therefore our results support this suspicion that hypertriglyceridemia plays a significant role in developing atherosclerosis.
White matter alterations in cocaine users are negatively related to the number of additionally (ab)used substances

Diffusion tensor imaging studies have provided evidence for white matter (WM) alterations in cocaine users. While polysubstance use is a widespread phenomenon among cocaine users, its role in WM alterations in cocaine users is currently unknown. This study examined the relation between the number of substances that are used(cocaine, alcohol and marijuana) and WM alterations in 67 male non‐drug users and 67 male regular cocaine users, who were classified into five groups based on the number of used substances. Diffusion‐weighted images were acquired on a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Using tract‐based spatial statistics we demonstrated that there was a negative relation between the number of used substances and fractional anisotropy, a global measure of WM integrity. Also, we demonstrated a positive relation between the number of used substance and radial diffusivity within the prefrontal lobe, suggesting an increase in demyelination with the number of used substances. We did not find a dose‐effect between the level of substance use and WM alterations. The results of the current study may reflect the presence of a pre‐existing vulnerability to polysubstance use resulting from prefrontal WM abnormalities and related impaired cognitive control although WM alterations because of polysubstance use cannot be fully excluded. This study is an important first step in understanding the problems related to polysubstance use among cocaine users.
A system to deposit boron films (boronization) in the DIII-D tokamak

A system has been added to the DIII-D tokamak to coat its plasma facing surfaces with a film of boron using diborane gas. The system includes special health and safety equipment for handling the diborane gas, which is toxic and inflammable. The purpose of the boron film is to reduce the levels of impurity atoms in the DIII-D plasmas. Experiments following the application of the boron film in DIII-D have led to significant reductions in plasma impurity levels and the observation of a new, very high confinement regime. <<ETX>>
Fluid Transport Phenomena in Fibrous Materials

Abstract Fluid transport is one of the most frequently observed phenomena in the processing and end uses of fibrous materials. Fibrous materials have a unique structure of complex geometry, characterized by system anisotropy and heterogeneity. The characterization of fibrous materials, therefore, is critical in the understanding of transport behavior through fibrous structures, and is discussed after an introductory section. Subsequent sections cover topics of various transport processes through fibrous structures, including wicking and wetting, resin impregnation in liquid composite molding, filtration and separation in geotextiles, aerosol filtration in fibrous filters, micro/nano scale transport phenomena, and biomedical applications. The fibrous structure is also known for its multi-scale pore distribution from intra-fiber to inter-fiber spaces. This multi-scale effect is even more prominent when micro or nano fibrous materials are concerned, and so multi-scale approaches to address the scale effects of transport behavior in fibrous materials are discussed. Finally, the Ising model of statistical mechanics, a robust computer-simulation tool dealing with the fluid transport problems in fibrous materials, is introduced.
Some aspects on the reversibility of flocculation of paper stocks

The aim of this investigation was to compare certain features of microparticulate dual retention aid systems with those of classical dual polyelectrolyte systems. In particular the flocculation behaviour of a papermaking stock after dispersion was investigated. A BDDJ-method was developed to characterize the reversibility of flocculation. The effects of monocomponent polymer systems (various cationic polyacrylamides, cationic starch and a cationic condensation resin), a classical dual system (cationic starch/A-PAM) and various microparticulate systems SiO,, AI, in combination with C-starch and Na' montmorillonite in combination with C-PAM) on retention, flocculation, reversibility and dewatering were investigated. In general, an increase in retention level leads to a greater dewatering. In the systems investigated, powerful retention aids generally show a reversible flocculation behaviour together with a high retention capacity. In dual systems, a high reversibility was found to be a prerequisite for good dewatering. Microparticle systems generally show a reversible flocculation pattern, whereas classical dual systems are both less reversible in their flocculation behaviour and show a lower dewatering in spite of high retention levels. Thus, the known superiority of microparticulate systems in bringing about good dewatering is well demonstrated and may be partly understood from their reversible flocculation behaviour.
Effect of Magnetism on Short-Range Order Formation in Fe-Si and Fe-Al Alloys

Short-range order formation in dilute Fe-Si and Fe-Al alloys has been investigated by statistical Monte Carlo simulations with effective interactions deduced from first principles calculations for different magnetic structures of bcc Fe. We find that the variation of the magnetic order from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic leads to significant changes in effective cluster interactions and, as follow, in short-range order parameters of alloys. It is shown in agreement with experiment the B2 type short-range order is formed above the Curie temperature, TC, while the D03 type short-range order is preferred below TC.
Stages of Change and Psychosocial Correlates of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Rural African-American Church Members

Purpose. This study examined the relationship between stages of change, other psychosocial factors, and fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among rural African-Americans participating in a 5 a Day study. Design. The cross-sectional design assessed associations between F&V intake, stage of change, self-efficacy, beliefs, barriers, and social support. Setting. Participants were surveyed by telephone. Subjects. Subjects were 3557 adult church members (response rate, 79.1%), aged 18 and over from 10 North Carolina counties. Measures. A seven-item food frequency measured F&V intake. Stage of change was measured using four items; other psychosocial variables were measured using Likert scales. Chi-square tests and analysis of variance were used in statistical analyses. Results. The majority of participants (65 %) were in the preparation stage of change. Individuals in action/maintenance consumed an average of 6.5 daily F&V servings compared to 3.3 to 3.5 servings for those in precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation. Self-efficacy, social support, and belief about how many daily F&V servings are needed, were positively associated with stage. Barriers were most prevalent among precontemplators. Conclusions. The findings support the applicability of the stages-of-change model to dietary change among rural African-Americans. The relationship between stage, self-efficacy, social support, and barriers supports using a multicomponent intervention strategy.
Sleep and Skin Temperature in Preschool Children and Their Mothers

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare sleep and skin temperature (Tsk) of preschool children with those of their mothers. The subjects included 18 pairs of preschool children and their mothers. The actigraphic measurement of sleep, Tsk, heart rate, bedroom climate, and the microclimate temperature and humidity (bed climate) were measured. Proximal and distal Tsk, the temperature gradient of distal and proximal Tsk (DPG), and bed climate temperature were significantly lower in the children. Approximately 70% of the children slept without bed covering. Heat dissipation during sleep in preschool children may primarily rely on the proximal Tsk. The lower Tsk than adults, and behavioral thermoregulation, may be important for sleep in preschoolers.
Correction of Population Stratification in Large Multi-Ethnic Association Studies

Background The vast majority of genetic risk factors for complex diseases have, taken individually, a small effect on the end phenotype. Population-based association studies therefore need very large sample sizes to detect significant differences between affected and non-affected individuals. Including thousands of affected individuals in a study requires recruitment in numerous centers, possibly from different geographic regions. Unfortunately such a recruitment strategy is likely to complicate the study design and to generate concerns regarding population stratification. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyzed 9,751 individuals representing three main ethnic groups - Europeans, Arabs and South Asians - that had been enrolled from 154 centers involving 52 countries for a global case/control study of acute myocardial infarction. All individuals were genotyped at 103 candidate genes using 1,536 SNPs selected with a tagging strategy that captures most of the genetic diversity in different populations. We show that relying solely on self-reported ethnicity is not sufficient to exclude population stratification and we present additional methods to identify and correct for stratification. Conclusions/Significance Our results highlight the importance of carefully addressing population stratification and of carefully “cleaning” the sample prior to analyses to obtain stronger signals of association and to avoid spurious results.
Epidemiological evidence of the effects of ultrafine particle exposure

In epidemiological studies associations have been observed consistently and coherently between ambient concentrations of particulate matter and morbidity and mortality. With improvement of measurement techniques, the effects became clearer when smaller particle sizes were considered. Therefore, it seems worthwhile to look at the smallest size fraction available today, namely ultrafine particles (UPs, diameter below 0.1 μm) and to compare their health effects with those of fine particles (FPs, diameter below 2.5 μm). However, there are only few studies available which allow such a comparison. Four panel studies with asthma patients have been performed in Germany and Finland. A decrease of peak expiratory flow and an increase of daily symptoms and medication use was found for elevated daily particle concentrations, and in three of these studies it was strongest for UPs. One large study on daily mortality is available from Germany. It showed comparable effects of fine and ultrafine particles in all size classes considered. However, FPs showed more immediate effects while UPs showed more delayed effects with a lag of four days between particulate concentrations and mortality. Furthermore, immediate effects were clearer in respiratory cases, whereas delayed effects were clearer in cardiovascular cases. In total, the limited body of studies suggests that there are health effects, due to both UPs and FPs, which might be independent from each other. If this is confirmed in further investigations, it might have important implications for monitoring and regulation, which until now does not exist for UPs. Data from Germany show that FPs cannot be used as indicator for UPs: the time trends for FPs decreased, while UPs was stable and the smallest size fraction of UPs has continually increased since 1991/92.