Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinematically lopsided spiral galaxies

Asymmetries in the distribution of light and neutral hydrogen are often observed in spiral galaxies, Here, attention is drawn to the presence of large-scale asymmetries in their kinematics. Two examples of kinematically lopsided galaxies are presented and discussed. The shape of the rotation curve - rising more steeply on one side of the galaxy than on the other - is the signature of the kinematic lopsidedness. It is shown that kinematic lopsidedness may be related to lopsidedness in the potential, and that even a mild perturbation in the latter can produce significant kinematic effects. Probably at least half of all spiral galaxies are lopsided.
Genetic polymorphisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes are associated with the efficacy and toxicities of radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Radiotherapy (RT) is the normative therapeutic treatment for primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes in Wnt/β-catenin pathway are correlated to the development, prognosis, and treatment benefit of various cancers. However, it has not been established whether SNPs of Wnt/β-catenin pathway are associated with nasopharyngeal tumorigenesis and the efficacy of RT in NPC patients. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the nine potentially functional SNPs of four genes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and genotyped these in 188 NPC patients treated with RT. To achieve this goal, associations between these SNPs and the RT's curative efficacy, as well as acute radiation-induced toxic reaction were determined by multifactorial logistic regression. We observed that catenin beta 1 gene (CTNNB1) rs1880481 and rs3864004, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta gene (GSK3β) rs3755557 polymorphisms were significantly associated with poorer efficacy of RT in NPC patients. Moreover, GSK3β rs375557 and adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) rs454886 polymorphisms were correlated with acute grade 3–4 radiation-induced dermatitis and oral mucositis, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests that gene polymorphisms of Wnt/β-catenin may be novel prognostic factors for NPC patients treated with RT.
MEASUREMENT OF IN-PLANE CAPILLARY WATER FLOW OF FABRICS

A Dew sensor array method was developed to measure in-plane capillary water flow in various types of woven fabrics. Specimens used were woven fabrics made of various fiber materials and cotton and polyester filament fabrics whose weave densities were altered systematically. The water absorption constant KH (cm/√s) was obtained by plotting distance traveled against square root of time elapsed, and water absorptivity was estimated from KH. Based on Washburn's law, the in-plane capillary water flow in fabrics was considered to be governed by the pores with sizes about 1μm present at the fiber-fiber contact points between fibers. The KH value decreased with increasing yarn density for the fabrics made of the same fibers and yarns. The in-plane anisotropy of water migration was suggested that the yarn was the unit for driving water migration in the case of woven fabrics.
Detecting mosaicism in trophectoderm biopsies: current challenges and future possibilities

Abstract Embryonic mosaicism, defined as the presence of karyotypically distinct cell lines within an embryo, has been frequently reported with a high incidence in preimplantation embryos derived from IVF and is thought to be one of the major biological limitations for the routine application of PGD for aneuploidies (PGD-A). The incidence of mosaicism in preimplantation embryos is in fact reported to be between 4 and 90%. However, these data are in sharp contrast with what is known from clinical pregnancies, where true foetal mosaicism is observed in less than 0.5% of cases. Here, we challenge these previous observations in preimplantation embryos, presenting an alternative perspective, which also considers the impact of technical variation to diagnose mosaicism as one possible cause contributing to overestimation of the incidence of mosaicism in embryos. Although euploid/aneuploid mosaicism may be present in blastocysts, the possibility of detecting this phenomenon within a single trophectoderm biopsy represents a contemporary challenge to bring about improvement to the practice of PGD-A. The purpose of this opinion paper is to provide a critical review of the literature, provide a possible alternative interpretation of the data, and discuss future challenges with diagnosing mosaicism in PGD-A cycles.
Exponential stability and periodic oscillatory solution in BAM networks with delays

Both exponential stability and periodic oscillatory solution of bidirectional associative memory (BAM) networks with axonal signal transmission delays are considered by constructing suitable Lyapunov functional and some analysis techniques. Some simple sufficient conditions are given ensuring the global exponential stability and the existence of periodic oscillatory solutions of BAM with delays. These conditions are presented in terms of system parameters and have important leading significance in the design and applications of globally exponentially stable and periodic oscillatory neural circuits for BAM with delays. In addition, two examples are given to illustrate the results.
Mechanisms of salt frost scaling on portland cement-bound materials: studies and hypothesis

A hypothesis regarding the mechanism causing salt frost scaling on Portland cement-bound materials is described. It is assumed that deterioration is due to osmotic micro ice body growth, as has been previously proposed for frost deterioration of moisture-isolated specimens of cement-bound materials. In moisture-isolated specimens, this ice body growth stops when the micro structure is drained to a certain extent. In a specimen ex-posed to salt frost attack, however, an outer liquid phase will be present on the specimen surface (as long as temperature is above the eutecticum for the actual de-icer solution). When micro ice bodies just beneath the specimen surface begin to grow, thereby draining the surrounding pore system, the outer liquid is sucked into the pore system, thereby eliminating the drainage required for micro ice body growth to stop. In a zone close to the material surface in which the liquid from outside may be transported to the growing ice bodies at a high enough rate, micro ice bodies will thus be able to grow much more than in a moisture-isolated specimen. The specimen surface will therefore be destroyed. Predictions are made concerning the dependence of scaling and moisture uptake on minimum temperature, cooling rate, presence of de-icing agent and microstructure, and these are compared to results reported in the literature and also to experiments carried out as part of this research. Since these predictions are fulfilled, it seems reasonable that the major mechanism causing salt frost scaling is the one described. Results are reported from a study of chloride ion penetration into hardened Portland cement paste over short periods, 0.5-3 hours. A simple relation, based on the Kozeny-Carman equation, between the transport coefficients and the porosity and specific surface of the material is presented. A study of the differential sorption enthalpy and differential sorption entropy was carried out using a recently developed sorption calorimeter. The results cover the range 0-95% relative humidity at +25°C. Desorption isotherms were determined at 5° and 18°C by drying samples over saturated salt solutions. Freezing calorimetry tests were conducted on the same materials. The results from the room temperature experiments were used to calculate what heat flow rates were to be expected during the melting phase of the freezing calorimetry tests. These calculated heat flow rates are lower than those actually obtained. It is hypothesised that this is due to unintentional carbonation of the samples used for determination of the desorption isotherms and thus the calculated amount of water melting at a certain temperature is too low. The results though indicate that ice formation takes place mainly through successive drying of the micro pores. (Less)
Trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure in the Seychelles between 1989 and 2013

Background: Limited data are available in the African region on trends in blood pressure (BP) and awareness, treatment and control rates. Objective: We examined trends in these indicators for a 25-year period in the Seychelles, a rapidly developing small island state in the African region. Methods: Population-based surveys of adults aged 25–64 years were performed in 1989, 1994, 2004 and 2013 using nearly identical methods for all surveys. BP was based on the average of the second and third readings. Data were age-standardized. Results: Between 1989 and 2013, mean SBP decreased in older adults (but increased in younger adults) and mean DBP decreased in all age categories, despite a marked secular increase in mean BMI. At age 25–64 years, the proportions with BP at least 140/90 mmHg decreased from 44%/33% (men/women) in 1989 to 37%/22% in 2013. The proportions of persons aware of having high BP (among those with BP ≥ 140/90 or treatment) increased from 40%/63% (men/women) in 1989 to 65%/80% in 2013; the proportions under treatment (among aware) increased from 37%/49% to 64%/78%; and the proportions with controlled BP (among treated) increased from 10%/16% to 34%/61%. Awareness was associated with female sex, age, obesity and diabetes; treatment with age, obesity, low alcohol consumption and diabetes; and control with female sex, age and high socio-economic status. In 2013, the main classes of antihypertensive medications were used in similar proportions, and 64.5% received at least two medications. Conclusion: The prevalence of high BP (≥140/90 mmHg) decreased over time, which paralleled improved detection and control of hypertension. The identified associated factors should be considered when strengthening BP control programs.
A new composite material – low-carbon Stellite alloy reinforced with nickel-coated carbon fibers

A group of nickel-coated carbon fiber reinforced Stellite 25 composites are produced using the hot isostatic pressing technique. The focus of this research is on obviating the problems related to the presence of carbides in Stellite alloys by substituting carbides as the main strengthening agent in Stellite alloys with nickel-coated carbon fibers. The principal reason for selecting Stellite 25 is because of its low carbon content and thereby relatively carbide free microstructure. The nickel coating is intended to eliminate any chance of carbide formation due to the possible reaction between carbon fibers and the matrix alloying additions. The tribomechanical and corrosion properties of the composites are characterized. The results show that the composites exhibit better corrosion resistance than medium-carbon Stellite alloys. The addition of carbon fibers into Stellite 25 improves its hardness and tribological properties. The wear rates of the composites are lower than that of medium-carbon Stellite alloys and comparable with that of high-carbon Stellites.
Infiltrated SrTiO3:FeCr‐based Anodes for Metal‐Supported SOFC

The concept of using electronically conducting anode backbones with subsequent infiltration of electrocatalytic active materials has been used to develop an alternative solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) design based on a ferritic stainless steel support. The anode backbone consists of a composite made of Nb‐doped SrTiO3 (STN) and FeCr stainless steel. A number of different experimental routes and analysis techniques have been used to evaluate the microstructural and chemical changes occurring in the composite anode layer during electrochemical testing at intermediate temperatures (650 °C). STN and FeCr stainless steel was found to be compatible on the macro‐scale level, however, some micro‐scale chemical interaction was observed. The composite anode backbone showed a promising corrosion resistance, with a decrease in formation of Cr2O3 on the FeCr particles, when exposed to SOFC operating conditions. The electronic conductivity of the infiltrated anode backbone furthermore showed good redox stability properties. Electrochemical testing of metal‐supported cells having the STN:FeCr composite anode backbone infiltrated with electrocatalysts showed comparable performance and promising durability properties compared with other metal‐supported cell designs presented in the literature. This work illustrates the potential advantages and challenges when incorporating SrTiO3‐based materials into metal‐supported cells based on ferritic stainless steel.
Neoadjuvant Enzalutamide Prior to Prostatectomy

Purpose: Prostate cancer is dependent on androgen receptor (AR) activation. Optimal AR antagonism may effectively cytoreduce local disease and suppress or eliminate micrometastases. We evaluated neoadjuvant therapy prior to prostatectomy with the potent AR antagonist enzalutamide (enza) either alone or in combination with dutasteride (dut) and leuprolide (enza/dut/luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues [LHRHa]). Experimental Design: Forty-eight of 52 men with intermediate or high-risk localized prostate cancer proceeded to prostatectomy after neoadjuvant enzalutamide or enza/dut/LHRHa for 6 months. We assessed pathologic complete response (pCR), minimal residual disease (MRD; ≤3 mm maximum diameter of residual disease), residual cancer burden (RCB), and expression of PSA and serum and tissue androgen concentrations. We compared the proportion of patients with pCR in each treatment arm with a historical control rate of 5%, based on previous reports of flutamide with LHRHa. Results: In the enzalutamide arm, none of the 25 patients achieved pCR or MRD. In the enza/dut/LHRHa arm, one of 23 patients (4.3%) achieved pCR and 3 of 23 (13.0%) achieved MRD. Median RCB was higher in the enzalutamide arm than in the enza/dut/LHRHa arm (0.41 cm3 vs. 0.06 cm3, respectively). Tissue testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels correlated with RCB. No adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation were reported. Conclusions: Combination therapy with enza/dut/LHRHa resulted in pCR and MRD rates comparable with historical controls. Evidence of continued AR activity in residual tumor suggests that AR signaling may contribute to survival. Strategies to more effectively ablate AR activity are warranted to determine whether more substantial antitumor effects are observed. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2169–76. ©2016 AACR.
Biofilm Formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia Strains Was Found to be Associated with CC23 and the Presence of wcaG

Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia biofilm traits and distribution characteristics have not been clarified. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of K. pneumoniae bacteremia biofilm formation (BF) and to explore the virulence factors associated with K. pneumoniae BF. A total of 250 K. pneumoniae bacteremia isolates were collected from patients in Shenzhen and Shanghai, China. Virulence genes in their genomes were detected by PCR. The isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and clonal complex (CC) classification based on housekeeping genes. Biofilms were detected by crystal violet staining. Greater BF was observed in isolates from young adults (<40 years old) than in those from seniors (≥65 years old; P = 0.002). MLST yielded 65 different sequence types (STs), with the most represented STs being ST11, ST23, and ST65, and the main CCs were CC23 and CC65; CC23 isolates exhibited greater BF than CC65 or ST11 isolates (both P < 0.001). BF was more pronounced among magA(K1), aero+, rmpA+, rmpA2+, allS+, wcaG+, and iutA+ isolates than in isolates that were negative for these virulence factors. Multivariate regression analysis revealed only wcaG as an independent risk factor for BF (odds ratio 11.426, P < 0.001), and BF was decreased when wcaG was silenced by antisense RNA. In conclusion, BF in K. pneumoniae bacteremia isolates was found to be associated with CC23 classification and the presence of the wcaG virulence factor gene.
Cefminox, a Dual Agonist of Prostacyclin Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Identified by Virtual Screening, Has Therapeutic Efficacy against Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats

Prostacyclin receptor (IP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) are both potential targets for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Expression of IP and PPARγ decreases in PAH, suggesting that screening of dual agonists of IP and PPARγ might be an efficient method for drug discovery. Virtual screening (VS) of potential IP–PPARγ dual-targeting agonists was performed in the ZINC database. Ten of the identified compounds were further screened, and cefminox was found to dramatically inhibit growth of PASMCs with no obvious cytotoxicity. Growth inhibition by cefminox was partially reversed by both the IP antagonist RO113842 and the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms of action demonstrated that cefminox inhibits the protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway through up-regulation of the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN, which is inhibited by GW9662), and enhances cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production in PASMCs (which is inhibited by RO113842). In a rat model of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, cefminox displayed therapeutic efficacy not inferior to that of the prostacyclin analog iloprost or the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone. Our results identified cefminox as a dual agonist of IP and PPARγ that significantly inhibits PASMC proliferation by up-regulation of PTEN and cAMP, suggesting that it has potential for treatment of PAH.
Effects of Growth Hormone Replacement on Peripheral Muscle and Exercise Capacity in Severe Growth Hormone Deficiency

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of growth hormone therapy (rGH) on mitochondrial function on peripheral muscle and to correlate with exercise capacity in subjects with severe adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Design Six months, double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial of subcutaneous rGH in 17 patients with GHD. Measurements Quadriceps muscle biopsies were obtained at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to measure succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) to assess mitochondrial activity. Exercise capacity was measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Lipids, glycemic parameters, and body fat levels were also measured. Results Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels reduced fat mass by 3.2% (p < 0.05) and normalized with rGH in the active phase (p < 0.005). Patients showed an increase in SDH (p < 0.01) from base line that differed between placebo and rGH therapy treatment groups (p < 0.05): those treated by rGH followed by placebo showed a significant increase in SDH (p < 0.001) followed by a decrease, with a significant between group difference at the end of 6 months (p < 0.05). No significant improvements or correlation with exercise capacity was found. Conclusion Short-term rGH for 3 months normalized IGF1 levels, reduced fat mass, and had a significant effect on mitochondrial function, but exercise capacity was unchanged. Clinical Trial Registration Number ISRCTN94165486.
Sonographic predictors of surgery in fetal coarctation of the aorta

Isolated fetal coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has high false‐positive diagnostic rates by cardiologists in tertiary centers. Isthmal diameter Z‐scores (I), ratio of isthmus to duct diameters (I:D), and visualization of CoA shelf (Shelf) and isthmal flow disturbance (Flow) distinguish hypoplastic from normal aortic arches in retrospective studies, but their ability to predict a need for perinatal surgery is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether these four sonographic features could differentiate prenatally cases which would require neonatal surgery in a prospective cohort diagnosed with CoA by a cardiologist.
Evaluation of the delirium early monitoring system (DEMS)

ABSTRACT Background: Despite awareness of the negative health and financial outcomes of delirium, systems to routinely assess and manage the condition are absent in clinical practice. We report the development and pilot evaluation of a Delirium Early Monitoring System (DEMS), designed to be completed by non-medical staff to influence clinical processes within inpatient settings. Two versions of the DEMS are described based on a modified Confusion Assessment Method (DEMS-CAM) and Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DEMS-DOSS). Methods: Both versions of DEMS were piloted on a 20-bedded Psychogeriatric ward over 6 weeks. Training was administered to ward staff on the use of each version of the DEMS and data were collected via electronic medical records and completed assessment sheets. The primary outcome was patterns of DEMS use and the secondary outcome was the initiation of delirium management protocols. Data regarding the use of the DEMS DOSS and DEMS CAMS were analyzed using χ 2 tests. Results: Completion rates for the DEMS CAM and DEMS DOSS were 79% and 68%, respectively. Non-medical staff were significantly more likely to use the DEMS-CAM as part of daily practice as opposed to the DEMS-DOSS (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between the use of the DEMS-CAM and DEMS-DOSS in triggering related actions such as documentation of assessment scores in patients’ medical records and implementation of delirium management protocols. Conclusions: This real world evaluation revealed that non-medical staff were able to incorporate delirium monitoring into their practice, on the majority of occasions, as part of their daily working routine. Further research is necessary to determine if the routine use of the DEMS can lead to improved understandings and practice of non-medical staff regarding delirium detection.
An Improved Soil Ionization Representation to Numerical Simulation of Impulsive Grounding Systems

This paper presents a hybrid method based on the transmission line modeling method (TLM) aiming to represent the soil ionization effect for grounding systems simulation. This natural phenomenon can be better represented by taking into account the variation of the conductive components present in the TLM circuit and considering the residual resistivity remaining in the soil. The proposed analytical formulation is developed with a focus on the computational implementation of the method. The model is validated by comparing synthetized test results with measured data and other numerical models (residual resistivity, TLM, and analytical model). High precision together with an easy to implement formulation indicates that the methodology presents potential for real-life applications.