Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulating High-Redshift Disk Galaxies: Applications to Long Duration Gamma-Ray Burst Hosts

Abstract The efficiency of star formation governs many observable properties of the cosmological galaxy population, yet many current models of galaxy formation largely ignore the important physics of star formation and the interstellar medium (ISM). Using hydrodynamical simulations of disk galaxies that include a treatment of the molecular ISM and star formation in molecular clouds (Robertson & Kravtsov 2008), we study the influence of star formation efficiency and molecular hydrogen abundance on the properties of high-redshift galaxy populations. In this work, we focus on a model of low-mass, star forming galaxies at 1 ≲ z ≲ 2 that may host long duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Observations of GRB hosts have revealed a population of faint systems with star formation properties that often differ from Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs) and more luminous high-redshift field galaxies. Observed GRB sightlines are deficient in molecular hydrogen, but it is unclear to what degree this deficiency owes to intrinsic properties of the galaxy or the impact the GRB has on its environment. We find that hydrodynamical simulations of low-stellar mass systems at high-redshifts can reproduce the observed star formation rates and efficiencies of GRB host galaxies at redshifts 1 ≲ z ≲ 2. We show that the compact structure of low-mass high-redshift GRB hosts may lead to a molecular ISM fraction of a few tenths, well above that observed in individual GRB sightlines. However, the star formation rates of observed GRB host galaxies imply molecular gas masses of 108 – 109M⊙ similar to those produced in the simulations, and may therefore imply fairly large average H2 fractions in their ISM.
High glucose increases the expression of Cbfa1 and BMP-2 and enhances the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND Vascular calcification is common in diabetes but the pathogenesis is poorly understood. METHODS To investigate the pathogenesis, we first examined the histology of inferior epigastric arteries from diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing a renal transplant. To examine the role of hyperglycaemia, bovine vascular smooth muscle cells (BVSMCs) were incubated with normal (5 mM) or high glucose (25 mM) for 48 or 72 h. RESULTS The results demonstrated that diabetic patients, compared with non-diabetic patients, had significantly greater calcification and increased expression of the bone matrix proteins osteopontin, type I collagen, bone sialoprotein and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The in vitro studies demonstrated that high glucose increased the expression of the osteoblast transcription factor core binding factor alpha subunit 1 (Cbfa1) and its downstream protein osteocalcin by 1.9-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively, and ALP activity by 1.5-fold. These findings were blunted in the presence of an inhibitor to protein kinase C. High glucose also significantly enhanced calcification in BVSMC in a time-dependent manner (2.20 +/- 0.50 vs 1.35 +/- 0.55 micromol/mg, day 7; 5.04 +/- 1.35 vs 3.12 +/- 0.92 micromol/mg, day 14; P < 0.05). High glucose also induced the secretion of bone morphogenetic protein-2, a known osteoinductive factor, and further increased the secretion normally seen during calcification by 43% at day 7 and 57% at day 14. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that vascular calcification in patients with diabetes is a cell-mediated process characterized by a phenotypic change of VSMCs to osteoblast-like cells with increased bone matrix protein expression, and that hyperglycaemia may directly induce these changes.
Bang-Bang Trajectory Plans With Dynamic Balance Constraints: Fast Rotational Reconfigurations for RoboSimian

This paper investigates the problem of rapidly transitioning the pose of a limbed robot while remaining balanced. In particular, we consider motions where rotational accelerations may significantly affect the center of pressure location within a limited base of support. We consider solutions for high-impedance robots with stiff, high-torque actuators that essentially provide accurate, position-control outputs at the joints. We present and compare three methods for generating joint trajectories to achieve fast yet feasible dynamic motions for such systems while maintaining a safety margin for the center of pressure location, toward robust balance. We focus on development of theory and intuition for each method and quantify performance in terms of achievable speed of transition and required joint velocity limits. © 2014 ASME
Effect of Flowrate and Coolant Temperature on the Efficiency of Progressive Freeze Concentration on Simulated Wastewater

Freeze concentration freezes or crystallises the water molecules out as ice crystals and leaves behind a highly concentrated solution. In conventional suspension freeze concentration where ice crystals formed as a suspension in the mother liquor, separation of ice is difficult. The size of the ice crystals is still very limited which will require usage of scraped surface heat exchangers, which is very expensive and accounted for approximately 30% of the capital cost. This research is conducted using a newer method of freeze concentration, which is progressive freeze concentration. Ice crystals were formed as a layer on the designed heat exchanger surface. In this particular research, a helical structured copper crystallisation chamber was designed and fabricated. The effect of two operating conditions on the performance of the newly designed crystallisation chamber was investigated, which are circulation flowrate and coolant temperature. The performance of the design was evaluated by the effective partition constant, K, calculated from the volume and concentration of the solid and liquid phase. The system was also monitored by a data acquisition tool in order to see the temperature profile throughout the process. On completing the experimental work, it was found that higher flowrate resulted in a lower K, which translated into high efficiency. The efficiency is the highest at 1000 ml/min. It was also found that the process gives the highest efficiency at a coolant temperature of -6 °C. Keywords—Freeze concentration, progressive freeze concentration, freeze wastewater treatment, ice crystals.
Purinergic Effects on Na,K-ATPase Activity Differ in Rat and Human Skeletal Muscle

Background P2Y receptor activation may link the effect of purines to increased maximal in vitro activity of the Na,K-ATPase in rat muscle. The hypothesis that a similar mechanism is present in human skeletal muscle was investigated with membranes from rat and human skeletal muscle. Results Membranes purified from rat and human muscles were used in the Na,K-ATPase assay. Incubation with ADP, the stable ADP analogue MeS-ADP and UDP increased the Na+ dependent Na,K-ATPase activity in rat muscle membranes, whereas similar treatments of human muscle membranes lowered the Na,K-ATPase activity. UTP incubation resulted in unchanged Na,K-ATPase activity in humans, but pre-incubation with the antagonist suramin resulted in inhibition with UTP, suggesting that P2Y receptors are involved. The Na,K-ATPase in membranes from both rat and human could be stimulated by protein kinase A and C activation. Thus, protein kinase A and C activation can increase Na,K-ATPase activity in human muscle but not via P2Y receptor stimulation. Conclusion The inhibitory effects of most purines (with the exception of UTP) in human muscle membranes are probably due to mass law inhibition of ATP hydrolysis. This inhibition could be blurred in rat due to receptor mediated activation of the Na,K-ATPase. The different effects could be related to a high density of ADP sensitive P2Y1 and P2Y13 receptors in rat, whereas the UTP sensitive P2Y11 could be more abundant in human. Alternatively, rat could possesses a mechanism for protein-protein interaction between P2Y receptors and the Na,K-ATPase, and this mechanism could be absent in human skeletal muscle (perhaps with the exception of the UTP sensitive P2Y11 receptor). Perspective Rat muscle is not a reliable model for purinergic effects on Na,K-ATPase in human skeletal muscle.
Statistical mechanics of the vertex-cover problem

We review recent progress in the study of the vertex-cover problem (VC). The VC belongs to the class of NP-complete graph theoretical problems, which plays a central role in theoretical computer science. On ensembles of random graphs, VC exhibits a coverable–uncoverable phase transition. Very close to this transition, depending on the solution algorithm, easy–hard transitions in the typical running time of the algorithms occur.We explain a statistical mechanics approach, which works by mapping the VC to a hard-core lattice gas, and then applying techniques such as the replica trick or the cavity approach. Using these methods, the phase diagram of the VC could be obtained exactly for connectivities c e, the solution of the VC exhibits full replica symmetry breaking.The statistical mechanics approach can also be used to study analytically the typical running time of simple complete and incomplete algorithms for the VC. Finally, we describe recent results for the VC when studied on other ensembles of finite- and infinite-dimensional graphs.
Higher education and youth transition from school to labour market: The Spanish case

Using a specific data set drawn from the Spanish Module Education to Labour Market Transitions (2000), this paper analyses the labour market entrance of Spanish school leavers and the match between education and work at the early stages of working life. Moreover, special attention is paid to graduates, because Spain experienced a strong growth in the demand for higher education during the last decades of 20th century. The empirical evidence shows that, besides other personal and family individual's characteristics, human capital exerts a strong influence on the finding of an employment. With regard to the match between education and work, the results indicate that over-education is a common phenomenon in the Spanish youth labour market. However, unlike what one could expect, being a graduate seems to be associated to a lower likelihood of over-education in the first employment.
Antioxidant status in patients with sleep apnoea and impact of continuous positive airway pressure treatment

The episodes of hypoxia/re-oxygenation associated with the respiratory disturbances observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) may induce the generation of oxygen free radicals. Indeed, several studies suggest that OSAS is associated with oxidative stress. The present study tested the hypothesis that patients with OSAS have an alteration in antioxidant defences. The plasma levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), vitamins A, E, B12 and folate, and homocysteine were determined in 47 patients with OSAS and 37 healthy subjects. Of these, 27 patients who used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for >4 h·night−1 were re-examined 12 months later. Patients with OSAS had lower TAS (1.4±0.16 versus 1.50±0.10 mmol·L−1), vitamin A (64±19 versus 74±17 μg·dL−1) and vitamin E levels (1,525±499 versus 1,774±503 μg·dL−1), and increased values of GGT (42±22 versus 32±16 U·L−1) than controls. There was no difference between groups in GPX, homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate plasma levels. CPAP treatment normalised the levels of TAS (1.50±0.13 mmol·L−1) and the activity of GGT (30±14 U·L−1) without any influence on vitamins levels. In conclusion, the results indicate that patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome have a decreased antioxidant capacity that is partially reversed by continuous positive airway pressure treatment.
Overexpression of the Escherichia coli TolQ protein leads to a null-FtsN-like division phenotype

Mutations involving the Tol‐Pal complex of Escherichia coli result in a subtle phenotype in which cells chain when grown under low‐salt conditions. Here, the nonpolar deletion of individual genes encoding the cytoplasmic membrane‐associated components of the complex (TolQ, TolR, TolA) produced a similar phenotype. Surprisingly, the overexpression of one of these proteins, TolQ, resulted in a much more overt phenotype in which cells occurred as elongated rods coupled in long chains when grown under normal salt conditions. Neither TolR nor TolA overexpression produced a phenotype, nor was the presence of either protein required for the TolQ‐dependent phenotype. Consistent with their native membrane topology, the amino‐terminal domain of TolQ specifically associated in vivo with the periplasmic domain of FtsN in a cytoplasm‐based two‐hybrid analysis. Further, the concomitant overexpression of FtsN rescued the TolQ‐dependent phenotype, suggesting a model wherein the overexpression of TolQ sequesters FtsN, depleting this essential protein from the divisome during Gram‐negative cell division. The role of the Tol‐Pal system in division is discussed.
Multi-objective genetic algorithm approach to feature subset optimization

The presence of unimportant and superfluous features in datasets motivates researchers to devise novel feature selection strategies. The problem of feature selection is multi-objective in nature and hence optimizing feature subsets with respect to any single evaluation criteria is not sufficient [1]. Moreover, discovering a single best subset of features is not of much interest. In fact, finding several feature subsets reflecting a trade off among several objective criteria is more beneficial as it provides the users a broad choice for feature subset selection. Thus, in order to combine several feature selection criteria, we propose multi-objective optimization of feature subsets using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm. This work is an attempt to discover non-dominated feature subsets of smaller cardinality with high predictive power and least redundancy. To meet this purpose we have used NSGA II, a well known Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA), for discovering non-dominated feature subsets for the task of classification. The main contribution of this paper is the design of a novel multi-objective fitness function consisting of information gain, mutual correlation and size of the feature subset as the multi-optimization criteria. The suggested approach is validated on seven datasets from the UCI machine learning repository. Support Vector Machine, a well tested classification algorithm is used to measure the classification accuracy. The results confirm that the proposed system is able to discover diverse optimal feature subsets that are well spread in the overall feature space and the classification accuracy of the resulting feature subsets is reasonably high.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Lead Positioning and Technical Advances

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a therapeutic option for heart failure patients with a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and left bundle branch block (Cleland et al., 2001). Ventricular resynchronization is achieved by biventricular pacing, usually via electrodes in the right ventricular apex and a left ventricular (LV) electrode positioned in a coronary vein. About one third of implanted patients do not respond to CRT (Derval et al., 2010). In order to reduce the percentage of non-responders, several strategies have been developed. They include optimization of patient selection, device programming as well as LV lead location. In cardiomyopathy with left bundle branch block, the lateral wall is the site of latest activation and should be the optimal location for LV pacing. Therefore, standard implantation sites for LV leads are lateral or posterolateral branches of the coronary sinus. Congruent to these pathophysiological findings, Butter et al. demonstrated a superiority of lateral wall pacing versus anterior wall pacing in CRT (Butter et al., 2001). However, a more detailed look at optimal pacing locations might be required to increase the effect of CRT and decrease non-responder rates. Different imaging modalities have been used to both identify optimal pacing sites as well as to plan LV lead implantation.
Diagnostic yield and safety of ultrasound-assisted biopsies in superior vena cava syndrome

The yield and safety of ultrasound (US)-assisted transthoracic fine needle aspirations (TTFNA) and cutting needle biopsies (CNB) in the setting of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome are unknown. The aims of the present prospective study were to asses the diagnostic yield and safety of US-assisted TTFNA and CNB in SVC syndrome with an associated mass lesion abutting the chest wall. Over a 3-yr period, the present authors screened 59 patients with SVC syndrome, and enrolled 25 patients who had an associated mass lesion that extended to the chest wall. US-assisted TTFNA with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) was performed in all cases. CNBs were performed where a provisional diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma could not be established, and in 57.1% of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma (limited due to safety constraints). ROSE of US-assisted TTFNA confirmed diagnostically useful material in 24 patients, and cytological diagnoses were ultimately made in all of these cases (diagnostic yield 96%). US-assisted CNB had a diagnostic yield of 87.5%. Minor haemorrhage occurred in one out of 25 TTFNA and three out of 16 CNB. Neither procedure resulted in major haemorrhage nor pneumothoraces. US-assisted TTFNA and CNB have a high diagnostic yield and are safe in the setting of SVC syndrome with an associated mass lesion abutting the chest wall.
Divergent Pro- and Antiinflammatory Roles for IL-23 and IL-12 in Joint Autoimmune Inflammation

Interleukin (IL) 23 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of a p19 subunit and the p40 subunit of IL-12. IL-23 affects memory T cell and inflammatory macrophage function through engagement of a novel receptor (IL-23R) on these cells. Recent analysis of the contribution of IL-12 and IL-23 to central nervous system autoimmune inflammation demonstrated that IL-23 rather than IL-12 was the essential cytokine. Using gene-targeted mice lacking only IL-12 (p35−/−) or IL-23 (p19−/−), we show that the specific absence of IL-23 is protective, whereas loss of IL-12 exacerbates collagen-induced arthritis. IL-23 gene-targeted mice did not develop clinical signs of disease and were completely resistant to the development of joint and bone pathology. Resistance correlated with an absence of IL-17–producing CD4+ T cells despite normal induction of collagen-specific, interferon-γ–producing T helper 1 cells. In contrast, IL-12–deficient p35−/− mice developed more IL-17–producing CD4+ T cells, as well as elevated mRNA expression of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 in affected tissues of diseased mice. The data presented here indicate that IL-23 is an essential promoter of end-stage joint autoimmune inflammation, whereas IL-12 paradoxically mediates protection from autoimmune inflammation.
The Influence of Recruitment and Selection on the Performance of Employees in Research Institutes in Kenya

This study sought to establish the influence of recruitment and selection on the performance of employees in research institutes in Kenya. There is growing evidence that human resource management practices can play an important role in attaining high quality workforce. Recruitment and selection has been specifically singled out as a major human resource management practice that can have an influence on the level of employee performance in organizations. Research institutes in Kenya have been facing performance challenges and there is need, therefore, for them (Research Institutes) to attract and retain high caliber personnel. The quality of employees recruited by research institutes in Kenya is viewed as a possible intervention. The overall objective of the study was to determine how recruitment and selection influence employee Performance in research institutes in Kenya. The study adopted the null hypothesis that recruitment and selection do not influence employee performance in research institutes in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive and correlation research designs while the study population was drawn from all Government owned research institutes formed under the Science & Technology Act. Cap 250. The target population was drawn from the research institutes that were within Nairobi county and its environs. The study adopted stratified sampling technique while the sample size was 256 employees. The study used questionnaires to collect data while Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the validity and reliability of the instruments. A statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data while data was presented using statistical techniques such as tables, bar-graphs and pie charts. The results of the study revealed that the correlation between employee performance and recruitment and selection were highly significant at 0.374 (P=0.000). The study recommended that research institutes strictly adhere to job specifications when filling vacant positions.
A cost-saving algorithm for children hospitalized for status asthmaticus.

OBJECTIVE To test the ability of an assessment-driven algorithm for treatment of pediatric status asthmaticus to reduce length and cost of hospitalization. DESIGN Nonrandomized, prospective, controlled trial. SETTING Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS Children aged 1 to 18 years hospitalized for status asthmaticus; 104 were treated using the asthma care algorithm (intervention) and 97 using unstructured standard treatment (control). INTERVENTION Patients were treated using either an assessment-based algorithm or standard care practices. The algorithm group was treated with standard medications (aerosolized albuterol, systemic corticosteroids, epinephrine, ipratropium) administered at a frequency driven by the patient's clinical condition. Specific criteria were outlined for decreasing or augmenting therapy, transferring to intensive care, and discharging to home. A unique patient record containing assessments, algorithm cues, and a treatment record was used. Intervention group patients were interviewed by telephone 1 week after discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hospital length of stay, cost per hospitalization, relapse rate, protocol adherence. RESULTS Average hospital stay for intervention patients was significantly shorter than for control patients (2.0 vs 2.9 days, P<.001). Although intervention patients received fewer aerosolized albuterol doses than controls, there was no difference in short-term relapse rate between groups. The intervention saved more than $700 per patient in hospital charges. Adherence to the protocol was excellent, with only 8 variances per patient stay out of more than 150 opportunities. CONCLUSION An intensive, assessment-driven algorithm for pediatric status asthmaticus significantly reduces hospital length of stay and costs without increasing morbidity.
Lifetime investigation of high power IGBT modules

This article concerns lifetime investigation of high power IGBT modules. Other research investigating windturbine failures of modern wind turbines observed that the power converter counts for 15 % of all failures. A test bench capable of testing the IGBT power modules in an accelerated application specific working point was constructed. The working point was given with regards to voltage, current, power and phase. An analysis of failure mechanisms in modern IGBT modules was conducted. From this it was concluded that VCE of the IGBTs can be used as an indication of wear out of an IGBT module. Through circuit analysis and other studies it was concluded that a change of around 30 mV was to be expected. A innovative measuring system capable of measuring VCE of the IGBTs and VD of the diodes with high accuracy was implemented. Three test periods was conducted, and each period lasted 7–14 days. Every 5 minutes all VCE and VD voltage drop were measured and saved. From the measurements it was concluded that the wear out of IGBT modules can be traced through VCE and VD.