Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ricci surfaces

A Ricci surface is a Riemannian 2-manifold ( M, g ) whose Gaussian curvature K satisﬁes K ∆ K + g ( dK, dK )+4 K 3 = 0. Every minimal surface isometrically embedded in R 3 is a Ricci surface of non-positive curvature. At the end of the 19 th century Ricci-Curbastro has proved that conversely, every point x of a Ricci surface has a neighborhood which embeds isometrically in R 3 as a minimal surface, provided K ( x ) < 0. We prove this result in full generality by showing that Ricci surfaces can be locally isometrically embedded either minimally in R 3 or maximally in R 2 , 1 , including near points of vanishing curvature. We then develop the theory of closed Ricci surfaces, possibly with conical singularities, and construct classes of examples in all genera g ≥ 2.
Acute citrulline-malate supplementation improves maximal strength and anaerobic power in female, masters athletes tennis players

Abstract Citrulline-malate (CM) is a precursor to nitric-oxide (NO) in the NO synthase (NOS) pathway and is suggested to increase exercise performance in younger individuals. With age, NO production decreases and augmented NO production may provide beneficial effects on sports performance among masters athletes (MAs). Purpose: To examine the effects of acute CM supplementation on grip strength, vertical power, and anaerobic cycling performance in female, MA tennis players. Methods: Seventeen female MA (51 ± 9 years) completed two double-blind, randomized trials consuming CM (12 g dextrose + 8 g CM) and placebo (PLA) (12 g dextrose). One hour after consumption, subjects completed grip strength, vertical power, and Wingate anaerobic cycling assessments in respective order. Maximal and average grip strength, peak and average vertical power, anaerobic capacity, peak power, explosive power, and ability to sustain anaerobic power were calculated from the tests. Results: When consuming CM, participants exhibited greater maximal (p = .042) and average (p = .045) grip strength compared to PLA. No differences existed between trials for peak (p = .51) or average (p = .51) vertical power. For the Wingate, peak power (p < .001) and explosive power (p < .001) were significantly greater when consuming CM compared to PLA. For the ability to sustain power, a significant effect (p < .001) was observed for time within trials, but no significant differences were observed between trials regarding supplement consumed. Conclusions: These data suggest that consuming CM before competition has the potential to improve tennis match-play performance in masters tennis athletes. However, this study utilized a controlled laboratory environment and research evaluating direct application to on-court performance is warranted.
Use of a speed equation for numerical simulation of hydraulic fractures

The paper treats the propagation of a hydraulically driven crack. We explicitly write the local speed equation, which facilitates using the theory of propagating interfaces. It is shown that when neglecting the lag between the liquid front and the crack tip, the lubrication PDE yields that a solution satisfies the speed equation identically. This implies that for zero or small lag, the boundary value problem appears ill-posed when solved numerically. We suggest e - regularization, which consists in employing the speed equation together with a prescribed BC on the front to obtain a new BC formulated at a small distance behind the front rather than on the front itself. It is shown that - regularization provides accurate and stable results with reasonable time expense. It is also shown that the speed equation gives a key to proper choice of unknown functions when solving a hydraulic fracture problem numerically.
CpG motifs in bacterial DNA delay apoptosis of neutrophil granulocytes

Human neutrophil granulocytes die rapidly, and their survival is contingent upon rescue from programmed cell death by signals from the environment. We now show that a novel signal for delaying neutrophil apoptosis is unmethylated CpG motifs prevalent in bacterial DNA (CpG‐DNA). Human neutrophils express toll‐like receptor 9 that recognizes these motifs. CpG‐DNA, but not mammalian DNA or methylated bacterial DNA, markedly enhanced neutrophil viability by delaying spontaneous apoptosis. Endosomal maturation of CpG‐DNA is prerequisite for these actions and was coupled to concurrent activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt signaling pathways, leading to phosphorylation of BAD at Ser112 and Ser136, respectively, and to prevention of decreases in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytochrome c release and caspase‐3 activation. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of either ERK or phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase partially reversed these actions of CpG‐DNA; however, they did not produce additive inhibition. Furthermore, intravenous injection of CpG‐DNA (200 μg/kg) into rats evoked slight decreases in blood pressure and induced a modest leukocytosis, whereas it effectively suppressed neutrophil apoptosis as assayed ex vivo. Our results indicate that unmethylated CpG motifs in bacterial DNA promote neutrophil survival by suppressing the apoptotic machinery and may therefore contribute to prolongation and amplification of inflammation.
Tumor vasculature: the Achilles' heel of cancer?

Introduction: Tumor-associated angiogenesis is one of the essential hallmarks underlying cancer development and metastasis. Anti-angiogenic agents accordingly aim to restrain cancer progression by blocking the formation of new vessels, improving the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor site and reducing the shedding of metastatic cells into the circulation. This review article addresses some key issues in the use of angiogenesis inhibitors in cancer. Areas covered: The authors review the complex interactions between cell signaling pathways involved in tumor angiogenesis, and focus in particular on the molecular mechanisms that may induce resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors. They will also discuss some novel therapeutic strategies evolving within anti-angiogenic therapy such as the targeting of VEGFR-3, endothelial integrins and hepatocyte growth factor-MET signaling. Expert opinion: Although anti-angiogenic therapy is targeted at the non-malignant part of the tumor, the intricate network of growth promoting signaling pathways and in particular the redundancy when single pathways are targeted in endothelial cells represents a major therapeutic obstacle. A key challenge will be to develop more efficient inhibitors, combined with an individualized approach based on each tumor's own endothelial signaling profile. Furthermore, reliable biomarkers which pinpoint those patients that will benefit from anti-angiogenic therapy need to be identified.
Energy absorption of single and multi-cell profiles under bending load considering damage evolution

In this paper, the energy absorption response of single and multi-cell profiles with different cross sections under bending load is presented. Emphasis was given to the modeling of damage initiation criteria and damage evolution. For this purpose, several discrete models of thin-walled structures were developed using Abaqus/Explicit. To obtain reliable results, a numerical study of a double-chambered profile under quasi-static three-point bending was conducted and validated experimentally. The studied structures included profiles with triangular, square, hexagonal, and circular cross-sectional shapes. The beams were fabricated with aluminum alloy EN AW-7108 T6 and modeled with ductile, shear, and Müschenborn-Sonne forming limit diagram damage initiation criteria. From the numerical results, both single and multi-cell profiles show an improvement in crashworthiness performance as their cross sections tend to approach a circle. In this way, an improvement of up to 80.95% in the crush force efficiency (CFE) parameter was obtained. Similarly, the introduction of ribs allowed for an increase in the energy absorption performance of the profiles relative to the single structure (non-ribbed). In this sense, an increase in specific energy absorption (SEA) and CFE values of up to 40% and 69% was calculated. Relative to single profiles, a maximum resistance to bending and an increase in energy absorption are observed when the circular cross section is reinforced in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Finally, with the improvements found, the design of an impact door beam used in the automobile industry is presented and discussed.
Highly Sensitive Detection of Protein Biomarkers with Organic Electrochemical Transistors

The analysis of protein biomarkers is of great importance in the diagnosis of diseases. Although many convenient and low‐cost electrochemical approaches have been extensively investigated, they are not sensitive enough in the detection of protein biomarkers with low concentrations in physiological environments. Here, this study reports a novel organic‐electrochemical‐transistor‐based biosensor that can successfully detect cancer protein biomarkers with ultrahigh sensitivity. The devices are operated by detecting electrochemical activity on gate electrodes, which is dependent on the concentrations of proteins labeled with catalytic nanoprobes. The protein sensors can specifically detect a cancer biomarker, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, down to the concentration of 10−14 g mL−1, which is several orders of magnitude lower than the detection limits of previously reported electrochemical approaches. Moreover, the devices can successfully differentiate breast cancer cells from normal cells at various concentrations. The ultrahigh sensitivity of the protein sensors is attributed to the inherent amplification function of the organic electrochemical transistors. This work paves a way for developing highly sensitive and low‐cost biosensors for the detection of various protein biomarkers in clinical analysis in the future.
Sickle Cell Hemoglobin with Mutation at αHis-50 Has Improved Solubility*

Background: Deoxy sickle cell hemoglobin (Hb S) tetramers polymerize in solution via lateral and axial contacts among neighbors. Results: αHis-50 → Gln mutation can, whereas αHis-20 → Gln mutation cannot, improve the solubility of Hb S. Conclusion: α2His-50 interacts with the βS1 CD corner, whereas α2His-20 has minimal interaction with βS1Glu-22. Significance: α2His-50 contributes significantly to the polymerization of the Hb S tetramers. The unliganded tetrameric Hb S has axial and lateral contacts with neighbors and can polymerize in solution. Novel recombinants of Hb S with single amino acid substitutions at the putative axial (recombinant Hb (rHb) (βE6V/αH20R) and rHb (βE6V/αH20Q)) or lateral (rHb (βE6V/αH50Q)) or double amino acid substitutions at both the putative axial and lateral (rHb (βE6V/αH20R/αH50Q) and rHb (βE6V/αH20Q/αH50Q)) contact sites were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified for structural and functional studies. The 1H NMR spectra of the CO and deoxy forms of these mutants indicate that substitutions at either αHis-20 or αHis-50 do not change the subunit interfaces or the heme pockets of the proteins. The double mutants show only slight structural alteration in the β-heme pockets. All mutants have similar cooperativity (n50), alkaline Bohr effect, and autoxidation rate as Hb S. The oxygen binding affinity (P50) of the single mutants is comparable with that of Hb S. The double mutants bind oxygen with slightly higher affinity than Hb S under the acidic conditions. In high salt, rHb (βE6V/αH20R) is the only mutant that has a shorter delay time of polymerization and forms polymers more readily than Hb S with a dextran-Csat value of 1.86 ± 0.20 g/dl. Hb S, rHb (βE6V/αH20Q), rHb (βE6V/αH50Q), rHb (βE6V/αH20R/αH50Q), and rHb (βE6V/αH20Q/αH50Q) have dextran-Csat values of 2.95 ± 0.10, 3.04 ± 0.17, 11.78 ± 0.59, 7.11 ± 0.66, and 10.89 ± 0.83 g/dl, respectively. rHb (βE6V/αH20Q/αH50Q) is even more stable than Hb S under elevated temperature (60 °C).
Predictors of smoking reduction among Blacks.

INTRODUCTION Blacks who smoke have increased tobacco-related health risks. Cessation decreases the likelihood of many health problems. Smoking reduction may be important in the cessation process and potentially reduce health risks. METHODS Because little is known about specific predictors of smoking reduction, we investigated factors predicting reduction among Black light smokers enrolled in a 26-week cessation trial. Specifically, we compared (a) reducers (reduced cigarettes per day [cpd] >or=50%) with nonreducers and (b) reducers with quitters. Baseline demographic, smoking-related, and psychosocial variables were collected, and Week 26 smoking status was assessed. RESULTS Among 539 participants, 41.0% (n = 221) reduced their smoking, 17.6% (n = 95) quit, and 41.4% (n = 223) did not reduce their smoking by >or=50%. In comparison with reducers, nonreducers were more likely to have their first cigarette within 30 min of waking (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.47-3.93), lower baseline cpd (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.77-0.93), higher baseline cotinine levels (OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 1.000-1.003), lower perceived stress (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78-0.95), and higher Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (SCQ) negative social impression scores (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.06), after controlling for treatment arm, gender, and age. Significant predictors of smoking cessation versus reduction included lower baseline cpd (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75-0.95), higher nicotine dependence (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.09-1.98), lower baseline cotinine levels (OR = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.994-0.998), higher body mass index (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08), lower perceived stress (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.72-0.95), and higher SCQ negative social impression scores (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08). DISCUSSION Distinct predictors are associated with different trajectories of smoking behavior change (i.e., reduction vs. cessation vs. no change).
A novel approach to control of nonminimum-phase nonlinear systems

We present an approach to control of nonminimum-phase multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems based on a singular perturbation-like technique. First, we show that a MIMO nonlinear system can be converted into a singularly perturbed system through magnitude and time-scaling transformation. In particular, the proposed transformation technique can make the hidden or internal dynamics behave like a fast subsystem. However, the fast subsystem takes a weakly controllable form, which implies that a small positive low-gain parameter multiplies the control input in the fast subsystem. For this reason, the well-known integral manifold approach is then utilized to decompose the resulting singularly perturbed system into two subsystems in separate timescales, each of which is of a lower dimension and, more importantly, controllable in the sense that the control input will explicitly appear in the boundary-layer system. The proposed method is particularly useful to make the input-output dynamic characteristics of a decouplable nonminimum-phase nonlinear system decoupled and linear.
Cyclin D1 amplification and expression in human breast carcinoma: correlation with histological prognostic markers and oestrogen receptor expression

Aims—To study the amplification of the Cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) in human breast carcinoma; to relate this to Cyclin D1 protein expression; to relate these parameters to recognised pathological prognostic factors, including oestrogen receptor (ER) status. Methods—DNA extracted from frozen sections of breast tumours (n = 36) was used for Southern blotting. Probes for CCND1, c-myc and the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IgH) were hybridised to tumour DNA. Immunocytochemical expression of Cyclin D1 protein and ER was studied in paraffin wax sections from the same tumours. Results—Amplification of CCND1 was observed in 11% (four of 36) of tumours studied. Over expression of Cyclin D1 protein was observed in 73% (30/41) of tumours. There was no correlation between recognised histological prognostic markers and either gene amplification or expression. However, a weak association was seen between Cyclin D1 expression and ER status. Conclusions—A disparity exists between locus amplification and over expression of Cyclin D1, suggesting the existence of another mechanism for raised protein expression. No significant correlation was detected between either Cyclin D1 amplification or over expression and established prognostic markers.
Effect of Fabric Structure on the Mechanical Properties of Woven Fabrics

Understanding the fabric performance is important to investigate the working process. The fabric properties depend to a great extent on constructional parameters, methodology and machine conditions. This paper shows the variation of mechanical properties (Tensile strength, Tearing strength, Abrasion resistant, Pilling resistance & stiffness) of cotton woven fabric from different weave structures. It was assumed to have variations in properties due to different weave structures and by this work we found a bridge on the theoretical conceptions to the practical work. It was found that the tensile strength of plain weave is higher than twill weave, but tearing strength is more in twill than in plain weave. The stiffness, abrasion& pilling resistance is higher in plain weave than in twill weave. The results are shown in the further progression with the necessary data and graphs.
Genotype‐dependent sensitivity of hepatitis C virus to inhibitors of the p7 ion channel

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) p7 protein plays a critical role during particle formation in cell culture and is required for virus replication in chimpanzees. The discovery that it displayed cation channel activity in vitro led to its classification within the “viroporin” family of virus‐coded ion channel proteins, which includes the influenza A virus (IAV) M2 protein. Like M2, p7 was proposed as a potential target for much needed new HCV therapies, and this was supported by our finding that the M2 inhibitor, amantadine, blocked its activity in vitro. Since then, further compounds have been shown to inhibit p7 function but the relationship between inhibitory effects in vitro and efficacy against infectious virus is controversial. Here, we have sought to validate multiple p7 inhibitor compounds using a parallel approach combining the HCV infectious culture system and a rapid throughput in vitro assay for p7 function. We identify a genotype‐dependent and subtype‐dependent sensitivity of HCV to p7 inhibitors, in which results in cell culture largely mirror the sensitivity of recombinant protein in vitro; thus building separate sensitivity profiles for different p7 sequences. Inhibition of virus entry also occurred, suggesting that p7 may be a virion component. Second site effects on both cellular and viral processes were identified for several compounds in addition to their efficacy against p7 in vitro. Nevertheless, for some compounds antiviral effects were specific to a block of ion channel function. Conclusion: These data validate p7 inhibitors as prototype therapies for chronic HCV disease. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;48:1779‐1790.)
STUDIES OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OF VENTS ON THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF CORES BY THE BLOWING METHOD

The results of studies of the cores production by blowing methods with utilising the modified experimental shooting machine SR-3D, are provided in the hereby paper. The core sands from the Cordis technology were applied in the presented investigations. The influence of the number and distribution of vents on the shaped core box filling, filmed by a digital camera, was determined. Investigations were performed for the shooting pressures of 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 MPa and for three surfaces of the shooting hole, at various numbers and distribution ways of vents in the experimental core box. The selected results of the model investigations were compared with the results of simulations performed previously in the PROCAST programme. The intensity of the core sand outflow from the shooting chamber into the core box of the experimental shooting machine was measured. Technological effects were assessed on the basis of the core sand apparent density in individual parts of the core, in dependence on the character of the pressure increase in the shooting chamber and the pressure value obtained in the core box.
Assessing the effect of administering probiotics in water or as a feed supplement on broiler performance and immune response

1. Two routes of probiotic administration in broiler farms, in water and in feed, were compared using 360 one-day-old male broiler chickens. Controls received no probiotics or antimicrobials. The water group received a probiotic preparation at a rate of 0·5 g/l, and the feed group received it at an inclusion rate of 1 g/kg. 2. Performance of broilers in terms body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved when probiotic was provided via drinking water, compared to the control and feed groups. Probiotic administration reduced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. 3. Spleen (28 and 42 d) and bursa (42 d) relative weights were influenced by method of probiotic administration, which also improved T-cell dependent skin thickness response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection. The effect of challenge by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) depended on the method of probiotic administration. 4. The method of probiotic administration can influence the performance and immune competence of birds, and administration via drinking water appears to be superior to the more conventional in-feed supplementation method.
Wire-Mesh 16 × 16 Capacitance Sensor for Analysis of Capacitance Distribution on Cylindrical Pipe

The wire-mesh sensor is an intrusive sensor device that uses for generating 2-dimensional (2D) images of fluid flow. Sensors made of 2 layers copper wires, transmitter, and receiver, that perpendicular each other. The wire-mesh sensor will directly to measure the value of inductance or capacitance at the crossing wire. There are 208 data measurements in 16 × 16 cylindrical wire-mesh sensors. All data measurement then processed by Python software to obtain a 2D image of the capacitance distribution. Experiment results show the inhomogeneous distribution of capacitance that occurs in the wire-mesh sensor. Three types of liquids, distilled water, tap water and salt solution, showed circular pattern of capacitance distribution, with the highest capacitance value being in the central area of the image, while at edge area has a lower capacitance value than the central area