Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A numerical approach on parametric sensitivity analysis for an aeronautic aluminium alloy turning process

The understanding of physical parameters of machining processes of aerospace grade aluminium alloy is always of prime importance. The main concern is always to understand the chip formation process and the resultant cutting force experienced by the tool due to different parameters like cutting speeds, feed rate, friction coefficient and tool rake angle etc. The finite element analysis has replaced many expensive and time consuming physical machining processes. In the present work, an extensive study of different parameters affecting the turning process of aluminium alloy (A2024-T351) is performed using finite element analysis. The Johnson-Cook ductile material model based on coupled plasticity and damage evolution is employed to simulate the cutting process. The authenticity of the performed simulation work is verified by comparing the simulation results with available experimental data on machining of aluminium alloy (A2024-T351). DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.mech. 22.2. 12825
Comprehensive haematological indices reference intervals for a healthy Omani population: First comprehensive study in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle Eastern countries based on age, gender and ABO blood group comparison

Background Reference intervals for venous blood parameters differs with age, gender, geographic region, and ethnic groups. Hence local laboratory reference intervals are important to improve the diagnostic accuracy of health assessments and diseases. However, there have been no comprehensive published reference intervals established in Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council or Middle Eastern countries. Hence, the aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for full blood count in healthy Omani adults. Methods Venous blood specimens were collected from 2202 healthy individuals aged 18 to 69 years from January 2012 to April 2017, and analysed by Sysmex XS-1000i and Cell-Dyn Sapphire automated haematology analysers. Results were statistically analysed and compared by gender, age, and ABO blood group. The lower and upper reference limits of the haematology reference intervals were established at the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles respectively. Results Reference intervals were calculated for 17 haematology parameters which included red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet parameters. Red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), platelet and platelet haematocrit counts of the healthy donors were significantly different between males and females at all ages (p < 0.05), with males having higher mean values of RBC, HGB and HCT than females. Other complete blood count parameters showed no significant differences between genders, age groups, instruments, or blood groups. Our study showed a lower haemoglobin limit for the normal reference interval in males and females than the currently used in Oman. Conclusions Data from this study established specific reference intervals which could be considered for general use in Oman. The differences in haematology reference intervals highlights the necessity to establish reference intervals for venous blood parameters among the healthy population in each country or at least in each region.
New Evidence, Conditions, Instruments & Experiments for Gravitational Theories

Two significant findings compel a rethink of physical theories. First, using a 7-billion-year-old gamma-ray burst, Nemiroff (2012) showed that quantum foam could not exists. And second, Solomon (2011) showed that gravitational acceleration is not associated with the gravitating mass, that gravitational acceleration g is determined solely by τ the change in time dilation over a specific height multiplied by c2 or g = τc2. Seeking consistency with Special Theory of Relativity, as means to initiate this rethink, this paper examines 12 inconsistencies in physical theories that manifest from empirical data. The purpose of this examination is to identify how gravitational theories need to change or be explored, to eliminate these 12 inconsistencies. It is then proposed that spacetime is much more sophisticated than just a 4-dimensional continuum. And, that the Universe consists of at least two layers or “kenos” (Greek for vacuous), the 4-dimensional kenos, spacetime (x, y, z, t) and the 3-dimensional kenos, subspace (x, y, z) that are joined at the space coordinates (x, y, z). This explains why electromagnetic waves are transverse, and how probabilities are implemented in Nature. This paper concludes by proposing two new instruments and one test, to facilitate research into gravitational fields, the new torsion-, tension- and stress-free near field gravity probe, the gravity wave telescope, and a non-locality test.
Mosquitoes of field and forest: the scale of habitat segregation in a diverse mosquito assemblage

Knowledge of the distribution of arthropod vectors across a landscape is important in determining the risk for vector‐borne disease. This has been well explored for ticks, but not for mosquitoes, despite their importance in the transmission of a variety of pathogens. This study examined the importance of habitat, habitat edges, and the scale at which mosquito abundance and diversity vary in a rural landscape by trapping along transects from grassland areas into forest patches. Significant patterns of vector diversity and distinct mosquito assemblages across habitats were found. The scale of individual species' responses to habitat edges was often dramatic, with several species rarely straying even 10 m from the edge. The present results suggest blood‐seeking mosquito species are faithful to certain habitats, which has consequences for patterns of vector diversity and risk for pathogen transmission. This implies that analysts of risk for pathogen transmission and foci of control, and developers of land management strategies should assess habitat at a finer scale than previously considered.
MicroRNA-29 induces cellular senescence in aging muscle through multiple signaling pathways

The mechanisms underlying the development of aging-induced muscle atrophy are unclear. By microRNA array and individual qPCR analyses, we found significant up-regulation of miR-29 in muscles of aged rodents vs. results in young. With aging, p85α, IGF-1 and B-myb muscle levels were lower while the expression of certain cell arrest proteins (p53, p16 and pRB) increased. When miR-29 was expressed in muscle progenitor cells (MPC), their proliferation was impaired while SA-βgal expression increased signifying the development of senescence. Impaired MPC proliferation resulted from interactions between miR-29 and the 3'-UTR of p85a, IGF-1 and B-myb, suppressing the translation of these mediators of myoblast proliferation. In vivo, electroporation of miR-29 into muscles of young mice suppressed the proliferation and increased levels of cellular arrest proteins, recapitulating aging-induced responses in muscle. A potential stimulus of miR-29 expression is Wnt-3a since we found that exogenous Wnt-3a stimulated miR-29 expression 2.7-fold in primary cultures of MPCs. Thus, aging-induced muscle senescence results from activation of miR-29 by Wnt-3a leading to suppressed expression of several signaling proteins (p85α, IGF-1 and B-myb) that act coordinately to impair the proliferation of MPCs contributing to muscle atrophy. The increase in miR-29 provides a potential mechanism for aging-induced sarcopenia.
Effect of tibolone pretreatment on kinases and phosphatases that regulate the expression and phosphorylation of Tau in the hippocampus of rats exposed to ozone

Oxidative stress (OS) is a key process in the development of many neurodegenerative diseases, memory disorders, and other pathological processes related to aging. Tibolone (TIB), a synthetic hormone used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, decreases lipoperoxidation levels, prevents memory impairment and learning disability caused by ozone (O3) exposure. However, it is not clear if TIB could prevent the increase in phosphorylation induced by oxidative stress of the microtubule-associated protein Tau. In this study, the effects of TIB at different times of administration on the phosphorylation of Tau, the activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), and the inactivation of Akt and phosphatases PP2A and PTEN induced by O3 exposure were assessed in adult male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 10 groups: control group (ozone-free air plus vehicle [C]), control + TIB group (ozone-free air plus TIB 1 mg/kg [C + TIB]); 7, 15, 30, and 60 days of ozone exposure groups [O3] and 7, 15, 30, and 60 days of TIB 1 mg/kg before ozone exposure groups [O3 + TIB]. The effects of O3 exposure and TIB administration were assessed by western blot analysis of total and phosphorylated Tau, GSK3β, Akt, PP2A, and PTEN proteins and oxidative stress marker nitrotyrosine, and superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation of malondialdehyde by two different spectrophotometric methods (Marklund and TBARS, respectively). We observed that O3 exposure increases Tau phosphorylation, which is correlated with decreased PP2A and PTEN protein levels, diminished Akt protein levels, and increased GSK3β protein levels in the hippocampus of adult male rats. The effects of O3 exposure were prevented by the long-term treatment (over 15 days) with TIB. Malondialdehyde and nitrotyrosine levels increased from 15 to 60 days of exposure to O3 in comparison to C group, and superoxide dismutase activity decreased. Furthermore, TIB administration limited the changes induced by O3 exposure. Our results suggest a beneficial use of hormone replacement therapy with TIB to prevent neurodegeneration caused by O3 exposure in rats.
Outcome of Teenage Pregnancy at a Tertiary Hospital in Abakaliki Southeast Nigeria

Background: Teenage pregnancy is a high risk pregnancy associated with obstetric, fetal, neonatal and psycho‑social complications. These complications are worsened by poverty, ignorance and lack of special care during pregnancy. Aim: The objective of the following study is to determine the obstetric and neonatal outcome of teenage pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case control study was carried out over a 6 years period, 2006‑2011. All teenage pregnancies (aged 13‑19 years) at Federal Medical Center Abakaliki, Ebonyi were taken as cases. Pregnancy deliveries from mothers aged 20 to 29 that met the inclusion criteria were selected as controls. A total of 137 teenage pregnancies were analyzed and compared with 948 controls. Statistical analysis was performed using 2008 Epi‑info statistical software version 3.5. 1 (Atlanta, Georgia, USA). Results : The incidence of teenage deliveries over the period of the study was (137/8020) 2.25%. Single mothers were commoner (40.9% [56/137] vs. 3.1% [29/948], P < 0.01) among the teenagers. Low educational status was more common among teenage mothers (P < 0.01). Unbooked pregnancies were significantly common among teenage mothers (23.4% [32/137] vs. 12.3% [117/948], P < 0.01). Anemia in pregnancy (18.1% [41/226] vs. 11.2% [65/579], P = 0.01), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pregnancy (4.9% [11/226] vs. 1.7% [10/579], P = 0.01) and malaria in pregnancy (26.1% [59/226] vs. 12.4% [72/579], P < 0.01) were significantly common in teenage pregnancies than the control. Teenage mother had significantly increased cesarean deliveries (23% [31/137] vs. 14.8% [140/948], P < 0.02), male deliveries (64.3% [90/140] vs. 52.1% [502/963], P < 0.03) and low birth weight (19.3% [27/140] vs. 12.7% [122/963], P < 0.03). Fetal loss (22.1% [31/140] vs. 3.3% [32/963] P < 0.01) and birth asphyxia (19.3% [27/140] vs. 6.8% [65/963], P < 0.01) were significantly common among teen mothers in the 1st min American Pediatric Gross Assessment Records score. Conclusion : Teenage pregnancies were associated with a significantly higher risk of anemia in pregnancy, HIV in pregnancy, malaria in pregnancy, cesarean deliveries and poor fetal outcome. Health education, women enlightenment and empowerment will be essential in reducing the problems of teenage pregnancy. Keywords : Abakaliki, outcome, teenage pregnancy, tertiary hospital
Outcomes of Repeated Exposure of the Carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) to Cyanobacteria Extract

Palikova M . , S . N avratil, R . K rejai, F . · turba, F . T ich˘, L . K ubala, B. Mar‰alek, L. Blaha: Outcomes of Repeated Exposure of the Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to Cyanobacteria Extract. Acta Vet. Brno 2004, 73: 259-265. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a repeated exposure of the carp to the extract of cyanobacteria. We exposed carp embryos and larvae to the extract of cyanobacteria of the cumulative amount of microcystin LR, YR and RR of 1.3 µg⋅l-1 or 13 µg⋅l-1, respectively. One year later we exposed one half of these fish to the second dose of the extract of cyanobacteria of the cumulative amount of microcystins of 13 µg⋅l-1 and the second half to pure water to eliminate the influence of handling stress. The haematological and histological changes were examined. Similar changes of haematological indices were detected both after exposure to the extract and after the handling stress of fish. Especially indices of the red blood cells were characterised by significant increase (p ≤ 0.01 or p ≤ 0.05) of haematocrit value and haemoglobin concentration in groups with long-term exposure (30 days) during the early life stages as well as in control groups. The initial values of white blood cell count were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.01) in the control group and in the group exposed to the low concentration (1.3 µg⋅l -1 ) and after short exposure (8 days) during the early life stages as compare to other groups. The white blood cell count of these groups significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.01) after exposure to both pure water and the extract. Phagocytic activity was significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.01 or p ≤ 0.05) after stress and after exposure to the extract in groups of long term exposure (30 days) during the early life stages in comparison to control and groups of low exposure. Total plasma protein concentration significantly increased (p ≤ 0.01) in all groups after exposure to the extract in comparison to the initial values and only in groups of long term exposure during the early life stages and in the control group after the handling stress. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were decreased in groups of long term exposure during the early life stages after the exposure to the extract. Clinical and histological changes were not observed in any group of fish, except for the fatty infiltration of liver with a tendency to focal big droplet dystrophic steatosis in all groups of fish. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, plasma enzymes, total plasma protein, phagocyte activity, early life stages, young fish
Joint Ranging and Synchronization for an Anchorless Network of Mobile Nodes

Synchronization and localization are critical challenges for the coherent functioning of a wireless network, which are conventionally solved independently. Recently, various estimators have been proposed for pairwise synchronization between immobile nodes, based on time stamp exchanges via two-way communication. In this paper, we consider a network of mobile nodes for which a novel joint time-range model is presented, treating both unsynchronized clocks and the pairwise distances as a polynomial functions of true time. For a pair of nodes, a least squares solution is proposed for estimating the pairwise range parameters between the nodes, in addition to estimating the clock offsets and clock skews. Extending these pairwise solutions to network-wide ranging and clock synchronization, we present a central data fusion based global least squares algorithm. A unique solution is nonexistent without a constraint on the cost function e.g., a clock reference node. Ergo, a constrained framework is proposed and a new Constrained Cramér-Rao Bound (CCRB) is derived for the joint time-range model. In addition, to alleviate the need for a single clock reference, various clock constraints are presented and their benefits are investigated using the proposed solutions. Simulations are conducted and the algorithms are shown to approach the theoretical limits.
TTR (Transthyretin) Stabilizers Are Associated With Improved Survival in Patients With TTR Cardiac Amyloidosis

Background: TTR (transthyretin) cardiac amyloidosis is caused by dissociation of TTR into monomers, which misassemble into amyloid fibrils. TTR stabilizers act at the dimer–dimer interface to prevent dissociation. We investigated differences in survival among patients with TTR cardiac amyloidosis on stabilizer medications compared with those not on stabilizers. Methods AND RESULTS: A retrospective study of patients with TTR cardiac amyloidosis presenting to a single center was conducted. Baseline characteristics were compared between those treated with stabilizers and those not treated with stabilizers. Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed for univariate predictors of the composite outcome of death or orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards assessed whether stabilizer treatment was independently associated with improved death or OHT after controlling for significant univariate predictors. One hundred twenty patients (mean age, 75±8, 88% male) were included: 29 patients who received stabilizers and 91 patients who did not. Stabilizer use was associated with a lower risk of the combined end point of death or OHT (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.58; P<0.0001). Subjects treated with stabilizers were more likely to be of White race (93% versus 55%; P<0.001), classified as New York Heart Association classes I and II (79% versus 38%; P=0.002), less likely to have a mutation (10% versus 36%; P=0.010), have lower troponin I (median 0.06 versus 0.12 ng/mL; P=0.002), and higher left ventricular ejection fraction (49% versus 40%; P=0.011), suggesting earlier stage of disease. In multivariable Cox analysis, the association between stabilizer and death or OHT persisted when adjusted for all noncollinear univariate predictors with P<0.05 (hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–0.75; P=0.003). Conclusions: TTR stabilizers are associated with decreased death and OHT in TTR cardiac amyloidosis. These results need to be confirmed by ongoing randomized clinical trials.
Role of RNA Structure in RNA Editing

The coding sequences of some mRNAs and the structures of some tRNAs and rRNAs in a variety of organisms are altered by posttranscriptional reactions termed editing; this can involve the modification or insertion/deletion of nucleosides. In this review, we focus on the role of RNA structure in three types of editing reactions that are known to alter the coding sequences of mRNAs: a cytosine deamination required for apoB-48 synthesis, an adenosine deamination required in some of the mammalian glutamate receptor subunits and also during the life cycle of the hepatitis delta virus, and the uridine insertion and deletion reactions needed to create functional open reading frames in many of the mitochondrial transcripts in the trypanosomatids. Although the contribution of RNA structure to these various types of RNA editing is just beginning to be understood, we attempt to summarize some of the recent advances in this field. C TO U SUBSTITUTION EDITING IN THE APOLIPOPROTEIN B mRNA Background Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is a major protein of plasma lipoproteins and exists in two forms, apoB-100 and apoB-48 (Kane et al. 1980). In mammals, apoB-100 (512 kD) is synthesized in the liver. It is the ligand for the low-density-lipoprotein receptor and is also a component of very low density lipoproteins and intermediate-density lipoproteins (for review, see Chen et al. 1990). In contrast, apoB-48 (241 kD) is synthesized in the small intestine and is present in chylomicron and chylomicron remnants; apoB-48 is also produced by the liver in rodents (mice and rats) (for review,.
Resonant-Inductive Degeneration for Manifold Improvement of Phase Noise in Bipolar LC-Oscillators

Resonant-inductive degeneration of bias current source is described in this paper as a method for a manifold improvement of phase noise in inductance-capacitance (LC) voltage- controlled oscillators. For the verification of this phase-noise reduction method, a test bipolar LC-oscillator has been designed using a phase-noise model obtained from the spectral noise analysis. By forming a resonance at twice the oscillation frequency in the emitter of the bias current source transistor, phase noise of the LC-oscillator is improved by 6 dB. Phase noise of - 112 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from a 5.7 GHz-band carrier has been realized using oscillator with resonant-inductive degeneration, while drawing 4.8 mA from a 2.2 V supply. The test oscillator achieves a frequency tuning range of 600 MHz, between 5.45-6.05 GHz.
The Relationship Between Performance in a Virtual Course and Thinking Styles, Gender, and ICT Experience

This study examines the relationship between students' performance in a virtual course and three factors: thinking style, gender, and prior experience in information and communications technology (ICT). The research focused on three categories of dependent variables: the use of communication channels (electronic mail, bulletin boards, forums, and surveys); scholastic performance (measured by grades, successful Web searches, and completion of assignments), and the students' attitudes and level of satisfaction (extrapolated from questionnaires). Independent variables included the student's thinking styles (according to Sternberg's classification), gender, and ICT experience. Subjects consisted of 110 eighth and ninth graders who were enrolled in a three-month virtual course on the retrieval and use of on-line information (see the virtual school's site, in Hebrew, at http://aviv.org.il/info/home.htm ). Learners with the "liberal" thinking style clearly outperformed the other students in the course. The results of the research suggest that virtual courses provide opportunities for different kinds of learners, though such opportunities may be greater for some kinds of learners than for others.
Neuroimaging Biomarkers of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Dementia

Abstract Neurodegenerative disorders leading to dementia are common diseases that affect many older and some young adults. Neuroimaging methods are important tools for assessing and monitoring pathological brain changes associated with progressive neurodegenerative conditions. In this review, the authors describe key findings from neuroimaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging and radionucleotide imaging) in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and prodromal stages, familial and atypical AD syndromes, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with and without dementia, Parkinson's disease with and without dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, and prion protein associated diseases (i.e., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). The authors focus on neuroimaging findings of in vivo pathology in these disorders, as well as the potential for neuroimaging to provide useful information for differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.