Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Galaxy formation with BECDM - I. Turbulence and relaxation of idealized haloes.

We present a theoretical analysis of some unexplored aspects of relaxed Bose-Einstein condensate dark matter (BECDM) haloes. This type of ultralight bosonic scalar field dark matter is a viable alternative to the standard cold dark matter (CDM) paradigm, as it makes the same large-scale predictions as CDM and potentially overcomes CDM's small-scale problems via a galaxy-scale de Broglie wavelength. We simulate BECDM halo formation through mergers, evolved under the Schrödinger-Poisson equations. The formed haloes consist of a soliton core supported against gravitational collapse by the quantum pressure tensor and an asymptotic r-3 NFW-like profile. We find a fundamental relation of the core-to-halo mass with the dimensionless invariant Ξ ≡ |E|/M3/(Gm/ħ)2 or Mc/M ≃ 2. 6Ξ1/3, linking the soliton to global halo properties. For r ≥ 3.5 rc core radii, we find equipartition between potential, classical kinetic and quantum gradient energies. The haloes also exhibit a conspicuous turbulent behaviour driven by the continuous reconnection of vortex lines due to wave interference. We analyse the turbulence 1D velocity power spectrum and find a k-1.1 power law. This suggests that the vorticity in BECDM haloes is homogeneous, similar to thermally-driven counterflow BEC systems from condensed matter physics, in contrast to a k-5/3 Kolmogorov power law seen in mechanically-driven quantum systems. The mode where the power spectrum peaks is approximately the soliton width, implying that the soliton-sized granules carry most of the turbulent energy in BECDM haloes.
Performance Evaluation of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System under Conditions Similar to Daily Life

Background: This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the performance of a new generation of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system versus other CGM systems, under daily lifelike conditions. Methods: A total of 10 subjects (7 female) were enrolled in this study. Each subject wore two Dexcom G4™ CGM systems in parallel for the sensor lifetime specified by the manufacturer (7 days) to allow assessment of sensor-to-sensor precision. Capillary blood glucose (BG) measurements were performed at least once per hour during daytime and once at night. Glucose excursions were induced on two occasions. Performance was assessed by calculating the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) between CGM readings and paired capillary BG readings and precision absolute relative difference (PARD), i.e., differences between paired CGM readings. Results: Overall aggregate MARD was 11.0% (n = 2392). Aggregate MARD for BG >70 mg/dl was 13.7%; for BG between 70 and 180 mg/dl, MARD was 11.4%; and for BG >180 mg/dl, MARD was 8.5%. Aggregate PARD was 7.3%, improving from 11.6% on day 1 to 5.2% on day 7. Conclusions: The Dexcom G4 CGM system showed good overall MARD compared with results reported for other commercially available CGM systems. In the hypoglycemic range, where CGM performance is often reported to be low, the Dexcom G4 CGM system achieved better MARD than that reported for other CGM systems in the hypoglycemic range. In the hyperglycemic range, the MARD was comparable to that reported for other CGM systems, whereas during induced glucose excursions, the MARD was similar or slightly worse than that reported for other CGM systems. Overall PARD was 7.3%, improving markedly with sensor life time.
A Screening Test for Disclosed Vulnerabilities in FOSS Components

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) components are ubiquitous in both proprietary and open source applications. Each time a vulnerability is disclosed in a FOSS component, a software vendor using this component in an application must decide whether to update the FOSS component, patch the application itself, or just do nothing as the vulnerability is not applicable to the older version of the FOSS component used. This is particularly challenging for enterprise software vendors that consume thousands of FOSS components and offer more than a decade of support and security fixes for their applications. Moreover, customers expect vendors to react quickly on disclosed vulnerabilities—in case of widely discussed vulnerabilities such as Heartbleed, within hours. To address this challenge, we propose a screening test: a novel, automatic method based on thin slicing, for estimating quickly whether a given vulnerability is present in a consumed FOSS component by looking across its entire repository. We show that our screening test scales to large open source projects (e.g., Apache Tomcat, Spring Framework, Jenkins) that are routinely used by large software vendors, scanning thousands of commits and hundred thousands lines of code in a matter of minutes. Further, we provide insights on the empirical probability that, on the above mentioned projects, a potentially vulnerable component might not actually be vulnerable after all.
Associations of Early Opioid Use With Patient-reported Outcomes and Health Care Utilization Among Older Adults With Low Back Pain

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare outcomes and health care utilization of older patients who did versus did not fill opioid prescriptions within 90 days of initiating care for low back pain. Materials and Methods: For patients ≥65 years with new back pain visits, we used propensity scores to match those who filled no opioid prescriptions to those who filled ≥2 opioid prescriptions within 90 days (and the first opioid prescription within 30 d) of the index visit. Over 24 months, we examined patient-reported outcomes, health care utilization, and subsequent opioid prescription fills. Results: Among 1954 patients eligible for matching, 238 (12%) filled ≥2 opioid prescriptions within 90 days; 200 of these were matched to controls. Patients with versus without early opioid prescriptions had similar patient-reported outcomes but were more likely to have filled ≥1 opioid prescription 18 to 24 months after the index visit (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]=2.4 [1.5-3.9]) and to have had ≥1 visit to the emergency department in the subsequent 24 months (OR, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.5). Discussion: Among older patients with new back pain visits, filling ≥2 opioid prescriptions within 90 days of the visit was associated with similar back pain-related outcomes but increased likelihood of filling opioid prescriptions 18 to 24 months later compared with matched patients who did not fill early opioid prescriptions.
Models for Measuring E-Learning Success in Universities: A Literature Review

It is obvious that in the Internet era the higher education institutions (HEIs) must innovate the services they offer by integrating ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in the learning process. According to the theoreticians and practitioners insights in the matter, the e-learning systems offer many advantages and compensate the weaknesses of the traditional learning methods. In consequence, it emerged the need for developing a model that measures the success of the e-learning systems. This paper presents results of the research conducted in order to develop a comprehensive model for measuring e-learning system success in universi-ties.
Mycelium-Like Networks Increase Bacterial Dispersal, Growth, and Biodegradation in a Model Ecosystem at Various Water Potentials

ABSTRACT Fungal mycelia serve as effective dispersal networks for bacteria in water-unsaturated environments, thereby allowing bacteria to maintain important functions, such as biodegradation. However, poor knowledge exists on the effects of dispersal networks at various osmotic (Ψo) and matric (Ψm) potentials, which contribute to the water potential mainly in terrestrial soil environments. Here we studied the effects of artificial mycelium-like dispersal networks on bacterial dispersal dynamics and subsequent effects on growth and benzoate biodegradation at ΔΨo and ΔΨm values between 0 and −1.5 MPa. In a multiple-microcosm approach, we used a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged derivative of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as a model organism and sodium benzoate as a representative of polar aromatic contaminants. We found that decreasing ΔΨo and ΔΨm values slowed bacterial dispersal in the system, leading to decelerated growth and benzoate degradation. In contrast, dispersal networks facilitated bacterial movement at ΔΨo and ΔΨm values between 0 and −0.5 MPa and thus improved the absolute biodegradation performance by up to 52 and 119% for ΔΨo and ΔΨm, respectively. This strong functional interrelationship was further emphasized by a high positive correlation between population dispersal, population growth, and degradation. We propose that dispersal networks may sustain the functionality of microbial ecosystems at low osmotic and matric potentials.
Bacteriological cure rate and changes in milk composition in mastitis vaccinated ewes affected with subclinical mastitis

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using a commercially-available polyvalent mastitis vaccine on the bacteriological cure rate of existing subclinical mastitis in Awassi sheep. Materials and Methods: A total of 164 lactating ewes were divided into two main groups according to udder health and milk somatic cell count (SCC): Group 1=normal (N; n=80) and Group 2=subclinical mastitis (SC; n=84). Each group was then subdivided randomly into two treatment groups: N vaccinated (Nvax; n=38), N non-vaccinated (Nnvax; n=42), SC vaccinated (SCvax; n=42), and SC non-vaccinated (SCnvax; n=42). The vaccine was administered as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Milk samples were collected aseptically from all ewes before vaccine administration (T0) and again on days 28 (T2) and 42 (T3) of the experiment. Results: In the SC group, the bacteriological cure rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 76% and 69%, respectively. In N group, the new intramammary infection rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 48% and 50%, respectively. Vaccination of normal ewes resulted in a significant (p<0.05) reduction in bacterial growth rate both at day 28 and day 42 of the study. The prevalence of new intramammary infection rate in Nvax ewes on days 28 and 42 was 19% and 20%, respectively. The prevalence of new intramammary infection rate in Nnvax group on days 28 and 42 was 33% and 30%, respectively. In SCvax group, the bacterial growth rate on days 28 and 42 was 44% and 35%, respectively. In SCnvax group, the bacterial growth rate on days 28 and 42 was 27% and 32%, respectively. There was no statistically significant effect of vaccination on any of the studied milk composition parameters. Conclusions: This is a preliminary study that indicated a possible protective effect of vaccination against mastitis in sheep. Further, case-controlled studies are indicated to estimate the level of immunity this vaccine provides to vaccinated sheep.
Directed Search, Rationing and Wage Dispersion

This paper develops a microeconomic model of directed search, where firms are heterogeneous in the number of vacancies advertised, and wages affect workers' choices when both applying for jobs and accepting a job. An aggregate matching function is derived, which incorporates workers' preferences for firms. The aggregate level of matches is shown to be independent of the workers' preferences in the job acceptance stage. When firms' labor demands are heterogeneous, the matching market equilibrium outcome is suboptimal. Matching efficiency is, however, attained in equilibrium, when wages are employed as a rationing device. This results in wage dispersion, despite workers being homogeneous.
Current Insights into Long Non-Coding RNAs (LncRNAs) in Prostate Cancer

The importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of various malignancies has been uncovered over the last few years. Their dysregulation often contributes to or is a result of tumour progression. In prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men, lncRNAs can promote castration resistance, cell proliferation, invasion, and metastatic spread. Expression patterns of lncRNAs often change during tumour progression; their expression levels may constantly rise (e.g., HOX transcript antisense RNA, HOTAIR), or steadily decrease (e.g., downregulated RNA in cancer, DRAIC). In prostate cancer, lncRNAs likewise have diagnostic (e.g., prostate cancer antigen 3, PCA3), prognostic (e.g., second chromosome locus associated with prostate-1, SChLAP1), and predictive (e.g., metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1, MALAT-1) functions. Considering their dynamic role in prostate cancer, lncRNAs may also serve as therapeutic targets, helping to prevent development of castration resistance, maintain stable disease, and prohibit metastatic spread.
High Prevalence of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae among Hospitalized Children in Luanda, Angola

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Luanda, Angola. A total of 157 rectal samples were collected from children visiting a pediatric hospital in Luanda in March 2015. Fifty-seven imipenem-nonsusceptible enterobacterial isolates were recovered, most of which were non-clonally related. The blaOXA-181 (50/57) and blaNDM-1 (7/57) carbapenemase genes were identified. Notably, OXA-181-producing Escherichia coli isolates rarely coproduced extended-spectrum β-lactamases and consequently remained susceptible to broad-spectrum cephalosporins. The blaOXA-181 gene was always located on an IncX3 plasmid, while the blaNDM-1 gene was located on either IncFIA or IncA/C plasmids. The study identified a high prevalence of OXA-181 among hospitalized children in Angola.
Targeted Use of SPS Method for Improvement of Thermoelectrics

Use of spark plasma sintering (SPS) allows improving thermoelectric figure of merit Z of bulk nanothermoelectrics but required parameters of SPS process for achievement of best Z can be defined only empirically. In the present study the finite elements method for investigation of electric and thermal processes which occur in volume and on boundaries of sintering particles is applied. As a geometrical model a structural cell of a sintered sample, containing contact “a truncated cone - a plate” has been chosen. Temperature distributions in the volume of a sample depending on amplitude, on-off time ratio and duration of impact of the electric current has been obtained for solid solution based on bismuth telluride using the energy balance equation and the equation of electric current continuity. Under certain conditions nonlinear and nonlocal processes start to arise. The calculated temperature distributions at different sintering conditions were comparing with empirically defined experimental parameters that lead to improved value of Z. The comparison allows formulating recommendations to achieve best conditions of SPS process for increase of Z. The present method can be used for management of SPS fabrication process for different application, not only for thermoelectrics.
Peroxide-catalyzed swell grafting of maleic anhydride onto polypropylene

A new grafting method was developed to incorporate maleic anhydride directly onto solid-state polypropylene powders. Maleic anhydride grafts altered the nonpolar characteristics of polypropylene so that much better mixing was achieved in blends and composites of polypropylene with many other polymers and fillers. Maleic anhydride was grafted onto polypropylene by the peroxide-catalyzed swell grafting method, with a maximum extent of grafting of 4.60%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing, and impact testing were used to characterize the isotactic polypropylene (iPP), maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH-g-iPP), and (isotactic polypropylene)/(calcium carbonate) composites (iPP/CaCO 3 ). The crystallinity and heat of fusion of the MAH-g-iPP decreased as the extent of grafting increased. The mechanical properties of the CaCO 3 filled polypropylene were improved by adding MAH-g-iPP as a compatibilizing agent. The dispersion of the fillers in the polymer matrix and the adhesion between the CaCO 3 particles and the polymer matrix were improved by adding the compatibilizer.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANO- STRUCTURED ZnS THIN FILMS GROWN ON GLASS AND N-TYPE Si SUBSTRATES USING A NEW CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITION TECHNIQUE

Nano-crystalline zinc sulfide thin films were prepared by a new chemical bath deposi- tion (CBD) technique onto glass and n-type (111)-oriented silicon substrates. Deposition took place at a temperature of 70 m C and a pH of 6.0, from an aqueous solution containing zinc acetate, thioacetamide, and ethylenediamine. Structural analysis using atomic force microscopy shows that the films deposited on silicon substrates contain 28-30 nm clusters, whereas much larger clusters (around 80-120 nm), comprise the films deposited on glass substrate. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that both the film and powder formed in the reaction bath have cubic zincblende structure and the clusters in microstructure images are coalescences which they compose of nano-crystallites of about 4.5-13 nm in diameter. UV-Vis spectrophotometry mea- surements give an average transparency of around 70-80% in the visible range (400-700 nm) for the films with different thicknesses and deposition times. Direct band gap energy of these samples was measured to be in the range of 3.97-4.00 eV. Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the films reveals no peak due to any impurity.
Cannabis for Chronic Pain: Challenges and Considerations

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has found substantial evidence that cannabis (plant) is effective for the treatment of chronic pain in adults, and moderate evidence that oromucosal cannabinoids (extracts, especially nabiximols) improve short‐term sleep disturbances in chronic pain. The paradoxical superiority of the cannabis plant over cannabinoid molecules represents a challenge for the medical community and the established processes that define modern pharmacy. The expanding and variable legalization of cannabis in multiple states nationwide represents an additional challenge for patients and the medical community because recreational and medicinal cannabis are irresponsibly overlapped. Cannabis designed for recreational use (containing high levels of active ingredients) is increasingly available to patients with chronic pain who do not find relief with current pharmacologic entities, which exposes patients to potential harm. This article analyzes the available scientific evidence to address controversial questions that the current state of cannabis poses for health care professionals and chronic pain patients and sets the basis for a more open discussion about the role of cannabis in modern medicine for pain management. A critical discussion on these points, the legal status of cannabis, and considerations for health care providers is presented.
Genetic characterization and population structure of six brown layer pure lines using microsatellite markers

Objective The first stage in both breeding and programs for the conservation of genetic resources are the identification of genetic diversity in the relevant population. The aim of the present study is to identify genetic diversity of six brown layer pure chicken lines (Rhode Island Red [RIRI, RIRII], Barred Rock [BARI, BARII], Columbian Rock [COL], and line 54 [L-54]) with microsatellite markers. Furthermore, the study aims to employ its findings to discuss the possibilities for the conservation and sustainable use of these lines that have been bred as closed populations for a long time. Methods In the present study, a total number of 180 samples belonging to RIRI (n = 30), RIRII (n = 30), BARI (n = 30), BARII (n = 30), L-54 (n = 30), and COL (n = 30) lines were genotyped using 22 microsatellite loci. Microsatellite markers are extremely useful tools in the identification of genetic diversity since they are distributed throughout the eukaryotic genome in multitudes, demonstrate co-dominant inheritance and they feature a high rate of polymorphism and repeatability. Results In this study, we found all loci to be polymorphic and identified the average number of alleles per locus to be in the range between 4.41 (BARI) and 5.45 (RIRI); the observed heterozygosity to be in the range between 0.31 (RIRII) and 0.50 (BARII); and FIS (inbreeding coefficient) values in the range between 0.16 (L-54) and 0.46 (RIRII). The FIS values obtained in this context points out to a deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to heterozygote deficiency in six different populations. The Neighbour-Joining tree, Factorial Correspondence Analysis and STRUCTURE clustering analyzes showed that six brown layer lines were separated according to their genetic origins. Conclusion The results obtained from the study indicate a medium level of genetic diversity, high level inbreeding in chicken lines and high level genetic differentiation between chicken lines.
Zika Virus Fatally Infects Wild Type Neonatal Mice and Replicates in Central Nervous System

Zika virus (ZIKV) has been defined as a teratogenic pathogen behind the increased number of cases of microcephaly in French Polynesia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and other South American countries. Experimental studies using animal models have achieved tremendous insight into understanding the viral pathogenesis, transmission, teratogenic mechanisms, and virus–host interactions. However, the animals used in published investigations are mostly interferon (IFN)-compromised, either genetically or via antibody treatment. Herein, we studied ZIKV infection in IFN-competent mice using African (MR766) and Asian strains (PRVABC59 and SZ-WIV01). After testing four different species of mice, we found that BALB/c neonatal mice were resistant to ZIKV infection, that Kunming, ICR and C57BL/6 neonatal mice were fatally susceptible to ZIKV infection, and that the fatality of C57BL/6 neonates from 1 to 3 days old were in a viral dose-dependent manner. The size and weight of the brain were significantly reduced, and the ZIKV-infected mice showed neuronal symptoms such as hind-limb paralysis, tremor, and poor balance during walking. Pathologic and immunofluorescent experiments revealed that ZIKV infected different areas of the central nervous system (CNS) including gray matter, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and spinal cord, but not olfactory bulb. Interestingly, ZIKV replicated in multiple organs and resulted in pathogenesis in liver and testis, implying that ZIKV infection may engender a high health risk in neonates by postnatal infection. In summary, we investigated ZIKV pathogenesis using an animal model that is not IFN-compromised.