Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-resolution radio observations of submillimetre galaxies

We have produced sensitive, high-resolution radio maps of 12 submillimetre (submm) galaxies (SMGs) in the Lockman Hole using combined Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) and Very Large Array (VLA) data at a frequency of 1.4 GHz. Integrating for 350 hr yielded an r.m.s. noise of 6.0 µJy beam i1 and a resolution of 0.2‐0.5 arcsec. For the first time, wide-field data from the two arrays have bee n combined in the (u,v) plane and the bandwidth smearing response of the VLA data has been removed. All of the SMGs are detected in our maps as well as sources comprising a non-submm luminous control sample. We find evidence that SMGs are more extended than the general µJy radio population and that therefore, unlike in local ultraluminous infrared gal axies (ULIRGs), the starburst component of the radio emission is extended and not confined to the g alactic nucleus. For the eight sources with redshifts we measure linear sizes between 1 and 8 kpc with a median of 5 kpc. Therefore, they are in general larger than local ULIRGs which may support an early-stage merger scenario for the starburst trigger. X-rays betray ac tive galactic nuclei (AGN) in six of the 33 sources in the combined sample. All but one of these are in the control sample, suggesting a lower incidence of AGN amongst the submm-luminous galaxies which is, in turn, consistent with increased X-ray absorption in these dust-obscured starbursts. Only one of our sources is resolved into multiple, distinct components wit h our high-resolution data. Finally, compared to a previous study of faint radio sources in the GOODS-N field we find systematically smaller source sizes and no evidence for a tail extending to »4 arcsec. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Associations of vegetable and fruit consumption with metabolic syndrome. A meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract Objective To examine the associations of vegetable and/or fruit consumption with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Design Meta-analysis of observational studies. Setting The electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched up to September 2017 for observational studies concerning the associations of vegetable and/or fruit consumption with MetS. The pooled relative risk (RR) of MetS for the highest v. the lowest category of vegetable and/or fruit consumption, as well as their corresponding 95 % CI, were calculated. Results A total of twenty-six observational studies (twenty cross-sectional, one case–control and five cohort studies) were included in the meta-analysis. Specifically, sixteen studies were related to vegetable consumption and the overall multivariable-adjusted RR evidenced a negative association between vegetable consumption and MetS (RR=0·89, 95 % CI 0·85, 0·93; P<0·001). For fruit consumption, sixteen studies were included and the overall multivariable-adjusted RR demonstrated that fruit consumption was inversely associated with MetS (RR=0·81, 95 % CI 0·75, 0·88; P<0·001). For vegetable and fruit consumption, eight studies were included; the overall multivariable-adjusted RR showed that vegetable and fruit consumption was also negatively associated with MetS (RR=0·75, 95 % CI 0·63, 0·90; P=0·002). Conclusions The existing evidence suggests that vegetable and/or fruit consumption is negatively associated with MetS. More well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed to elaborate the concerned issues further.
Breast compression in mammography: pressure distribution patterns

Background Breast compression is important in mammography in order to improve image quality, better separate tissue components, and reduce absorbed dose to the breast. In this study we use a method to measure and visualize the distribution of pressure over a compressed breast in mammography. Purpose To measure and describe the pressure distribution over the breast as a result of applied breast compression in mammography. Material and Methods One hundred and three women aged 40.7-74.3 years (median, 48.9 years) invited for mammographic screening consented to take part in this study. They were subjected to two additional breast compressions of the left breast (standard force and approximately 50% reduction). Pressure images of the compressed breast were obtained using force sensing resistor (FSR) sensors placed underneath the compression plate. Subjects rated their experience of pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results Four pressure patterns were identified, fitting 81 of the 103 breasts, which were grouped accordingly. The remaining 22 breasts were found to correspond to a combination of any two patterns. Two groups (43 breasts) showed pressure mainly over the juxtathoracic part of the breast, had significantly greater breast thickness (P = 0.003) and had a lower mean pressure over dense tissue (P < 0.0001) than those with more evenly distributed pressure. Reducing compression force increased average breast thickness by 1.8 mm (P < 0.0001). Conclusion The distribution of pressure differed greatly between breasts. In a large proportion of breasts the compression plate did not provide optimal compression of the breast, the compression force being absorbed in juxtathoracic structures.
Novel Form of MMSE Estimation via Exact Moment Value of Noise and Higher Order Taylor Series in AWGN

Minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) and maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimations are considered basic approaches commonly used in denoising methods. In most cases, MMSE estimation yields better performance in reducing noise than MAP estimation does. However, the calculation according to MMSE estimation is more difficult than that of MAP estimation, because MMSE estimation relies on integration and its results mainly contain special functions, while MAP estimation relies on differentiation. The previous research work presented MMSE estimation in the form of differentiation, which is in the approximation form. But in this letter, we will present MMSE estimation in the differentiation form by using the actual moment value of the probability density function of Gaussian noise together with the higher order Taylor series. This will provide higher efficiency of noise reduction than the formerly presented method.
A 36 DOF Symmetrically Laminated Triangular Element with Shear Deformation and Rotatory Inertia

An approach is presented in the formulation of a 36 d.o. f. symmetrically laminated composite triangular plate element including the enect of shear deformation for free vibra tion analysis. The strain energy of plates can be expressed as the sum of the flexural and shear strain energies. The total displacement is expressed as the sum of the displacement due to bending and that due to shear deformation. Thus only the displacement due to bend ing appear in the flexural strain energy and the displacement due to shear deformation ap pear in the shear strain energy. Numerical results for natural frequencies for a range of dif ferent isotropic, orthotropic and anisotropic plates with various thickness-to-length ratios are obtained and compared with various alternative solutions available in the literature to demonstrate the valid range of applicability of this approach for the free vibration of plates with the effect of shear deformation.
Study of the interactions between proximal femur 3d bone shape, cartilage health, and biomechanics in patients with hip Osteoarthritis

In this study quantitative MRI and gait analysis were used to investigate the relationships between proximal femur 3D bone shape, cartilage morphology, cartilage biochemical composition, and joint biomechanics in subject with hip Osteoarthritis (OA). Eighty subjects underwent unilateral hip MR‐imaging: T1ρ and T2 relaxation times were extracted through voxel based relaxometry and bone shape was assessed with 3D MRI‐based statistical shape modeling. In addition, 3D gait analysis was performed in seventy‐six of the studied subjects. Associations between shape, cartilage lesion presence, severity, and cartilage T1ρ and T2 were analyzed with linear regression and statistical parametric mapping. An ad hoc analysis was performed to investigate biomechanics and shape associations. Our results showed that subjects with a higher neck shaft angle in the coronal plane (higher mode 1, coxa valga), thicker femoral neck and a less spherical femoral head (higher mode 5, pistol grip) exhibited more severe acetabular and femoral cartilage abnormalities, showing different interactions with demographics factors. Subjects with coxa valga also demonstrated a prolongation of T1ρ and T2. Subjects with pistol grip deformity exhibited reduced hip internal rotation angles and subjects with coxa valga exhibited higher peak hip adduction moment and moment impulse. The results of this study establish a clear relationship between 3D proximal femur shape variations and markers of hip joint degeneration—morphological, compositional, well as insight on the possible interactions with demographics and biomechanics, suggesting that 3D MRI‐based bone shape maybe a promising biomarker of early hip joint degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:330–341, 2018.
Mice lacking cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 manifest autistic and ADHD‐like behaviors

&NA; Neurodevelopmental disorders frequently share common clinical features and appear high rate of comorbidity, such as those present in patients with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While characterizing behavioral phenotypes in the mouse model of cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X‐linked gene encoding CDKL5, we found that these mice manifested behavioral phenotypes mimicking multiple key features of ASD, such as impaired social interaction and communication, as well as increased stereotypic digging behaviors. These mice also displayed hyper‐locomotion, increased aggressiveness and impulsivity, plus deficits in motor and associative learning, resembling primary symptoms of ADHD. Through brain region‐specific biochemical analysis, we uncovered that loss of CDKL5 disrupts dopamine synthesis and the expression of social communication‐related key genes, such as forkhead‐box P2 and mu‐opioid receptor, in the corticostriatal circuit. Together, our findings support that CDKL5 plays a role in the comorbid features of autism and ADHD, and mice lacking CDKL5 may serve as an animal model to study the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying autism‐ADHD comorbidity.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus NRRL B-442, a Potential Probiotic Strain

ABSTRACT Lactic acid bacteria are known to exhibit probiotic properties through various mechanisms, including competitive exclusion, pathogen inhibition, production of antimicrobial substances, and maintenance of eubiosis. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a novel probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain NRRL B-442, which exhibits potent antivirulence activity against Salmonella enterica.
Grading highly modified binders by multiple stress creep recovery

The multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test was developed in the USA to evaluate the high-temperature permanent deformation resistance of bitumens. It is credited as representing world best practice for high-temperature shear response of binders for asphalt production. However, some researchers have questioned the suitability of the current test protocol for characterisation of highly modified binders. Five highly polymer-modified elastomeric and plastomeric Australian grades of binder and one conventional binder were tested by MSCR at various temperatures (64–76°C) and the results compared with laboratory asphalt mixture properties indicative of asphalt field performance. The results indicated the current MSCR protocols are not suited to highly modified binders and that an increased level of applied stress and longer recovery periods between stress cycles should be considered for improved characterisation. Furthermore, the MSCR creep compliance, intended to be indicative of asphalt permanent deformation, was found to be poorly correlated with asphalt mixture wheel track rutting and repeated shear flow test results. This lack of agreement between bitumen and asphalt mixture test results may reflect the limitations of the current MSCR protocol for highly modified binders. However, further investigation is required to understand the impact of base bitumens imported into Australia and other contributing factors.
The distress and benefit to bereaved family members of participating in a post-bereavement survey

Background Few studies have simultaneously collected quantitative data regarding the positive and negative effects of participating in post-bereavement surveys. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional postal questionnaire survey in October 2013. Potential participants were caregivers for family members who had died in four inpatient palliative care units, two home hospices, and a general hospital. We collected opinions regarding the distress and benefit of completing a post-bereavement survey. After collecting data, we provided feedback to participating institutions in the form of study results and de-identified open-ended comments. Results Of 692 potential participants, 596 were sent questionnaires; 393 returned questionnaires were valid and analyzed. Of the respondents, 62% reported being distressed by completing the questionnaire. Female participants and those who were mentally ill during the caregiving period reported more distress. However, 86% of respondents reported they found the questionnaire beneficial. Better quality of end-of-life care and respondent depression were associated with more benefit. Major benefits were: contributing to the development of end-of-life care as a family (63%); expressing gratitude to the hospital and medical staff (60%); and looking back and reflecting on the end-of-life period (40%). Feeling benefit was not correlated with feeling distressed (P = -0.02). Conclusion In this large-scale study on the effects of post-bereavement surveys in Japan, many bereaved family members reported that completing the survey was beneficial. In addition to possibly having feelings of distress, post-bereavement surveys might also be beneficial to end-of-life care facilities.
Randomised phase III trial of vinflunine plus capecitabine versus capecitabine alone in patients with advanced breast cancer previously treated with an anthracycline and resistant to taxane

Background Capecitabine is an approved standard therapy for anthracycline- and taxane-pretreated locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (BC). Vinflunine has demonstrated single-agent activity in phase II studies in this setting and activity and tolerability when combined with capecitabine. We compared the combination of vinflunine plus capecitabine (VC) with single-agent capecitabine. Patients and methods Patients with locally recurrent/metastatic BC previously treated or resistant to an anthracycline and resistant to taxane therapy were randomly assigned to either vinflunine (280 mg/m2, day 1) plus oral capecitabine [825 mg/m2 twice daily (b.i.d.), days 1-14] every 3 weeks (q3w) or single-agent oral capecitabine (1250 mg/m2 b.i.d., days 1-14) q3w. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by an independent review committee. The study had 90% power to detect a 30% improvement in PFS. Results Overall, 770 patients were randomised. PFS was significantly longer with VC than with capecitabine alone [hazard ratio, 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71-0.99; log-rank P = 0.043; median 5.6 versus 4.3 months, respectively]. Median overall survival was 13.9 versus 11.7 months with VC versus capecitabine alone, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.83-1.15; log-rank P = 0.77). No difference in quality of life was observed between the two treatment arms. The most common adverse events (NCI CTCAE version 3.0) in the combination arm were haematological and gastrointestinal. Grade 4 neutropenia was more frequent with VC (12% versus 1% with capecitabine alone); febrile neutropenia occurred in 2% versus 0.5%, respectively. Hand-foot syndrome was less frequent with VC (grade 3: 4% versus 19% for capecitabine alone). Peripheral neuropathy was uncommon in both arms (grade 3: 1% versus 0.3%). Conclusions Vinflunine combined with capecitabine demonstrated a modest improvement in PFS and an acceptable safety profile compared with capecitabine alone in patients with anthracycline- and taxane-pretreated locally recurrent/metastatic BC. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01095003.
Genetic Diversity Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Analysis for Aspergillus niger isolates

This study includes isolation, purification, and identification of Aspergillus niger from different sources (soil, Seeds, powdered milk and factory waste water) by traditional methods (macroscopic and microscopically). and study the relationships of genetic among the A. niger isolates based PCR (RAPD) technique (find the DNA fingerprint). The results of this study revealed that genetic diversity and relationships among twenty four isolates were determined by using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Genomic DNA of each isolates was extract at final concentration of (115-959) μg /l per (2-3) gm of wet mycelium, and at a purity (1.7-1.9). Each DNA of isolates were amplified with each 24 primers and the products were resolved electrophoretically on 1.2% agarose gel, stained with ethidium bromide and photographed under UV light. Ten primers failed to amplify DNA of A. niger isolates but the rest 14 primers produced 367 bands, of these bands 99.4% (365) bands were polymorphic. The size of the amplified bands ranged between 130-2840 bp. The genetic polymorphism value of each primer was determined and ranged between 86-100%. All primer have given unique bands. The primers were fingerprinted 21 of the 24 isolates. Genetic distances ranged from 0.11496 to 0.68088 between A. niger isolates. Also, cluster analysis of genetic distances between these isolates have divided into groups according to the source, which isolated them and this indicates the presence of a high level of genetic kinship samples isolated from the same source at the same time which indicates the presence of a high level of genetic distance between samples isolated from different sources.
Volumetric Analysis of 700 Mandibular Condyles Based Upon Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract The authors’ aim was to provide volumetric data of mandibular condyles based upon cone beam computed tomography with the means of semiautomatic segmentation. Retrospective chart review of 350 patients (700 mandibular condyles) with cone beam computerized tomography between February 2007 and December 2016. Univariate analysis was performed to analyze associations between variables. P values <0.05 were considered significant. Volume measurement was performed in a semiautomatic segmentation method with the program “ITK-Snap. ” The mean volume was 2.443 cm3 for the right condyle and 2.278 cm3 for the left condyle. Bivariate analysis indicated a highly significant difference between the volume of the left and right condyles (P < 0.01). Female had a significant smaller condyle volume than male (P < 0.01 left condyle; P < 0.01 right condyle). Volume and age did not significantly correlate (P = 0.939 right condyle; P = 0.798 left condyle). A detailed assessment of the volume of mandibular condyles with cone beam computed tomography can help to assess pathophysiological alterations. Hence, the volumetric measurement may improve patient's individualized treatment.
Tumors of the ocular surface: A review

Tumors of the Ocular Surface clinically manifest with a very wide spectrum and include several forms of epithelial, stromal, caruncular, and secondary tumors. As a group, these tumors are seen commonly in the clinical practice of a comprehensive ophthalmologist, cornea specialist, and an ocular oncologist. This review is aimed to discuss the common tumors of the ocular surface and emphasize on their clinical diagnosis and appropriate management.
Insight into the Dual Functions of Bacterial Enhancer-Binding Protein Rrp2 of Borrelia burgdorferi

ABSTRACT It is well established that the RpoN-RpoS sigma factor (σ54-σS) cascade plays an essential role in differential gene expression during the enzootic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. The RpoN-RpoS pathway is activated by the response regulator/σ54-dependent activator (also called bacterial enhancer-binding protein [bEBP]) Rrp2. One unique feature of Rrp2 is that this activator is essential for cell replication, whereas RpoN-RpoS is dispensable for bacterial growth. How Rrp2 controls cell replication, a function that is independent of RpoN-RpoS, remains to be elucidated. In this study, by generating a series of conditional rrp2 mutant strains, we demonstrated that the N-terminal receiver domain of Rrp2 is required for spirochetal growth. Furthermore, a D52A point mutation at the phosphorylation site within the N terminus of Rrp2 abolished cell replication. Mutation of the ATPase motif within the central domain of Rrp2 did not affect spirochetal replication, indicating that phosphorylation-dependent ATPase activity of Rrp2 for σ54 activation is not required for cell growth. However, deletion of the C-terminal domain or a 16-amino-acid truncation of the helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA-binding motif within the C-terminal domain of Rrp2 abolished spirochetal replication. It was shown that constitutive expression of rpoS is deleterious to borrelial growth. We showed that the essential nature of Rrp2 is not due to an effect on rpoS. These data suggest that phosphorylation-dependent oligomerization and DNA binding of Rrp2 likely function as a repressor, independently of the activation of σ54, controlling an essential step of cell replication in B. burgdorferi. IMPORTANCE Bacterial enhancer-binding proteins (bEBPs) are a unique group of transcriptional activators specifically required for σ54-dependent gene transcription. This work demonstrates that the B. burgdorferi bEBP, Rrp2, has an additional function that is independent of σ54, that of its essentiality for spirochetal growth, and such a function is dependent on its N-terminal signal domain and C-terminal DNA-binding domain. These findings expand our knowledge on bEBP and provide a foundation to further study the underlying mechanism of this new function of bEBP.