Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constraints on the velocity profiles of galaxies from strong lensing statistics and semi-analytical modelling of galaxy formation

Semi-analytical models of galaxy formation can be used to predict the evolution of the number density of early-type galaxies as a function of the circular velocity at the virial radius, ν c,vir . Gravitational lensing probability and separation distribution on the other hand are sensitive to the velocity dispersion (or circular velocity) at about the effective radius. We adopt the singular isothermal ellipsoid (SIE) lens model to estimate the velocity dispersion at the effective radius. The velocity dispersion from strong lensing based on the SIE, σ SIE is then closely related to the observational central stellar velocity dispersion, σ cent ; we have empirically σ SIE ≈ σ cent . We use radio lenses from the Cosmic Lens All-Sky Survey and the PMN-NVSS Extragalactic Lens Survey to study how the velocity dispersions, σ SIE , are related to v c,vir ; if the galaxy were a singular isothermal sphere up to the virial radius, v c,vir = 2σ SIE . When we include both the lensing probability and separation distribution as our lensing constraints, we find σ SIE /(200km s -1 ) = [(1.17 +0.40 -0.26 )v c,vir /(200 km s -1 )] 0.22+0.05 -0.04 for 200 km s -1 ≤ σ SIE ≤ 260 km s -1 ; at σ SIE = 200 km s -1 , the ratio 2σ SIE /v c,vir is about 1.65 +0.57 -0.37 [68 per cent confidence limit (CL)] but decreases to 0.65 +0.15 -0.12 (68 per cent CL) for σ SIE = 260 km s -1 . These results are consistent with those of Seljak obtained from galaxy-galaxy weak lensing for galaxies of around L * . However, our results clearly suggest that the ratio must vary significantly as σ SIE is varied and are marginally discrepant with the Seljak results at σ SIE = 260 km s -1 . The scaling σ SIE ∝ v 0.22±0.05 c,vir is broadly consistent with those from galaxy occupation statistics studies and the most recent galaxy-galaxy weak lensing study. We discuss briefly the implications of our results for galaxy formations and structures. These constraints can be significantly strengthened when larger lens samples become available and the accuracy of semi-analytical model predictions improves.
Limiting the Persistence of a Chromosome Break Diminishes Its Mutagenic Potential

To characterize the repair pathways of chromosome double-strand breaks (DSBs), one approach involves monitoring the repair of site-specific DSBs generated by rare-cutting endonucleases, such as I-SceI. Using this method, we first describe the roles of Ercc1, Msh2, Nbs1, Xrcc4, and Brca1 in a set of distinct repair events. Subsequently, we considered that the outcome of such assays could be influenced by the persistent nature of I-SceI-induced DSBs, in that end-joining (EJ) products that restore the I-SceI site are prone to repeated cutting. To address this aspect of repair, we modified I-SceI-induced DSBs by co-expressing I-SceI with a non-processive 3′ exonuclease, Trex2, which we predicted would cause partial degradation of I-SceI 3′ overhangs. We find that Trex2 expression facilitates the formation of I-SceI-resistant EJ products, which reduces the potential for repeated cutting by I-SceI and, hence, limits the persistence of I-SceI-induced DSBs. Using this approach, we find that Trex2 expression causes a significant reduction in the frequency of repair pathways that result in substantial deletion mutations: EJ between distal ends of two tandem DSBs, single-strand annealing, and alternative-NHEJ. In contrast, Trex2 expression does not inhibit homology-directed repair. These results indicate that limiting the persistence of a DSB causes a reduction in the frequency of repair pathways that lead to significant genetic loss. Furthermore, we find that individual genetic factors play distinct roles during repair of non-cohesive DSB ends that are generated via co-expression of I-SceI with Trex2.
Discrete-Continuous Gradient Orientation Estimation for Faster Image Segmentation

The state-of-the-art in image segmentation builds hierarchical segmentation structures based on analyzing local feature cues in spectral settings. Due to their impressive performance, such segmentation approaches have become building blocks in many computer vision applications. Nevertheless, the main bottlenecks are still the computationally demanding processes of local feature processing and spectral analysis. In this paper, we demonstrate that based on a discrete-continuous optimization of oriented gradient signals, we are able to provide segmentation performance competitive to state-of-the-art on BSDS 500 (even without any spectral analysis) while reducing computation time by a factor of 40 and memory demands by a factor of 10.
Effects of vertical and side-alternating vibration training on fall risk factors and bone turnover in older people at risk of falls.

BACKGROUND whole-body vibration training may improve neuromuscular function, falls risk and bone density, but previous studies have had conflicting findings. OBJECTIVE this study aimed to evaluate the influence of vertical vibration (VV) and side-alternating vibration (SV) on musculoskeletal health in older people at risk of falls. DESIGN single-blind, randomised, controlled trial comparing vibration training to sham vibration (Sham) in addition to usual care. PARTICIPANTS participants were 61 older people (37 women and 24 men), aged 80.2 + 6.5 years, referred to an outpatient falls prevention service. METHODS participants were randomly assigned to VV, SV or Sham in addition to the usual falls prevention programme. Participants were requested to attend three vibration sessions per week for 12 weeks, with sessions increasing to six, 1 min bouts of vibration. Falls risk factors and neuromuscular tests were assessed, and blood samples collected for determination of bone turnover, at baseline and following the intervention. RESULTS chair stand time, timed-up-and-go time, fear of falling, NEADL index and postural sway with eyes open improved in the Sham group. There were significantly greater gains in leg power in the VV than in the Sham group and in bone formation in SV and VV compared with the Sham group. Conversely, body sway improved less in the VV than in the Sham group. Changes in falls risk factors did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS whole-body vibration increased leg power and bone formation, but it did not provide any additional benefits to balance or fall risk factors beyond a falls prevention programme in older people at risk of falls.
Derivatives of Knots and Second-order Signatures

We define a set of "second-order" L^(2)-signature invariants for any algebraically slice knot. These obstruct a knot's being a slice knot and generalize Casson-Gordon invariants, which we consider to be "first-order signatures". As one application we prove: If K is a genus one slice knot then, on any genus one Seifert surface, there exists a homologically essential simple closed curve of self-linking zero, which has vanishing zero-th order signature and a vanishing first-order signature. This extends theorems of Cooper and Gilmer. We introduce a geometric notion, that of a derivative of a knot with respect to a metabolizer. We also introduce a new equivalence relation, generalizing homology cobordism, called null-bordism.
Pulmonary-renal syndrome in systemic sclerosis: a report of three cases and review of the literature

We describe three cases of acute renal failure with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, which is designated pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS), in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and review the literature to better define this rare but severe complication of SSc. The clinical course of three SSc patients with acute renal failure and concomitant diffuse alveolar hemorrhage are reported, and the literature published between 1967 and 2005 is reviewed following a PubMed search. Including our cases, a total of 19 SSc patients with acute renal failure and concomitant diffuse alveolar hemorrhage have been reported. Pulmonary-renal syndrome developing in SSc patients can be categorized clinicopathologically into three entities: PRS with thrombotic microangiopathy, PRS with small vessel vasculitides accompanied with SSc, and d-penicillamine-induced Goodpasture-like syndrome. Patients with scleroderma PRS with thrombotic microangiopathy, to which group our all patients belong, often developed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Pulmonary-renal syndrome is a fatal complication of SSc and results from different pathogenic processes. Prompt differential diagnosis between the subsets is critical, because therapeutic strategy may differ in the use of high-dose corticosteroid and plasma exchange between the subsets of PRS. Clinical courses of the patients with PRS with thrombotic microangiopathy suggest that high-dose corticosteroid therapy is a trigger of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in patients with diffuse SSc with signs of thrombotic microangiopathy.
An Empirical Evaluation of Weak Mutation

Mutation testing is a fault-based technique for unit-level software testing. Weak mutation was proposed as a way to reduce the expense of mutation testing. Unfortunately, weak mutation is also expected to provide a weaker test of the software than mutation testing does. This paper presents results from an implementation of weak mutation, which we used to evaluate the effectiveness versus the efficiency of weak mutation. Additionally, we examined several options in an attempt to find the most appropriate way to implement weak mutation. Our results indicate that weak mutation can be applied in a manner that is almost as effective as mutation testing, and with significant computational savings. >
A cross-ethnic analysis of risk factors for AD in white Hispanics and white non-Hispanics

Background: The prevalence of AD appears to vary widely in different ethnic groups. Certain risk factors for AD are well established for the general population, but there is little information regarding the relevance of these risk factors in specific ethnic groups. Objective: The authors examined the risk of AD associated with the APOE-ε4 allele, the APOE-ε2 allele, smoking, alcohol consumption, history of hypertension, low educational level, estrogen replacement therapy, and history of head trauma with loss of consciousness among samples of white non-Hispanics (WNH) (392 AD patients, 202 normal subjects) and white Hispanics (WHIS) (188 AD patients, 84 normal controls). Design:— This was a case-control study of patients evaluated at an outpatient memory disorders clinic and control subjects recruited from a free memory screening offered to the community. Results: Increased risk for AD was associated with the APOE-ε4 allele after controlling for age, education, and gender among WNH (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 2.3 to 5.5) and WHIS (OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.7 to 5.8). No protective effect was conferred by the APOE-ε2 allele, although this relationship approached significance among WNH (p = 0.02). Low levels of education increased the risk for AD among WNH (OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.8 to 5.9) but not WHIS. Alcohol use and hypertension approached significance as risk factors in WNH (p < 0.05) but not WHIS. Estrogen replacement treatment approached significance as a protective factor in both ethnic groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although the APOE-ε4 allele is a risk factor for AD among WHIS and WNH, other risk factors such as low education and hypertension appear to be important only for WNH. Risk factors for AD reported or suggested previously that were not confirmed by this study include smoking and head trauma with loss of consciousness.
Measurement of Entrance Skin Dose and Calculation of Effective Dose for Common Diagnostic X-Ray Examinations in Kashan, Iran

The knowledge of the radiation dose received by the patient during the radiological examination is essential to prevent risks of exposures. The aim of this work is to study patient doses for common diagnostic radiographic examinations in hospitals affiliated to Kashan University of Medical sciences, Iran. The results of this survey are compared with those published by some national and international values. Entrance surface dose (ESD) was measured based on the exposure parameters used for the actual examination and effective dose (ED) was calculated by use of conversion coefficients calculated by Monte Carlo methods. The mean entrance surface dose and effective dose for examinations of the chest (PA, Lat), abdomen (AP), pelvis (AP), lumbar spine (AP, Lat) and skull (AP, Lat) are 0.37, 0.99, 2.01, 1.76, 2.18, 5.36, 1.39 and 1.01 mGy, and 0.04, 0.1, 0.28, 0,28, 0.23, 0.13, 0.01 and 0.01 mSv, respectively. The ESDs and EDs reported in this study, except for examinations of the chest, are generally lower than comparable reference dose values published in the literature. On the basis of the results obtained in this study can conclude that use of newer equipment and use of the proper radiological parameter can significantly reduce the absorbed dose. It is recommended that radiological parameter in chest examinations be revised.
Phase I study of dose-escalated paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (PIC) combination chemotherapy in advanced solid tumours

Based on the already known in vitro synergy between paclitaxel (taxol), cisplatin and oxazophosphorine cytostatics and the broad spectrum of activity of the above drugs we sought to evaluate the paclitaxel (taxol)-ifosfamide-cisplatin (PIC) combination in the outpatient setting in individuals with a variety of advanced solid tumours. Cohorts of patients were entered into six successive dose levels (DLs) with drug doses ranging as follows: paclitaxel 135–215 mg m–2 day 1 – (1 h infusion), ifosfamide 4.5–6.0 g m–2 (total dose) – divided over days 1 and 2, and cisplatin 80–100 mg m–2 (total) – divided over days 1 and 2. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was given from day 5 to 14. Forty-two patients were entered. Eighteen patients had 2–8 cycles of prior chemotherapy with no taxanes or ifosfamide (cisplatin was allowed). The regimen was tolerated with outpatient administration in 36/42 patients. Toxicities included: grade 4 neutropenia for ≤ 5 days in 27% of cycles; 5 episodes of febrile neutropenia in three patients at DL-III, -V and -VI. Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia and cumulative grade 3 anaemia were seen in 7% and 13% of cycles respectively. Three cases of severe grade 3 neuromotor/sensory neuropathy were recorded at DL-II, -III, and -V, all after cycle 3. The maximum tolerated dose was not formally reached at DL-V, but because of progressive anaemia and asthenia/fatigue, it was decided to test a new DL-VI with doses of paclitaxel 200 mg m–2, ifosfamide 5.0 g m–2 and cisplatin 100 mg m–2; this appeared to be tolerable and is recommended for further phase II testing. The response rate was 47.5% (complete response + partial response: 20/42). The PIC regimen appears to be feasible and safe in the outpatient setting. Care should be paid to neurotoxicity. Phase II studies are starting in non-small-cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer and head and neck cancer at DL-VI. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
Oxidative Stress and Immunosenescence: Therapeutic Effects of Melatonin

Age-associated deterioration in the immune system, which is referred to as immunosenescence, contributes to an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer in the elderly. A summary of major changes associated with aging in immune system is described in this paper. In general, immunosenescence is characterized by reduced levels of peripheral naïve T cells derived from thymus and the loss of immature B lineage cells in the bone marrow. As for macrophages and granulocytes, they show functional decline with advancing age as evidenced by their diminished phagocytic activity and impairment of superoxide generation. The indole melatonin is mainly secreted in the pineal gland although it has been also detected in many other tissues. As circulating melatonin decreases with age coinciding with the age-related decline of the immune system, much interest has been focused on melatonin's immunomodulatory effect in recent years. Here, we underlie the antioxidant and immunoenhancing actions displayed by melatonin, thereby providing evidence for the potential application of this indoleamine as a “replacement therapy” to limit or reverse some of the effects of the changes that occur during immunosenescence.
Arthroscopic Repair of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Background: The current “gold standard” for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability is the Broström-Gould procedure. Most authors recommend this type of operation even after an arthroscopic inspection of the joint. We review our results with an arthroscopic method of lateral ankle ligament repair. Materials and Methods: A method of arthroscopic lateral ligament repair with an anchor placed in the fibula is described. We used this technique on 31 consecutive patients (28 were available for followup). Twenty-one patients had work or traffic accidents, four suffered casual falls. and three had sport-related lesions. The patients were evaluated after 24.5 month average followup. Results: The average postoperative AOFAS score was 85.3 (82.3 in the workers-compensation group and 94.4 in the others) and average satisfaction was 3.8 (3.5 to workers-compensation and 4.6 for the others). Complications occurred in nine patients (29%), but only three cases had ongoing problems. We had two recurrences (another sprain without instability on the stress radiograph). Three patients had some wound healing problems and three had injuries of the superficial peroneal nerve, one of which is persistent. One patient developed a deep venous thrombosis postoperatively. Conclusion: With this method, we achieved good clinical results. We had several complications but most of them were minor. It was a simple procedure with less morbidity to most patients. We believe it produced an anatomical repair of the lateral ligament with clinical and functional results similar to other techniques. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Study
Foot placement of the equine forelimb: Relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Hoof conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry are routinely assessed as part of the lameness examination. However, to date, few studies have described these parameters, or the interplay between them, in the general horse population. OBJECTIVES To assess foot conformation and foot placement in the forelimbs of a group of general purpose horses and investigate the relationships between foot placement, foot conformation and movement asymmetry. STUDY DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS Forty-three horses were included in the study. Measurements were taken from photographs of each forelimb to assess foot conformation. Video footage was recorded simultaneously from perpendicular cameras at both walk and trot and used to categorise foot placement. Inertial sensor data were used to assess head movement asymmetry in trot. RESULTS There was a high degree of variation in foot placement between and within horses, but a 'lateral heel' placement was most common in walk and a 'lateral' placement most common in trot. Foot placement was associated with dorsal and palmar hoof angles but there was no relationship between foot placement and the other conformation parameters, nor with movement asymmetry. Moderate negative correlations were found between several of the conformation parameters and movement asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS A relationship exists between foot conformation and movement asymmetry with decreasing hoof width and hoof length related to increasing amount of movement asymmetry. In the population of horses studied here--deemed to be 'well functioning' by their owners/riders--foot placement was found to be independent of movement asymmetry and, to a large extent, independent of foot conformation.
Fiber Optic Sensors for Strain Measurement of CFRP-strengthened RC Beams

There is a growing need for built-in monitoring systems for new and aging civil engineering structures, due to problems such as increasing traffic loads and rising costs of maintenance and repair. Fiber optic sensors FOS), capable of reading strains, loads, deflections, and temperature are promising candidates for life-long health monitoring of these structures. However, since FOS have only been introduced recently into the field of structural monitoring, their acceptance and widespread implementation will be conditioned by their durability under severe climatic and loading conditions. This article reports on the performance of strain extrinsic FOS attached to carbon fiber-reinforced polymer CFRP) plates used to strengthen concrete structures. The specimens tested in this project are reinforced concrete RC) beams with an additional external CFRP reinforcement. The strain data obtained from the FOS were compared with data obtained from collocated electrical strain gauges. The FOS-instrumented beams were first subjected to fatigue loading for various numbers of cycles and load amplitudes. Then they were tested monotonically for failure under four-point-bending. The test results provide an insight on the fatigue and postfatigue behavior of FOS used for strain measurement in reinforced concrete structures.
A novel interferon-inducible domain: structural and functional analysis of the human interferon regulatory factor 1 gene promoter

We have cloned and functionally characterized the human interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) gene promoter. The promoter contains a CpG island, with several GC boxes, a CAAT box, but no TATA box. IRF-1 mRNA is strongly induced by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) but more weakly and transiently by IFN-alpha. There are several putative kappa B motifs and numerous AA(G/A)G(G/T)A and GAAANN motifs throughout the promoter. The IRF-1 promoter is not autoregulated by the IRF-1 gene product. IFN inducibility of the promoter was studied with 5' deletion mutants linked to a heterologous reporter gene. Gel mobility shift assays were used to show IFN-inducible factor binding to the IRF-1 promoter. These studies showed that IFN inducibility is conferred by a novel imperfect inverted-repeat arrangement of two GAAANN motifs within a domain, 130 nucleotides upstream of transcription initiation. This inverted repeat binds a factor upon induction with IFN and can confer IFN inducibility on a heterologous promoter. Conversely, point mutations of the inverted repeat are not IFN inducible when linked to the same heterologous promoter.