Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OUTCOME OF TOPICAL 10% ZINC SULFATE SOLUTION IN THE TREATMENT OF MELASMA

Objective: To determine the mean decrease in MASI score after topical 10% zinc sulfate solution in treatment of melasma. Back ground: Melasma is a common, acquired, benign skin disorder, characterized by symmetrical hyperpigmented patches on exposed areas, predominantly the face. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of topical zinc sulphate solution (10%) in the treatment of melasma. Methods: This quasi experimental study was done at department of dermatology Sir Ganga Ram Hospital/Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, from November, 2016 to May, 2017. Seventy patients, who had epidermal type of melasma on face (assessed by woods lamp examination), of any severity and duration, were selected. All patients underwent treatment with 10% topical zinc sulfate solution twice daily for 8 weeks. The patients were advised to use sunscreen during day . The severity of melasma was assessed by MASI score at baseline and one day after completion of 8 weeks therapy. The findings were recorded on a predesigned proforma for each patient. MASI score next day after the completion of treatment was subtracted from the baseline MASI score for each patient and then mean decrease in MASI score was calculated. Results: All 70 patients completed the study. 14.3% (n=10) were male and 85.7% (n=60) were females, with mean age of 33.23+6.75 year. We recorded mean decrease in MASI score before and after treatment as 4.76+1.72 (47.36%). Conclusion: Study showed that topical 10% zinc sulfate solution is a cheap, safe and effective agent for the treatment of melasma in our population.
Association of HLA‐DRB1 alleles with susceptibility to mixed connective tissue disease in Polish patients

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a systemic autoimmune disease, originally defined as a connective tissue inflammatory syndrome with overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), characterized by the presence of antibodies against components of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1snRNP). The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of (high‐resolution‐typed) DRB1 alleles in a cohort of Polish patients with MCTD (n = 103). Identification of the variants potentially associated with risk and protection was carried out by comparison with the DKMS Polish Bone Marrow Donor Registry (41306 alleles). DRB1*15:01 (odds ratio (OR): 6.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.55–8.06), DRB1*04 (OR: 3.69; 95% CI 2.69–5.01) and *09:01 (OR: 8.12; 95% CI 2.15–21.75) were identified as risk alleles for MCTD, while HLA‐DRB1*07:01 allele was found to be protective (OR: 0.50; 95% CI 0.28–0.83). The carrier frequency of the DRB1*01 was higher in MCTD patients compared with controls, although the differences were not statistically significant. Our results confirm the modulating influence of HLA‐DRB1 genotypes on development of connective tissue diseases such as MCTD.
Atomic-scale structural identification and evolution of Co-W-C ternary SWCNT catalytic nanoparticles: High-resolution STEM imaging on SiO2

A microscopic technique has been established to identify the atomic structure of complex particles directly on silicon oxide. Recently, W-based catalysts have provided a promising route to synthesize single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with specific chirality, but the mechanism of the growth selectivity is vaguely understood. We propose a strategy to identify the atomic structure as well as the structure evolution of the Co-W-C ternary SWCNT catalyst. The key is to use a thin SiO2 film as the catalyst support and observation window. As the catalyst is uniformly prepared on this SiO2 film and directly used for the SWCNT synthesis, this method has an advantage over conventional methods: it creates an opportunity to obtain original, statistical, and dynamic understanding of the catalyst. As a technique, atomic-scale imaging directly on SiO2 serves as a powerful and versatile tool to investigate nanocrystals and high-temperature reactions; for the synthesis of SWCNTs, this work successfully visualizes the structure and evolution of the catalyst and illuminates the possible nucleation sites of the chirality-specific growth.
A Class of Energy Efficient Self-Contained Electro-Hydraulic Drives with Self-Locking Capability

Pump controlled and self-contained electro-hydraulic cylinder drives may improve energy efficiency and reduce installation space compared to conventional valve solutions, while being in line with the trend of electrification. The topic has gained increasing interest in industry as well as in academia in recent years. However, this technology has failed to break through in industry on a broad scale, with the reason assumed to be lack of meeting industry requirements. These requirements include high drive stiffness enabling a large application range, and the ability to maintain cooling and filtration in required ranges, enabling proper reliability and durability. Furthermore, at this point the cost of realization of such drives is comparable only to high end valve drive solutions, while not providing dynamics on a similar level. An initiative to improve this technology in terms of a class of drives evolving around a hydraulic cylinder locking mechanism is proposed. The resulting class of drives generally rely on separate cylinder forward and return flow paths, allowing for fluid cooling and filtration as well as control of the drive stiffness. The proposed class of drives is analyzed regarding energy loss and recovery potential, a basic model based control design is realized, and the industrial feasibility of the drive class is considered. It is found that the proposed class of drives may be realized with standard components maintained in their design ranges at competitive costs compared to conventional valve solutions. Furthermore, it is found that pressure levels may be controlled in a proper way, allowing to produce either highly efficient operation or a high drive stiffness.
Voice at Work

In the first large-scale study on voice, audio data on lawyers at the top U.S. law firmsâ€“a male dominated work environmentâ€“show that female lawyers alternate between two voice frequency modes: a primary female mode at about 200 Hz as well as a secondary female mode at about 100 Hz that is coextensive with the primary (and only) male voice frequency mode. This tendency is stronger among female associates than among female partners, and does not replicate for male lawyers or female assistants. Evidence of differences driven by firm heterogeneity is comparatively insignificant, indicating market-wide trends in workplace behavior.
Study of electrolytes in patients of Dengue in a tertiary care hospital in India.

Background: Dengue is a mosquito borne viral infection. It is the most common arboviral disease globally. In the year 2017, India had 1,53,635 cases of dengue with 226 deaths. Electrolyte disturbances reported in dengue infection are hyponatremia, hypokalaemia and hyperchloremia. Considering the serious nature of effects of dyselectrolytemias and high incidence of dengue in India, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding about electrolyte disturbances in Dengue, so as to predict, diagnose and treat them accordingly.Methods: This study was performed in a tertiary care centre in Mumbai, India. The study was a prospective observational cross-sectional study. 150 Patients diagnosed with Dengue were enrolled for the study. Patients’ demographic data, clinical history, examination findings and investigations including electrolyte values were recorded and analysed.Results: A higher incidence of dengue was seen in young age group among admitted patients (74%). Hyponatremia (45.33%) and Hypokalaemia (10.60%) were more commonly observed than hypernatremia (3.33%) and hyperkalaemia (3.33%). Hypochloraemia (6.66%) was seen slightly more than hyperchloraemia (6.00%). Fever was Present in 98.66%, retro orbital headache in 86.66%, vomiting in 56.00%, joint pain in 69.00%, lethargy in 70.66%, breathlessness in 36.00%, bleeding in 8.66%, abdominal pain /tenderness in 18.00%. 85.00% had low platelet count, 30.66% had low hemoglobin and 36.66% had leucopenia. Haematocrit was found to be less in 27.33% and high in 1.33%. Conclusions: From the above results we concluded that, there is a need to have a degree of suspicion about dyselectrolytemias while managing patients with Dengue. Also, patients need to be subjected to necessary lab investigations early during management so that if abnormalities are found, they can be promptly and appropriately managed as some of these abnormalities may lead to increased severity as well as mortality.
Comparing power transformer turn-to-turn faults protection methods: Negative sequence component versus space vector algorithms

This paper presents a comparison of two of the most sensitive methods to detect low-level turn-to-turn faults in the windings of three-phase transformers. The performance of the negative sequence component and of the space vector protection algorithms is tested under several internal and/or external fault conditions. The simulation results indicate that the fault detection sensitivity of both methods is very similar.
Exogenous Application of Amino Acids Improves the Growth and Yield of Lettuce by Enhancing Photosynthetic Assimilation and Nutrient Availability

As natural plant growth stimulators, amino acids are widely used to improve the yield and quality of crops. Several studies have illustrated the effects of different amino acids on lettuce plant parts. However, the effects of applying single amino acids on root growth remain elusive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of root application of L-methionine on the growth of lettuce. In this study, two successive experiments on butterhead lettuce were conducted under hydroponic conditions. Three amino acids, L-methionine (20 mg/L), L-glycine (210 mg/L), and L-tryptophan (220 mg/L), were applied separately. L-methionine significantly increased the growth performance by 23.60%, whereas growth using L-tryptophan and L-glycine decreased by 98.78% and 27.45%, respectively. Considering the results of the first experiment, a second experiment was established with different concentrations of L-methionine (2200 mg/L, 220 mg/L, 22 mg/L, 2.2 mg/L, 0.2 mg/L, and 0.02 mg/L). The plants were allowed to grow for four weeks. Leaf width, plant area, leaf area, chlorophyll contents, etc., were evaluated. The results show that plant growth significantly improved by applying L-methionine at the lowest concentrations of 0.2 mg/L and 0.02 mg/L, which can, therefore, improve hydroponic production of lettuce and, accordingly, human nutrition.
An Electromagnet-Assisted Ferrite Magnet Motor

This paper proposes an electromagnet-assisted ferrite magnet motor (EMaFM) with a double air-gap structure. To confirm the principle and validity of the proposed EMaFM, a prototype machine was designed and fabricated. Moreover, the electromagnetic performance of the prototype machine was simulated using a finite-element analysis (FEA) and was supported by experiments. The proposed EMaFM has field regulation capability while utilizing the ferrite magnets. From the FEA and experimental results, it was found that the torque can be controlled widely by the armature current or field current.
Impact of Information Literacy Skill on Students’ Academic Performance in Bangladesh

The study explores the level of academic performance and information literacy skill of undergraduate students in Bangladesh. In addition, the study examines the impact of information literacy skill on students’ academic performance. To achieve the objectives, the study uses primary data collected from 325 students and employs several statistical and econometric methods. The study firstly uses information literacy skill index to measure the level of students’ information literacy skill and secondly, uses a linear regression estimated by OLS method to examine the impact of information literacy skill on students’ academic performance. The study finds that most of the students’ Grade Point Average (GPA) is medium standard which ranges between 3.01 and 3.50 and the level of information literacy skill is lower which ranges between 10 and 20. Besides, the study also finds that study hour, family income, class attendance, past academic result and information literacy skill are the significant factors which influence students’ academic performance. More specifically, the study finds that students’ GPA may be increased by 0.012 if students’ information literacy skill is increased by one unit. Therefore, the study suggests nursing students’ information literacy skill to improve the students’ academic performance.
Clients perspectives of managed alcohol programs in the first six months and their relational shifts

Background. The prevalence of alcohol dependence, defined as being physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol, among homeless people is 8%-58% compared to 4%-16% of alcohol dependence prevalence in the general population. Homelessness also contributes to alcohol dependence, and alcohol dependence is more difficult to treat and manage when combined with homelessness and alcohol-related harms. Alcohol harm reduction strategies for those with severe alcohol dependence and experiencing homelessness are gaining traction. There are 22 Managed Alcohol Programs (MAPs) in several cities across Canada. MAPs can reduce harms for people with severe alcohol dependence who live with acute, chronic, and social harms. In this research, I report on MAP participants views in the first six months of being in a MAP to provide insights into implementation of MAPs. Research Question. My central research question was: What are MAP participants perspectives of MAP during the early period of transition into MAP? With an objective to understand implementation from participants perspectives, I specifically asked: How are MAP participants situated in the world, what are their experiences, and what are the relational shifts that occur during early transition into MAP? Methodology and Theoretical Perspective. In my research, I used interpretive description informed by constructivism. I drew on relational theory to interpret my findings. The use of interpretive description, informed by constructivism and relational theory, brought forth greater insight into MAP participants views of and subsequent shifts in their relationships with the environment, alcohol, themselves, and others before and during MAP. Results/Findings. Participants perspectives focused on four key findings: (a) participants shifting perspectives of non-beverage alcohol when beverage alcohol was available in MAP, (b) participants motivation to change and insights into their own drinking, (c) reasons for drinking outside of MAP, and (d) relational insights and shifts in their connections with others. Conclusions. For individuals experiencing homelessness and severe alcohol dependence and its inherent associated harms, MAPs help to support relational shifts that support safer drinking patterns and/or meaningfully interrupt cycles of uncontrolled drinking as well as help to re-establish new relationships with alcohol, themselves, family, and friends.
Faces in the crowd: A narrative inquiry into the relationship violence experienced by four Black college women

Relationship violence among Black college women is becoming a serious concern. However, the face of relationship violence in higher education has been predominantly that of White women, which subsequently has excluded the voices of Black college women and other women of color. The rationale for this study came from my desire to uncover how Black college women make meaning of their experiences of relationship violence. Therefore, this narrative study explored (a) how four Black women experienced relationship violence in college, (b) how they made meaning of their relationship violence experience in college, and (c) how they navigated campus resources related to their experience. The study used a Black feminist epistemological approach related to Black college women’s lived experiences to illustrate how they dealt with their relationship violence experiences on a college campus. Using Black feminist theory, social learning theory, and ecological theory as frameworks, the study examined the internal and external challenges, and the resilience of four Black college women navigating their campus environment as relationship violence survivors. The findings were derived from my indepth interviews with and the reflective journals of four Black college women who had experienced relationship violence on campus, as well as from my research journal and group discussions with all four participants. The significance of the findings of this study is two-fold in that it has the potential to contribute to both scholarship and practice.
Serum lipid, homocysteine, and platelet derived growth factor in patients with hypertension

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study serum lipids, lipoproteins, homocysteine (Hcy) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and to evaluate the relationship between serum lipids, lipoproteins, Hcy and PDGF in patients with hypertension. Design/methodology/approach In total, 85 patients with hypertension (34 males, 51 females) were recruited from October to December 2015 at Saraphi Hospital, Chiang Mai Province using purposive sampling. PDGF mRNA levels of the patients were analyzed using the RT-PCR method. Hcy was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. An enzymatic-colorimetric method was used to measure serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. A low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was calculated using Friedewald’s formula. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson product moment were also used in the analysis. Findings Among the patients with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, high levels of LDL-C, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperhomocysteinemia were found in 54.1, 70.7, 25.9 and 44.7 percent, respectively. In addition, PDGF was significantly correlated with Hcy (r=0.705; p<0.005). There was no association between serum lipids or lipoproteins and Hcy or PDGF in patients with hypertension. Practical implications The results of this study provide direction on how serum lipids, lipoproteins, Hcy and PDGF can be used as a guide to improving dietary management as a means of reducing cardiovascular disease, and stroke in patients with hypertension. Originality/value This manuscript is not currently under consideration, in press or published elsewhere. This manuscript is truthful original work without fabrication, fraud or plagiarism. The authors have made important scientific contributions to this study. The authors are familiar with the primary data, and have read the entire manuscript and take responsibility for it content. No benefits were received by the authors or any member of the authors’ family or the research team, from any commercial source, directly or indirectly related to this work. Moreover, no one affiliated with has any financial interest related to the subject matter of this manuscript.
Metabolic profile and structure–activity relationship of resveratrol and its analogs in human bladder cancer cells

Purpose: Resveratrol (RV), a promising anti-cancer candidate, is limited in application for its poor bioavailability. However, the better bioavailability has been found in some RV derivatives. So in this paper, we explore the structure–activity relationship and the metabolic profiles of RV and its analogs (polydatin [PD], oxyresveratrol [ORV], acetylresveratrol [ARV]) in human bladder cancer T24 cells, and then evaluate their active forms and key chemical functional groups which may determine the fate of tumor cells. Methods: Drug sensitivity is evaluated by MTT assay, HE staining and flow cytometry analysis after T24 cells treated with RV, PD, ORV and ARV, respectively. Then the drug metabolites, in alive and dead T24 cells, also in T24 cell supernatant and lysates, are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrum and high-resolution mass spectrometry technologies, respectively. Results: RV, ORV and ARV inhibit bladder cancer cells growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and exert the anti-tumor potency to T24 cells in order of ORV>ARV>RV>PD. Meanwhile, similar metabolic profiles of the above compounds are found not only in cell supernatant and lysate, but also in dead and alive T24 cells after drug treatment, and the main metabolites of RV, ORV and PD are their prototypes, but ARV is mainly metabolized to RV. Conclusion: The inhibitory potencies to T24 cells in the order of ORV>ARV>RV>PD are related to the structure and metabolism of RV and its analogs. Meanwhile, the number and position of free phenolic hydroxyl groups play a prominent role in antitumor activities. Therefore, protecting phenolic hydroxyl groups, and inhibiting drug metabolism to keep phenolic hydroxyl groups free would be the promising strategies to ensure the bioactivity of RV and its analogs, and thus to improve RV’s bioactivity and promote RV clinical translation.
Advances in geodynamo modelling

ABSTRACT This paper reviews the remarkable developments in numerical geodynamo simulations over the last few years. Simulations with Ekman numbers as low as are now within reach and more and more details of the observed field are recovered by computer models. However, some newer experimental and ab initio results suggest a rather large thermal conductivity for the liquid iron alloy in Earth's core. More heat would then simply be conducted down the core adiabat and would not be available for driving the dynamo process. The current status of this topic is reported and alternative driving scenarios are discussed. The paper then addresses the question whether dynamo simulations obey the magnetostrophic force balance that characterises the geodynamo and proceeds with discussing related problems like scaling laws and torsional oscillations. Finally, recent developments in geomagnetic data assimilation are reviewed, where geomagnetic data and dynamo simulations are coupled to form a tool for interpreting observations and predicting the future evolution of Earth's magnetic field.