Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large curvature effect on pulsatile entrance flow in a curved tube: model experiment simulating blood flow in an aortic arch.

We measured the velocity profiles of pulsatile entrance flow in a strongly curved tube using a laser-Doppler anemometer in order to simulate blood flow in the aortic arch under various conditions, i.e., a ratio of tube to curvature radius of 1/3, Womersley parameters of 12 and 18, and peak Dean number up to 1200. Axial isovelocity contours of the cross-section showed the potential vortex to be near the entrance, and with the maximum velocity there being skewed towards the inner wall; thereafter shifting towards the outer wall. During the deceleration phase, reverse axial flow occurred near the inner wall, and a region of this flow extended downstream. The large curvature contributes to the enhancement of the secondary flow and flow reversal, which elevates the wall-shear stress oscillations. The location of elevated wall-shear oscillations corresponds to the vessel wall region where atherosclerotic formation frequently occurs; thereby indicating that both the large curvature and pulsatility play key roles in formation of localized atherosclerotic lesions.
Codon usage bias in animals: disentangling the effects of natural selection, effective population size and GC-biased gene conversion

Selection on codon usage bias is well documented in a number of microorganisms. Whether codon usage is also generally shaped by natural selection in large organisms, despite their relatively small effective population size (Ne), is unclear. Codon usage bias in animals has only been studied in a handful of model organisms so far, and can be affected by confounding, non-adaptive processes such as GC-biased gene conversion and experimental artefacts. Using population transcriptomics data we analysed the relationship between codon usage, gene expression, allele frequency distribution and recombination rate in 31 non-model species of animals, each from a different family, covering a wide range of effective population sizes. We disentangled the effects of translational selection and GC-biased gene conversion on codon usage by separately analysing GC-conservative and GC-changing mutations. We report evidence for effective translational selection on codon usage in large-Ne species of animals, but not in small-Ne ones, in agreement with the nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution. C- and T-ending codons are generally preferred over synonymous G- and A-ending ones, for reasons that remain to be determined. In contrast, we uncovered a conspicuous effect of GC-biased gene conversion, which is widespread in animals and the main force determining the fate of AT↔GC mutations. Intriguingly, the strength of its effect was uncorrelated with Ne.
Caught in the act: cluster 'k+a' galaxies as a link between spirals and S0s

We use integral field spectroscopy of 13 disc galaxies in the cluster AC114 at z ∼ 0.31 in an attempt to disentangle the physical processes responsible for the transformation of spiral galaxies in clusters. Our sample is selected to display a dominant young stellar population, as indicated by strong Hδ absorption lines in their integrated spectra. Most of our galaxies lack the [O ii]λ3727 emission line, and hence ongoing star formation. They therefore possess ‘k+a’ spectra, indicative of a recent truncation of star formation, possibly preceded by a starburst. Discy ‘k+a’ galaxies are a promising candidate for the intermediate stage of the transformation from star-forming spiral galaxies to passive S0s. Our observations allow us to study the spatial distributions and the kinematics of the different stellar populations within the galaxies. We used three different indicators to evaluate the presence of a young population: the equivalent width of Hδ, the luminosity-weighted fraction of A stars, and the fraction of the galaxy light attributable to simple stellar populations with ages between 0.5 and 1.5 Gyr. We find a mixture of behaviours, but are able to show that in most of the galaxies the last episode of star formation occurred in an extended disc, similar to preceding generations of stars, though somewhat more centrally concentrated. We thus exclude nuclear starbursts and violent gravitational interactions as causes of the star formation truncation. Gentler mechanisms, such as ram-pressure stripping or weak galaxy–galaxy interactions, appear to be responsible for ending star formation in these intermediate-redshift cluster disc galaxies.
High-Resolution Endovaginal Ultrasonography of the Endometrium: A Noninvasive Test for Endometrial Adequacy

Endovaginal sonography of the endometrium demonstrates characteristic findings throughout the menstrual cycle. To correlate these findings with histologic criteria for normal endometrial development, we compared endometrial biopsies with ultrasonographic findings. Nineteen cycles were monitored in 18 women with ovarian failure whose endometrial cycles were induced exogenously by sequential transdermal 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and intramuscular progesterone. These subjects underwent ultrasonography of the endometrium prior to the day of progesterone initiation (luteal day +1) and continuing throughout the mid-secretory phase. On luteal day +1, ultrasonography characteristically demonstrated a multilayered endometrium consisting of a hyperechoic perimeter (endometrial-myometrial interface), a hypoechoic inner layer, and a hyperechoic midline (luminal interface). By luteal day +7, a gradual increase in echogenicity of the inner layer was detected, while the inner myometrium remained hypoechoic. Eleven of 19 cycles demonstrated a completely hyperechoic endometrium on luteal day +7 and also demonstrated normal stromal development on endometrial biopsies. Three patients who had endometrial biopsies consistent with their chronological development failed to demonstrate a hyperechoic endometrium by luteal day +7. All five biopsies that were histologically out of phase were detected by ultrasonography. Thus, ultrasonography demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 62% for the detection of histologically normal endometrial development. Endometrial thickness could not be used to discriminate between biopsies that were normal (13 +/- 1.0 mm) and those out of phase (13.8 +/- 1.8 mm). Endometrial histology demonstrated asynchrony of glands and stroma in nine cases in which ultrasonography correlated with stromal, but not with glandular dating, suggesting that the increased echogenicity may reflect stromal edema. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The incidence and repetition of attempted suicide in Ireland.

BACKGROUND Suicidal behaviour has increasingly become recognized as a major public health problem. This study aimed to establish the extent of hospital-treated attempted suicide in South-west Ireland. METHODS Between 1995 and 1997, routine data collection, based on the standardized methodology of the WHO/Euro Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behaviour, took place in all general and psychiatric hospitals and prisons in the Southern and Mid-western Health Boards covering one-quarter (863,709) of the Irish population. RESULTS The annual person-based (aged over 15 years) male and female European age-standardized attempted suicide rates were 163 and 190 per 100,000, respectively. Female rates far exceeded male rates in under 20-year-olds. The peak rates for men and women were in the age range 20-24 (374 per 100,000) and 15-19 (433 per 100,000) years, respectively. One in six (16%) made a repeat attempt within the study period. Adjusting for age, repetition was marginally less common in women. Multivariate analysis investigating the risk of repetition associated with age, method and previous attempts found no age effect for women but an increased risk of repetition among men in their thirties (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4). An attempt in the preceding 12 months greatly elevated the risk of repetition, particularly for women (female OR=13.7, 95% CI: 9.3-20.4; male OR=5.6, 95% CI: 4.1-7.8). CONCLUSION Attempted suicide is a significant public health problem in Ireland. Rates are higher in women and highest among the young. An attempt in the past year greatly increases the risk of repetition, especially in women.
"Social Watching" to Learn About and Discuss Civic Issue: How Receiving Positive Social Media Feedback While Watching a Broadcast Instills a Sense of Community

v LIST OF FIGURES . x LIST OF TABLES . xi CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION . 1 Background and motivation . 1 Dissertation outline . 4 Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW . 5 Social media and journalism . 5 Social media and political deliberation . 8 Social watching in civic contexts . 10 Interactivity . 22 Self-­‐‐expression and conformity . 24 Online community . 27 Hypotheses and Research Questions . 29 Chapter 3 METHOD . 37 Rationale for a Controlled Experiment . 37 Study Design . 38 Materials . 40 Broadcast . 40 Social Media . 41 Interface . 43
Primary Malignant Tumors of Orofacial Origin in Iran

Orofacial malignant tumors are the sixth most common malignancy in the world and, with pharyngeal malignancies, the third most common one in the developing world. This study was carried out to determine the malignant oral primary tumors in Shiraz, southern Iran. From April 2002 to March 2007, all (181) malignant tumors of the orofacial region recorded in Fars Cancer Registry Center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, southern Iran, were enrolled. Age range of patients was 4 to 91 years (53.7 ± 18.6 years), whereas 40% of cases were older than 60 years. Ninety percent were epithelial tumors, 6% sarcomas, and 4% lymphomas. The most common sites were tongue (34.3%) and major salivary glands (32.5%). Squamous cell carcinoma (50.8%) was the most common malignant orofacial tumor. Oral malignant tumors were more common in males than females with an older aged preponderance. The tongue was the most commonly affected site, and squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant orofacial tumor. There is an urgent need for a national program focusing on early detection of these tumors. Oral health professionals in Iran should be educated on oral cavity comprehensive examination because of the important role of dentists in early detection of malignant oral tumors.
Cooperative Principle Maxims In Whatsapp Conversations Among Undergraduates In The Federal University Of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

During interlocution, sentences, clauses, phrases, words are used. The utterances made can then be classified in various ways for the purpose of analysis or research. They can be classified according to length by counting the number of words in each utterance, for instance. The utterances can be classified grammatically or structurally in the English language along a number of dimensions: their clausal type and complexity; active-passive; statement-question-request-exclamatory and so on. This study examines the rate of flouting/obeying of Grice’s Cooperative Maxims in WhatsApp conversations among undergraduates in the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Theoretical framework for the study Cooperative Principle by Grice 1975 was used to analyse the data. The data include selected conversations from October 2016 to February 2017. The results revealed that the level of cooperation is high to some extent between the conversationalists in FUTA’s data. The maxims of relation and manner were of the same percentages (7.4) and these revealed that the rate of obscurity and the rate of diversion from the topic of discussion was high. This study therefore recommends that students should be more truthful and concise in making their thoughts known in other to reduce flouting of Maxims of cooperation in conversations.
The Impact of Microfinance on Grassroot Development: Evidence from Smes in Kwabre East District of Ashanti Region of Ghana

Empirical studies attest to the assertion that development interventions aimed at people at the grassroots are poverty alleviation oriented. Microfinance has been acclaimed to be effective vehicle for poverty eradication. Since poverty alleviation is rooted in grassroots development, the impact of microfinance on grassroots development cannot be gainsaid. Equally relevant in this regard is the pivotal role of the SME subsector in grassroots development. This is against the backdrop that at the grass root, the active poor are those who run enterprises known as micro, small and medium enterprises. This research looked at the impact of microfinance on grassroots development using SMEs in Kwabre East District of Ashanti Region in Ghana as the case study. Both theoretical and empirical literatures were reviewed. The study adopted the descriptive type of research and the survey method to collect data from 82 respondents. The survey was done through the administration of structured questionnaires. The sampling techniques used included the non-probability methods of purposive and convenience. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were utilized in the data analysis. The research used the development evaluation framework for impact assessment of projects pioneered by the Inter- American Foundation. It was evidenced that microfinance as a development intervention has some level of impact on grassroots development. The impact is of direct benefits to individual operators of SMEs and their families. These included positive impact on basic needs; knowledge and skills; employment and income; and assets. Other positive effects of microfinance on SMEs relative to grassroots development were self-esteem, creativity and critical reflection. However, findings from the survey are not explicit on the impact of microfinance on strengthening organizations and broader impact on society in relation to local, regional and national as demanded by the Gras-sroots Development Framework (GDF) of Inter-American Foundation for measurement of impact of development interventions. The researcher therefore recommends for further studies the effect of microfinance on organizations and society in the areas of organizational capacity and culture, policy environment and community norms. It was also revealed that microcredit remained the dominant feature of microfinance in making significant impact. The hurdle of accessibility to credit by SMEs has not been completely cleared. Over 60% of the respondents posited that microfinance has not increased their business capital and stock levels. The researcher makes far-reaching recommendations for accessibility to credit by SMEs and the strengthening of Microfinance Institutions to enable them resilient in financial intermediation and provision of non-financial services.
Toxicological Evaluation of Realistic Emission Source Aerosols (TERESA)—Power plant studies: assessment of breathing pattern

Our approach to study multi-pollutant aerosols isolates a single emissions source, evaluates the toxicity of primary and secondary particles derived from this source, and simulates chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere after emission. Three U.S. coal-fired power plants utilizing different coals and with different emission controls were evaluated. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) derived from α-pinene and/or ammonia was added in some experiments. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed for 6 h to filtered air or different atmospheric mixtures. Scenarios studied at each plant included the following: primary particles (P); secondary (oxidized) particles (PO); oxidized particles + SOA (POS); and oxidized and neutralized particles + SOA (PONS); additional control scenarios were also studied. Continuous respiratory data were obtained during exposures using whole body plethysmography chambers. Of the 12 respiratory outcomes assessed, each had statistically significant changes at some plant and with some of the 4 scenarios. The most robust outcomes were found with exposure to the PO scenario (increased respiratory frequency with decreases in inspiratory and expiratory time); and the PONS scenario (decreased peak expiratory flow and expiratory flow at 50%). PONS findings were most strongly associated with ammonium, neutralized sulfate, and elemental carbon (EC) in univariate analyses, but only with EC in multivariate analyses. Control scenario O (oxidized without primary particles) had similar changes to PO. Adjusted R2 analyses showed that scenario was a better predictor of respiratory responses than individual components, suggesting that the complex atmospheric mixture was responsible for respiratory effects.
Tacrolimus conversion improves hyperlipidemic states in stable liver transplant recipients

With improvements in surgical technique and the advent of new and more effective immunosuppressive agents, survival rates in liver transplant recipients have dramatically improved. However, hyperlipidemia frequently develops in patients administered cyclosporine‐based immunosuppression long‐term, although it appears to occur less often with newer, tacrolimus‐based regimens. We sought to determine whether an isolated change in the baseline immunosuppressive regimen (cyclosporine to tacrolimus) would improve hyperlipidemic states in these patients. Twenty‐one long‐term stable liver transplant recipients with hyperlipidemia, manifested by elevated cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels, were offered conversion to tacrolimus from cyclosporine A therapy. Lipid profiles were monitored at baseline (while on cyclosporine therapy) and at 1 and 3 months after conversion to tacrolimus therapy. There were no other medication manipulations. After conversion to tacrolimus therapy, mean cholesterol levels decreased from 251 to 202 mg/dL at 1 month (P < .001) and 194 mg/dL at 3 months (P < .001). Similarly, triglyceride levels decreased from 300 to 207 mg/dL by 1 month (P = .011) and 203 mg/dL by 3 months (P < .001). There was also a statistically significant decrease for very low‐density lipoprotein levels at 3 months (P = .005) and low‐density lipoprotein levels at 1 and 3 months (P = .013 and P = .014, respectively). High‐density lipoprotein levels did not significantly change after conversion to tacrolimus therapy. Conversion was not accompanied by adverse side effects, and patients tolerated the change well. In conclusion, simple conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression therapy is safe and improves posttransplantation hyperlipidemia in a subgroup of liver transplant recipients.
Chromium speciation and fractionation in ground and surface waters in the vicinity of chromite ore processing residue disposal sites.

Chromium concentrations of up to 91 mg l(-1) were found by ICP-OES for ground water from nine boreholes at four landfill sites in an area of S.E. Glasgow/S. Lanarkshire where high-lime chromite ore processing residue (COPR) from a local chemical works had been deposited from 1830 to 1968. Surface water concentrations of up to 6.7 mg l(-1) in a local tributary stream fell to 0.11 mg l(-1) in the River Clyde. Two independent techniques of complexation/colorimetry and speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS) showed that Cr was predominantly (>90%) in hexavalent form (CrVI) as CrO4(2-), as anticipated at the high pH (7.5-12.5) of the sites. Some differences between the implied and directly determined concentrations of dissolved CrIII, however, appeared related to the total organic carbon (TOC) content. This was most significant for the ground water from one borehole that had the highest TOC concentration of 300 mg l(-1) and at which < 3% of Cr was in the form of CrVI. Subsequent ultrafiltration produced significant decreases in Cr concentration with decreasing size fractions, e.g. <0.45 microm, < 100 kDa, <30 kDa and < 1 kDa by the tangential-flow method. As this appeared related more to concentrations of humic substances than of TOC per se, horizontal bed gel electrophoresis of freeze-dried ultrafilter retentates was carried out to further characterise the CrIII-organic complex. This showed for the main Cr-containing fraction, 100 kDa-0.45 microm, that the Cr was associated with a dark brown band characteristic of organic (humic) matter. Comparison of gel electrophoresis and FTIR results for ultrafilter retentates of ground water from this borehole with those for a borehole at another site where CrVI predominated suggested the influence of carboxylate groups, both in reducing CrVI and in forming soluble CrIII-humic complexes. The implications of this for remediation strategies (especially those based on the addition of organic matter) designed to reduce highly mobile and carcinogenic Cr(VI)O4(2-) to the much less harmful CrIII as insoluble Cr(OH)3 are discussed.
The impact of economic policy uncertainty on the innovation in China: Empirical evidence from autoregressive distributed lag bounds tests

Abstract This study is the first attempt to scrutinize the causal relationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and innovation in the case of China, using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration approach of innovation accounting for causality analysis. The empirical findings show that EPU can negatively affect innovation. EPU indicates a significantly negative impact on innovation as well as on the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate. The combined results based on ARDL, innovation accounting approach (IAA) (variance decompositions and impulse response functions), and fully modiﬁed ordinary least square (FMOLS) raise an important point that calls for attention. The point is relating to the causality running from EPU to innovation. The future of China is uncertain, so when the economic uncertainty is higher, it lowers the value of future activities of the economy of China.
Mitochondrial DNA rearrangements and transcriptional alterations in the male-sterile cytoplasm of Ogura radish

Maternally inherited mutations, such as cytoplasmic male sterility, provide useful systems in which to study the function of plant mitochondrial genomes and also their interaction with nuclear genes. We have studied the organization and expression of the organelle genomes of the male-sterile cytoplasm of Ogura radish and compared them with those of normal radish to identify alterations that might be involved in cytoplasmic male sterility. The chloroplast DNAs of Ogura and normal radish are virtually indistinguishable, whereas their mitochondrial DNAs are highly rearranged. Alignment of a restriction map constructed for the 257-kilobase Ogura mitochondrial genome with that published for the 242-kilobase genome of normal radish reveals that the two mitochondrial DNAs differ in arrangement by at least 10 inversions. The transcriptional patterns of several known mitochondrial genes and of rearranged mitochondrial sequences were examined in three nuclear backgrounds. Altered transcripts were observed for three mitochondrial genes, atpA, atp6, and coxI. Rearrangements map near each of these genes and therefore may be responsible for their transcriptional alterations. Radish nuclear genes that restore fertility to the Ogura cytoplasm have no effect on the atp6 and coxI transcripts, but do influence the atpA transcriptional pattern.
Caste and Choice: The Influence of Developmental Idealism on Marriage Behavior1

Is the marriage behavior of young people determined by their socioeconomic characteristics or their endorsement of developmental idealism? This article addresses this question using a unique longitudinal data set from Nepal and provides the first individual-level test of developmental idealism theory. The authors find that unmarried individuals with greater endorsement of developmental idealism in 2008 were more likely by 2012 to choose their own spouse, including a spouse of a different caste, rather than have an arranged marriage. Those with salaried work experience were also less likely to have arranged marriages, but urban proximity and education were not significant. The authors conclude that both developmental idealism and socioeconomic characteristics influence marriage and that their influences are largely independent.