Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational fluid dynamics for turbomachinery design

Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) probably plays a greater part in the aerodynamic design of turbomachinery than it does in any other engineering application. For many years the design of a modern turbine or compressor has been unthinkable without the help of CFD and this dependence has increased as more of the flow becomes amenable to numerical prediction. The benefits of CFD range from shorter design cycles to better performance and reduced costs and weight. This paper presents a review of the main CFD methods in use, discusses their advantages and limitations and points out where further developments are required. The paper is concerned with the application of CFD and does not describe the numerical methods or turbulence modelling in any detail.
Submitted to the Annals of Applied Probability MIXING TIME OF EXPONENTIAL RANDOM GRAPHS By

A variety of random graph models have been developed in recent years to study a range of problems on networks, driven by the wide availability of data from many social, telecommunication, biochemical and other networks. A key model, extensively used in the sociology literature, is the exponential random graph model. This model seeks to incorporate in random graphs the notion of reciprocity, that is, the larger than expected number of triangles and other small subgraphs. Sampling from these distributions is crucial for parameter estimation hypothesis testing, and more generally for understanding basic features of the network model itself. In practice sampling is typically carried out using Markov chain Monte Carlo, in particular either the Glauber dynamics or the Metropolis-Hasting procedure. In this paper we characterize the high and low temperature regimes of the exponential random graph model. We establish that in the high temperature regime the mixing time of the Glauber dynamics is Θ(n log n), where n is the number of vertices in the graph; in contrast, we show that in the low temperature regime the mixing is exponentially slow for any local Markov chain. Our results, moreover, give a rigorous basis for criticisms made of such models. In the high temperature regime, where sampling with MCMC is possible, we show that any finite collection of edges are asymptotically independent; thus, the model does not possess the desired reciprocity property, and is not appreciably different from the Erdős-Rényi random graph.
Epigenetic Modifications: Genetic Basis of Environmental Stress Response

Genomic DNA is faithfully replicated and divided between two daughter cells in the course of each cell cycle. In order to maintain the inheritance of gene expression patterns, the cell must not only replicate the DNA, but also duplicate its chromatin structure (McNairn & Gilbert, 2003). Following replication, DNA is methylated and packaged into nucleosomes by the binding of histone octamers to form chromatin. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), the enzymes that transfer methyl (CH3) residue to CpG dinulcleotides, are coordinated with DNA replication to maintain the DNA methylation pattern (Fig. 1). DNMTs recognize methylated CpG dinucleotides on the parent strand and methylate correlating CpG dinucleotides on the daughter strand (Bestor et al., 1996). This heritability of the DNA methylation pattern, as well as histone modification patterns, is mediated by epigenetic machinery. Epigenetics was first used by Conrad Waddington in 1939 to describe “the causal interactions between genes and their products, which bring the phenotype into being” (Waddington, 1942). The current definition is “the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur independent of changes in the primary DNA sequence” (Sharma et al., 2010). Waddington’s definition initially referred to the role of the epigenetics in embryonic development, in which cells develop distinct identities despite having the same genetic information; however, the definition of epigenetics has evolved over time as it is implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, including maintenance of the normal gene expression, carcinogenesis and genomic response to environmental stresses. In this chapter, we take a look at the courent understanding of epigenetic status in human cells, describe human diseases associated with congentital epigenetic errors, and also discuss how human diseases may be caused by acquired epigenetic errors as a result of environmental factors. We also discuss epigenetic therapies that take advantage of the fact that epigenetic changes are resversible.
Asymptomatic cervical artery stenoses in Moscow

The risk of stroke related to asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is known to be increased in high‐grade or rapidly progressive stenosis. Information of the prevalence in the general population is required for the recommendation of screening methods to detect patients needing prophylactic treatment. We studied the prevalence and the grade of severity of extracranial carotid and vertebral artery obstructions by means of Doppler sonography in 529 asymptomatic Russians (m: 343, f: 186; 36‐84 years, mean: 58.4 years) living in Moscow city. Internal carotid artery obstructions of more than 50% stenosis were present in 22 (=4.2%) subjects, 8 of them (1.5%) had bilateral lesions. Appropriate abnormal findings in vertebral arteries were found in 11 (=2.1%) subjects, in 1 of them bilaterally. Affection of both the carotid and the vertebral arteries was noted in 4 (=0.8%) individuals. There were no sexual differences. The risk factor which correlated most significantly with cervical arterial lesions was hypertension. Carotid lesions were also significantly associated with age and smoking, but not with diabetes or hyperlipoproteinemia. The prevalence of cervical artery stenoses was found to be lower than in western reports, which may be due to different technical equipment and different study design.
Nonmedical Costs Associated With Rotavirus Disease Requiring Hospitalization

Background: As the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children, rotavirus has a significant economic impact. Previous studies focused on the direct medical costs of rotavirus infections; however, nonmedical costs account for the majority of the financial burden from this disease. Herein, we report the results from the largest prospective study in the United States determining the nonmedical costs of severe rotavirus infections. Methods: Prospective, active, gastroenteritis case surveillance was conducted between November 1997 and December 1999 at 3 pediatric medical centers. Rotavirus infection was identified for 548 children admitted between 2 weeks and 5 years of age. Detailed information about nonmedical costs during the prehospitalization, hospitalization and posthospitalization periods was obtained through interviews. Results: The average nonmedical cost per case of rotavirus disease was $448.77, including $359.04 for missed work, $56.66 for transportation, $11.90 for oral rehydration solutions, $9.59 for diapers, $6.83 for child care changes, $3.82 for special foods and $0.93 for formula changes. More than one-half of these expenses (53%) occurred outside the hospitalization period, and 80% of the cost was attributable to missed work. Conclusions: With an estimated 50,000 hospitalizations attributable to rotavirus each year in the United States, the nonmedical costs of severe rotavirus infections may exceed $22 million annually. Previous cost effectiveness analyses of rotavirus vaccines substantially underestimated this burden, suggesting that the nonmedical costs associated with mild to moderate rotavirus disease have been similarly underestimated. These findings are needed to assess accurately the cost effectiveness of future rotavirus immunization strategies.
Severity Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in Pediatric Patients

Objective. To assess obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity among pediatric patients. Design. A retrospective review of charts and polysomnography (PSG) results. Measurements and main results. Apnea—hypopnea index (AHI) and the cumulative duration of sleep while O2SAT was <91% were determined in 389 patients with OSAS. Patients with AHI ranging <5, 5 to 15, 16 to 30, and >30, had mean lowest observed O2SAT values of 88% ± 8%, 85% ± 9%, 78% ± 12%, and 69% ± 13%, respectively. The patients spent a mean of 3.5% ± 9.2 % of their sleep time with O2SAT < 91%. AHI values showed a poor linear correlation with the lowest measured O2SAT values. Body mass index percentiles showed no significant linear correlation with AHI values or with the lowest measured values of O2SAT. Conclusion. Values of AHI cannot accurately predict severity of oxyhemoglobin desaturation in pediatric OSAS and vice versa. No significant correlation between body mass index percentiles and severity of OSAS was established.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Aeromonas Strains Isolated from Drinking Water Samples in Istanbul, Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the resistance patterns of Aeromonas spp. in drinking water in Istanbul, Turkey. We investigated a total of 1,680 drinking water samples (840 tap water and 840 domestic water tank samples) for Aeromonas strains between June 2002 and October 2005. A total of 147 Aeromonas strains were isolated from 49 (6%) of 840 tap water samples and from 98 (12%) of 840 domestic water tank samples. Antibiotic susceptibility of Aeromonas strains was determined by the disc diffusion method, according to the CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) recommendation. Among the 147 Aeromonas strains, the prevalence was: A. hydrophila 68 (46%), A. sobria 50 (34%), A. caviae 11 (8%), A. salmonicida 9 (6%), A. veronii 5 (3%) and A. jandaei 4 (3%). Approximately 55% of the strains were resistant to ampicillin, 48% to erythromycin, 41% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 28% to ceftazidime, 27% to cefoxitin, 26% to ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, 22% to piperacillin, 14% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 12% to tetracycline, 11% to aztreonam, 8% to meropenem, 6% to imipenem, 2% to nalidixic acid, 1% to ciprofloxacin, tobramycin and gentamicin. None of the strains were resistant to amikacin and netilmicin. In conclusion, Aeromonas spp. isolated from drinking water in Istanbul have a resistance potential and the antibiotic resistance rates of A. hydrophila, A. sobria and A. caviae were usually higher than those of other Aeromonas strains. It should be kept in mind that these microorganisms in drinking water might be a potential risk for public health.
Subcortical Hyperintensities in Alzheimer’s Disease: No Clear Relationship with Executive Function and Frontal Perfusion on SPECT

Background/Aims: To investigate relationships between subcortical hyperintensities (SH), frontal perfusion and executive function (EF) in a sample of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients with varying severities of SH. Methods: A sample of 63 AD patients underwent brain imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans. Severity of SH was assessed using a standardized visual rating scale on MRI. Patients were classified into severe (n = 20), moderate (n = 23) or no SH (n = 20) groups. Four frontal SPECT regions of interest (anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and neuropsychological assessment of EF were analyzed. Results: Overall, no significant relationships were found between severity of SH and measures of SPECT perfusion or EF, except for one subsection of the Dementia Rating Scale, with severe SH scoring slightly worse than the other two groups. Conclusion: These findings support previous studies which suggest minimal adverse effects of SH on brain function and cognition. Global severity of SH on MRI in AD was not associated with decline in frontal perfusion and only mildly related to a decline in a specific EF task. More accurate measures of SH volume, not just global severity of SH, may be necessary to capture such complex brain behavior relationships; if they do indeed exist.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Medical Acupuncture

ABSTRACT Background: Conservative management plays an important role in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Non-surgical options include physical and occupational therapy, splints, steroid injections, yoga, carpal bone mobilization, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Clinical experience demonstrates that acupuncture should be considered among these treatments as it may provide symptomatic relief to patients with this disorder. Objective: To demonstrate an acupuncture protocol for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Design, Setting, and Patients: Seventeen patients with electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome treated by a solo medical acupuncture practitioner for carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients were seen between 1998 and 2007 at the practitioner's New York office. Intervention: Needling of PC 6, PC 7, TH 5, and Baxie 1 and 2 points. Most patients additionally received osteopathic manual therapy. Main Outcome Measure: Patient-reported symptom relief. Results: Twelve of 17 patients had pa.
Antibodies Against Deamidated Gliadin as New and Accurate Biomarkers of Childhood Coeliac Disease

Objectives: Assays of tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTG) represent the cornerstone of serological coeliac disease (CD) diagnostics. Assays of antibodies against native gliadin (anti-nGli) lost importance due to low validity. We investigated the performance of new assays for antibodies against deamidated gliadin (anti-dGli) in childhood CD. Methods: We retrospectively compared children (142 with active CD and 160 without CD, diagnosis confirmed or excluded by intestinal biopsy) concerning (immunoglobulin [Ig] G and IgA) anti-nGli, anti-tTG, and 2 different anti-dGli assays. Results: IgG-anti-dGli1, IgG-anti-dGli2, and IgA-anti-tTG performed similarly. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 98.6%, 98.9%, and 97.9%; accuracy was 94.7%, 95.7%, and 96.7%. Anti-dGli1 and anti-dGli2 (IgG and IgA) and IgA-anti-tTG performed significantly better than IgA-anti-nGli and IgG-anti-nGli. Both IgG-anti-dGli showed higher AUC and accuracy than IgA-anti-dGli and IgG-anti-tTG. Combined evaluation of IgA-anti-tTG with one of the IgG-anti-dGli tests reduced the rate of falsely classified patients. At enhanced cutoff (specificity >99%), sensitivity was above 67% for both IgG-anti-dGli and IgA-anti-tTG. If IgA-anti-tTG assay was combined with one of the IgG-anti-dGli tests, then the fraction of patients identified with more than 99% specificity as coeliacs increased significantly above 84.5%. Combined evaluation of the 2 IgG-anti-dGli tests did not improve the performance. Conclusions: The new IgA and IgG-anti-dGli tests outperform conventional anti-nGli assays. The validity of IgG-anti-dGli cannot be distinguished from IgA-anti-tTG. It should be studied prospectively whether antibody assays could replace biopsy in diagnosis of CD in a substantial segment of children.
Discriminability of fixed-ratio schedules for pigeons: effects of payoff values.

Three pigeons, previously trained to discriminate different numbers of responses (fixed ratios), were tested under different reinforcement contingencies (payoff matrices) at two levels of sensitivity. For one subject, relative reinforcement magnitude was varied-at first, across sessions and then, at midsession by reversing values-without exteroceptive cues. For another, relative reinforcement magnitude and/or probability was varied every 50 trials with cues by correlating different payoff matrices with different key colors. For the third subject, relative reinforcement probability was varied more frequently with cues-in the limit, at random-to demonstrate stimulus control of response bias on a trial-by-trial basis. A signal-detection analysis showed that bias changed with payoffs, for as many as seven different matrices, while sensitivity remained unchanged. The obtained functions (receiver operating characteristics) were similar under different payoff conditions, which suggests that a single mechanism controls bias. However, they differed enough in slope to require a relatively complex account (e.g., the general Gaussian model of detection theory).
TRANSIENT THERMOELASTIC DEFORMATIONS OF A THICK FUNCTIONALLY GRADED PLATE

We study transient thermoelastic deformations of a thick functionally graded plate with edges held at a uniform temperature and either simply supported or clamped. Either the temperature or the heat flux is prescribed on the top surface of the plate with the bottom surface of the plate kept at either a uniform temperature or thermally insulated. Stresses and deformations induced due to the simultaneous application of the transient thermal and mechanical loads are also computed. The problem is solved by using a higher order shear and normal deformable plate theory and a meshless local Petrov–Galerkin method. Only nodal coordinates are needed, and neither nodal connectivity nor a background mesh is employed. The validity of the method and of the computer code is established by comparing computed results with the analytical solution of the three-dimensional thermoelasticity equations for a simply supported plate. Results are then computed for clamped plates. It is found that the centroidal deflection and the axial stress induced at the centroid of the top surface of the plate are significantly influenced by boundary conditions at the plate edges.
GENETIC HERITABILITY FOR GRAIN YIELD AND ITS RELATED CHARACTERS IN SPRING WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Seven F3 progenies and their 8 parental lines of spring wheat were evaluated for some genetic parameters viz., coefficient of variability (Cv), genetic variance (Vg), heritability percentage (h 2 %) and genetic advance (GA) in 7 quantitative characters (grain yield and its associated traits). Highly significant (p≤0.01) differences were observed for all the characters viz. plant height, number of grains per spike, seed index and grain yield per plant among all the genotypes; indicating more variability. Differential responses for different characteristics were observed among the entire cross combinations. The highest heritability with more genetic advance for plant height, number of spikelets per spike and number of grains per spike were observed in progeny Khirman x RWM9313. Two progenies Soghat-90 x Sarsabz and Marvi-2000 x Soghat-90 showed more number of tillers per plant, spike length and grains per spike with more heritability and genetic gain. The parental line Khirman (a drought-tolerant variety) showed outstanding performance with respect to more number of tillers per plant (12.6) and grain yield per plant (25.6) also combining acceptable genetic parameters.
Effect of tongue strength training using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument in stroke patients with dysphagia

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured program of resistance training for the tongue in order to improve swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-seven stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group participated in a resistance-training program involving a 1-repetition maximum, with an intensity of 80%, along with 50 repetitions per day each for the anterior and posterior regions of the tongue. Both groups received conventional therapy for dysphagia for 30 min per day, 5 times per week, for 6 weeks. [Results] The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in both, the anterior and posterior regions of the tongue. In contrast, the control group showed significant improvements only in the anterior region of the tongue. In the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale evaluation, improvement was noted at both, the oral and pharyngeal stages in the experimental group, whereas significant improvements were only noted in the oral stage and total score in the control group. [Conclusion] Our study confirmed that tongue resistance training is an effective intervention for stroke patients with dysphagia, offering improved tongue muscle strength and overall improvement in swallowing.
Granulomatous inflammation during Heligmosomoides polygyrus primary infections in FVB mice

Abstract Host responses to primary infections with Heligmosomoides polygyrus were studied in fast responding FVB mice (H-2q). Pathological changes in the intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were examined. Features of the fast response were typical: low effectiveness of infection and limiting of parasite survival and egg production, with worm expulsion occurring about 60 days post-infection. The intestinal inflammatory response involved infiltration by different cells into the intestinal mucosa and granulomata formation. As is typical for intestinal nematode infection enteropathy, decreased villus:crypt ratio and hyperplasia of goblet and Paneth cells were also present. Reactions of the intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen increased over time post-infection and after worm expulsion. Enteropathy may help worm expulsion by creating an unfavourable environment for H. polygyrus. The implications of these findings and the potential role of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of generated lesions are discussed.
The novel transcriptional regulator SczA mediates protection against Zn2+ stress by activation of the Zn2+‐resistance gene czcD in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Maintenance of the intracellular homeostasis of metal ions is important for the virulence of many bacterial pathogens. Here, we demonstrate that the czcD gene of the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is involved in resistance against Zn2+, and that its transcription is induced by the transition‐metal ions Zn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+. Upstream of czcD a gene was identified, encoding a novel TetR family regulator, SczA, that is responsible for the metal ion‐dependent activation of czcD expression. Transcriptome analyses revealed that in a sczA mutant expression of czcD, a gene encoding a MerR‐family transcriptional regulator and a gene encoding a zinc‐containing alcohol dehydrogenase (adhB) were downregulated. Activation of the czcD promoter by SczA is shown to proceed by Zn2+‐dependent binding of SczA to a conserved DNA motif. In the absence of Zn2+, SczA binds to a second site in the czcD promoter, thereby fully blocking czcD expression. This is the first example of a metalloregulatory protein belonging to the TetR family that has been described. The presence in S. pneumoniae of the Zn2+‐resistance system characterized in this study might reflect the need for adjustment to a fluctuating Zn2+ pool encountered by this pathogen during infection of the human body.