Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abundances in H II regions at the edge of the Galaxy

Optical spectra, supplemented by some observations of radio recombination lines, have been used to estimate the abundances of helium, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and argon in 18 H II regions in the outer Galaxy. Assuming that R0 (the distance from the center of the Galaxy to the sun) is 8.5 kpc, these H II regions are located between 11.5 and 17.9 kpc from the Galactic center and include many of the most distant (from the center) H II regions known in our Galaxy. The single most striking result of these observations is the apparent high nitrogen abundances in the H II regions at the outer edge of the visible disk of the Galaxy. 40 refs.
Pharmacological Profiling of KATP Channel Modulators: An Outlook for New Treatment Opportunities for Migraine

Migraine is a highly disabling pain disorder with huge socioeconomic and personal costs. It is genetically heterogenous leading to variability in response to current treatments and frequent lack of response. Thus, new treatment strategies are needed. A combination of preclinical and clinical data indicate that ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel inhibitors could be novel and highly effective drugs in the treatment of migraine. The subtype Kir6.1/SUR2B is of particular interest and inhibitors specific for this cranio-vascular KATP channel subtype may qualify as future migraine drugs. Historically, different technologies and methods have been undertaken to characterize KATP channel modulators and, therefore, a head-to-head comparison of potency and selectivity between the different KATP subtypes is difficult to assess. Here, we characterize available KATP channel activators and inhibitors in fluorescence-based thallium-flux assays using HEK293 cells stably expressing human Kir6.1/SUR2B, Kir6.2/SUR1, and Kir6.2/SUR2A KATP channels. Among the openers tested, levcromakalim, Y-26763, pinacidil, P-1075, ZM226600, ZD0947, and A-278637 showed preference for the KATP channel subtype Kir6.1/SUR2B, whereas BMS-191095, NN414, and VU0071306 demonstrated preferred activation of the Kir6.2/SUR1 subtype. In the group of KATP channel blockers, only Rosiglitazone and PNU-37783A showed selective inhibition of the Kir6.1/SUR2B subtype. PNU-37783A was stopped in clinical development and Rosiglitazone has a low potency for the vascular KATP channel subtype. Therefore, development of novel selective KATP channel blockers, having a benign side effect profile, are needed to clinically prove inhibition of Kir6.1/SUR2B as an effective migraine treatment.
Local estimation for an integral equation of first kind with analytic kernel

In this paper, an integral equation of the first kind with Riesz kernel is discussed. Since the kernel of this integral equation is analytic, this problem is severe ill-posed. We prove that, for solutions of the integral equation, a local conditional pointwise estimate holds at a point if the solution has some additional smoothness properties in a neighbourhood of this point.
Betaine- and L-Carnitine-Based Ionic Liquids as Solubilising and Stabilising Agents for the Formulation of Antimicrobial Eye Drops Containing Diacerein

The therapeutic efficacy of topically administered drugs, however powerful, is largely affected by their bioavailability and, thus, ultimately, on their aqueous solubility and stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as functional excipients to solubilise, stabilise, and prolong the ocular residence time of diacerein (DIA) in eye drop formulations. DIA is a poorly soluble and unstable anthraquinone prodrug, rapidly hydrolysed to rhein (Rhe), for the treatment of osteoarthritis. DIA has recently been evaluated as an antimicrobial agent for bacterial keratitis. Two ILs based on natural zwitterionic compounds were investigated: L-carnitine C6 alkyl ester bromide (Carn6), and betaine C6 alkyl ester bromide (Bet6). The stabilising, solubilising, and mucoadhesive properties of ILs were investigated, as well as their cytotoxicity to the murine fibroblast BALB/3T3 clone A31 cell line. Two IL–DIA-based eye drop formulations were prepared, and their efficacy against both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined. Finally, the eye drops were administered in vivo on New Zealand albino rabbits, testing their tolerability as well as their elimination and degradation kinetics. Both Bet6 and Carn6 have good potential as functional excipients, showing solubilising, stabilising, mucoadhesive, and antimicrobial properties; their in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo ocular tolerability pave the way for their future use in ophthalmic applications.
The Burden and In-Hospital Mortality of Stroke Admissions at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Namibia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Despite stroke being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, there is a dearth of information on the burden and outcomes of stroke in sub-Saharan Africa and Namibia in particular. Methods A hospital-based, retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyse non-electronic medical records of all consecutive stroke patients who were admitted to one of the highest tertiary-level hospitals in Namibia for 12 months (2019-2020). The primary outcome of the study was to establish the in-hospital mortality, stroke subtypes, and associated complications. Results In total, 220 patients were included in the study, their mean age was 53 (SD13.8) years, and 55.5% were males. 61.0% had an ischaemic stroke (IS), and 39.0% had a haemorrhagic stroke (HS). The mean age was significantly lower in patients with HS vs. IS (48.2 ± 12.2 vs. 56.1 ± 13.3, p < 0.001). Of the IS patients, the majority (29.0%) had total anterior circulation infarct (TACI), while in the HS group, 34.0% had basal ganglia haemorrhage with or without intraventricular extension. Hypertension (p = 0.015), dyslipidaemia (p = 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.022), and other cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.007) were more prevalent in patients with IS compared to those with HS. The prevalence rate of intravenous thrombolysis was 2.2% in IS and use of intravenous antihypertensives in 25.9% of patients with HS than IS. The in-hospital mortality was 26.4% with complications such as raised ICP, aspiration pneumonia, hydrocephalus, and sepsis significantly high in those that died. Aspiration pneumonia (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.63-4.76, p < 0.001) and increased ICP (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16-057, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality on the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Our findings showed a younger mean age for stroke and mortality rate comparable to other low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). Hypertension and alcohol consumption were the main risk factors for both stroke subtypes, while aspiration pneumonia and raised intracranial pressure predicted in-hospital mortality.
Therapeutic Manuka Honey as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: A 12-Month Follow-Up, Split-Mouth Pilot Study

Periodontitis is recognized as one of the most common diseases worldwide. Non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) is the initial approach in periodontal treatment. Recently, interest has shifted to various adjunctive treatments to which the bacteria cannot develop resistance, including Manuka honey. This study was designed as a split-mouth clinical trial and included 15 participants with stage III periodontitis. The participants were subjected to non-surgical full-mouth therapy, followed by applying Manuka honey to two quadrants. The benefit of adjunctive use of Manuka honey was assessed at the recall appointment after 3, 6, and 12 months, when periodontal probing depth (PPD), split-mouth plaque score (FMPS), split-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were reassessed. Statistically significant differences between NSPT + Manuka and NSPT alone were found in PPD improvement for all follow-up time points and CAL improvement after 3 and 6 months. These statistically significant improvements due to the adjunctive use of Manuka amounted to (mm): 0.21, 0.30, and 0.19 for delta CAL and 0.18, 0.28, and 0.16 for delta PPD values measured after 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. No significant improvements in FMPS and FMBS were observed. This pilot study demonstrated the promising potential of Manuka honey for use as an adjunct therapy to nonsurgical treatment.
On the Optimization of Aerospace Plane Ascent Trajectory

A hybrid heuristic optimization technique based on genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization has been developed and tested for trajectory optimization problems with multi-constraints and a multi-objective cost function. The technique is used to calculate control settings for two types for ascending trajectories (constant dynamic pressure and minimum-fuel-minimum-heat) for a two-dimensional model of an aerospace plane. A thorough statistical analysis is done on the hybrid technique to make comparisons with both basic genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization techniques with respect to convergence and execution time. Genetic algorithm optimization showed better execution time performance while particle swarm optimization showed better convergence performance. The hybrid optimization technique, benefiting from both techniques, showed superior robust performance compromising convergence trends and execution time.
On electro-osmotic flows through microchannel junctions

We study the electro-osmotic flow through a T-junction of microchannels whose dielectric walls are weakly polarizable. The present global analysis thus extends earlier studies in the literature concerning the local flow of an unbounded electrolyte solution around nearly insulated wedges. The velocity field is obtained via superposition of an irrotational part associated with the equilibrium zeta potential and the induced-charge electro-osmotic flow originating from the interaction of the externally applied electric field and the charge cloud it induces owing to field leakage through the polarizable dielectric channel walls. Along the channel walls the latter component gives rise to fluid velocities converging toward the corner which dominate the flow in its immediate vicinity. Recent experimental observations in the literature regarding the appearance and subsequent expansion of flow reversal and vortices downstream (initially) and upstream (subsequently) of the junction, are both rationalized in terms of.
Pregnant Women’s Preferred Birthing Positions In A Tertiary Health Facility In Cross River State, Nigeria

Objective: In recent times, there have been a shift in the focus of health sector towards respectful maternity care. The concept of respectful maternity care is inclined towards client centred care with the right of women to make informed decisions concerning birth choices. The right of a woman to decide which position to adopt during childbirth has been limited the supine position in most maternity service centres and hospital settings. This study sought to investigate pregnant women’s preferred birthing positions in a tertiary health care facility in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria Materials and methods This study utilized the descriptive cross-sectional design to recruit 169 pregnant women using the purposive sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a structured and validated questionnaire. Results: Finding showed that 89.3% had good knowledge on birthing positions. Also, a good number of participants preferred the squatting position and position change as they deem comfortable during childbirth. Supine positions where the least preferred. Additionally, most participants agreed that level of education, age, previous childbirth familiarities, place of birth and support from midwives were factors that could influenced their choice of birthing positions. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the researchers recommended that midwives update their knowledge on the different birthing positions in order to educate and assist pregnant women who may desire these positions during childbirth. This will encourage the utilization of Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) which will help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality that would occur during childbirth on the overall.
Estimation of Waste Package Inventories and Characteristics from Different Advanced Fuel Cycles

Abstract Future utilization of nuclear power may involve fuel cycles that incorporate new reactors and new fuel utilization schemes. In comparing fuel cycles in terms of their waste characteristics, many previous studies have focused on properties intrinsic to the wastes themselves: mass, radioactivity, and/or radiotoxicity. These properties do not directly inform analyses that evaluate waste management strategies, impacts, or risks. For these, information about waste packages and waste loading is critical. This paper reports on research performed to bridge the divide between nuclear fuel cycle and waste management analyses while accommodating the diversity of reactors, processes, and waste forms that could be utilized by advanced fuel cycles. An object-oriented Python code, Nuclear Waste Analysis in Python, was written to connect fuel cycle data with backend process information, thereby generating waste form characteristics and package inventories. The backend process models are informed by literature review and engineering judgment. The package is applied to the fuel cycles considered in the Fuel Cycle Evaluation and Screening (FCES) study and is benchmarked against the FCES study waste management evaluation metric data for mass and radioactivity. Hypothetical waste package inventories are reported for each fuel cycle as functions of spent fuel and high-level waste loading.
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DID NOT AFFECT REHABILITATION FOLLOWING ACL RECONSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess postoperative rehabilitation patterns in patients who underwent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent primary isolated ACLR between February 2019 and July 2020. Two different periods were evaluated. The “COVID group” represents the period from February 1st to July 1st of 2020 and the “non-COVID group” represents the equivalent period in 2019. Rehabilitation features and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on rehabilitation habits were assessed. Patient outcome scores were assessed using the Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaires. Subjective satisfaction, post-operative complications, and subsequent surgeries were recorded. Results: The groups did not differ significantly in demographics, functional outcome scores, or subjective satisfaction. There was no significant difference in rehabilitation patterns between the groups. In the COVID group, only one patient (4%) reported participation in online physiotherapy. Conclusions: There were no differences in the post-operative rehabilitation patterns, including duration, length, and environment of the training, between patients who underwent primary isolated ACLR during the COVID-19 pandemic and those who underwent the treatment in the preceding non-COVID year. Patient outcome scores, subjective satisfaction, and subsequent surgery rates did not differ between the groups. Level of evidence IV; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.
A New Smart 2-Min Mobile Alerting Method for Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease in the Community

The early identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in an early stage of AD can expand the AD warning window. We propose a new capability index evaluating the spatial execution process (SEP), which can dynamically evaluate the execution process in the space navigation task. The hypothesis is proposed that there are neurobehavioral differences between normal cognitive (NC) elderly and AD patients with MCI reflected in digital biomarkers captured during SEP. According to this, we designed a new smart 2-min mobile alerting method for MCI due to AD, for community screening. Two digital biomarkers, total mission execution distance (METRtotal) and execution distance above the transverse obstacle (EDabove), were selected by step-up regression analysis. For the participants with more than 9 years of education, the alerting efficiency of the combination of the two digital biomarkers for MCI due to AD could reach 0.83. This method has the advantages of fast speed, high alerting efficiency, low cost and high intelligence and thus has a high application value for community screening in developing countries. It also provides a new intelligent alerting approach based on the human–computer interaction (HCI) paradigm for MCI due to AD in community screening.
Influence of Anodizing Conditions on Biotribological and Micromechanical Properties of Ti–13Zr–13Nb Alloy

The biomedical Ti–13Zr–13Nb bi-phase (α + β) alloy for long-term applications in implantology has recently been developed. The porous oxide nanotubes’ (ONTs) layers of various geometries and lengths on the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy surface can be produced by anodizing to improve osseointegration. This work was aimed at how anodizing conditions determinatine the micromechanical and biotribological properties of the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy. First-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), and third-generation (3G) ONT layers were produced on the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy surface by anodizing. The microstructure was characterized using SEM. Micromechanical properties were investigated by the Vickers microhardness test under variable loads. Biotribological properties were examined in Ringer’s solution in a reciprocating motion in the ball-on-flat system. The 2D roughness profiles method was used to assess the wear tracks of the tested materials. Wear scars’ analysis of the ZrO2 ball was performed using optical microscopy. It was found that the composition of the electrolyte with the presence of fluoride ions was an essential factor influencing the micromechanical and biotribological properties of the obtained ONT layers. The three-body abrasion wear mechanism was proposed to explain the biotribological wear in Ringer’s solution for the Ti–13Zr–13Nb alloy before and after anodizing.
Enhanced Magnetization and Ferroelectric Switching in Multiferroic BST/BNFO Superstructures

Multiferroic BaSrTiO3/NdBiFeO3 (BST/BNFO) mulilayers with 3 nm and 6 nm layer thickness demonstrate superlattice structure in the XRD patterns. The break of the spin cycloide and interface strain results in ferromagnetic behavior and enhancement of magnetization. The total thickness of BNFO is varied in the range of 50--60 nm, and saturation magnetization is varied in the range of 50-60 emu/cm3, which is an order of magnitude higher than reported for BaTiO3/BiFeO3 superstructure [1]. Polarization hysteresis loop were obtained by second harmonic generation technique and show significant electro-optical switchability. Both magnetization and ferroelectric polarization possess bulk rather than interface localization.
The Controversial Role of Intestinal Mast Cells in Colon Cancer

Mast cells are tissue-resident sentinels involved in large number of physiological and pathological processes, such as infection and allergic response, thanks to the expression of a wide array of receptors. Mast cells are also frequently observed in a tumor microenvironment, suggesting their contribution in the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer. In particular, the link between inflammation and colorectal cancer development is becoming increasingly clear. It has long been recognized that patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Evidence from experimental animals also implicates the innate immune system in the development of sporadically occurring intestinal adenomas, the precursors to colorectal cancer. However, the exact role of mast cells in tumor initiation and growth remains controversial: mast cell-derived mediators can either exert pro-tumorigenic functions, causing the progression and spread of the tumor, or anti-tumorigenic functions, limiting the tumor’s growth. Here, we review the multifaceted and often contrasting findings regarding the role of the intestinal mast cells in colon cancer progression focusing on the molecular pathways mainly involved in the regulation of mast cell plasticity/functions during tumor progression.
Which Dark Personality Traits Could Predict Insomnia? The Mediated Effects of Perceived Stress and Ethical Judgments

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dark personality traits and insomnia by considering the mediated effects of perceived stress and ethical judgments. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 464 university athlete students from individual and team sports. Dark Triad Scale (DTS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Moral Content Judgment in Sport Questionnaire (MCJSQ) were used. Significant correlation coefficients were observed between the dark personality traits and other variables. Regression analysis showed that psychopathy (about 19%) and ethical judgments (about 16%) could predict insomnia. It was shown that among dark personality traits, psychopathy along with ethical judgments could predict insomnia.
Non-Invasive On-Site pXRF Analysis of Coloring Agents of Under- and Over-Glazes: Variability and Representativity of Measurements on Porcelain

The study of rare objects requires the use of mobile non-invasive methods such as a portable X-ray fluorescence instrument (pXRF), but this involves an analysis from the outer surface, while the depth analyzed depends on the element measured and, in addition, the material can be very heterogeneous at different scales. The concept of elemental composition, therefore, has no “absolute” meaning for painted enamel decorations. This work evaluates this concept by comparing the pXRF measurements made with different configuration procedures, allowing to evaluate the consequences on the variability of the XRF signals, and discusses the contents of certain chemical elements. For this, two shards from the Qianlong period are analyzed, a shard of blue and white (underglazed) porcelain and a fragment of an ‘imperial’ bowl with painted enamel decoration (huafalang). The variability of measurements is compared for visually appearing homogeneous or heterogeneous areas.
Rumen and Fecal Microbiota Characteristics of Qinchuan Cattle with Divergent Residual Feed Intake

Residual feed intake (RFI) is one of the indicators of feed efficiency. To investigate the microbial characteristics and differences in the gastrointestinal tract of beef cattle with different RFI, a metagenome methodology was used to explore the characteristics of the rumen and fecal microbiota in 10 Qinchuan cattle (five in each of the extremely high and extremely low RFI groups). The results of taxonomic annotation revealed that Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most dominant phyla in rumen and feces. Prevotella was identified as a potential biomarker in the rumen of the LRFI group by the LEfSe method, while Turicibacter and Prevotella might be potential biomarkers of the HRFI and LRFI group in feces, respectively. Functional annotation revealed that the microbiota in the rumen of the HRFI group had a greater ability to utilize dietary polysaccharides and dietary protein. Association analysis of rumen microbes (genus level) with host genes revealed that microbiota including Prevotella, Paraprevotella, Treponema, Oscillibacter, and Muribaculum, were significantly associated with differentially expressed genes regulating RFI. This study discovered variances in the microbial composition of rumen and feces of beef cattle with different RFIs, demonstrating that differences in microbes may play a critical role in regulating the bovine divergent RFI phenotype variations.