Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Insights into the Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Radiotherapy for Cancer

Cancer is the second most common cause of death among humans in the world, and the threat that it presents to human health is becoming more and more serious. The mechanisms of cancer development have not yet been fully elucidated, and new therapies are changing with each passing day. Evidence from the literature has validated the finding that the composition and modification of gut microbiota play an important role in the development of many different types of cancer. The results also demonstrate that there is a bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiota and radiotherapy treatments for cancer. In a nutshell, the modifications of the gut microbiota caused by radiotherapy have an effect on tumor radiosensitivity and, as a result, affect the efficacy of radiotherapy and show a certain radiation toxicity, which leads to numerous side effects. What is of new research significance is that the “gut-organ axis” formed by the gut microbiota may be one of the most interesting potential mechanisms, although the relevant research is still very limited. In this review, we combine new insights into the relationship between the gut microbiota, cancer, and radiotherapy. Based on our current comprehensive understanding of this relationship, we give an overview of the new cancer treatments based on the gut microbiota.
Thermal Expansion of ZnS from 2° to 317°K

Thermal expansion of the wurtzite phase of ZnS was measured using a back‐reflection Debye‐Scherrer x‐ray camera. Experimental results indicate that retrograde behavior is exhibited both perpendicular and parallel to the c axis at 60°±5°K. The molar volume decreases approximately 0.30% from 300° to 60°K and then increases slightly upon further cooling. Lattice parameters obtained at 25°C are a0=3.8226±0.0003 A and c0=6.2605±0.0015 A.
Feasibility of Raindrop Size Distribution Parameter Estimation with TRMM Precipitation Radar

This paper studies the feasibility of estimating raindrop size distribution (DSD) parameters from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) measurements. A methodology is described for DSD estimation with PR, in which parameter “e” or “a” in the Z-R relation Z=aRb is used as a DSD parameter. The e parameter is an adjustment factor for α in the relation between the attenuation coefficient κ and the effective radar reflectivity factor Ze (κ = αZeβ) that makes the attenuation correction stable by using the path-integrated attenuation estimated from the surface echo as a reference. e is also recognized as a path-averaged DSD parameter. Large (small) e corresponds to small (large) a, i.e., to small (large) median volume diameters (D0s) with the assumption of the gamma DSD model. e exhibits a clear diurnal variation over land suggesting that afternoon convection causes DSDs with large D0s. In contrast, there is no significant diurnal variation over the ocean. e also exhibits a clear negative correlations with the storm-top height deduced from the PR and with the lightning flash rate, both of which again suggest that deep convections over land produce large D0s. There are several error sources that may produce bias errors in the DSD estimates: non-uniform beam filling (NUBF) within the PR antenna beam, non-liquid hydrometeors aloft (such as hail), and variation in the Normalized Radar Cross Section (NRCS) under rain as compared with no-rain conditions. Preliminary evaluations are performed on these error sources, which generally cause negative errors in e (i.e., overestimation of raindrop size). Nevertheless, comparisons of PR- and disdrometer-estimated a (in Z=aRb) generally are in agreement at various locations over both land and oceanic sites. This result suggests the feasibility of PR estimation of DSD. It is concluded that, at the present stage, PR estimates of global DSD distribution should be considered to be “qualitative. ” Nevertheless, it would be useful to study the tuning of spaceborne radar algorithms and climatological studies of cloud microphysics.
Comparative Evaluation of Three Phenotypic Tests—Carba NP, Modified Carba NP and Rapidec Carba NP Test for Rapid Detection of Carbapenem Resistance in Blood Culture Isolates of Escherichia coli in an ICU Setting

Background To determine the antibiotic resistance pattern, the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenem resistance in blood culture isolates of E. coli. Further, we evaluated and compared Carba NP, Modified Carba NP and a kit-based Rapidec Carba NP test to detect carbapenem resistance rapidly. Methods Twenty-six carbapenem-resistant strains and four susceptible strains were selected. The three methods mentioned above were evaluated as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). These tests are based on biochemical detection of the hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring of a carbapenem-imipenem, followed by the colour change of a pH indicator. Results Carba NP test was positive in 24 out of 26 isolates; the Modified Carba NP and Rapidec Carba NP tests were positive for all the isolates (26/26). All the carbapenemase non-producers (100%, 04/04) were negative. Conclusion Modified Carba NP is a more effortless and inexpensive alternative to the Carba NP test, allowing the detection of carbapenemase activity directly from bacterial cultures of Enterobacteriaceae. The test could be used in low-income countries with large reservoirs for carbapenemase producers and can be implemented in any laboratory worldwide.
The distribution of ionized gas in the nuclei of spiral galaxies

Narrow-band digital images have been obtained for a sample of spiral galaxies selected to contain low-ionization emission regions in their nuclei. The images have been processed to yield pure H.cap alpha. +(N ii) images. These show that the optically emitting gas is usually concentrated in a nearly spherical core of half-intensity diameter typically 200 pc, often surrounded by a disk, in the galactic plane, traceable over a 600--900 pc diameter. This gas disk is not present in several cases in which it is expected by comparison with others of similar luminosity in emission, showing that some morphological variety exists among these emission regions.
Association between Chronotype and Sleep Quality among Chinese College Students: The Role of Bedtime Procrastination and Sleep Hygiene Awareness

Chronotype and sleep quality have been shown to play significant roles in influencing people’s physical and mental health. The current study focuses on examining the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality among Chinese college students and exploring the mediating role of bedtime procrastination and the moderating role of sleep hygiene awareness. A sample of 2822 college students (female = 71.4%) aged between 17 and 29 years (M = 19.77, SD = 1.41) were included and completed the measures of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS) and Sleep Hygiene Awareness Scale (SHAS). The results showed that evening-type students reported the lowest sleep quality and highest levels of bedtime procrastination. In contrast, the highest sleep quality and lowest levels of bedtime procrastination were shown by morning-type, exhibiting the neither-type students’ intermediate chronotype. Bedtime procrastination partially mediated the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality. Furthermore, sleep hygiene awareness moderated the direct effect of chronotype on sleep quality and the effect of chronotype in the path from chronotype to bedtime procrastination. Specifically, higher levels of sleep hygiene awareness could buffer the adverse effect of chronotype on self-reported sleep quality but bolstered the negative effect of chronotype on bedtime procrastination. Our results suggest that individuals with an evening preference are inclined to postpone their bedtime and further experience poorer sleep quality at night. Sleep hygiene awareness may serve as a protective factor for poor nocturnal sleep. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of reducing bedtime procrastination and improving sleep hygiene awareness in the interventions designed to help college students to own a better sleep quality, especially for those with evening chronotypes.
Robust detection of key point of a building for infrared imaging sequence

In this paper, we describe a fully automatic approach for detecting and matching geometrical corner feature correspondences between aerial images with larger scale and view variations. The main assumption of the approach is the fact that many man-made environments contain a large number of parallel linear features. We exploit this observation towards efficient detection and estimation of vanishing points. Given the vanishing points within an image, building geometrical corner features are obtained by the intersections of pairs of building outlines corresponding to different vanishing points. The experiments performed on the infrared aerial image sequences evaluate the stability and distinctiveness of the proposed features which are undergone appearance changes due to projective deformation.
Effective potentials for ion-ion and charge-atom interactions of dense semiclassical plasma

Using the dielectric function method, the effective interaction potential between ions in a dense semiclassical plasma is investigated. For the case of a partially ionized strongly coupled plasma, the effective potential of charge-unperturbed atom interaction is presented. Both effective potentials are screened. To obtain these potentials the dielectric function is used, taking into account the quantum diffraction effects in electron-electron interactions.
Steady Convection caused by the Temperature Inhomogeneity in a Cylindrical Floating Zone

Two convections can be induced by a temperature inhomogeneity in a floating zone. One is a buoyancy driven convection caused by a thermal variation in the liquid density. The other is a surface tension driven convection (Marangoni convection) caused by a thermal variation in the liquid surface tension. Combined steady convections in a cylindrical floating zone were computationally obtained for various combinations of the Grashof numbers and Reynolds numbers due to the Marangoni convection. The Marangoni convection was dominant over the buoyancy driven convection if the zone length was shorter than a critical zone length, and vice versa. The critical zone length on earth was calculated for various liquids.
Assessment of Thermal Stability of Mutant p53 Proteins via Differential Scanning Fluorimetry

The p53 protein is a transcription factor that preserves the integrity of the genome. The TP53 gene has inactivating mutations in about 50% of all human cancers. Some missense mutations lead to decreased thermal stability in the p53 protein, its unfolding and aggregation under physiological conditions. A general understanding of the impact of point mutations on the stability and conformation of mutant p53 is essential for the design and development of small molecules that target specific p53 mutations. In this work, we determined the thermostability properties of some of the most common mutant forms of the p53 protein—p53(R273H), p53(R248Q), p53(R248W) and p53(Y220C)—that are often considered as attractive therapeutic targets. The results showed that these missense mutations lead to destabilization of the p53 protein and a decrease in its melting temperature.
Filipino Americans and the Glass Ceiling: A Quantitative Analysis of Cultural Adherence, Assertiveness, and Management

With a sample of 473 Filipino Americans in 35 states in the United States, this quantitative study was designed to investigate factors which surround Filipino Americans’ glass ceiling challenges in attaining higher-level positions in the workplace. The investigation explored the related variables, including years of management experience, adherence to two dimensions of Filipino cultural values (interpersonal norms and conservatism), and assertiveness. Years of living in the United States, geographic location, and generational levels were also examined. The study revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between assertiveness and the interpersonal norms dimension of the Filipino culture. Findings revealed specific Filipino cultural traits which conflict with assertiveness. Results from the current study can be used for the development of assertiveness training for Filipino Americans who desire to advance in the workplace.
A New High-Order Fourier Continuation-Based Elasticity Solver for Complex Three-Dimensional Geometries

This thesis presents a new approach for the numerical solution of three-dimensional problems in elastodynamics. The new methodology, which is based on a recently introduced Fourier continuation (FC) algorithm for the solution of Partial Differential Equations on the basis of accurate Fourier expansions of possibly non-periodic functions, enables fast, high-order solutions of the time-dependent elastic wave equation in a nearly dispersionless manner, and it requires use of CFL constraints that scale only linearly with spatial discretizations. A new FC operator is introduced to treat Neumann and traction boundary conditions, and a block-decomposed (sub-patch) overset strategy is presented for implementation of general, complex geometries in distributed-memory parallel computing environments. Our treatment of the elastic wave equation, which is formulated as a complex system of variable-coefficient PDEs that includes possibly heterogeneous and spatially varying material constants, represents the first fully-realized three-dimensional extension of FC-based solvers to date. Challenges for three-dimensional elastodynamics simulations such as treatment of corners and edges in three-dimensional geometries, the existence of variable coefficients arising from physical configurations and/or use of curvilinear coordinate systems and treatment of boundary conditions, are all addressed. The broad applicability of our new FC elasticity solver is demonstrated through application to realistic problems concerning seismic wave motion on three-dimensional topographies as well as applications to non-destructive evaluation where, for the first time, we present three-dimensional simulations for comparison to experimental studies of guided-wave scattering by through-thickness holes in thin plates.
Whole blood platelet aggregation measurement by Multiplate™: potential diagnostic inaccuracy of correcting the results for the sample platelet count

Whole blood platelet aggregation measurement by MultiplateTM: potential diagnostic inaccuracy of correcting the results for the sample platelet count Mariangela Scavone, Gian Marco Podda, Armando Tripodi & Marco Cattaneo To cite this article: Mariangela Scavone, Gian Marco Podda, Armando Tripodi & Marco Cattaneo (2023) Whole blood platelet aggregation measurement by MultiplateTM: potential diagnostic inaccuracy of correcting the results for the sample platelet count, Platelets, 34:1, 2156493, DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022. 2156493 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/09537104.2022. 2156493
Bifurcation and Stability Analysis of Aircraft Turning on the Ground

During ground maneuvers a loss of lateral stability due to the saturation of the main landing gear tires can cause the aircraft to enter a skid or a spin. The lateral stability is governed not only by aspects of the gear design, such as its geometry and tire characteristics, but also by operational parameters: for example, the weather and taxiway condition. In this paper, we develop an improved understanding and new presentation of the dynamics of an aircraft maneuvering on the ground, ultimately aimed at optimization and automation of ground operations. To investigate turning maneuvers, we apply techniques from dynamic systems theory to a modified version of a nonlinear computer model of an A320 passenger aircraft developed by the Landing Gear Group at Airbus in the United Kingdom. Specifically, we present a bifurcation analysis of the underlying solution structure that governs the dynamics of turning maneuvers with dependence on the steering angle and thrust level. Furthermore, a detailed study of the behavior when lateral stability is lost focuses on how the tire saturation at different wheel sets leads to qualitatively different types of overall behavior. The presented bifurcation diagrams identify parameter regions for which undesirable behavior is avoidable, and thus they form a foundation for defining the safe operating limits during turning maneuvers.
Visual tracking speed threshold in NCAA Division I women’s soccer predicting match performance

Correlations between sport performance and visual training have been previously demonstrated. However, it remains unclear if these relationships exist between visual tracking thresholds and in-competition decision-making metrics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between visual tracking speed (VTS) and soccer-specific performance measures. 19 NCAA Division I soccer players VTS was measured from 1-core session on a 3-demensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) software NeuroTracker (NT) and soccer performance metrics were obtained from WyScout. Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient was utilized to examine potential correlations between criterion variables. There was nonsignificant correlation between VTS score and passing accuracy (r = -0.380). However, there was a strong correlation found between consistency score and passing accuracy (r = 0.650). When examining players based on their positional role, for attacking players there were nonsignificant strong correlation with consistency and passing accuracy (r = 0.730). For defenders, consistency and defensive win rate had a strong correlation (r = 0.731). Although there was no significant correlation seen between VTS and decision-making variables when examining the entire team, there was a significant strong positive relationship between consistency scores and passing accuracy. Future research should seek to include multiple teams for improved sample size.
CLPP Depletion Causes Diplotene Arrest; Underlying Testis Mitochondrial Dysfunction Occurs with Accumulation of Perrault Proteins ERAL1, PEO1, and HARS2

Human Perrault syndrome (PRLTS) is autosomal, recessively inherited, and characterized by ovarian insufficiency with hearing loss. Among the genetic causes are mutations of matrix peptidase CLPP, which trigger additional azoospermia. Here, we analyzed the impact of CLPP deficiency on male mouse meiosis stages. Histology, immunocytology, different OMICS and biochemical approaches, and RT-qPCR were employed in CLPP-null mouse testis. Meiotic chromosome pairing and synapsis proceeded normally. However, the foci number of the crossover marker MLH1 was slightly reduced, and foci persisted in diplotene, most likely due to premature desynapsis, associated with an accumulation of the DNA damage marker γH2AX. No meiotic M-phase cells were detected. Proteome profiles identified strong deficits of proteins involved in male meiotic prophase (HSPA2, SHCBP1L, DMRT7, and HSF5), versus an accumulation of AURKAIP1. Histone H3 cleavage, mtDNA extrusion, and cGAMP increase suggested innate immunity activation. However, the deletion of downstream STING/IFNAR failed to alleviate pathology. As markers of underlying mitochondrial pathology, we observed an accumulation of PRLTS proteins ERAL1, PEO1, and HARS2. We propose that the loss of CLPP leads to the extrusion of mitochondrial nucleotide-binding proteins to cytosol and nucleus, affecting late meiotic prophase progression, and causing cell death prior to M-phase entry. This phenotype is more severe than in mito-mice or mutator-mice.
Characterization of Nandidurga and Bidri goat populations of Karnataka

Nandidurga and Bidri goat populations are known to exist in Karnataka but were not studied earlier. Phenotypic as well as genetic characterization revealed these two goat populations to be uniform and distinct from other neighbouring goats. Bidri is a medium sized black goat with higher fecundity and are distributed in Bidar district of Karnataka and adjoining areas. Bidri is meat type goat with 50% dressing percentage. Nandidurga is white coloured and distributed in Chitradurga district of Karnataka. This is also meat type goat with similar dressing percentage. Both these populations have higher fecundity and twinning is very common. Reasonable polymorphism in Bidri goats was evident as mean number of observed alleles was 8.48±0.88 with ILSTS033 showing the highest (16) allele number per locus. Expected number of alleles varied from 1.043 (OarJMP29) to 8.804 (OMHC1) with mean of 3.58±0.44. Similarly, Nandidurga population had 8.22±0.66 mean observed number of alleles. Estimates of observed heterozygosity (0.58±0.06 and 0.60±0.05 for Bidri and Nandidurga respectively) confirmed the sufficient level of diversity in the two populations. Heterozygote deficit in these populations was also not significant being 2.5% in Nandidurga and 3.9% in Bidri goats. Distinctness of the two goat populations can be assumed on the basis of assignment tests and principal coordinate analyses. This information on the genetic analysis can be used in conjunction with the information on physical and phenotypic characteristics and management practices for registration of these populations as breeds.
Measurement of the total energy losses per electron-ion lost in various mixed gas inductively coupled plasmas

The total energy loss per electron-ion lost was measured at various gases and mixtures (Ar, He, N 2 , O 2 , Ar / N 2 , Ar / O 2 , He / N 2 , and He / O 2 ) in the pressure range of 5–50 mTorr in an inductively coupled plasma. To measure electron temperatures and ion fluxes at a chamber wall, the floating harmonics method was used. The absorbed power was determined by measuring antenna resistances and currents. The total energy losses were obtained from the power balance equation of a global model. In the case of Ar mixture plasma with molecular gas, the total energy loss decreased with fractional Ar flow rate. He mixture plasma decreased more than the decrease in total energy loss of Ar mixture plasma. These experimental results were compared and were consistent with average collisional energy loss.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Pre-Transfusion Hemoglobin Level and Frequency of Transfusion in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients in Indonesia

Transfusion-dependent thalassemia is the most severe form of thalassemia; patients require regular blood transfusions to maintain their hemoglobin level. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the routine measures for controlling chronic diseases like thalassemia. This study aims to measure the difference in pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels and the frequency of transfusions before and during pandemic. This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized medical record data of 101 transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients treated in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH) from 2019–2021. The dependent variables of this study were pre-transfusion hemoglobin level and transfusion attendance. The pre-pandemic phase was defined as 30 March 2019 to 29 March 2020, whereas the during-pandemic phase was from 30 March 2020 to 29 March 2021. Up to 59.4% of subjects had suboptimal Hb levels of <9.0 g/dL, even before the pandemic, and this increased to 71.3% during the pandemic. The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin level before the pandemic was 8.71 g/dL, and this decreased to 8.46 g/dL (p value < 0.001). Transfusion attendance before and during the pandemic showed no significant difference (p-value = 0.990). Our study shows poorer control of pre-transfusion Hb levels during the pandemic. This puts patients at higher risk of developing many long-term complications.