Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global oscillations in low-density round jets with parabolic velocity profiles

Abstract Experiments and spatiotemporal stability analysis are carried out to study the global oscillations in laminar low-density round jets with parabolic velocity profiles. The experimental results of laminar low-density jets with parabolic velocity profiles exhibit global axisymmetric oscillations. The spatiotemporal stability results based on base profiles from numerical simulations are consistent with the present experimental results. These results differ from the prediction of stability study by Coenen et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 20, 2008, p. 074104). They reported that the low-density jets with near parabolic velocity profiles show global helical oscillations. It is observed that the method used by Coenen et al. is not able to predict the nature of global oscillations observed in experiments for low-density jets with near parabolic profiles. The present spatiotemporal stability results demonstrate that the base flows from Navier–Stokes equations are required to predict the critical conditions observed in experiments for low-density jets with near parabolic velocity profiles. The breakdown distance of globally unstable low-density jets scales with $(Re-Re_c)^{-1/2}$ ($Re_c$ is the critical Reynolds number), consistent with the scaling law obtained from the nonlinear global mode of the Ginzburg–Landau equation.
Two-dimensional hydrodynamics of a Janus particle vesicle

Abstract We develop a new model, to our knowledge, for the many-body hydrodynamics of amphiphilic Janus particles suspended in a viscous background flow. The Janus particles interact through a hydrophobic attraction potential that leads to self-assembly into bilayer structures. We adopt an efficient integral equation method for solving the screened Laplace equation for hydrophobic attraction and for solving the mobility problem for hydrodynamic interactions. The integral equation formulation accurately captures both interactions for near touched boundaries. Under a linear shear flow, we observe the tank-treading deformation in a two-dimensional vesicle made of Janus particles. The results yield measurements of intermonolayer friction, membrane permeability and, at large shear rates, membrane rupture. The simulation studies include a Janus particle vesicle in both linear and parabolic shear flows, and interactions between two Janus particle vesicles in shear and extensional flows. The hydrodynamics of the Janus particle vesicle is similar to the behaviour of an inextensible, elastic vesicle membrane with permeability.
Language learning strategies: Perceptions of female Saudi EFL learners

The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of language learning strategies use among a group of Saudi Arabian Englishmajor university students using Oxford’s (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). The study also investigates the frequency of strategy use among these students (i.e. what are the most frequently used and least frequently used strategies among this group of Saudi Arabian learners learning English as a foreign language? ). The results of this study showed that this group of students used learning strategies with high to medium frequency, and that the highest rank was for metacognitive strategies while the lowest was for memory strategies. The findings of the present study suggest a number of implications for Saudi EFL instruction at the University in which the study was conducted. The findings of this research will also contribute to the knowledge base of language learning strategy research in the Arab region.
An optimisation approach for designing wildlife corridors with ecological and spatial considerations

The fragmentation of wildlife habitats caused by anthropogenic activities has reduced biodiversity and impaired key ecosystem functions. Wildlife corridors play an important role in linking detached habitats. The optimal design of such corridors considering spatial, ecological and economic factors is addressed in this paper. We present a novel graph‐theoretic optimisation approach and a mixed‐integer linear programming model to determine an optimal wildlife corridor connecting two given habitat patches. The model maximises the total quality of the corridor and satisfies pre‐specified corridor width and length requirements under a resource constraint. Compared to the corridor design models presented in the literature, our model is conceptually simpler, and it is computationally convenient. We applied the model to a real dataset for Eldorado National Forest in California, USA, involving 1,363 irregular land parcels. The model can be extended to design multiple corridors that connect two or more existing habitat patches.
Recent advances in high-performance bulk thermoelectric materials

Thermoelectric (TE) materials facilitate direct heat-to-electricity conversion. The performance of a TE material is characterised by its figure of merit zT (=S 2 σT/κ) that depends on both electronic transport properties, i.e. the Seebeck coefficient S and the electrical conductivity σ, and on thermal transport properties, i.e. the thermal conductivity κ of a material. The intrinsically counter-correlated behaviour between electronic and thermal transport properties makes the enhancement of zT a very challenging task. In the past 10 years, the zTs in bulk TE materials have been significantly enhanced due to intensive exploratory efforts, the discovery of new physical phenomena and effects, and applications of advanced synthesis methods. In this review, we summarise the recent progress in bulk TE materials. After the introduction of fundamental principles of thermoelectricity, the recently achieved enhancements in the TE performance encompassing the use of electronic band structure engineering, lattice phonon engineering and nanostructure tailoring will be emphasised. Next, the highlights of typical TE materials will be presented, focusing especially on the great progress achieved during the past decade. Finally, new techniques and approaches developed to fabricate TE materials will be outlined and their impact on the performance and economic viability of large-scale TE applications will be considered. The progress made during the past dozen or so years provides great opportunities for the use of bulk TE materials in a much broader range of applications and bodes well for a more efficient utilisation of energy.
A Somatic Mutation Signature Predicts the Best Overall Response to Anti-programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Treatment in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Negative Non-squamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background We aimed to exploit a somatic mutation signature (SMS) to predict the best overall response to anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Tumor samples of 248 patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative non-squamous NSCLC treated with anti-PD-1 were molecularly tested by targeted next-generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing. On the basis of machine learning, we developed and validated a predictive model named SMS using the training (n = 83) and validation (n = 165) cohorts. Results The SMS model comprising a panel of 15 genes (TP53, PTPRD, SMARCA4, FAT1, MGA, NOTCH1, NTRK3, INPP4B, KMT2A, PAK1, ATRX, BCOR, KDM5C, DDR2, and ARID1B) was built to predict best overall response in the training cohort. The areas under the curves of the training and validation cohorts were higher than those of tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 expression. Patients with SMS-high in the training and validation cohorts had poorer progression-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.01, P < 0.001; HR = 3.89, P < 0.001] and overall survival (HR = 7.60, P < 0.001; HR = 2.82, P < 0.001) than patients with SMS-low. SMS was an independent factor in multivariate analyses of progression-free survival and overall survival (HR = 4.32, P < 0.001; HR = 3.07, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion This study revealed the predictive value of SMS for immunotherapy best overall response and prognosis in EGFR/ALK-negative non-squamous NSCLC as a potential biomarker in anti-PD-1 therapy.
Glucose- and Bile Acid-Stimulated Secretion of Gut Hormones in the Isolated Perfused Intestine Is Not Impaired in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Purpose Decreased circulating levels of food-intake-regulating gut hormones have been observed in type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, it is still unknown if this is due to decreased secretion from the gut mucosal cells or due to extra-intestinal processing of hormones. Methods We measured intestinal hormone content and assessed morphological differences in the intestinal mucosa by histology and immunohistochemistry. Secretion of hormones and absorption of glucose and bile acids (BA) were assessed in isolated perfused mouse intestine. Results GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and SS (somatostatin) contents were higher in the duodenum of control mice (p < 0.001, and <0.01). Duodenal GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) content (p < 0.01) and distal ileum PYY content were higher in DIO mice (p < 0.05). Villus height in the jejunum, crypt depth, and villus height in the ileum were increased in DIO mice (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001). In the distal ileum of DIO mice, more immunoreactive GLP-1 and PYY cells were observed (p = 0.01 and 0.007). There was no difference in the absorption of glucose and bile acids. Distal secretion of SS tended to be higher in DIO mice (p < 0.058), whereas no difference was observed for the other hormones in response to glucose or bile acids. Conclusion Our data suggest that differences regarding production and secretion are unlikely to be responsible for the altered circulating gut hormone levels in obesity, since enteroendocrine morphology and hormone secretion capacity were largely unaffected in DIO mice.
Factors Influencing Procurement Officers’ Preference for PPP Procurement Model: An Empirical Analysis of China

The selection of the procurement model, which is a process of discretion exercised by procurement officials, is crucial to the Public-private Partnership (PPP) procurement performance. From theoretical analysis and international practice, we could find that the negotiation method is more suitable for complex PPP projects, while the tendering method is widely used in China’s PPP procurement. To analyze the reasons for the phenomenon, we used the logit regression model to examine the influence of regulatory competition, risk aversion preference, and tacit interaction on the procurement model selection based on the data of 8,926 PPP projects from 2009 to 2021 in China. The results indicate that regulatory competition leads to confusion in procurement model selection, while risk aversion preference and tacit interaction significantly promote the application of tendering. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis of regions and return models prove that provincial capitals and municipalities are more susceptible to regulatory competition, risk aversion preference, and tacit interaction than ordinary cities. Compared with user-pay projects, government-pay projects and viability gap funding projects are more susceptible to regulatory competition and risk aversion preference, and less affected by tacit interaction. Therefore, to optimize the procurement model selection, policymakers should improve procurement policies to reduce the adverse effects of regulatory competition, risk aversion preference, and tacit interactions.
Gut Microbiome Was Highly Related to the Regulation of Metabolism in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most predominant subtypes of lung cancer. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in the pathophysiological processes of various diseases, including cancers. Methods In the study, 100 individuals were enrolled. In total 75 stool and blood samples were analyzed with 16s-rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics (30 from healthy individuals (H); 45 from LUAD patients). In addition, 25 stool samples were analyzed with metagenomics (10 from H; 15 from LUAD). The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LefSe) and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify biomarkers’ taxa and develop a diagnostic model. The diagnostic power of the model was estimated with the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) by comparing the area under the ROC (AUC). The correlation between biomarker’s taxa and metabolites was calculated using the Spearman analysis. Results The α and β diversity demonstrated the composition and structure of the gut microbiome in LUAD patients were different from those in healthy people. The top three abundance of genera were Bacteroides (25.06%), Faecalibacterium (11.00%), and Prevotella (5.94%). The LefSe and logistic regression analysis identified three biomarker taxa (Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, and Ruminococcus gnavus group) and constructed a diagnostic model. The AUCs of the diagnostic model in 16s-rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics were 0.852 and 0.841, respectively. A total of 102 plasma metabolites were highly related to those three biomarkers’ taxa. Seven metabolic pathways were enriched by 102 plasma metabolites, including the Pentose phosphate pathway, Glutathione metabolism. Conclusions In LUAD patients, the gut microbiome profile has significantly changed. We used three biomarkers taxa to develop a diagnostic model, which was accurate and suitable for the diagnosis of LUAD. Gut microbes, especially those three biomarkers’ taxa, may participate in regulating metabolism-related pathways in LUAD patients, such as the pentose phosphate pathway and glutathione metabolism.
Dog Owners' Ideas and Strategies Regarding Dental Health in Their Dogs-Thematic Analysis of Free Text Survey Responses

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs over 3 years of age. In dogs, as in humans, daily tooth brushing, as a means of active dental home care, is considered the gold standard for prophylaxis and prevention of periodontal disease progression. However, the performance of adequate tooth brushing is insufficient in dogs. There is no full account as to why dog owners fail to comply with this routine, but in order to facilitate better practice, a further understanding of dog owner's perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding their dogs' dental health. In a large-scale Swedish survey regarding dental health in dogs, dog owners' free text comments (n = 8,742) from a concluding open-ended query were analyzed using qualitative methods. Many different notions concerning dental health in dogs were identified, of which perceived importance of different diets and chewing being the most prominent. Five common themes represented dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding dental health in their dogs: what is considered to cause dental problems; what is deemed not to promote dental health; how to prevent dental problems; what impedes proper dental care, and; needs for increased knowledge and support. Contrary to existing research and knowledge in the field, the respondents commonly trusted that diet procure good dental health in the dog, as does chewing on bones. Seemingly, a range of misconceptions flourish among dog owners, indicating a need to share information and experiences, as well as support to bridge barriers to tooth brushing and other aspects that can enhance dog owners' knowledge and practice. In addition, this study highlights the need for randomized controlled trials on effects of diets and supplements on different aspects of dental health; calculus, periodontal disease, and dental fractures, including dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages. Further research is also needed with respect to which strategies that best aid dog owners, by whom the support is best provided, when, and at what time point.
Predictive Biomarkers for a Personalized Approach in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

The mainstay treatment for patients with immediate resectable pancreatic cancer remains upfront surgery, which represents the only potentially curative strategy. Nevertheless, the majority of patients surgically resected for pancreatic cancer experiences disease relapse, even when a combination adjuvant therapy is offered. Therefore, aiming at improving disease free survival and overall survival of these patients, there is an increasing interest in evaluating the activity and efficacy of neoadjuvant and perioperative treatments. In this view, it is of utmost importance to find biomarkers able to select patients who may benefit from a preoperative therapy rather than upfront surgical resection. Defined genomic alterations and a dynamic inflammatory microenvironment are the major culprits for disease recurrence and resistance to chemotherapeutic treatments in pancreatic cancer patients. Signal transduction pathways or tumor immune microenvironment could predict early recurrence and response to chemotherapy. In the last decade, distinct molecular subtypes of pancreatic cancer have been described, laying the bases to a tailored therapeutic approach, started firstly in the treatment of advanced disease. Patients with homologous repair deficiency, in particular with mutant germline BRCA genes, represent the first subgroup demonstrating to benefit from specific therapies. A fraction of patients with pancreatic cancer could take advantage of genome sequencing with the aim of identifying possible targetable mutations. These genomic driven strategies could be even more relevant in a potentially curative setting. In this review, we outline putative predictive markers that could help in the next future in tailoring the best therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer patients with a potentially curable disease.
Pharmacomicrobiomics in Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Type 2 Diabetes

Pharmacomicrobiomics refers to the interactions between foreign compounds and the gut microbiome resulting in heterogeneous efficacy, side effects, and toxicity of the compound concerned. Glucose lowering drugs reduce blood glucose by modulating insulin secretion and its actions as well as redistributing energy disposal. Apart from genetic, ecological, and lifestyle factors, maintaining an equilibrium of the whole gut microbiome has been shown to improve human health. Microbial fingerprinting using faecal samples indicated an ‘invisible phenotype’ due to different compositions of microbiota which might orchestrate the interactions between patients’ phenotypes and their responses to glucose-lowering drugs. In this article, we summarize the current evidence on differences in composition of gut microbiota between individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthy individuals, the disruption of the balance of beneficial and pathogenic microbiota was shown in patients with T2D and how Western Medicine (WM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) might re-shape the gut microbiota with benefits to the host immunity and metabolic health. We particularly highlighted the effects of both WM and TCM increase the relative abundance of health promoting bacteria, such as, Akkermansia muciniphila, Blautia, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and which have been implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several lines of evidence suggested that TCM might complement the efficacy of WM through alteration of microbiota which warrants further investigation in our pursuit of prevention and control of T2D.
Glycine max Homologs of DOESN'T MAKE INFECTIONS 1, 2, and 3 Function to Impair Heterodera glycines Parasitism While Also Regulating Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Expression

Glycine max root cells developing into syncytia through the parasitic activities of the pathogenic nematode Heterodera glycines underwent isolation by laser microdissection (LM). Microarray analyses have identified the expression of a G. max DOESN'T MAKE INFECTIONS3 (DMI3) homolog in syncytia undergoing parasitism but during a defense response. DMI3 encodes part of the common symbiosis pathway (CSP) involving DMI1, DMI2, and other CSP genes. The identified DMI gene expression, and symbiosis role, suggests the possible existence of commonalities between symbiosis and defense. G. max has 3 DMI1, 12 DMI2, and 2 DMI3 paralogs. LM-assisted gene expression experiments of isolated syncytia under further examination here show G. max DMI1-3, DMI2-7, and DMI3-2 expression occurring during the defense response in the H. glycines-resistant genotypes G.max[Peking/PI548402] and G.max[PI88788] indicating a broad and consistent level of expression of the genes. Transgenic overexpression (OE) of G. max DMI1-3, DMI2-7, and DMI3-2 impairs H. glycines parasitism. RNA interference (RNAi) of G. max DMI1-3, DMI2-7, and DMI3-2 increases H. glycines parasitism. The combined opposite outcomes reveal a defense function for these genes. Prior functional transgenic analyses of the 32-member G. max mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family has determined that 9 of them act in the defense response to H. glycines parasitism, referred to as defense MAPKs. RNA-seq analyses of root RNA isolated from the 9 G. max defense MAPKs undergoing OE or RNAi reveal they alter the relative transcript abundances (RTAs) of specific DMI1, DMI2, and DMI3 paralogs. In contrast, transgenically-manipulated DMI1-3, DMI2-7, and DMI3-2 expression influences MAPK3-1 and MAPK3-2 RTAs under certain circumstances. The results show G. max homologs of the CSP, and defense pathway are linked, apparently involving co-regulated gene expression.
Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of 55 Patients With Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we present information on the clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of this type of cancer. Clinicopathologic data from 55 patients treated at a single cancer center from January 2011 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were mostly male (76.4%), with a median age of 66 years and a history of smoking (54.5%). Most had symptoms, and about 60% presented with locally advanced or metastatic disease at diagnosis. Of the 55 cases, 21 were diagnosed by surgical resection. Pleomorphic cancer was the most common subtype (58.1%). With a median follow-up period of 13.2 months, the average survival time of the patients was 16.1 months, and the median survival time was 12 months. The overall survival rates for 1, 2, and 3 years were 52.7%, 18.2%, and 9.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that prognosis of the patients was influenced by tumor size, T stage, metastatic status, and surgery (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that T stage (p = 0.034) was an independent prognostic factor. There are few reports on the natural history of PSC, and its clinicopathological characteristics remain unclear. Herein, a retrospective review 55 individuals with PSC found that T stage was an independent predictor of survival. Surgical resection was associated with better prognosis.