Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wall Shear Stress-Based Hemodynamic Descriptors in the Abdominal Aorta Bifurcation: Analysis of a Case Study

The knowledge of hemodynamic behaviour in the abdominal aorta artery bifurcation is of great importance for the early diagnosis of several cardiovascular diseases common in this bifurcation. The work developed focuses on a case study of hemodynamic in the abdominal aorta artery bifurcation, based on a realistic 3D geometric model reconstructed from 2D medical images of a real patient. Hemodynamic quantities based on the wall shear stress (WSS) of the abdominal aorta bifurcation are analysed and is presented an alternative analysis of the well-established stress hemodynamic descriptors to identify specific zones of the artery with a higher probability of developing cardiovascular diseases. The individual analysis of different zones of the artery allowed to obtain information that can remain masked when whole artery is considered as a single zone. The reported results provide a correlation between the analysed stress hemodynamic descriptors and the area of the wall artery. Then, the aim of this work is the identification of regions at the luminal surface subject to atherosusceptible WSS phenotypes. For the patient studied, the analysis presented allowed the identification of the patient's propensity to develop atherosclerosis, according to the hemodynamic descriptors time-averaged WSS (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT). Thus, this work offers a new way of looking to the stress hemodynamic descriptors.
Circulating cell-free nucleosomes as biomarkers for early detection of colorectal cancer on Early Detection of Colorectal

The aim was to evaluate serum levels of circulating cell-free nucleosomes (ccfn) containing a variety of epigenetic signals including 5-methylcytosine DNA, histone modifications H3K9Me3, H3K9Ac, H3S10PO4, H3K36Me3, H4K20Me3, H4PanAc and pH2AX, nucleosome variant H2AZ and nucleosome adducts with HMGB1 and EZH2 as well as ccfn per se, in addition to develop and evaluate predictor models based on the above mentioned ccfn and including serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). Blood-samples were collected from 4,105 individuals undergoing colonoscopy. Serum levels of ccfn and CEA were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays platforms. Individual assessment of levels of ccfn showed area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) = 0.525–0.576 in discrimination of individuals with CRC from individuals with non-malignant findings. Predictor models including ccfn containing 5-methylcytosine DNA, CEA, age and gender improved results (AUCROC = 0.736, sensitivity = 0.37 at specificity = 0.90). Further improvement was achieved in discrimination of individuals with CRC from individuals with clean colorectum (AUCROC = 0.840, sensitivity = 0.57 at specificity = 0.90). The levels of ccfn among patients with CRC appeared to be stage-independent. In conclusion, the performance of the developed predictor models is potentially promising in early detection of CRC.
Effect of sowing dates on quinoa grains and its chemical composition

Growing field crops under harsh conditions of arid environment in sandy soils is one of the biggest challenge facing food security especially for small-scale holdings. Quinoa( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.),the newly introduced food crop can replenish part of food gap, since; the crop is drought-salinity tolerant and can grow in sandy soil of arid and semi-arid regions and with other most harmful abiotic adverse factors that affect crop production. Field trial was carried out in Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Center,Egypt during 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 winter seasons to study the response of Quinoa CV Titicaca to three sowing dates i.e., 15 th of November, 1 st of December and 15 th of December under sandy soil using sprinkler irrigation system. Results revealed that sowing quinoa on 15 th of December resulted in maximum plant height of 57.73 and 61.50 cm, No. of branches/ plant of 11.33 and 12.08, weight of the main head 9.85 and 11.16 g, 1000-grain weight of 2.65 and 2.78 g grain yield /plantof 12.43 and 13.95 g, grain yield /fed of 556 and 622 Kg /fed, and net return of 1,395 and 1,560 LE/fed. in first and second seasons. grains had higher contents of minerals especially Zn, Fe, Mg and Ca. Finally, Quinoa grains could be introduced in bakery products to improve its nutritional value. It is a good source of nutrientsespecially for children and also for people who suffer from celiac disease (allergy to gluten), as a gluten-free crop.
Influence of cloud-radiative forcing on

: The authors demonstrate how and why cloud-radiative forcing (CRF), the interaction of hydrometeors with longwave and shortwave radiation, can influence tropical cyclone structure through "semi idealized"integrations of the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model (HWRF) and an axisymmetric cloud model. Averaged through a diurnal cycle, CRF consists of pronounced cooling along the anvil top and weak warming through the cloudy air, which locally reverses the large net cooling that occurs in the troposphere under clear-sky conditions. CRF itself depends on the microphysics parameterization and represents one of the major reasons why simulations can be sensitive to microphysical assumptions. By itself, CRF enhances convective activity in the tropical cyclone's outer core, leading to a wider eye, a broader tangential wind ABSTRACT The authors demonstrate how and why cloud–radiative forcing (CRF), the interaction of hydrometeors with longwave and shortwave radiation, can inﬂuence tropical cyclone structure through ‘‘semi idealized’’ integrations of the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model (HWRF) and an axisymmetric cloud model. Averaged through a diurnal cycle, CRF consists of pronounced cooling along the anvil top and weak warming through the cloudy air, which locally reverses the large net cooling that occurs in the troposphere under clear-sky conditions. CRF itself depends on the microphysics parameterization and represents one of the major reasons why simulations can be sensitive to microphysical assumptions. By itself, CRF enhances convective activity in the tropical cyclone’s outer core, leading to a wider eye, a broader tangential wind ﬁeld, and a stronger secondary circulation. This forcing also functions as a positive feedback, assisting in the development of a thicker and more radially extensive anvil than would otherwise have formed. These simulations clearly show that the weak (primarily longwave) warming within the cloud anvil is the major component of CRF, directly forcing stronger upper-tropospheric radial outﬂow as well as slow, yet sustained, ascent throughout the outer core. In particular, this ascent leads to enhanced convective heating, which in turn broadens the wind ﬁeld, as demonstrated with dry simulations using realistic heat sources. As a consequence, improved tropical cyclone forecasting in operational models may depend on proper representation of cloud–radiative processes, as they can strongly modulate the size and strength of the outer wind ﬁeld that can potentially inﬂuence cyclone track as well as the magnitude of the storm surge.
Exploring the Urban Forest: Evidence of Tree Condition Change across Toronto’s Environmental Gradient

Increasing urbanization creates environmental impacts on flora, fauna, and human populations. Urban trees provide mitigating services that may be maximized by understanding environmental stressors that impact tree health. I explored the relationship between tree condition and urban landcover as evidence of urban stressors. Tree morphology, canopy condition, and insect abundance were expected to vary across an urban land cover gradient, at different spatial scales, and between native/exotic species. These responses were explored in Tilia americana, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides and Acer saccharnium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific spatial scales and environmental variables better explained changes in tree response variables. My results suggest Tilia species were more tolerant of urban conditions. Differences between species were described by genera suggesting species trait similarity may determine environmental suitability. Maximizing service provision requires interspecific stress expression consideration. Further research will explore soil conditions, socio-economic factors, and environmental remote sensing in urban tree condition modelling.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF STOCHASTIC DELAY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH MARKOVIAN SWITCHING DRIVEN BY LéVY NOISE

In this paper, the existence and uniquenesss, stability analysis for stochastic delay differential equations with Markovian switching driven by Lévy noise are studied. The existence and uniqueness of such equations is simply shown by using the Picard iterative methodology. By using the generalized integral, the Lyapunov-Krasovskii function and the theory of stochastic analysis, the exponential stability in pth(p ≥ 2) for stochastic delay differential equations with Markovian switching driven by Lévy noise is firstly investigated. The almost surely exponential stability is also applied. Finally, an example is provided to verify our results derived.
(2017). Sequence-dependent cargo recognition by SNX-BARs mediates retromer-independent transport of CI-MPR. Cell Biology

retromer-linked sorting nexin (SNX)–Bin, Amphiphysin, and Rvs (BAR) proteins leads to a pronounced defect in CI-MPR endosome-to-TGN transport. The retromer-linked SNX-BAR proteins comprise heterodimeric combinations of SNX1 or SNX2 with SNX5 or SNX6 and serve to regulate the biogenesis of tubular endosomal sorting profiles. We establish that SNX5 and SNX6 associate with the CI-MPR through recognition of a specific WLM endosome-to-TGN sorting motif. From validating the CI-MPR dependency of SNX1/2–SNX5/6 tubular profile formation, we provide a mechanism for coupling sequence-dependent cargo recognition with the biogenesis of tubular profiles required for endosome-to-TGN transport. Therefore, the data presented in this study reappraise retromer’s role in CI-MPR transport.
Effect of the hub endwall cavity flow on the flow-field of a transonic high-pressure turbine

In high-pressure turbines, a small amount of cold flow is ejected at the hub from the cavity that exists between the stator and the rotor disk. This prevents the ingestion of hot gases into the wheel-space cavity, thus avoiding possible damage. This paper analyzes the interaction between the hub-endwall cavity flow and the mainstream in a high-pressure transonic turbine stage. Several cooling flow ratios are investigated under engine representative conditions. Both time-averaged and time-resolved data are presented. The experimental data is successfully compared with the results of a three-dimensional steady Navier-Stokes computation. Despite the small amount of gas ejected, the hub-endwall cavity flow has a significant influence on the mainstream flow. The Navier-Stokes predictions show how the ejected cold flow is entrained by the rotor hub vortex, The time-resolved static pressure field around the rotor is greatly affected when traversing the non-uniform vane exit flow field. When the cavity flow rate is increased, the unsteady forces on the rotor airfoil are reduced. This is linked to the decrease of vane exit Mach number caused by the blockage of the ejected flow.
ON THE DISTANCE OF THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER M4 (NGC 6121) USING RR LYRAE STARS. II. MID-INFRARED PERIOD–LUMINOSITY RELATIONS

New mid-infrared (MIR) period–luminosity (PL) relations are presented for RR Lyræ variables in the globular cluster M4 (NGC 6121). Accurate photometry was obtained for 37 RR Lyræ variables using observations from the Infrared Array Camera on board the Spitzer Space Telescope. The dispersion of M4's PL relations is 0.056, and the uncertainty in the slope is 0.11 mag. Additionally, we established calibrated PL relations at 3.6 and 4.5 μm using published Hubble Space Telescope geometric parallaxes of five Galactic RR Lyræ stars. The resulting band-averaged distance modulus for M4 is &mgr; = 11.399 ± 0.007 ( stat ) ? > ± 0.080 ( syst ) ? > ± 0.015 ( cal ) ± 0.020 ( ext ) ? > . The systematic uncertainty will be greatly reduced when parallaxes of more stars become available from the GAIA mission. Optical and infrared period–color (PC) relations are also presented, and the lack of an MIR PC relation suggests that RR Lyræ stars are not affected by CO absorption in the 4.5 μm band.
Multiple Solutions in Fluid Mechanics

The principle of multiple solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations discussed in this paper is not directed at any particular problems in fluid dynamics, nor at any specific applications. The non-uniqueness principle states that the Reynolds number, above its critical value, is insufficient to uniquely determine a flow field for a given geometry, or for similar geometries. It is a generic principle for all fluid flow and its transportation properties, but is not well understood. It compliments the current popular bifurcation theories by the fact that multiple solutions can exist on each stable bifurcation branch.
Abdominal irradiation increases inﬂammatory cytokine expression and activates NF- (cid:1) B in rat ileal muscularis layer

D. Abdominal irradiation increases inﬂammatory cytokine expression and activates NF- (cid:1) B in rat ileal muscularis layer. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 285: G556–G565, 2003; 10.1152/ajpgi.00094. 2003. —The small bowel is an important dose-limiting organ in abdominal radiotherapy because irradiation can cause acute enteritis that, in turn, leads to progressively reduced motility and ﬁnally, in a later phase, to ﬁbrosis. Because these clinical symptoms may be caused by the early stage of an inﬂammatory process, we characterized the radiation-induced intestinal inﬂammation in rats. Abdominal (cid:2) -irradiation (10-Gy) induced a cascade of inﬂammatory events characterized by an early (6 h after exposure) increase in IL-1 (cid:3) , TNF- (cid:4) , and IL-6 mRNA levels in the rat ileal muscularis layer. IL-8 [a cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)] mRNA appeared later (at 3 days). The expression of TGF- (cid:3) (a proﬁbrotic cytokine) was higher in irradiated than control tissue at day 1 , whereas IL-10 (an anti-inﬂammatory cytokine) expression vanished completely. Despite strong IL-1ra expression, the IL-1ra/IL-1 (cid:3) ratio, which is an indicator of inﬂammatory balance, was (cid:5) 41% at day 1 in irradiated compared with control tissue. The nuclear transcription factors NF- (cid:1) B and activator protein-1 (AP-1) govern transcription of these genes, directly or indirectly. Although expression of the subunits of NF- (cid:1) B (p65, p50) and AP-1 (c- fos , c- jun ) did not increase, irradiation caused a rapid and persistent translocation of p65 and p50. An imbalance between proinﬂammatory and anti-inﬂammatory mediators may contribute to perpetuating intestinal inﬂammation, thus making it chronic.
Internal accumulation on Storglaci¨aren, Sweden, in a multi-layer snow model coupled to a distributed energy- and mass-balance model

To investigate the internal accumulation on Storglaci¨aren, Sweden, we couple a multi-layer snow model to a distributed energy- and mass-balance model. The snow model describes the temperature, density and water-content evolution of the snow/ice pack and includes the processes of percolation and refreezing of water. The model is run for the period 9 May–2 September 1999 and validated against weather station and mass-balance observations on the glacier. The model per-forms reasonably well, with an average summer mass balance for the location of stake observations of –1.56 m w.e. compared to –1.59 m w.e. observed. However, the amount of melt is overestimated in the higher parts of the accumulation area and underestimated in the lower parts of the ablation area. The modelled mass balance is most sensitive to the albedo parameterization, the chosen momentum and scalar roughness lengths and all parameters related to snowfall. The modelled internal accumulation is +0.25m w.e. , which amounts to about 20% of the winter accumulation and results in a positive net balance for 1999 of +0.23m w.e. The modelled internal accumulation is most sensitive to the initial subsurface temperature proﬁle and the irreducible water content.
Transformations that Produce a Sparse Moment Method Matrix

Previous moment method calculations (based on integral equations) have generally required utilizing a full N x N matrix when there are N unknowns. In this paper, novel basis and testing functions are presented for which the resulting matrix is approximately sparse when N is large, provided that the scatterer contains "smooth" regions. That is, nearly all of the matrix elements are so small that they may be set equal to zero. The ways to develop such functions are considered in detail, as are their effect on the condition number of the resulting matrix. Numerical calculations elucidate the properties of the resulting matrix, while calculations of the Radar Cross Section (RCS) show good results when approximating these small elements by zero. The motivations for the choices of the functions considered are explained in detail, since even more effective choices of functions may remain to be discovered. This method reduces the storage requirements from Order N2 to Order N for an N unknown problem, and also cor.
Nonlinear Least Squares for Inverse Problems: Theoretical Foundations and Step-by-Step Guide for Applications

Nonlinear Least Squares. - Nonlinear Inverse Problems: Examples and Difficulties. - Computing Derivatives. - Choosing a Parameterization. - Output Least Squares Identifiability and Quadratically Wellposed NLS Problems. - Regularization of Nonlinear Least Squares Problems. - A generalization of convex sets. - Quasi-Convex Sets. - Strictly Quasi-Convex Sets. - Deflection Conditions for the Strict Quasi-convexity of Sets.
R EGULATORY C OMPETITION AND M ULTI N ATIONAL B ANKING

This paper focuses on the consequences of cross-border banking and entry of multi-national banks (MNBs) for banking supervision and regulation. When a MNB expands internationally with subsidiaries, the MNB operates under the legislation of several countries - both the home country and the host countries. Although these countries have agreed upon minimum standards and supervisory principles, such as in the EU directives or the Basle Accords, substantial degrees of freedom are still left to the national regulators. An important issue is whether the decentralized approach to regulation of MNBs creates inefficiencies and financial instability. We show that lack of international coordination of regulation towards MNB-subsidiaries works to lower capital adequacy requirements. In equilibrium, however, regulators respond by increasing the incentives to improve asset quality, making the probability of banking failure insensitive to the decentralized nature of banking regulation. Ownership of the MNB is shown to be of importance for the outcome of regulatory competition. Finally, considering branch-organized MNBs, we derive comparative results with respect to regulatory policy and MNBs‘ preferred form of representation.
Qualitative Study on the Marital Needs of Couples with a Spouse Living with Schizophrenia in India

-Objectives: To assess the marital needs of couples with a spouse living with Schizophrenia (SLWS) in India Methods: Seven spouses and four persons living with Schizophrenia (N=11) participated in in-depth interviews where the marital needs were discussed. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and eleven marital needs were emerged. Results: The needs that emerged were: Poor knowledge about schizophrenia, Partner violence towards wives, Emotional disturbances, Inadequate role functioning, Burdened spouses, Impact on children, Sexual problems, Poor social life, Legal complications, Stigma from spouses, Poor communication. Conclusion: The marital needs were important in the context of schizophrenia.
Effects of Supply Chain Management Practices On The Performance Of Banks In Kenya: A Case Of Postbank

The paper examines the adoption of the Supply Chain Management practices on the performance of Banks in Kenya. This research conceptualizes and develops four dimensions of SCM practice (outsourcing of goods & services, information & communication technology, strategic supplier partnership, and globalization) and tests the relationships between SCM practices, and organizational performance. The study employed descriptive design. Data for the study was collected using a self-administered questionnaire procedure, where the questionnaires were administered to the selected respondents through drop and pick later technique. A sample size of 33 respondents was drawn from the sample frame using simple stratified random sampling technique to promote the needs for efficiency and representativeness from various branches and outlets of Postbank as an organization in Nairobi County and the relationships proposed in the framework was tested using Chi-square, T-test among other statistical tools. Data was analyzed by aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study will be useful in the academic circles as it will contribute immensely towards filling the gaps in knowledge in the area of service industry. The study found that outsourcing was important to the banks only when the appropriate methods are employed. It also found that ICT had a major role in determining the performance of banks as it dictated the mode of transaction and data they displayed to clients. Strategic partnership was also important based on what it intended to achieve in enhancing the performance of banks. Lastly, globalization is equally vital as it increases competition and exposes local banks to global scene to experience how performance of banks can be improved. The study recommends that correct ICT methods should be applied to promote the competitiveness of banks and improve performance. Also it recommends that outsourcing be done only if they promote the objectives and goals of the banking institute.
Eﬃcacy and Safety of Generic Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir Fixed-Dose Combination in Iranian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Background: HepatitisCvirus(HCV),asaglobalhealthconcern,hasinfectedaround1.6% of theworldpopulation. Introductionof direct-acting antiviral regimens such as sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) made the treatment of HCV infection superior to previous HCV antiviral therapies in terms of eﬃcacy and feasibility. The current study aimed at assessing the eﬃcacy and safety of generic SOF/LDV in the Iranian patients with HCV infection. Methods: Thecurrentprospective,cohortstudywasconductedonpatientswithHCVinfectionreferredtoMiddleEastLiverDiseases Center in 2016. Patients without cirrhosis were treated with daily ﬁxed-dose combination of SOF/LDV (Sobopasvir) for 12 weeks. In cases with compensated cirrhosis, patients were treated with SOF/LDV plus daily weight adjusted ribavirin (RBV) for 12 weeks. If the patient with cirrhosis was RBV-intolerant, he/she was treated with daily ﬁxed-dose combination of SOF/LDV for 24 weeks. Results: Inthecurrentstudy,30patientswiththemeanageof52.9yearswereenrolledandtreatedwithSOF/LDV.Mostofthepatients weremale(73.3%),hadcirrhosis(53.3%),infectedwithHCV-1a(46.7%),andhadprevioushistoryof HCVantiviraltherapy(62.1%). Allthe patients completed the course of treatment. Rapid virologic and sustained virologic responses were observed in 29 (96.7%, 95%CI = 83.3% -99.4%)andalso29(96.7%,95%CI=83.3% -99.4%)cases,respectively. Theonlycaseof treatmentfailurewasarelapse. Noserious adverse-event was observed during the treatment course. Conclusions: The generic SOF/LDV was eﬃcacious and safe to treat Iranian patients with chronic HCV infection.