Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rejuvenation of stellar mergers and the origin of magnetic fields in massive stars

Approximately 10% of massive OBA main-sequence (MS) and pre-MS stars harbour strong, large-scale magnetic fields. At the same time there is a dearth of magnetic stars in close binaries. A process generating strong magnetic fields only in some stars must be responsible with the merging of pre-MS and MS stars being suggested as one such channel. Stars emerging from the coalescence of two MS stars are rejuvenated, appearing younger than they are. They can therefore be identified by comparison with reference clocks. Here we predict the rejuvenation of MS merger products over a wide range of masses and binary configurations calibrated to smoothed-particle-hydrodynamical merger models. We find that the rejuvenation is of the order of the nuclear timescale and is strongest in the lowest-mass mergers and the most evolved binary progenitors with the largest mass ratios. These predictions allow us to put constraints on the binary progenitors of merger products. We show that the magnetic stars HR 2949 and $\tau$ Sco are younger than the potential binary companion HR 2948 and the Upper-Sco association, respectively, making them promising merger candidates. We find that the age discrepancies and the potential binary progenitors of both are consistent with them being rejuvenated merger products, implying that their magnetic fields may originate from this channel. Searching for age discrepancies in magnetic stars is therefore a powerful way to explore which fraction of magnetic stars may have obtained their strong magnetic field in MS mergers and to improve our understanding of magnetism in massive stars and their remnants.
Contribution of the ankle-brachial index to improve the prediction of coronary risk: The ARTPER cohort

Background The different cardiovascular risk prediction scales currently available are not sufficiently sensitive. Aim The aim of the present study was to analyze the contribution of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) added to the Framingham and REGICOR risk scales for the reclassification of cardiovascular risk after a 9-year follow up of a Mediterranean population with low cardiovascular risk. Design and setting A population-based prospective cohort study was performed in the province of Barcelona, Spain. Method A total of 3,786 subjects >49 years were recruited from 2006–2008. Baseline ABI was performed and cardiovascular risk was calculated with the Framingham and REGICOR scales. The participants were followed until November 2016 by telephone and review of the clinical history every 6 months to confirm the possible appearance of cardiovascular events. Results 2,716 individuals participated in the study. There were 126 incidental cases of first coronary events (5%) during follow up. The incidence of coronary events in patients with ABI <0.9 was 4-fold greater than that of subjects with a normal ABI (17.2/1,000 persons-year versus 4.8/1,000 persons-year). Improvement in the predictive capacity of REGICOR scale was observed on including ABI in the model, obtaining a net reclassification improvement of 7% (95% confidence interval 0%-13%) for REGICOR+ ABI. Framingham + ABI obtained a NRI of 4% (-2%-11%). Conclusion The results of the present study support the addition of the ABI as a tool to help in the reclassification of cardiovascular risk and to confirm the greater incidence of coronary events in patients with ABI < 0.9.
Estimation of hydraulic properties of aggregated soils using a two-domain approach

Hydraulic properties of aggregated field soils estimated from limited data such as grain size distribution and bulk density show large deviations from experimental results. This paper presents an extension of Campbell's model for the estimation of these properties. This was achieved by considering the geometric mean diameter and the average bulk density of the aggregates. It is assumed that these soils are composed of two domains: the pore volume inside the aggregates and the pore volume between the aggregates (intra-and interaggregate pore spaces). Water was assumed to flow primarily from the two domains in sequence. This approach can be especially useful for mathematical modeling of solute movement during soil water drainage. The model was tested for three soil horizons with varying clay and humus contents. The soil water retention curves and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivities of these horizons were determined experimentally together with the dry bulk density and geometric mean diameter of the aggregates. The model shows acceptable agreement with the experimental data. Restrictions have to be made concerning the applicability of the model in wetting cycles, in frozen soils, and in the presence of transpiring vegetation.
Disruption of Gen1 Causes Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract in Mice

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are among the most common developmental defects in humans. Despite of several known CAKUT-related loci (HNF1B, PAX2, EYA1, etc.), the genetic etiology of CAKUT remains to be elucidated for most patients. In this study, we report that disruption of the Holliday Junction resolvase gene Gen1 leads to renal agenesis, duplex kidney, hydronephrosis, and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in mice. GEN1 interacts with SIX1 and enhances the transcriptional activity of SIX1/EYA1, a key regulatory complex of the GDNF morphogen. Gen1 mutation impairs Grem1 and Gdnf expression, resulting in excessive ureteric bud formation and defective ureteric bud branching during early kidney development. These results revealed an unidentified role of GEN1 in kidney development and suggested its contribution to CAKUT.
In Vivo Imaging of Corneal Conditions using Optical Coherence Tomography

Purposes: To use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image and quantify the effect of various corneal conditions, in terms of corneal, stromal and epithelial thickness, and light backscatter. To assess the changes caused by overnight orthokeratology (Corneal Refractive Therapy; CRT) lens wear, keratoconus and laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) refractive surgery, each of which may lead to topographical alterations in corneal thickness either by temporary moulding, degeneration, or permanent laser ablation, respectively. Methods: Topographical thickness of the cornea was measured using OCT in all studies. The CRT studies investigated myopic and hyperopic treatment, throughout the day. The myopic studies followed lens wear over a 4 week period, which was extended to 12 months, and investigated the thickness changes produced by two lenses of different oxygen transmissibility. CRT for hyperopia (CRTH) was evaluated after a single night of lens wear. In the investigation of keratoconus, OCT corneal thickness values were compared to those obtained from Orbscan II (ORB) and ultrasound pachymetry (UP). A new fixation device was constructed to aid in the measurement of topographical corneal and epithelial thickness along 8 directions of gaze. Pachymetry maps were produced for the normal non-lens wearing cornea, and compared with the rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens wearing cornea and the keratoconic cornea.
Association of incident restless legs syndrome with outcomes in a large cohort of US veterans

Restless legs syndrome is a common sleep disorder, but there is a paucity of large cohort studies examining the association of restless legs syndrome with clinical outcomes, including all‐cause mortality, incident coronary heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease. From a nationally representative prospective cohort of over 3 million US veterans [93% male, median follow‐up time of 8.1 years (interquartile range: 7.0–8.5 years)] with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL min−1 1.73 m−2, a propensity‐matched cohort of 7392 patients was created, and the association between incident restless legs syndrome and the following was examined: (1) all‐cause mortality; (2) incident coronary heart disease; (3) incident strokes; and (4) incident chronic kidney disease defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL min−1 1.73 m−2. Associations were examined using Cox models. The mean ± SD age of the propensity‐matched cohort at baseline was 59 ± 12 years; 89 and 8% of patients were white and black, respectively; 31% of the patients were diabetic; and the mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was 83.9 ± 15.1 mL min−1 1.73 m−2. Propensity matching resulted in a balanced cohort, with the disappearance in baseline differences in comorbidities. Compared with restless legs syndrome‐negative patients, incident restless legs syndrome was associated with 88% higher mortality risk [hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.88 (1.70–2.08)], and almost four times higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke [hazard ratio: 3.97 (3.26–4.84) and 3.89 (3.07–4.94), respectively]. The risk of incident chronic kidney disease was also significantly higher in incident restless legs syndrome patients [hazard ratio: 3.17 (2.74–3.66)] compared with restless legs syndrome‐negative counterparts. In this large and contemporary cohort of US veterans, incident restless legs syndrome was associated with higher risk of mortality, incident coronary heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease.
Development and application of a multimodality inverse treatment planning system (in English)

The introduction of intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) opened new possibilities for the treatment planning process. Most of the existing treatment planning (TP) tools for IMRT are limited to photontreatments. To achieve a very high computational speed, simplified dose calculation algorithms are often used. Furthermore, approximations are made in the calculation of the fluence matrix. In this thesis an IMRT planning tool is developed that can be used with any available radiation modality and makes use of improved dose calculation algorithms. For the dose calculation engine, a method was implemented in which the dose deposited in every voxel by all beams is precalculated and, for later use, stored in a dose matrix. This enables the use of advanced dose calculation algorithms and the simultaneous optimization of different radiation modalities. The new TP system was applied to clinical patient data for proton and photonIMRT plans. For the delivery of the protonIMRT plans, two promising delivery techniques, “distal edge tracking” (DET) and a fully three-dimensional (3D) technique, were compared with each other. By using the DET technique dose distributions as good as for the 3D technique were achieved but the optimization time and the expected delivery time were reduced by a factor 10. No significant differences in the effect of organ motion and particle range uncertainties were observed for the techniques. The effect of the number of beams on the protonIMRTdose distribution was also studied. It was found that even with only five evenly spaced beams the DET dose distribution is significantly better than the photon distribution, and almost indistinguishable from the seven-beam DET plan.
Low expression of equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 is associated with poor prognosis in chemotherapy‐naïve pT2 gallbladder adenocarcinoma patients

Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) is the major transporter of the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine, the current therapy for advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC). ENT1 expression has been proposed as a predictive marker for gemcitabine‐treated pancreatic cancer patients. The aim of study was to explore the value of ENT1 measurement in chemotherapy‐naïve patients with advanced GBC.
Glomerular Endothelial Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is Essential and Characteristic of Diabetic Kidney Disease Susceptibility

The molecular signaling mechanisms between glomerular cell types during initiation/progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain poorly understood. We compared the early transcriptome profile between DKD-resistant C57BL/6J and DKD-susceptible DBA/2J (D2) glomeruli and demonstrated a significant downregulation of essential mitochondrial genes in glomeruli from diabetic D2 mice, but not in C57BL/6J, with comparable hyperglycemia. Diabetic D2 mice manifested increased mitochondrial DNA lesions (8-oxoguanine) exclusively localized to glomerular endothelial cells after 3 weeks of diabetes, and these accumulated over time in addition to increased urine secretion of 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine. Detailed assessment of glomerular capillaries from diabetic D2 mice demonstrated early signs of endothelial injury and loss of fenestrae. Glomerular endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with increased glomerular endothelin-1 receptor type A (Ednra) expression and increased circulating endothelin-1 (Edn1). Selective Ednra blockade or mitochondrial-targeted reactive oxygen species scavenging prevented mitochondrial oxidative stress of endothelial cells and ameliorated diabetes-induced endothelial injury, podocyte loss, albuminuria, and glomerulosclerosis. In human DKD, increased urine 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine was associated with rapid DKD progression, and biopsies from patients with DKD showed increased mitochondrial DNA damage associated with glomerular endothelial EDNRA expression. Our studies show that DKD susceptibility was linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, mediated largely by Edn1–Ednra in glomerular endothelial cells representing an early event in DKD progression, and suggest that cross talk between glomerular endothelial injury and podocytes leads to defects and depletion, albuminuria, and glomerulosclerosis.
Modelling the drying behaviour of wet granules in the context of fully continuous pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing

This chapter focuses on the drying behaviour of a single wet granule before tableting, using a six-segmented uidized bed drying system. The drying model is based on a model described by Mezhericher et al. [2007] and consists of two submodels. In the rst drying phase (submodel 1) the surface water evaporates, while in the second drying phase (submodel 2) the water inside the granule evaporates. The second submodel contains an empirical power coefcient, β. A Local Sensitivity Analysis (LSA) was performed to study the in uence of model parameters on the moisture content of single pharmaceutical granules, which clearly points towards the importance of β on the drying behaviour. Experimental data with the six-segmented uidized bed dryer were collected to calibrate β. A dependency between β and the gas temperature was found, and three candidate model structures were analysed by using di erent model selection criteria (linear, quadratic and exponential). Model selection is an important step in any model development. When computing di erent model selection criteria, di erent conclusions could be drawn with regard to
A Force-Sensing System on Legs for Biomimetic Hexapod Robots Interacting with Unstructured Terrain

The tiger beetle can maintain its stability by controlling the interaction force between its legs and an unstructured terrain while it runs. The biomimetic hexapod robot mimics a tiger beetle, and a comprehensive force sensing system combined with certain algorithms can provide force information that can help the robot understand the unstructured terrain that it interacts with. This study introduces a complicated leg force sensing system for a hexapod robot that is the same for all six legs. First, the layout and configuration of sensing system are designed according to the structure and sizes of legs. Second, the joint toque sensors, 3-DOF foot-end force sensor and force information processing module are designed, and the force sensor performance parameters are tested by simulations and experiments. Moreover, a force sensing system is implemented within the robot control architecture. Finally, the experimental evaluation of the leg force sensor system on the hexapod robot is discussed and the performance of the leg force sensor system is verified.
αEβ7 Integrin Identifies Subsets of Pro-Inflammatory Colonic CD4+ T Lymphocytes in Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract Background and Aims: The αEβ7 integrin is crucial for retention of T lymphocytes at mucosal surfaces through its interaction with E-cadherin. Pathogenic or protective functions of these cells during human intestinal inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis [UC], have not previously been defined, with understanding largely derived from animal model data. Defining this phenotype in human samples is important for understanding UC pathogenesis and is of translational importance for therapeutic targeting of αEβ7–E-cadherin interactions. Methods: αEβ7+ and αEβ7− colonic T cell localization, inflammatory cytokine production and expression of regulatory T cell-associated markers were evaluated in cohorts of control subjects and patients with active UC by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and real-time PCR of FACS-purified cell populations. Results: CD4+αEβ7+ T lymphocytes from both healthy controls and UC patients had lower expression of regulatory T cell-associated genes, including FOXP3, IL-10, CTLA-4 and ICOS in comparison with CD4+αEβ7− T lymphocytes. In UC, CD4+αEβ7+ lymphocytes expressed higher levels of IFNγ and TNFα in comparison with CD4+αEβ7− lymphocytes. Additionally the CD4+αEβ7+ subset was enriched for Th17 cells and the recently described Th17/Th1 subset co-expressing both IL-17A and IFNγ, both of which were found at higher frequencies in UC compared to control. Conclusion: αEβ7 integrin expression on human colonic CD4+ T cells was associated with increased production of pro-inflammatory Th1, Th17 and Th17/Th1 cytokines, with reduced expression of regulatory T cell-associated markers. These data suggest colonic CD4+αEβ7+ T cells are pro-inflammatory and may play a role in UC pathobiology.
Object Use in Children with Autism: Building with Blocks from a Piagetian Perspective

Aim: This study focused on the manipulation of objects by children with suspected autism spectrum disorder. The aim was to demonstrate how objects can be seen as active agents of interpersonal exchange in face-to-face interactions. Participants: Three children with suspected autism spectrum disorder (aged 18, 20, and 24 months) were selected as representative of the sensorimotor stage of development. Methods: Starting from Piaget’s classical approach to the sensorimotor and symbolic developmental stages, the study moved towarda socio-material interpretation in which some patterns of interaction involving object manipulation seem to create a space that supports adult-child communication. In videotaped observations of verbal and non-verbal signs during an (organized) free play session, each child manipulated seven small blocks of colored plastic in the presence of an adult. The observations were informed by a checklist of 14 items, including eye contact and building a tower of toy blocks (from section B of the CHAT (CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers) instrument. Results: Based on a broad Piagetian perspective and recent work in the field of socio-materiality, key observations included the following: 1) sensorimotor and realistic play was observed in all three children; 2) there were some intriguing indications that objects serve as concrete mediators in the intersubjective space between adult and child; 3) some of the children’s attention patterns were visibly mediated by the object. Discussion and conclusions: All three children exhibited a particular sequence of actions. First, they manipulated the blocks through active experimentation; second, there was an apparent pause, during which the children were in fact examining the blocks to determine how best to continue the interaction; and finally, the children monitored adult attention by means of eye contact or by restarting manipulation of the blocks. As this last step in the sequence indicated that the object became a mediator of reciprocal attention, this interpersonal process was labeled “attention mediated by object. ”
Probiotic Lactobacillus sp. inhibit growth, biofilm formation and gene expression of caries‐inducing Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans contributes significantly to dental caries, which arises from homoeostasic imbalance between host and microbiota. We hypothesized that Lactobacillus sp. inhibits growth, biofilm formation and gene expression of Streptococcus mutans. Antibacterial (agar diffusion method) and antibiofilm (crystal violet assay) characteristics of probiotic Lactobacillus sp. against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) were evaluated. We investigated whether Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 393), Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC 23272), Lactobacillus plantarum (ATCC 14917) or Lactobacillus salivarius (ATCC 11741) inhibit expression of Streptococcus mutans genes involved in biofilm formation, quorum sensing or stress survival using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Growth changes (OD600) in the presence of pH‐neutralized, catalase‐treated or trypsin‐treated Lactobacillus sp. supernatants were assessed to identify roles of organic acids, peroxides and bacteriocin. Susceptibility testing indicated antibacterial (pH‐dependent) and antibiofilm activities of Lactobacillus sp. against Streptococcus mutans. Scanning electron microscopy revealed reduction in microcolony formation and exopolysaccharide structural changes. Of the oral normal flora, L. salivarius exhibited the highest antibiofilm and peroxide‐dependent antimicrobial activities. All biofilm‐forming cells treated with Lactobacillus sp. supernatants showed reduced expression of genes involved in exopolysaccharide production, acid tolerance and quorum sensing. Thus, Lactobacillus sp. can inhibit tooth decay by limiting growth and virulence properties of Streptococcus mutans.
Release Kinetic Study of Controlled-Release Methotrexate Beads by Mathematical Modeling

This paper presents the development and application of an in-vitro drug release mathematical model useful in predicting the in vivo bioavailability of the drug, methotrexate. The model is based on a novel dosage form designed to deliver a drug into the gastrointestinal tract in a controlled manner. Chitosan beads containing methotrexate were prepared using ionotropic gelation technique by dropping methotrexate containing solution of positively charged, chitosan, into Tripolyphosphate solution which forms gelled spheres by Ionotropic Gelation. Beads were characterized by particle size (710 µm to 1000 µm), practical yield (80.66 ± 0.22 - 86.66 ± 0.77 %), drug content (58.56 ± 0.52 - 65.12 ± 0.87 %), and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and in-vitro release by USP paddle apparatus. Model equations with R2 = 0.9728 and F = 23.8381, intended to elucidate the drug release mechanism, were fitted to the release data. Mathematical modeling of in vitro dissolution data indicated the best-fit release kinetics was achieved with First Order Release Kinetics with t50 of 4.83 h and t70 of 6.0 h which evidenced that the formulations are useful for a controlled release of methotrexate.
The Virtual and the Real

Abstract I argue that virtual reality is a sort of genuine reality. In particular, I argue for virtual digitalism, on which virtual objects are real digital objects, and against virtual fictionalism, on which virtual objects are fictional objects. I also argue that perception in virtual reality need not be illusory, and that life in virtual worlds can have roughly the same sort of value as life in non-virtual worlds.
Bootstrapped low-voltage analog switches

Novel low-voltage constant-impedance analog switch circuits are proposed. The switch element is a single MOSFET, and constant-impedance operation is obtained using simple circuits to adjust the gate and bulk voltages relative to the switched signal. Low-voltage (1-volt) operation is made feasible by employing a feedback loop. The gate oxide will not be subject to voltages exceeding the supply voltage difference. Realistic switches have been simulated with HSPICE. The simulations show that the switch circuits operate very well, even when the supply voltage approaches the technology's threshold voltage.