Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uterotonics in elective caesarean delivery: a randomised non‐inferiority study comparing carbetocin 20 μg and 100 μg

Postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and prophylactic uterotonic drug administration after the delivery of the infant is advised. Carbetocin is recommended as an uterotonic, but the minimum effective dose has not been verified. We compared the efficacy of two doses of intravenous carbetocin (20 μg and 100 μg) in women undergoing elective caesarean delivery. This was a randomised, double‐blind, non‐inferiority study in women at low risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Carbetocin was administered on delivery of the anterior shoulder of the neonate. Uterine tone was assessed by the obstetrician 2 min and 5 min after carbetocin administration according to an 11‐point numerical rating scale (0 = atonic uterus and 10 = firm uterus). The primary outcome was uterine tone 2 min after carbetocin administration. The pre‐specified non‐inferiority margin was 1 point on the 11‐point scale. Secondary outcomes included: uterine tone at 5 min; use of additional uterotonics within 24 h; blood loss; and adverse effects. Data were available for 53 women in the carbetocin‐20 group and for 55 women in the carbetocin‐100 group. The mean (SD) uterine tone at 2 min was 7.5 (1.9) in the carbetocin‐20 group and 8.0 (1.5) in the carbetocin‐100 group. The lower limit of the one‐sided 95%CI for the mean difference was outside the non‐inferiority margin (at −1.1; p = 0.11) meaning non‐inferiority of carbetocin 20 μg compared with carbetocin 100 μg could not be confirmed. However, the secondary outcome measures of uterine tone at 5 min, blood loss and use of additional uterotonics were similar in both groups.
The effect of karanja oil methyl ester on Kirloskar HA394DI diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions

Biofuels are being investigated as potential substitutes for current high pollutant fuels obtained from the conventional sources. The primary problem associated with using straight vegetable oil as fuel in a compression ignition engine is caused by viscosity. The process of transesterifiction of vegetable oil with methyl alcohol provides a significant reduction in viscosity, thereby enhancing the physical properties of vegetable oil. The Kirloskar HA394 compression ignition, multi cylinder diesel engine does not require any modification to replace diesel by karanja methyl ester. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or can be blended with diesel to form different blends. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the potential of karanja oil methyl ester and its blend with diesel from 20% to 80% by volume. Engine performance and exhaust emissions were investigated and compared with the ordinary diesel fuel in a diesel engine. The experimental results show that the engine power of the mixture is closed to the values obtained from diesel fuel and the amounts of exhaust emissions are lower than those of diesel fuel. Hence, it is seen that the blend of karanja ester and diesel fuel can be used as an alternative successfully in a diesel engine without any modification and in terms of emission parameters; it is an environmental friendly fuel.
Report of a National Cancer Institute special panel: Characterization of the physical parameters of particle beams for biological research

PURPOSE To define the physical parameters needed to characterize a particle beam in order to allow intercomparison of different experiments performed using different ions at the same facility and using the same ion at different facilities. METHODS At the request of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a special panel was convened to review the current status of the field and to provide suggested metrics for reporting the physical parameters of particle beams to be used for biological research. A set of physical parameters and measurements that should be performed by facilities and understood and reported by researchers supported by NCI to perform pre-clinical radiobiology and medical physics of heavy ions were generated. RESULTS Standard measures such as radiation delivery technique, beam modifiers used, nominal energy, field size, physical dose and dose rate should all be reported. However, more advanced physical measurements, including detailed characterization of beam quality by microdosimetric spectrum and fragmentation spectra, should also be established and reported. Details regarding how such data should be incorporated into Monte Carlo simulations and the proper reporting of simulation details are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS In order to allow for a clear relation of physical parameters to biological effects, facilities and researchers should establish and report detailed physical characteristics of the irradiation beams utilized including both standard and advanced measures. Biological researchers are encouraged to actively engage facility staff and physicists in the design and conduct of experiments. Modeling individual experimental setups will allow for the reporting of the uncertainties in the measurement or calculation of physical parameters which should be routinely reported.
A FINITE ELEMENT COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS FOR THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF A CARBOTHERMIC ALUMINIUM REACTOR

The inherent complexity of numerous industrial processes in the metallurgical industry poses formidable technical challenges for modeling, design and simulation: consequently, it is exceptionally difficult not only to optimize the operation of traditional plants without extensive experimentation, but also to model and analyze the feasibility and profitability of various novel designs proposed. Most metallurgical unit operations encompass a wide spectrum of phenomena (convection, diffusion, reaction, external field effects) that often occur simultaneously in multiphase configurations. Accurate modeling of complex distributed chemical processes entails the use of partial differential equation (PDE) descriptions which can now be routinely handled using commercial solvers; an attractive feature of the latter is a potential to handle combinations of diverse physical phenomena that occur in complex processes and yield highly coupled nonlinear PDE mathematical models. Thus, detailed steady state simulations of metallurgical processes can be obtained via advanced interactive software environments. A steady state sensitivity analysis of state variable distributions (namely, potential, absolute temperature and molten slag velocity) with respect to a key design variable (imposed electrode voltage) is performed for a conceptual carbothermic reduction reactor proposed by Johansen et al. (2000) for production of aluminium. Simultaneous solution of charge, heat and momentum balances on a suitably simplified two-dimensional computational domain representing a section of this reactor is used to achieve the goal of this work, which is to study trends important in efficient design. The major conclusion of the present CFD sensitivity study is that the voltage imposed on the horizontal heating electrode pairs affects the interplay between heat conduction and convection, thus the topography and uniformity of the temperature distribution. The electrode voltage has been qualitatively proved to govern the location and size of high-temperature regions in the reactor, thus affecting the advance of the quite endothermic carbothermic reduction reaction as well as the per volume reactor productivity. Therefore, electrode voltage is a crucial reactor design parameter that can also be used very conveniently as a manipulation variable for the efficient operation and control of a carbothermic reactor.
Human RNF113A participates of pre‐mRNA splicing in vitro

Pre‐messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing is an essential step in the control of eukaryotic gene expression. During splicing, the introns are removed from the gene transcripts as the exons are ligated to create mature mRNA sequences. Splicing is performed by the spliceosome, which is a macromolecular complex composed of five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and more than 100 proteins. Except for the core snRNP proteins, most spliceosome proteins are transiently associated and presumably involved with the regulation of spliceosome activity. In this study, we explored the association and participation of the human protein RNF113A in splicing. The addition of excess recombinant RNF113A to in vitro splicing reactions results in splicing inhibition. In whole‐cell lysates, RNF113A co‐immunoprecipitated with U2, U4, and U6 snRNAs, which are components of the tri‐snRNP, and with proteins PRP19 and BRR2. When HeLa cells were CRISPR‐edited to reduce the RNF113A levels, the in vitro splicing efficiency was severely affected. Consistently, the splicing activity was partially restored after the addition of the recombinant GST‐RNF113A. On the basis on these results, we propose a model in which RNF113A associates with the spliceosome by interacting with PRP19, promoting essential rearrangements that lead to splicing.
Organ Pretreatment with Cytotopic Endothelial Localising Peptides To Ameliorate Microvascular Thrombosis & Perfusion Deficits In Ex-vivo Renal Haemo-reperfusion Models.

BACKGROUND Hypothermic machine organ perfusion (HMP) offers opportunity to manipulate grafts with pharmacological agents prior to transplantation. Pretreating organs with novel cytotopic anti-coagulant peptides that localise to endothelial cell membranes could ameliorate microvascular thrombotic sequelae posttransplantation. We describe experiments testing Thrombalexin (TLN), a novel cell binding thrombin-inhibitor, using porcine and unused human kidneys in a series of ex-vivo normothermic haemo-reperfusion models. METHODS 38 porcine kidneys were utilised. Control kidneys underwent pretreatment via HMP with either unmodified perfusion solution (n=15) or solution with Inactive-TLN (absent anticoagulant effect, n=4). Test kidneys were perfused with TLN treated solution (n=19). All kidneys then underwent haemo-reperfusion. Two unused human kidneys underwent a similar protocol. RESULTS HMP pretreatment facilitated delivery and tethering of TLN in the organ microvasculature. Haemo-reperfusion challenge demonstrated improved perfusion in TLN-treated kidneys compared to controls: 26.4% superior flow (30.6 vs.23.1 ml/min/100g,p=0.019) and 28.9% higher perfusion flow indices (0.43 vs.0.32 ml/min/100g/mmHg,p=0.049). Orthogonal polarisation spectral imaging demonstrated superior microvascular capillary perfusion in TLN-treated organs vs. controls (9.1 vs. 2.8pl/s/mm,p=0.021). Rapid-sampling microdialysis for cortical [lactate] as a marker of tissue ischaemia/metabolism detected lower levels in TLN-treated kidneys. Perfusate analysis demonstrated reduced fibrin generation in TLN-treated kidneys correlating with perfusion data. CONCLUSION Our data suggest HMP graft pretreatment with cytotopic anticoagulants is feasible and ameliorates perfusion deficits seen in ex-vivo haemo-reperfusion models. There is potential for further development and application of this translational strategy to deliver locally-active anti-coagulants directly within grafts and decrease microvascular thrombotic sequelae, while avoiding systemic anticoagulation and its associated risks.
Closed-loop cortical control of virtual reach and posture using Cartesian and joint velocity commands

Objective. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are a promising technology for the restoration of function to people with paralysis, especially for controlling coordinated reaching. Typical BCI studies decode Cartesian endpoint velocities as commands, but human arm movements might be better controlled in a joint-based coordinate frame, which may match underlying movement encoding in the motor cortex. A better understanding of BCI controlled reaching by people with paralysis may lead to performance improvements in brain-controlled assistive devices. Approach. Two intracortical BCI participants in the BrainGate2 pilot clinical trial performed a visual 3D endpoint virtual reality reaching task using two decoders: Cartesian and joint velocity. Task performance metrics (i.e. success rate and path efficiency) and single feature and population tuning were compared across the two decoder conditions. The participants also demonstrated the first BCI control of a fourth dimension of reaching, the arm’s swivel angle, in a 4D posture matching task. Main results. Both users achieved significantly higher success rates using Cartesian velocity control, and joint controlled trajectories were more variable and significantly more curved. Neural tuning analyses showed that most single feature activity was best described by a Cartesian kinematic encoding model, and population analyses revealed only slight differences in aggregate activity between the decoder conditions. Simulations of a BCI user reproduced trajectory features seen during closed-loop joint control when assuming only Cartesian-tuned features passed through a joint decoder. With minimal training, both participants controlled the virtual arm’s swivel angle to complete a 4D posture matching task, and achieved significantly higher success using a Cartesian + swivel velocity decoder compared to a joint velocity decoder. Significance. These results suggest that Cartesian velocity command interfaces may provide better BCI control of arm movements than other kinematic variables, even in 4D posture tasks with swivel angle targets.
9. VARIATIONS IN ULTRASONIC VELOCITY AND DENSITY WITH PORE PRESSURE IN THE DÉCOLLEMENT ZONE, NORTHERN BARBADOS RIDGE ACCRETIONARY PRISM 1

In a recent three-dimensional multichannel seismic reflection survey, the decollement zone of the northern Barbados Ridge accretionary prism exhibits both negative and positive-polarity, high-amplitude fault plane reflections. The negative-polarity regions of this reflector have been interpreted as a response to elevated fluid pressure with attendant low velocity and densit y in the fault zone. Here, we use core samples from above, within, and below the decollement at Site 948 on Ocean Drilling Program Leg 156 to evaluate the effect of varying fluid pressure (or effective pressure) conditions on the P-wave velocity and density of the samples. At Site 948, the decollement zone exhibits a positive-polarity fault plane reflection probably caused by a shift to higher density across a lithologic boundary coincident with the decollement zone. The density distribution observed in the borehole and velocities consistent with inferred fluid pressures suggest a positive impedance contrast. The negative-polarity waveform of th e reflector below Site 947 requires a low-impedance zone superimposed on this lithologic boundary. Overpressures above estimates for hydrostatic or ambient conditions at Site 948 cause a velocity decrease of ~100 -200 m/s, and a percent porosity increase of up to ~4%. The minimum acoustic impedance measured for the upper part of the decollement is ~2.83 × 10 6 Mg/m 2 s at near-zero effective pressure. Published synthetic seismic models for examples of the negative-polarity reflections require reflection coefficients that imply much lower impedance in this interval. We conclude that significant hydraulic dilation of th e fault at lithostatic fluid pressure is necessary to generate the observed reflectivity.
Economic crisis impact on Remittances and Migration level in Albania

Remittances of international migrants as the second largest flow of incomes contribute to the well-being of their households of origin and also have an impact at macro-economic level. Out-migration is an effective means for low-income households to quickly overcome shortages of income. The sustenance of poor households might have been more difficult without such remittances. From a macro perspective, remittances contribute to the equalization of the income distribution among households having out-migrants. Remittances have enforced the Albanian economy since 1992 especially they had a positive and large contribution in consumption level, investment and GDP. But the economic crisis of 2008 has affected large sectors of the population in developed and developing nations and international immigrants have not been the exception because there have been an economic downturn. Remittances in Albania represent the second main source of incomes and this study documents the recent slowdown in workers’ remittances, the money that international immigrants send back home. Current data indicates that remittance flows have slowed for all regions of the globe. This paper tries to analyze the impact of the economic crisis on remittances level and also the negative impact of their slowdown in the Albanian economy.
Development of Mobile Health Application for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Cardiovascular diseases are one of major cause of death in the world, as well as in Indonesia. In spite of that fact, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) could be prevented with healthy behavior and lifestyle, such as: regular health check-up, healthy eating and drinking lifestyle, stress management, sleeping management, regular physical activities. In this paper, we develop mobile health application as a tool to record daily behavior and lifestyle. Mobile health is chosen because nowadays mobile devices are the most popular communication used among people. Thus, we believe that mobile Health (mHealth) is a promising tool to promote healthy lifestyle and behavior. The method we used for developing the application is called as Human-centered design (HCD). The application is evaluated iteratively from the first prototype (low-fidelity prototype) to the final prototype (high-fidelity prototype). Based on the feedback using User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) shows that the application has above average scores for all of the components, i.e.: attractiveness, clarity, efficiency, accuracy and dependability, stimulation, and novelty. The best score is for Stimulation (Excellent), while the worst score is accuracy and dependability (above average). This shows that mHealth is a potential tool to stimulate users for having healthy lifestyle, however it still required further validation of use from health experts to ensure the accuracy’s result of the application.
Bayesian Phylogenetic Estimation of Clade Ages Supports Trans‐Atlantic Dispersal of Cichlid Fishes

Abstract Divergence‐time estimation based on molecular phylogenies and the fossil record has provided insights into fundamental questions of evolutionary biology. In Bayesian node dating, phylogenies are commonly time calibrated through the specification of calibration densities on nodes representing clades with known fossil occurrences. Unfortunately, the optimal shape of these calibration densities is usually unknown and they are therefore often chosen arbitrarily, which directly impacts the reliability of the resulting age estimates. As possible solutions to this problem, two nonexclusive alternative approaches have recently been developed, the “fossilized birth‐death” (FBD) model and “total‐evidence dating. ” While these approaches have been shown to perform well under certain conditions, they require including all (or a random subset) of the fossils of each clade in the analysis, rather than just relying on the oldest fossils of clades. In addition, both approaches assume that fossil records of different clades in the phylogeny are all the product of the same underlying fossil sampling rate, even though this rate has been shown to differ strongly between higher level taxa. We here develop a flexible new approach to Bayesian age estimation that combines advantages of node dating and the FBD model. In our new approach, calibration densities are defined on the basis of first fossil occurrences and sampling rate estimates that can be specified separately for all clades. We verify our approach with a large number of simulated data sets, and compare its performance to that of the FBD model. We find that our approach produces reliable age estimates that are robust to model violation, on par with the FBD model. By applying our approach to a large data set including sequence data from over 1000 species of teleost fishes as well as 147 carefully selected fossil constraints, we recover a timeline of teleost diversification that is incompatible with previously assumed vicariant divergences of freshwater fishes. Our results instead provide strong evidence for transoceanic dispersal of cichlids and other groups of teleost fishes.
A novel route to the formation of 3D nanoflower-like hierarchical iron oxide nanostructure

The present work reports the formation of 3D nanoflower-like morphology of iron alkoxide via the anodization of Fe sheet in ethylene glycol (EG) electrolyte. XRD, FESEM, EDX, XPS, Raman and FTIR are applied to characterize the samples. SEM results show that the as-anodized sample is composed of 3D nanoflowers with hierarchical nanosheets beneath it. The average width of the nanoflower petal is ∼25 nm and the length is about 1 μm. The 3D nanoflowers are transformed into spherical nanoparticles (NPs) with uniform size when calcined at elevated temperature. XRD and Raman results indicate that the 3D nanoflowers consist of akaganeite, which transforms into magnetite and hematite by annealing. XPS and FTIR results confirm that the nanoflowers contain significant amounts of F, C and OH, which are drastically decreased after annealing. The formation of 3D nanoflower-like morphology can be attributed to EG. A possible formation mechanism of 3D nanoflowers and their transformation into NPs is proposed. We showed that the morphology of the as-anodized iron oxide can be tailored simply by changing the electrolyte. The anodization of Fe sheet in glycerol-based electrolyte under identical conditions produced nanotubes.