Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ion generation and loading of a Penning trap using pulsed laser ablation

We investigated the production of aluminum and beryllium ions via pulsed laser ablation using 355 nm wavelength and 5 ns long laser pulses. The ablation threshold of Al+ and Be+ was measured to be 0.9 ± 0.1 (stat.) ± 0.3 (syst.) J cm−2 and 1.4 ± 0.1 (stat.) ± 0.4 (syst.) J cm−2 respectively. By employing electrostatic retarding potentials, the kinetic energy profile of the ablated ions was characterized as a function of laser fluence. Around the ablation threshold, we reliably produced between 108 and 1010 ions, approximately 5% of which were dynamically trapped in a Penning–Malmberg trap.
Investigating the Role of PHIP1 in Breast Cancer

PHIP1 is a novel downstream transcriptional co-regulator of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGFIR), a tyrosine kinase receptor that is often elevated and autophosphorylated in breast cancer. In this study, I show that PHIP1 is upregulated in MCF10A cells stably overexpressing IGF-IR signaling components and that knock-down of PHIP1 significantly inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by inducing transcriptional upregulation of p21 and downregulation of cyclin D2. I also show that stable overexpression of PHIP1 in MCF10A cells can lead to its proteasomal degradation. Together, our data indicate that PHIP1 is implicated in breast cancer cell growth and suggest a number of avenues that await
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Angelica dahurica (Apiaceae) as an herb in China

Abstract Angelica dahurica is an upright perennial herb that is becoming more and more fashionable in the garden in the world. The complete chloroplast genome of A. dahurica was annotated and studied in this paper. It was a circular molecular genome with a size of 146,918 bp in length, which was composed of four distinct regions such as a large single-copy region of 93,605 bp, a small single-copy region of 17,669 bp and a pair of IR regions of 17,822 bp. We annotated and found comprised 129 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 36 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and eight ribosome RNA genes (rRNAs). The overall nucleotide composition is A of 30.8%, T of 31.7%, C of 19.1% and G of 18.4%, with a total A + T content of the chloroplast genome 62.5% and G + C of 37.5%. Phylogenetic analysis with the reported chloroplast genomes revealed that A. dahurica is most closely related to Angelica gigas in the phylogenetic relationships.
The effect of patient and tumour genetics on survival from melanoma

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system based on tumour histopathological characteristics (Breslow thickness, ulceration and mitotic rate) is used in clinical practice to assess melanoma patients’ prognosis. Although a reasonable predictor of deaths from melanoma (area under the curve 0.68), AJCC staging does not always provide an accurate assessment of individual risk. Recent studies have shown that gene expression levels within the tumour are associated with survival from melanoma, and there is also preliminary evidence that a patient’s genotype may influence survival. Combining clinical data with gene expression data may improve prediction, but so far no study has analysed the combined effects of the three different types of factor on melanoma-specific survival (MSS). This study used patient and tumour characteristics, whole-genome gene expression levels, and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data to identify predictors of MSS in a training set of ~2000 patients from the Leeds Melanoma Cohort (LMC). The selected clinical and genomic predictors were combined to build melanoma prognostic models in a test set of 190 patients from LMC, using several approaches. In addition, heritability of survival from melanoma and of Breslow thickness (the most important predictor of MSS) was estimated using genome-wide SNP data. In the training set, five established clinical predictors (age, sex, tumour site, Breslow thickness and presence of ulceration) were associated with MSS; in addition penalized Cox regression identified 16 gene expression levels and 13 SNPs predictive of MSS. In the test set, the selected genomic predictors did not substantially improve on the predictive performance of the clinical factors. The 16 gene expression levels were also predictive, but were highly correlated with the clinical predictors, especially Breslow thickness, suggesting gene expression influences MSS through clinical predictors. The heritability analyses in this study provided some evidence that germline SNPs influence Breslow thickness.
Seroprevalence of Kala-azar in El Hawata district, Eastern Sudan

A study on Seroprevalence of Kala-azar was conducted in El Hawata District, Eastern Sudan. A group of 399 individuals were participating in the study. They were interviewed using a questionnaire, and then a sample of blood was taken from each. These samples were centrifuged to separate sera for performing Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) to detect anti leishmania bodies in the serum specimen. The study revealed that, Seroprevalence of Kala-azar at a cut off ≥ reciprocal titre of 3200 was found to be 17.2%. In the study findings, c was high in males (9.4%) compared to 7.7% in females (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.2402, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) from 0.5983 to 2.5709). It was found that the highest seroprevalence (11.7%) was seen in age group 31 – 40 years followed by 21 – 30 years (7.3%) with a statistical significance (X2 =7.778, P value = 0.0508). As a conclusion, Kala-azar seroprevalence was high and the area still suffering from the disease.
Reading and Oral Vocabulary Development in Early Adolescence

ABSTRACT International assessments show that 20% of adolescents cannot read simple texts with understanding. Despite this, research has focused on early reading in childhood and skilled reading in adulthood, neglecting reading development during adolescence. We report a longitudinal study assessing reading and vocabulary development at 12, 13 and 14 years in a sample of 210 adolescents who were unselected for ability. Word reading accuracy, word reading fluency, reading comprehension, receptive vocabulary and expressive vocabulary were assessed using standardized assessments. Latent variable models showed consistent rank order amongst individuals (high stability), significant progress over time, and evidence that achievement gaps between the least and most able adolescents were narrowing. Oral vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension were best conceptualized as indices of a common language construct. Low levels of reading proficiency were also observed in a substantial proportion of this sample, underlining the importance of providing ongoing reading and language support during adolescence.
Polymorphisms of Low Penetrance Genes as Genetic Markers of Risk of Familial Breast Cancer among Colombian Wom

El cancer de mama es la neoplasia femenina mas frecuente a nivel mundial. Se estima que la mayoria de casos son esporadicos, pero entre el 10-15% de ellos tienen historia familiar positiva de la enfermedad. Esta predisposicion familiar se ha asociado con mutaciones en genes involucrados en el sistema de deteccion y reparacion de danos en el ADN; tales como los genes BRCA 1 y 2, las cuales se encuentran presentes en el 25% de los casos y en el 75% restante se propone la accion de alteraciones en genes de baja penetrancia. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de dos polimorfismos (T241M y G135C) en los genes de baja penetrancia XRCC3 y RAD51, respectivamente, y su asociacion con el riesgo de desarrollar cancer de mama familiar entre mujeres colombianas. Metodologia: Se realizo un estudio observacional de casos y controles, durante 1 ano (Febrero 2011 - Febrero 2012), con 53 mujeres diagnosticadas con cancer de mama e historia familiar positiva para esta neoplasia, y 123 controles sanas y sin historia personal o familiar de la enfermedad. La determinacion de la presencia de los polimorfismos XRCC3 T241M y RAD51 G135C se realizo mediante la tecnica PCR-RFLPs. Para el analisis estadistico se realizo el test de equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg empleando el software GENEALEX 6.2 y la prueba exacta de diferenciacion de Raymond & Rousset utilizando el software ARLEQUIN 3.1, con el fin de establecer la existencia o no de diferencias significativas para la presencia de los polimorfismos. Principales resultados: Portar la variante T241M-XRCC3, se asocio con un riesgo de 1.7 veces de desarrollar esta patologia. La variante G135C del gen RAD51 no mostro diferencias significativas entre casos y controles. Conclusion: Estos resultados sugieren la determinacion del polimorfismo T241M-XRCC3 como tecnica de tamizacion para la deteccion de mujeres con alto riesgo de desarrollar cancer de mama de tipo familiar.
To study the serum C-reactive protein level and its correlation with prognostic variables in stable COPD patients

Introduction: C-reactive protein is a stable and excellent biomarker of systemic inflammation which is easy to measure. COPD is an inflammatory disorder of lung with widespread Systemic manifestations and associated Systemic inflammatory response. C-reactive protein levels are increased in COPD patients. Present study investigated C-reactive protein level in stable COPD patients and its relation with clinically important outcome variable, exercise capacity. Method: Study included 56 stable COPD patients with mild to moderate severity in age group 40-70 years and 56 nonsmoking controls in the same age group. Clinical and physiological characteristics were determined and C-reactive protein levels were measured. Result: This study confirms the finding of higher C-reactive protein levels in smoker COPD patients (4.9 vs 4.0 mg-L-1) as compared to nonsmoker COPD patients. It also confirms that level of C-reactive protein in ex-smoker COPD population remains significantly higher than nonsmoker control group (4.9±0.5 vs 3.1mg/l). Conclusion: C-reactive protein level was strongly associated and correlated with 6 minute walk distance, FEV1 and GOLD stages, so C-reactive protein level can indirectly reflect prognosis of COPD patient and his exercise capacity. We recommend that measurement of C-reactive protein levels may be a useful tool to predict the prognosis and patient outcome in COPD patients. It also provides strong argument to develop therapies aimed at decreasing inflammation independent of smoking cessation.
ACC/AHA Release Updated Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce ASCVD Risk

The Blood Cholesterol Expert Panel from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) issued an updated evidence-based guideline in 2013 that addresses the use of fixed doses of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) to reduce the risk of ASCVD in adults 21 years and older.
Parent's perceptions about their chil's illness in pediatric cancer: links with caregiving burden and quality of life

This study examined the direct and indirect links, via the caregiving burden, between parents’ perceptions about the severity of their child’s illness and its interference in his or her life and the parents’ quality of life (QoL). The participants were 277 parents of children with malignant cancer, divided into two clinical groups according to treatment status: 126 parents of children on-treatment and 151 parents of children off-treatment. Selfreported questionnaires assessed parents’ perceptions of illness severity and interference in the child’s life, caregiving burden and QoL. Pediatric oncologists provided information about diagnosis, treatment status and intensity. Parents of children on-treatment reported more negative perceptions about the illness (severity and interference), higher levels of caregiving burden and worse QoL, when compared to parents of children off-treatment. Furthermore, parents’ perceptions about their child’s illness (severity and interference) were negatively linked to parents’ QoL through caregiving burden. Additionally, the link between caregiving burden and parents’ QoL was moderated by child treatment status, with stronger associations found for parents of children on-treatment. This study’s findings are discussed in terms of their relevant implications for intervention with families in the pediatric cancer context.
Impatti economici dell’interruzione del servizio irriguo consortile nell’area della Capitanata (Puglia). Stima empirica per il pomodoro da industria nel periodo 2001-2016

In this research an empirical evaluation of the economic impacts on tomato production due to the reduced water availability for irrigation is proposed. A 16-years’ time series is considered (2001-2016) with regard to the Tavoliere delle Puglie agricultural district. Drought events occurred in the period of interest have caused economic impacts in terms of gross product and irrigation costs, with losses reaching 30% compared to years with regular water availability. These preliminary results calls for a wider drought management plan in which also economic instruments are included with the aim of minimizing economic impacts of irrigation water shortage.
Introducing DyoRep: A database of perpetrator–victim dyads within repressive spells

Abstract Most investigations of state repression presume a unitary state actor, but this assumption might not always be reasonable and, indeed, it might be hindering our ability to understand what is taking place as well as why. For example, it may be that certain perpetrators are engaged in more activities than others or that specific ones engage in the most violent activities. It may be that certain government actors are influenced by some factors whereas other actors are only influenced by others. Finally, it might be the case that certain victims are more likely treated violently than others. To date, paramilitaries have received some attention, but other actors—such as the police, the military, intelligence agents, and immigration and prison officials—have escaped examination beyond a single form of repression: torture. In an effort to better understand the variation that exists within state repressive activity (i.e., Political Terror Scale values of 3 and above), DyoRep uses State Department and Amnesty International reports to identify more precisely who does what to whom and why. These data are conceived at the temporal unit of the year yielding approximately 9000+ spell-year observations (thus far—several thousand more are currently being coded). This article introduces the database, provides various descriptives regarding who engages in what activity, and explores questions that emerge from these data that suggest that we know little about state repression but that the future of such research is a bit brighter.
Surgical Indications and Techniques to Treat the Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory process, of the pancreatic gland and leads to damage and decrease in glandular tissue. Clinically, the pain is the most outstanding and incapacitating sign (95% of patients), as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The two main objectives in CP treatment are pain relief and complication management. Pain is the main surgical treatment indication. Patients with pancreatic duct dilation require surgical drainage, which provides an important pain relief (70–80%). Decompression (drainage), resection and neuroablation are the most commonly used surgical treatment options of CP. Derivative surgical procedures as Puestow-Gillesby or its modification, Partington-Rochelle, are the best options if the Wirsung duct is dilated, and Izbiki procedure if it is not. Resection is the choice when there is an important affectation of the head of pancreas with repercussion in bile duct or duodenum, as well as those patients with suspicion of carcinoma or in those ones who cannot be ruled a malignant tumour. The resection surgical procedures are Whipple, Traverso-Longmire, Frey (resective-derivative) and Beger (resective-derivative). To conclude, surgeon must know not only every surgical procedure indications but also be familiarised with all of them. The surgical procedure must be individualised to the patient and the disease stage.
Study of maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It is defined as carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity with an onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are characterized by a relatively diminished insulin secretion and pregnancy induced insulin resistance primarily present in the skeletal muscle tissue. Normal pregnancy is a diabetogenic state characterized by exaggerated rate and amount of insulin release, associated with decreased sensitivity to insulin at cellular levels. Many of the changes are results of the progressive rise in the levels of estrogen, progesterone, human placental lactogen, cortisol and prolactin as pregnancy advances. Many of these hormones are insulin antagonists, causing insulin resistance in the mother and cause abnormal glucose tolerance in some women rendering them to develop gestational diabetes. During early pregnancy, glucose crosses the placenta to the fetus by facilitated diffusion resulting in the decrease in fasting ABSTRACT
Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in metabolic syndrome

Background: The prevalence of both OSA and metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide, in part linked to the epidemic of obesity. Beyond their epidemiologic relationship, growing evidence suggests that OSA may be causally related to metabolic syndrome. We are only beginning to understand the potential mechanisms underlying the OSA-metabolic syndrome interaction. Objectives were to study the clinical prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in metabolic syndrome; and to find risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Methods: 50 patients attending various OPDs of a tertiary care research and referral hospital and found to have metabolic syndrome on the basis of NCEP criteria were selected. These patients were subjected to overnight polysomnography. Parameters such as apnea-hypopnoea index (AHI), respiratory efforts related arousals (RERA), minimum SpO2, pulse rate, blood pressure, and ECG were monitored throughout the study. Results: Central obesity was found in 34 patients, xanthelasmas in 12 patients and xanthomas in 08 patients. Pitting type of pedal oedema was noted in 14 patients. Epworth sleepiness score (ESS) was calculated in all the patients by interviewing them before the polysomnography. Most of the patients have ESS Score more than 11.03 out of 50 patients were found to have AHI<5.20 patients were found to have moderate AHI (AHI 15-30) whereas 22 were found to have severe AHI. Conclusions: Polysomnography provides a valuable tool to access non symptomatic sleep disordered breathing at an early stage in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Feedback of Mixing to ENSO Phase Change

A decade‐long time series of mixing in the equatorial Pacific cold tongue at 0°, 140°W reveals how mixing changes on El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) time scales. Separated into phase transitions to and from the neutral state, we find that mixing is most intense during the perturbation from the neutral state to peak La Niña when sea surface temperature cools and weakest during the perturbation from the neutral state to peak El Niño when sea surface temperature warms. Intermediate levels of mixing occur during relaxations back to the neutral state. Heating and cooling rates due to the divergence of turbulence heat flux across the mixed layer, where the net surface heat flux is the value of the turbulence heat flux at the sea surface, have the same amplitude and sign as sea surface heating and cooling rates during ENSO phase transitions. We suggest that the basic Bjerknes feedback must include mixing.
Magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation and optimization of photodynamic therapy

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India in International Climate Negotiations

A popular view of India’s role in climate negotiations is that it has successfully protected its interests in avoiding emissions control obligations while representing the positons of developing countries. A more critical appraisal shows that Indian creativity in shaping the agenda in pre-Kyoto years was replaced by foreign policy objectives, particularly its aim of advancing a strategic alliance with the United States (US). A negotiating position driven by a scientific understanding of its domestic vulnerabilities would have reinforced Indian support to the positions of developing countries, and might have yielded a different outcome in Paris. The architecture, as it stands, is a low-ambition emissions control regime that favours developed countries by diminishing notions of historic responsibility and equity.
An Extremely Effective and Safe Approach of Guiding Catheter Crossing over Spasmodic Radial or (and) Brachial Artery in Patients Whose Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Was Undergone via Radial Artery Access

Objective: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the radial artery access has more advantages than that of femoral artery access, while radial or (and) brachial artery have tendency to be spasmodic. We sought to investigate the effectiveness and safety of guiding catheter crossing over spasmodic radial or (and) brachial artery segments by the aid of PCI wire and balloon compared with traditional anti-spasmodic approach. Methods: The clinical data of 168 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (group A), whose PCI was performed via radial artery access with radial or (and) brachial artery spasm or (and) dissection and guiding catheter passing through spasmodic segments successfully by the aid of PCI guiding wire and balloon were analyzed retrospectively, simultaneously, the other 73 patients (group B) who used conventional approach to cross over the spasmodic radial or (and) brachial artery segments were treated as the control. The success rate, the time consumption and the complication were compared between the two groups. Findings: There was no significant difference in the spasmodic site between the two groups (all p value > 0.05). The success rate in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (168(100%) vs 28 (38.4%), p < 0.0001). As for those of successful crossover in the two groups, the time consumption of guiding catheter crossing over spasmodic segment in group A was shorter than that in group B (p < 0.0001). The incidence of forearm hematoma in group A was lower than that in group B (7(4.2%) vs 14 (19.2%), p < 0.0001). Conclusions: It is more effective and safer for guiding catheter crossing over spasmodic or (and) dissected radial or (and) brachial artery segments by the aid of PCI guiding wire and balloon than using the routine approach of administration of anti-spasm drugs for trans-radial PCI.