Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Polarisable Vacuum Cosmology

The basic cosmological predictions of a ‘polarisable-vacuum’ theory of gravity due to Dicke, predating the scalar-tensor theory, are investigated and tested for their compliance with current observations. A Friedmann-like equation is derived for the theory that difiers in a signiflcant way from that of (Einstein) GR, for which it is demonstrated that a big bang is not a solution: the initial scale factor may be small but not zero, and must have zero flrst derivative. Detailed graphs of the predictions of the theory for combinations of the density parameters are given. It is shown that these predictions are compatible with current estimates for the age and deceleration parameter, and the maximum observable redshift, provided the matter density ›m is close to the luminous matter density, i.e. provided there is not a signiflcant amount of missing mass. For these best flt parameters, the theory predicts a maximum initial temperature that is too small for BBN and probably too small to support an era of radiation domination. The theory predicts a radiation power from a binary system that is 2/3 that predicted by GR, and so incompatible with observed orbital decay rate of PSR 1913 + 16. There is some discussion of possible developments, including reconciliation through accommodation of vacuum anisotropy, and of the relation between PV and the Yilmaz theory and the quasi-steady-state cosmology.
Evaluation of Electrospun Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Gelatin Nanofiber Mats Containing Clove Essential Oil for Antibacterial Wound Dressing

The objective of this study was to produce antibacterial poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-gelatin (GEL) electrospun nanofiber mats containing clove essential oil (CLV) using glacial acetic acid (GAA) as a “benign” (non-toxic) solvent. The addition of CLV increased the fiber diameter from 241 ± 96 to 305 ± 82 nm. Aside from this, the wettability of PCL-GEL nanofiber mats was increased by the addition of CLV. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of CLV, and the actual content of CLV was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Our investigations showed that CLV-loaded PCL-GEL nanofiber mats did not have cytotoxic effects on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells. On the other hand, the fibers exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Consequently, PCL-GEL/CLV nanofiber mats are potential candidates for antibiotic-free wound healing applications.
The need and significance of traditional shop lot pavements in the context of town conservation in Malaysia

A B ST R A C T The conservation of towns is a growing field in Malaysia. In the context of cultural heritage, the exceptional conservation practice in this country has enabled Malacca and Georgetown to be chosen as two of UNESCO’s world heritage town. The conservation of towns emerges from the awareness that cultural heritage possesses eminent uniqueness which must be conserved in order to safeguard it from extinction. In the context of Malaysia, the traditional shop lots are the remaining cultural heritage from the past, for the present and future. The variety of shapes and architectures of the shop lots makes them unique and should be preserved for the future generation. Therefore, the efforts to conserve a city or town usually concern the conservation of traditional shop lots. Nevertheless, the conservation efforts usually put more emphasis on facade that an equally unique element is overlooked. The element is the walkways of the shop lots. This article aims to discuss the need and significance of traditional shop lot walkways as one of the elements in the conservation of towns. The need for shop lot walkways has an apparent motive in term of a town’s image or in the epistemology perspective of the town conservation field itself.
DISCOVERY OF A VISUAL T-DWARF TRIPLE SYSTEM AND BINARITY AT THE L/T TRANSITION

We present new high contrast imaging of eight L/T transition brown dwarfs (BDs) using the NIRC2 camera on the Keck II telescope. One of our targets, the T3.5 dwarf 2MASS J08381155+1511155, was resolved into a hierarchal triple with projected separations of 2.5 ± 0.5 AU and 27 ± 5 AU for the BC and A(BC) components, respectively. Resolved OSIRIS spectroscopy of the A(BC) components confirms that all system members are T dwarfs. The system therefore constitutes the first triple T-dwarf system ever reported. Using resolved photometry to model the integrated-light spectrum, we infer spectral types of T3 ± 1, T3 ± 1, and T4.5 ± 1 for the A, B, and C components, respectively. The uniformly brighter primary has a bluer J − Ks color than the next faintest component, which may reflect a sensitive dependence of the L/T transition temperature on gravity, or alternatively divergent cloud properties among components. Relying on empirical trends and evolutionary models we infer a total system mass of 0.034–0.104 M☉ for the BC components at ages of 0.3–3 Gyr, which would imply a period of 12–21 yr assuming the system semimajor axis to be similar to its projection. We also infer differences in effective temperatures and surface gravities between components of no more than ∼150 K and ∼0.1 dex. Given the similar physical properties of the components, the 2M0838+15 system provides a controlled sample for constraining the relative roles of effective temperature, surface gravity, and dust clouds in the poorly understood L/T transition regime. For an age of 3 Gyr we estimate a binding energy of ∼20 × 1041 erg for the wide A(BC) pair, which falls above the empirical minimum found for typical BD binaries, and suggests that the system may have been able to survive a dynamical ejection during formation. Combining our imaging survey results with previous work we find an observed binary fraction of 4/18 or % for unresolved spectral types of L9–T4 at separations ≳ 0. ″1. This translates into a volume-corrected frequency of %, which is similar to values of ∼9%–12% reported outside the transition. Our reported L/T transition binary fraction is roughly twice as large as the binary fraction of an equivalent L9–T4 sample selected from primary rather than unresolved spectral types (%); however, this increase is not yet statistically significant and a larger sample is required to settle the issue.
Theoretical Investigation of Tensile-Strained GeSn / SiGeSn Multiple Quantum Well Laser Wrapped in Si 3 N 4 Liner Stressor Volume 10 , Number 1 , February 2018

A tensile-strained GeSn/SiGeSn multiple quantum well (MQW) laser wrapped in Si3N4 liner stressor is designed and characterized theoretically. A biaxial tensile strain is introduced into the GeSn/SiGeSn MQW laser by the Si3N4 liner stressor. The boosting effects of tensile strain on the threshold current density Jth and optical gain in GeSn/SiGeSn lasers are attributed to the modulation of energy band structure and carrier distribution in the GeSn wells. Tensile-strained Ge0.90Sn0. 10/Si0.161Ge0. 695Sn0.144 MQW laser wrapped in 500 nm Si3N4 liner stressor achieves a Jth reduction from 476 to 168 A/cm2 and a significant enhancement of optical gain, as compared to the relaxed control device without Si3N4. The design of GeSn/SiGeSn MQW structure wrapped in Si3N4 liner stressor provides a practical way to realize high performance GeSn based mid-infrared laser.
Predictors of Self-Handicapping: An Examination of Personal and Contextual Factors.

Evaluation is so paramount in students' lives that researchers have found that, for many students, one's self-worth is intricately tied to one's performance. Self-handicapping is a strategy that may be used to maintain one's self-worth. This anticipatory tactic typically involves the use of procrastination; by procrastinating, one clouds the causal factors involved in performance, such that in the event of poor performance, one may attribute the low grade to lack of effort rather than to low ability. Considering the negative impact of this strategy on students' learning and performance, identifying factors that trigger students' self-handicapping behaviors is imperative. Demographic, motivations, and contextual factors were studied for 529 college students at 3 different ti le points in a semester. Motivational and classroom context variables were stronger predictors of studPnts' self-handicapping than were demographic variables. These results are discussed in terms of implications for instruction and suggestions for interventions. (Contains 4 tables and 25 references.) (Author/SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION lila, of Educational Research and improvement EDU ATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been maae to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in lb, document do not necessarily represer. official OERI position or policy Predictors of self-handicapping
UV-B Exposure Increases the Activity of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase (Ido) and Alters the Levels of Tryptophan Metabolites in Indian Ground Squirrel (Funambulus Palmarum) Lens

The ocular lens of the ground squirrel is an excellent model for studies of eye light interactions that may apply to the human system. UV-B radiation induced damage to the eye lens is believed to be mediated through ROS Antioxidant systems, both enzymatic and non- enzymatic aid in preventing the damage to the lens. The activity of indoleamine 2,3- dioxygenase (IDO), a first rate limiting enzyme of tryptophan catabolism, has been studied in the lenses of Indian ground squirrel exposed to UV-B radiation. Further, antioxidants and oxidative stress markers have also been investigated to assess the oxidative status. Our investigation revealed an increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity and tryptophan metabolites suggesting their protective role in UV stress. The study indicates that UV-B irradiation for 12 h and 24 h (300 nm; 100 μw/cm2) of lens samples led to a marginal decrease in GSH and increase in carbonyls and MDA levels reflecting the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in protecting the lens tissue.
Mitral annular calcification is associated with atrial fibrillation and major cardiac adverse events in atrial fibrillation patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Background: The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) varies from 5.4% to 47.1% in patients with mitral annulus calcification (MAC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between MAC and AF, as well as the relation between MAC and major cardiac adverse events (MACEs) in AF patients. Methods: We conducted comprehensive search for literature on associations between MAC and AF using the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science. The pooled odds ratio (OR) or relative risk and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the relationship between MAC and AF, as well as the rates of MACEs in AF patients with or without MAC. Results: Thirteen studies met our eligibility criteria on associations between MAC and AF, including 6232 patients with MAC and 15,199 patients without MAC. Moreover, 5 studies met our eligibility criteria on the rates of MACEs in AF patients with or without MAC. The pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increased risk of development of incident AF in patients with MAC than those without MAC (random effects OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.91, 2.85; P = .000). And the pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increased risk of development of MACEs in AF patients with MAC (random effects OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.24, 4.41; P = .009). Conclusion: MAC was independently associated with AF and AF patients with MAC were at greater risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Uncommon retroperitoneal tumour: follicular dendritic cell sarcoma

Abstract Introduction Retroperitoneal Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcomas represents rare tumours with aggressive biologic behaviour. Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of both morphological and immunohistochemical analyses. Patients and methods A 61-year-old man was referred to our Department with a left perinephric mass. Computed tomography scan showed a 5.5 cm circumscribed mass in front of the left renal vein abutting the first jejunal loop, with moderate heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Positron emission/computed tomography showed increased focal uptake in the lesion. Results A retroperitoneal tumor located behind the first jejunal loop was found at laparotomy, encompassing the superior mesenteric vessels. Excision with en-bloc segmental small bowel resection was performed. Morphological and immunohistochemical analyses were consistent with Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma. Conclusions Complete surgical resection in specialized multidisciplinary centers represents the treatment of choice for both primary or recurrent lesions since there is still no consensus on the role of adjuvant radio-chemotherapy.
Planning for the New Millennium

This paper reports on research that compared five leading experiments that aim to improve access to the growing number of information resources on the World Wide Web. The objective was to identify characteristics of success and considerations for improvement in experiments providing access to Web resources via bibliographic control methods. The experiments examined included: OCLC's CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Catalog) project; UKOLN's (United Kingdom Office for Library and Information Networking) BIBLINK (Linking Publishers and National Bibliographic Services), ROADS (Resource Organization and Discovery in Subject-based Services) and DESIRE (Development of a European Service for Information on Research and Education) projects; and the NORDIC Metadata project. The research used a multi-case study methodology and a framework comprised of five evaluation criteria, i.e., organizational structure, reception, duration, application of computing technology, and use of human resources. The paper defines the Web resource access experimentation environment, reviews the study's research methodology, and highlights key findings. The paper concludes that initiating a strategic plan and inviting conference participants to contribute their ideas and expertise to an effort will improve experimental initiatives that ultimately aim to improve access to Web resources in the new millennium.
A Systematic Summary of Systematic Reviews on Anticoagulant Therapy in Sepsis

Many systematic reviews have been published regarding anticoagulant therapy in sepsis, among which there is substantial heterogeneity. This study aimed to provide an overview of existing systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials by using a comprehensive search method. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Of 895 records screened, 19 systematic reviews were included. The target agent was as follows: antithrombin (n = 4), recombinant thrombomodulin (n = 3), heparin (n = 3), recombinant activated protein C (n = 8), and all anticoagulants (n = 1). Antithrombin did not improve mortality in critically ill patients but indicated a beneficial effect in sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), although the certainty of evidence was judged as low. Recombinant thrombomodulin was associated with a trend in reduced mortality in sepsis with coagulopathy with no increased risk of bleeding, although the difference was not statistically significant and the required information size for any declarative judgement insufficient. Although three systematic reviews showed potential survival benefits of unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin in patients with sepsis, trials with low risk of bias were lacking, and the overall impact remains unclear. None of the meta-analyses of recombinant activated protein C showed beneficial effects in sepsis. In summary, a beneficial effect was not observed in overall sepsis in poorly characterized patient groups but was observed in sepsis-induced DIC or sepsis with coagulopathy in more specific patient groups. This umbrella review of anticoagulant therapy suggests that characteristics of the target populations resulted in heterogeneity among the systematic reviews.
Asthma/obstructive pulmonary disease overlap: update on definition, biomarkers, and therapeutics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap (ACO) continues to be a poorly understood condition. This review discusses newly proposed criteria and potential biomarkers in ACO, to aid in diagnosis and research studies, and prudent therapeutic approaches. RECENT FINDINGS A global expert panel proposed an operational definition consisting of major and minor criteria as a step toward defining ACO. Serum periostin and YKL-40 may serve as biomarkers for ACO. Clinically, a reasonable therapeutic approach to ACO is the early addition of a long-acting β-agonist (LABA) and/or a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) to an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). SUMMARY Both the proposed criteria and the described biomarkers for ACO can help guide clinicians in identifying this condition as well as aid researchers in designing much needed future studies. In the meantime, clinicians can treat potential ACO patients using the above approach, until therapeutic studies in clearly defined ACO patients are performed.
An Analysis of Sampling Effect on the Absolute Stability of Discrete-time Bilateral Teleoperation Systems

Absolute stability of discrete-time teleoperation systems can be jeopardized by choosing inappropriate sampling time architecture. A modified structure is presented for the bilateral teleoperation system including continuous-time slave robot, master robot, human operator, and the environment with sampled-data PD-like + dissipation controllers which make the system absolute stable in the presence of the time delay and sampling rates in the communication network. The output position and force signals are quantized with uniform sampling periods. Input-delay approach is used in this paper to convert the sampled-data system to a continuous-time counterpart. The main contribution of this paper is calculating a lower bound on the maximum sampling period as a stability condition. Also, the presented method imposes upper bounds on the damping of robots and notifies the sampling time importance on the transparency and stability of the system. Both simulation and experimental results are performed to show the validity of the proposed conditions and verify the effectiveness of the sampling scheme.
A Characterization Method for Al Recovery from Dross Based on Compression at Elevated Temperatures

When aluminum or its alloys are melted, considerable amounts of dross are produced. The alloy type and the method used in the production of aluminum products play an important role in the amount of dross that will result as a byproduct. The current needs of the Al industry as well as economic and environmental factors demand the recovery of the pure material that is lost during dross removal by simple and efficient methods that can be applied within the foundry. Most cases of Al recovery employ methods of dross compression at high temperatures. This investigation attempts to develop a mathematical model to characterize the efficiency of the recovery process that can be implemented for any dross collection method or even compression device, facilitating the direct comparison of recovery methods.
Super-activator variants of the cyanobacterial transcriptional regulator ChlR essential for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis under low oxygen conditions

ABSTRACT ChlR is a MarR-type transcriptional regulator that activates the transcription of the chlAII-ho2-hemN operon in response to low oxygen conditions in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Upon exposure to low oxygen conditions, ChlR activates transcription of the operon that encodes enzymes critical to tetrapyrrole biosynthesis under low oxygen conditions. We previously identified a super-activator variant, D35H, of ChlR that constitutively activates transcription of the operon. To gain insight into the low-oxygen induced activation of ChlR, we obtained eight additional super-activator variants of ChlR including D35H from pseudorevertants of a chlAI-disrupted mutant. Most substitutions were located in the N-terminal region of ChlR. Mapping of the substituted amino acid residues provided valuable structural insights that uncovered the activation mechanism of ChlR. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Super-activator variants of ChlR isolated in this work constitutively activate the transcription of the chlAII operon even under aerobic conditions where the wild type ChlR is inactive.
Review on the Supportive Effects of Information Criterion on Components of EFQM Excellence Model

The EFQM excellence model links different quality management concepts together to lead their effects towards organizational performance. This model follows the logic of TQM theory to obtain excellent results for the organization. Nine variables are included in this model. Recently, the necessary foundation of information, which supports components of the excellence system, has been investigated by authors. Consequently, information can be considered as the missing link in the quality management framework. This study tries to review the supportive effects of information dimension on different criteria of EFQM model. After review, it can be concluded that information have several direct effects on components of EFQM model. In other words, it is found that information concept has a complementary role in EFQM model. Consequently, integration of information criterion with EFQM framework is suggested by this study.
Mediator subunit MED1 modulates intranuclear dynamics of the thyroid hormone receptor

The thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) mediate thyroid hormone (T3)‐dependent gene expression. The nuclear import and export signals that direct TR shuttling are well characterized, but little is known about factors modulating nuclear retention. We used fluorescence‐based nucleocytoplasmic scoring and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in transfected cells to investigate whether Mediator subunits MED1 and MED13 play a role in nuclear retention of TR. When MED1 was overexpressed, there was a striking shift towards a greater nuclear localization of TRβ1 and the oncoprotein v‐ErbA, subtypes with cytosolic populations at steady‐state, and TRβ1 intranuclear mobility was reduced. For TRα1, there was no observable change in its predominantly nuclear distribution pattern or mobility. Consistent with a role for MED1 in nuclear retention, the cytosolic TRα1 and TRβ1 population were significantly greater in MED1−/− cells, compared with MED1+/+ cells. Exposure to T3 and epidermal growth factor, which induces MED1 phosphorylation, also altered TR intranuclear dynamics. Overexpression of miR‐208a, which downregulates MED13, led to a more cytosolic distribution of nuclear‐localized TRα1; however, overexpression of MED13 had no effect on TRβ1 localization. The known binding site of MED1 overlaps with a transactivation domain and nuclear export signal in helix 12 of TR's ligand‐binding domain (LBD). Coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that TR's LBD interacts directly with exportins 5 and 7, suggesting that binding of exportins and MED1 to TR may be mutually exclusive. Collectively, our data provide evidence that MED1 promotes nuclear retention of TR, and highlight the dual functionality of helix 12 in TR transactivation and nuclear export.