Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unit cell approach to full-wave analysis of meander delay line using FDTD periodic structure modeling method

Unit cell modeling is performed to determine the effect of electromagnetic coupling on the propagation characteristics of a meander delay line, which is widely used in printed circuit boards and packages. Since the design of a delay line must guarantee several tens of picosecond timing margin in modern high-speed packages and board level interconnections, a penetrating understanding of the meander effect is essential. The propagation delay, the characteristic impedance, and the stop-band characteristic of the meander delay line have been carefully investigated based on a full-wave analysis using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) periodic structure modeling method. The periodicity of the meander line is utilized based on Floquet's theorem, resulting in a reduction of the computational domain in the FDTD simulation and providing a unit cell model of the meander line. The unit cell modeling of the meander delay line shows the effect of electromagnetic coupling in meander line structure on the reduction of the propagation delay. Also, an analysis based on the unit cell modeling was confirmed by time-domain reflection/transmission measurements.
Impact of operation on the geometric parameters of the track in ballastless track transition area

The paper deals with the methodology and results of diagnostics in test sections near the tunnel portals of newly built tunnel Turecký vrch on modernized line Nove Mesto nad Vahom – Puchov. Based on the diagnostics results, transition areas are problematic sections of the construction. Transition areas were subjected to detailed analysis and based on trends of the development of geometric quantities are determined trends which predict time of needed maintenance. In order to optimize existing transition areas the design of transition in ANSYS software was modelled and problematic spots of construction were defined.
An Alternative Numerical Method for the Stationary Pulsar Magnetospheres in the Force-Free System

Stationary pulsar magnetospheres in the force-free system are governed by the pulsar equation. Contopoulos, Kazanas, and Fendt (hereafter CKF) numerically solved the pulsar equation and obtained a pulsar magnetosphere model called the CKF solution that has both closed and open magnetic field lines in 1999. The CKF solution is a successful solution, but it contains a poloidal current sheet that flows along the last open field line and its physics has not been understood well. In this paper, we suggest an alternative method to solve the pulsar equation and construct pulsar magnetoshpere models without a current sheet introduced by the CKF solution. In our method, the pulsar equation is decomposed into Amp\'ere's law and the force-free condition. We numerically solve these equations simultaneously with a fixed poloidal current. As a result, we obtain a pulsar magnetosphere model without a current sheet, which is similar to the CKF solution near the neutron star and has a jet-like structure at a distance along the pole. In addition, we discuss physical properties of the model.
A Potential Functional Cure in Chinese HBeAg-negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Treated with Peg-interferon Alpha-2a

Abstract Background and Aims: Data are limited on the use of pegylated-interferon alpha-2a (peg-IFNα) in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB). We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of peg-IFNα in Chinese patients with hepatitis B envelope antigen-negative CHB in routine clinical practice. Methods: In this prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional cohort study, patients were assessed for up to 1 year after peg-IFNα treatment cessation. Treating physicians established the dosing and treatment duration according to Chinese clinical practice. Effectiveness of peg-IFNα treatment was measured by the percentage of: patients with HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL and loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (commonly known as HBsAg); HBV DNA level at end of treatment (EOT), and 6 months and 1 year posttreatment; and time course change in quantitative HBV DNA and HBsAg. Results: At EOT, 6 months posttreatment, and 1 year posttreatment, the percentage of patients with HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL was 90.0%, 81.8%, and 82.2%, and that of patients with HBsAg loss was 6.5%, 9.4%, and 9.5%, respectively. The HBV DNA level decreased from 5.61 log IU/mL at baseline to 2.48 log IU/mL at EOT and 2.67 log IU/mL at 1 year posttreatment. The HBsAg level decreased from 3.08 log IU/mL at baseline to 2.24 log IU/mL at EOT and 2.10 log IU/mL at 1 year posttreatment. The incidence of adverse events was 52.0%. Conclusions: Peg-IFNα has the potential to provide functional cure (HBsAg loss) for CHB and is well tolerated in hepatitis B envelope antigen-negative CHB patients in routine clinical practice in China. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01730508).
Effects of storage temperature and time on fecal progesterone concentration in camel (Camelus dromedarius)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature (-20°C, + 4°C, room temperature) and storage time (7, 15, 107 and 173 days) of feces on progesterone concentration in camel (Camelus dromedarius). Plasma and feces were collected from 10 pregnant and one non-pregnant camels. Extraction of fecal metabolites of progesterone was performed with methanol and petroleum ether. The analytical validation was provided by internal quality control (IQC) and the success of the validation tests (sensitivity, precision, recovery and parallelism). In comparison to the value found in the day of collection, the mean concentration of progesterone in feces which was frozen or dried at room temperature showed no significant difference after 7 and 15 days. A significant increase was found for fecal samples stored at + 4°C. After 107 and 173 days, freezing is inadequate condition of storage because the fecal progestagen concentrations vary significantly. However, drying feces at ambient temperature maintained stable progestagen concentrations. Therefore, results indicated that drying feces is a reliable method, independent from an electric power source and the freezing equipment.
Metabolomics: a promising diagnostic and therapeutic implement for breast cancer

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer death. Despite the advent of numerous diagnosis and treatment methods in recent years, this heterogeneous disease still presents great challenges in early diagnosis, curative treatments and prognosis monitoring. Thus, finding promising early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets and approaches is meaningful. Metabolomics, which focuses on the analysis of metabolites that change during metabolism, can reveal even a subtle abnormal change in an individual. In recent decades, the exploration of cancer-related metabolomics has increased. Metabolites can be promising biomarkers for the screening, response evaluation and prognosis of BC. In this review, we summarized the workflow of metabolomics, described metabolite signatures based on molecular subtype as well as reclassification and then discussed the application of metabolomics in the early diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of BC to offer new insights for clinicians in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Polish National Cadet Wrestling Team for 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) - social, somatic and psychological characteristics

Background & Study Aim: The issue of selecting competitors for particular sports disciplines and the programming of the training process requires comprehensive evaluation of the athletes. The aim of the presented study is a many-sided description of social, somatic and psychological characteristics of wrestlers from the Polish National Cadet Team, in relation to the process of selection and programming a modern, interdisciplinary sport training. Material & Methods: Twenty competitors took part in the research (10 girls and 10 boys - the members of the cadet national team taking part in the European Qualifications for Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games YOG). All the competitors under went anthropometric examination with the aim of identifying their body build type, and tests using the EAS questionnaire allowing to assess temperamental features. Additionally, a questionnaire of the authors’ own design has been applied, containing inquiries about the competitors’ social situation and their background. Results: For the majority of the participants, wrestling is the only discipline they have practised so far. The average period of practising wrestling is 5 years, and the period of the membership in the national team is 20 months. The majority of the surveyed wrestlers are young people at the age of 16. The observation of individual results in typological analysis indicates that the body build of the examined boys is marked by domination of the mesomorphic factor. In the examined girls, one can observe a definite domination of the mesomorphic, balanced meso-endomorphic and meso-ectomorphic types. As it appears from the comparative analysis of the examined female wrestlers’ temperaments with the temperaments of the members of general population, none of the differences achieved statistical significance on the level p=0,05. Conclusions: When encouraging children and teenagers to take up sports training, one should bear in mind the influence of their social environment on their participation in physical culture. On the basis of typological analysis one can definite ly corroborate the utility of body build types with considerable massiveness for sports. The results of psychological tests did not disclose any considerable differences in the temperamental development either between wrestlers and the general population or between female and male wrestlers practising this sports discipline. Thus, empirical data provide evidence that increased competition of the selected group of young wrestlers does not cause negative consequences in their mental structure.
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Rates in British Columbia Women: A Population-Level Data Linkage Evaluation of the School-Based HPV Immunization Program

Abstract Background To understand real-world human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine impact, continuous evaluation using population-based data is critical. We evaluated the early impact of the school-based HPV immunization program on cervical dysplasia in women in British Columbia, Canada. Methods Data linkage was performed using records from provincial cervical screening and immunization registries. Precancerous outcomes were compared between unvaccinated and HPV-vaccinated women born 1994–2005. Incidence rate, relative rate (RR), and vaccine effectiveness (VE), using unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression of cytology (HSIL) and histopathology (CIN2, CIN3, and CIN2+) outcomes, were compared across vaccination status groups. Results Women who received a complete series of vaccine on schedule between age 9 and 14 years had an adjusted RR = 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31–0.57) for CIN2+ over 7 years of follow-up compared to unvaccinated women, resulting in a VE of 57.9% (95% CI, 43.2%–69.0%). Adjusted RR for HSIL was 0.53 (95% CI, .43–.64), resulting in a VE of 47.1% (95% CI, 35.6%–56.7%). Conclusion Women vaccinated against HPV have a lower incidence of cervical dysplasia compared to unvaccinated women. Immunization between 9 and 14 years of age should be encouraged. Continued program evaluation is important for measuring long-term population impact.
The Efficacy of Peg-IFNα Anti-viral Treatment Were Evaluated by Variation of Peripheral Th17 Cells in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

IL-17-producing T helper (Th17) cells have been shown to play an important role in many liver diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in the frequency of Th17 cells in peripheral blood of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. The Th17 frequencies of 36 chronic hepatitis C patients were compared with those of 20 normal controls. All samples were quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometer. Serum IL-17 levels were evaluated using the ELISA assay. There was a higher frequency of circulating Th17 cells and IL-17 levels in CHC patients than controls (3.46±1.53% and 2.05±0.88% for Th17 cells, 86.21±29.28 pg/ml and 58.05±14.17 pg/ml for IL-17 levels) (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in Th17 frequency and IL-17 levels between the groups of CHC patients with HCV RNA genotype 1b and 2a. The percentage of circulating Th17 cells increased significantly, correlating positively with ALT and negatively with HCVRNA. After 4 weeks of pegIFNα-2a treatment, the patients who acquired rapid virological response (RVR) had a higher pretreatment Th17 frequency compared with that of patients without RVR. During the 24 weeks of treatment with peg-IFNα-2a, Th17 cell frequency increased during the initial 4 weeks, then subsequently declined. In conclusion, Th17 cells and IL-17 were significantly increased in CHC patients and they were a positive correlation with ALT but a negative correlation with HCV RNA. Results suggest that an increase in Th17 cells is associated with inflammatory liver damage and persistent infection of HCV. The characteristics of Th17 variation during peg-IFNα-2a treatment imply that Th17 cells may serve as potent immunological markers for evaluating the efficacy of peg-IFNα anti-viral treatment. 
Paleohydraulic reconstruction of a 40 ka‐old terrace sequence implies that water discharge was larger than today

The evolution of landscapes crucially depends on the climate history. This is particularly evident in South America where landscape responses to orbital climate shifts have been well documented. However, while most studies have focused on inferring temperature variations from paleoclimate proxy data, estimates of water budget changes have been complicated because of a lack of adequate physical information. Here, we present a methodology and related results, which allowed us to extract water discharge values from the sedimentary record of the 40 Ka‐old fluvial terrace deposits in the Pisco valley, western Peru. In particular, this valley hosts a Quaternary cut‐and‐fill succession that we used, in combination with beryllium‐10 (10Be)‐based sediment flux, gauging records, channel geometries and grain size measurements, to quantitatively assess sediment and water discharge values c. 40 Ka ago in relation to present‐day conditions. We compare these discharge estimates to the discharge regime of the modern Pisco River and find that the water discharge of the paleo‐Pisco River, during the Minchin pluvial period c. 40 Ka ago, was c. 7–8 times greater than the modern Pisco River if considering the mean and the maximum water discharge. In addition, the calculations show that inferred water discharge estimates are mainly dependent on channel gradients and grain size values, and to a lesser extent on channel width measures. Finally, we found that the c. 40 Ka‐old Minchin terrace material was poorer sorted than the modern deposits, which might reflect that sediment transport during the past period was characterized by a larger divergence from equal mobility compared to the modern situation. In summary, the differences in grain size distribution and inferred water discharge estimates between the modern and the paleo‐Pisco River suggests that the 40 Ka‐old Minchin period was characterized by a wetter climate and more powerful flood events. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MINERAL COMPOSITION, PALATABILITY AND DIGESTIBILITY OF FREE RANGELAND GRASSES OF NORTHERN GRASSLANDS OF PAKISTAN

A study was conducted in the valley of Chagharzai in Bunair district lying in the north Trans- Himalayan moist zone occupying Malakand Division, North Western Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan to determine mineral composition, palatability and digestibility of locally available free rangeland grasses. The study area lies between 34.42 to 34.66 degree latitude and 72.62 to 72.78 degree longitude, having a humid subtropical to temperate environment. The annual precipitation varies from 600 to 1000 mm, mainly during summer and spring. Ten free rangeland grasses were identified for macro-minerals (Ca, P, K and Mg) and micro-minerals (Cu, Zn, Mn and Co). The mean percentage values for Ca, P, K and Mg at early bloom stage were 0.26±0.022, 0.025±0.004, 0.69±0.113 and 0.044±0.006, respectively. The mean ppm values for Cu, Zn, Mn and Co at early bloom stage were 22.75±2.671, 14.70±2.065, 10.12±1.770 and 0.023±0.003, respectively. The mean percentage values for Ca, P, K and Mg at maturity were 0.30±0.049, 0.031±0.006, 0.68±0.108 and 0.028±0.004, respectively. The mean ppm values for Cu, Zn, Mn and Co at maturity were 29.8±2.962, 8.96±2.0701, 6.14±1.034 and 0.029±0.005, respectively. In free grazing rangeland grasses the highest (p<0.05) potential intake rate (PIR) was observed for Heteropogon contortus (53.80±15.82 g/4 minute) and lowest for Cymbopogon schoenanthus (35.8±.12.16 g/4 minute). However, the highest (p<0.05) relative preference (RP) was noted for Dichanthium annulatum (81.15±0.61%) and lowest for Cymbopogon schoenanthus (19.33±1.84%). The mean In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) of free rangeland grasses at early bloom stage were 55.3±1.86% and 7.57±0.25 MJ/kg DM, respectively, whereas, the mean IVDMD and ME at mature stage were 44.0±2.11% and 5.86±0.29 MJ/kg DM, respectively. The macro and micro mineral composition, IVDMD, RP and PIR values indicate that free grazing rangeland grasses be fed to livestock with some supplementation for different levels of production and types of livestock.
Days of “Zero” level geomagnetic activity accompanied by the high neutron activity and dynamics of some medical events—Antipodes to geomagnetic storms

The links of many medical-biological events with high levels of geomagnetic activity (GMA) are widely discussed. In recent years, several medical phenomena were described in inverse distribution by time with GMA. Also a concurrent to GMA and solar activity force-cosmic ray activity (CRA) and closely related high energy neutron and proton fluxes are studied as a forces dominating at low GMA and solar activity in relation to considered medical events. The aim of this study was to explore the distribution of some important medical events on days with “Zero” GMA levels, accompanied by high CRA (neutron activity). Medical event data of the Grand Baku region (more than 3 mln inhabitants), Azerbaijan, with daily distribution on the time 1 Dec. 2002-31 Dec. 2007 was compared to daily GMA Kp indices in general (Kp > 0, 1837 days) and 34 days daily GMA indices Kp = 0. Daily CRA data was also compared using neutron monitoring data from two stations. Daily averaged data and their standard deviations on the mentioned GMA levels were compared and statistical significance was established. Results revealed a significant rise in the number of emergencies (n = 1,567,576) and total deaths number (n = 46,360) at the days of “Zero” GMA level. These days were accompanied by significant rise of CRA (neutron activity). For Sudden Cardiac Deaths (SCD, n = 1615) and cerebral stroke (CVA, n =10,054) the increase achieved strong trend to significance level. Acute Myocardial Infarction occurrence (morbidity) and trauma were also absolutely more registered at days with “Zero” GMA level, despite the small number of such days. The average Infection numbers show an inverse relationship with absolutely high registry at the “Zero” GMA level days. Study linking environmental physical activity levels and the human medical data shows that geomagnetic field variations accompanied by the increased level of cosmic ray activity, can have either direct or indirect adverse effects on human health and physiology, even when the magnitude of the geomagnetic field disturbance is extremely small or even is equal to zero. On days of “Zero” daily Kp indices describing Geomagnetic Activity, accompanied by high Cosmic Ray Activity (neutron activity), more medical emergencies and total death number (daily) occurred. Sudden Cardiac Deaths and Cerebral Stroke numbers show a strong trend to significant rise. Absolute increase of number of Acute Myocardial Infarction and less Infections, not achieving statistical significance, was also observed. These results are additional data for considering Cosmic Ray Activity (neutron activity) as an additional factor involved in time distribution of human medical events.
Children’s mental health strategies and practices in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Abstract In recent years, children’s well-being has become a hot research topic that has been increasingly gaining attention in the field of psychiatry, social work, psychology, and public health research. The present study was meant to explore the existing children’s mental health service strategies and practices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The data have been carefully collected through open-ended interviews and focus group discussions, by capturing the participants’ experiences. This study counted with the participation of managers of child-serving organizations, mental health workers (psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and psychiatrists), orphans, and vulnerable children, including their guardians. The findings indicated limited access to specialized treatment, inadequate skilled human resources, lack of mental health education, and depicted that the local community preferred traditional medicine and religious healing practices in order to cure mental illnesses. Children’s mental health services are at a disadvantage and the most neglected health program, needing urgent involvement of the local government, non-governmental organizations, researchers, and policymakers, amongst several other stakeholders.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa

Hepatitis B is the world’s most common serious liver infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Rate of vertical transmission is very high from infected mother to baby and has adverse effect on both. A cross-sectional study involving a total of 384 pregnant women attending Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa from April to June 2017 was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV among the clients. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and information regarding possible risk factors for HBV infection and screening was performed by emmuno-chromatographic method using advanced quality one step hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test card. The seroprevalence of HBsAg among the participants was 2.3%, which is a moderate prevalence according to the WHO classification. HBsAg positivity was significantly associated to age (P=0.020) and ethnic group (P=0.023). About 67% of the HBsAg positive participants belonged to the Gurage ethnic group. No significant association was found between HBsAg positivity and other variables such as marital status (P=1.00), history of multiple sexual partners (P=0.740), history of blood donation (P=1.00), history of tattooing (P=0.070), and history of female genital mutilation (P=0.188). Further study should be conducted to identify the reasons for the highest prevalence of the HBsAg among women from Gurage ethnic group. Key words: Chronic hepatitis, pregnancy, hepatitis B virus, vertical transmission.