Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Guided waves-based damage localization in riveted aircraft panel

In this paper the investigation of a structural health monitoring method for thin-walled aircraft part is presented. The concept is based on the guided elastic wave propagation phenomena. This type of waves can be used in order to obtain information about structure condition and possibly damaged areas. In reported investigation piezoelectric transducer was used to excite guided waves in chosen structural element. Specimen was a riveted panel from an aircraft structure. Dispersive nature of guided waves results in changes of velocity with the wave frequency, therefore a narrowband signal was used to minimize the dispersion phenomenon. The generated signal was amplified before applying it to the transducer in order to ensure measurable amplitude of excited guided wave. Measurement of the wave field was realized using laser scanning vibrometer that registered the velocity responses at a points belonging to a defined mesh. This non-contact tool allowed to investigate phenomena related to wave propagation in considered aircraft element. Due to high complexity of the element baseline measurements were taken before measurements for component with the introduced discontinuity. Signal processing procedures were developed in order to visualize the interaction of elastic waves with specimens components (rivets, etc.). In the second stage of research the signals gather by laser vibrometry method were input to the damage detection algorithms. Signal processing methods for features extraction from signals were proposed. These features were applied in order to detect and localize the presence of damage. In the first step damage detection was based on full wavefield measurements. In this way it was possible to obtain amplitude contrast between region with discontinuities and without them. In the second step a point-wise damage detection was conducted. It was based on several laser measurement points treated as sensors. The signal processing was conducted in MATLAB with the procedures developed by authors. The results of damage detection were compared with each other and conclusions were drawn.
Mapping of audiometric analysis with microbiological findings in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM): a neglected clinical manifestation

Abstract Otitis media (OM) is an umbrella term for a number of conditions associated with middle ear inflammation. Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a type of OM, is characterized by long-term middle ear infection with perforated ear drum and otorrhea. The most common outcome associated with it is acquired hearing impairment in infected individuals which ultimately affects their cognitive and scholastic developments. Clinically, CSOM is thought to be a sequel of re-occurring episodes of Acute otitis media (AOM). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are found to be the predominant pathogenic isolates in these patients. However, with the emergence of antibiotic resistance amongst these pathogens, the adequate evaluation and treatment of this condition has become more problematic. The disease has also been recognized as one of the neglected tropical clinical manifestations with high prevalence in school-age children, especially in poor or underprivileged countries. Moreover, untreated cases have further worsened the situation by contributing to various life-threatening complications. Thus, effective treatment and surgical strategies, as well as strengthening of hearing care algorithms along with the discovery of novel animal models for advanced clinical research, can jointly help to fight this disease. In this regard, mapping of the audiological analysis with microbiological findings in CSOM patients may help elucidate the frequency that favors growth of specific pathogens. Knowledge about this potential correlation can then support timely detection of the infection, which is perceived as one of the emerging approaches for its management. In addition to these strategies, creating a true sense of awareness among people can also help mitigate this pathological condition by facilitating early identification, prevention, and treatment. This review discusses the incidence, pathogenesis, investigations, complications, and available treatment modalities associated with CSOM.
Translation and validation of the Hindi‐Indian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale‐Revised

Critical to maternal outcome and development of a healthy and relationship between mother and baby, is the woman's perception of her birth experience. The Birth Satisfaction Scale‐Revised (BSS‐R) has been demonstrated to be psychometrically robust, easily administered, and scored self‐report measure of birth experience. Aim of the study was to translate the UK‐BSS‐R into Hindi, collect data, and psychometrically validate an Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R.
Can volume‐reduced plasma products prevent transfusion‐associated circulatory overload in a two‐hit animal model?

Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a pulmonary transfusion complication and a leading cause of transfusion‐related morbidity and mortality. Volume overload and rising hydrostatic pressure as a consequence of transfusion are seen as the central pathway leading to TACO. A possible preventative measure for TACO could be the use of low‐volume blood products like volume‐reduced lyophilized plasma. We hypothesize that volume‐reduced lyophilized plasma decreases circulatory overload leading to a reduced pulmonary capillary pressure and can therefore be an effective strategy to prevent TACO.
Investigation of anti-galectin-8 levels in patients with multiple sclerosis: A consort-clinical study

Background: Galectins are a family of endogenous mammalian lectins involved in pathogen recognition, killing, and facilitating the entry of microbial pathogens and parasites into the host. They are the intermediators that decipher glycan-containing information about the host immune cells and microbial structures to modulate signaling events that cause cellular proliferation, chemotaxis, cytokine secretion, and cell-to-cell communication. They have subgroups that take place in different roles in the immune system. The effect of galectin-8 on multiple sclerosis disease (MS) has been studied in the literature, but the results seemed unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine anti-galectin-8 (anti-Gal-8) levels in MS and their potential use as biomarkers. Methods: In this experimental study, 45 MS patients diagnosed according to McDonald criteria were included in the patient group. The healthy control group contained 45 people without MS diagnosis and any risk factors. Demographic data, height, weight, body mass index, blood glucose, thyroid-stimulating hormone, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatinine, low-density lipoprotein, anti-Gal-8 levels, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were recorded. In addition, the expanded disability status scale and disease duration were evaluated in the patient group. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviations. Results: The mean blood anti-galectin-8 value of the patient group was 4.84 ± 4.53 ng/mL, while it was 4.67 ± 3.40 ng/mL in the control group, and the difference in these values was found statistically insignificant (P > .05). Moreover, body mass index, glucose, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and low-density lipoprotein levels were also statistically insignificant (P > .05). Conclusion: This study examined anti-Gal-8 levels in MS patients. The relationship between MS and galectin-8 and anti-Gal-8 levels in patients needs further clarification. As a result, the study’s results could help elucidate the pathogenesis of MS and give more evidence for diagnosis.
Celestial frame instability in VLBI analysis and its impact on geophysics

Context. Derivation of Earth's orientation parameters through VLBI analysis needs to handle the positions of the radio sources and the celestial reference frame correctly, so that radio source positional instabilities will not unduly perturb the nutation estimates or all the subsequent geophysical analysis. Aims. This work aims at estimating the magnitude of these perturbations. It also yields new determinations of the resonant frequencies associated with the Earth's fluid outer and inner cores. Methods. We generate several VLBI global solutions, analyzing VLBI delays accumulated from 1984 to 2007, and using different constraints on the radio source positions, to obtain nutation offset time series. Then we analyze the nutation time series obtained from each global solution, from which we extract some prominent spectral components reflecting the non rigid Earth's response to the external tidal potential. Finally, we deduce values of the outer and inner cores' resonant frequencies from each solution. Results. We show that the error propagated in VLBI analysis that is due to instability in the celestial reference frame can produce an additional error in the estimates of nutation spectral components of 15 μ as for the 18.6-yr term, and decreasing for shorter periods. This leads to an uncertainty of a few tenth of a day on the RFCN period and of less than 200 on its quality factor, and to an uncertainty of roughly 100 days on the FICN period and of 100 on its quality factor. The values yielded for the outer and inner cores' resonant frequencies are nevertheless close to the MHB values within the error bars.
Characterizing the role of Pdgfra in calvarial development

Mammalian calvarium is composed of flat bones developed from two origins, neural crest, and mesoderm. Cells from both origins exhibit similar behavior but express distinct transcriptomes. It is intriguing to ask whether genes shared by both origins play similar or distinct roles in development. In the present study, we have examined the role of Pdgfra, which is expressed in both neural crest and mesoderm, in specific lineages during calvarial development.
Penetration of Em Fields into Circular Dielectric/Magnetic Container: Two-Dimensional Simulation

In this paper, the propagation of EM Gaussian pulse through containers was numerically simulated using the method of characteristics (MOC) in two dimensions where the container has a circular cross-section, may be made of dielectric or magnetic material, and may hold dielectric or magnetic liquid. The MOC approach is used to directly approximate the time-domain Maxwell's equations in a modified O-type grid system. The electric fields sampled at the center of container were shown and compared in a side-by-side fashion. The effects on the electric fields of the following factors were examined: the thickness and material of the container and the liquid inside. The corresponding frequency domain information was obtained through the application of the Fourier transform and compared. To demonstrate the propagation of EM pulse in the modified O-type grid system, the electric field distributions over the whole computational domain for several cases were also presented.
Exploring the relationship between N170’s amplitudes and the activation of the picture visual stimuli using general linear model

Many studies have reported that discrete cortical areas in the ventral temporal cortex of humans were correlated with the perception of pictures visual stimuli. Moreover, event-related potentials caused by different kinds of picture stimuli showed different amplitude levels of N170 which was maximal over occipito-temporal electrode sites. However, the phenomenon which is mentioned above may be correlated with some local bold signal change, and where is the change happened is still unclear. Recently, research for EEG-fMRI has been widely performed through General Linear Model (GLM) to find the relationship between some feature of the ERP component and the activation of local brain area. In our study, we dealt with the simultaneously recorded EEG-fMRI data of picture stimuli to find the correlation between the change of the N170’s amplitude and the BOLD signal. The amplitudes of the N170 component from the average ERPs of 4 different kinds of picture stimuli were extracted from the EEG data and the activation map for the same stimuli was provided based on the fMRI data. GLM was performed including regressors that could represent the change of the N170’s amplitude. Our result showed that fusiform and occipital gyrus were activated by the parametric design and were overlapped by the activation map of the common fMRI design. Thus we might infer that these regions had relationship with the change of the amplitudes of N170. Our research may contribute to location of the source of N170 and bring a new approach for the parameter design of the fMRI signal in EEG-fMRI analysis.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Restores Microcirculation Profiles in Acute Pancreatitis

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7)–mediated restoration of pancreatic microcirculation profiles and endothelial injury is associated with the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Methods Wild-type, TERT transgene, and TERT knockdown mice were used in this study, and acute pancreatitis model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pancreatitis was confirmed by histopathology and serum amylase levels. Pancreatic microcirculation function was assessed by laser Doppler. Endothelial injury model was established by exposing endothelial cells to LPS. Proinflammatory cytokines were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, endothelial permeability was detected using transwell assay, and mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) were determined by performing confocal microscopy. Results The effects of Ang-(1–7) in the treatment of pancreatic microcirculation dysfunction were associated with TERT expression. In addition, Ang-(1–7) protected against endothelial cell lesions via inhibiting the increase in endothelial cell permeability and release of proinflammatory cytokines in a TERT-dependent manner. Furthermore, TERT was involved in Ang-(1–7)–mediated attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction and mtROS in LPS-induced endothelial cells. Conclusions Angiotensin-(1–7) restores pancreatic microcirculation profiles and reverses endothelial injury by inhibiting mtROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction in a TERT-dependent manner.
Effect of Equatorial Ligand Substitution on the Reactivity with Proteins of Paddlewheel Diruthenium Complexes: Structural Studies

The paddlewheel [Ru2Cl(O2CCH3)4] complex was previously reported to react with the model protein hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), forming adducts with two diruthenium moieties bound to Asp101 and Asp119 side chains upon the release of one acetate. To study the effect of the equatorial ligands on the reactivity with proteins of diruthenium compounds, X-ray structures of the adducts formed when HEWL reacts with [Ru2Cl(D-p-FPhF)(O2CCH3)3] [D-p-FPhF = N,N′-bis(4-fluorophenyl)formamidinate] under different conditions were solved. [Ru2Cl(D-p-FPhF)(O2CCH3)3] is bonded through their equatorial positions to the Asp side chains. Protein binding occurs cis or trans to D-p-FPhF. Lys or Arg side chains or even main-chain carbonyl groups can coordinate to the diruthenium core at the axial site. Data help to understand the reactivity of paddlewheel diruthenium complexes with proteins, providing useful information for the design of new artificial diruthenium-containing metalloenzymes with potential applications in the fields of catalysis, biomedicine, and biotechnology.
The STC2–PAPP-A–IGFBP4–IGF1 axis and its associations to mortality and CVD in T2D

Objective Physiologically, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) serves to liberate bound IGF1 by enzymatic cleavage of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), IGFBP4 in particular. Clinically, PAPP-A has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) is a natural inhibitor of PAPP-A enzymatic activity, but its association with CVD is unsettled. Therefore, we examined associations between the STC2–PAPP-A–IGFBP4–IGF1 axis and all-cause mortality and CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Design We followed 1284 participants with T2D from the ADDITION trial for 5 years. Methods Circulating concentrations of STC2, PAPP-A, total and intact IGFBP4 and IGF1 and -2 were measured at inclusion. End-points were all-cause mortality and a composite CVD event: death from CVD, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularisation or amputation. Survival analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards model. Results During follow-up, 179 subjects presented with an event. After multivariable adjustment, higher levels of STC2, PAPP-A, as well as intact and total IGFBP4, were associated with all-cause mortality; STC2: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.84 (1.09–3.12) (95% CI); P = 0.023, PAPP-A: HR = 2.81 (1.98–3.98); P < 0.001, intact IGFBP4: HR = 1.43 (1.11–1.85); P = 0.006 and total IGFBP4: HR = 3.06 (1.91–4.91); P < 0.001. Higher PAPP-A levels were also associated with CVD events: HR = 1.74 (1.16–2.62); P = 0.008, whereas lower IGF1 levels were associated with all-cause mortality: HR = 0.51 (0.34–0.76); P = 0.001. Conclusions This study supports that PAPP-A promotes CVD and increases mortality. However, STC2 is also associated with mortality. Given that STC2 inhibits the enzymatic effects of PAPP-A, we speculate that STC2 either serves to counteract harmful PAPP-A actions or possesses effects independently of the PAPP-A–IGF1 axis. Significance statement PAPP-A has pro-atherosclerotic effects and exerts these most likely through IGF1. IGF1 is regulated by the STC2–PAPP-A–IGFBP4–IGF1 axis, where STC2, an irreversible inhibitor of PAPP-A, has been shown to reduce the development of atherosclerotic lesions in mice. We examined the association of this axis to mortality and CVD in T2D. We demonstrated an association between PAPP-A and CVD. All components of the STC2–PAPP-A–IGFBP4–IGF1 axis were associated with mortality and it is novel that STC2 was associated with mortality in T2D. Our study supports that inhibition of PAPP-A may be a new approach to reducing mortality and CVD. Whether modification of STC2 could serve as potential intervention warrants further investigation.
Numerical calculation of unstable immiscible fluid displacement in a two-dimensional porous medium or Hele-Shaw cell

Abstract A numerical procedure for calculating the evolution of a periodic interface between two immiscible fluids flowing in a two-dimensional porous medium or Hele-Shaw cell is described. The motion of the interface is determined in a stepwise manner with its new velocity at exach time step being derived as a numerical solution of a boundary integral equation. Attention is focused on the case of unstable displacement charaterised physically by the “fingering” of the interface and computationally by the growth of numerical errors regardless of the numerical method employed. Here the growth of such error is reduced and the usable part of the calculation extended to finite amplitudes. Numerical results are compared with an exact “finger” solution and the calculated behaviour of an initial sinusoidal displacement, as a function of interfacial tension, initial amplitude and wavelength, is discussed.
Performance and symptom validity assessment in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Base rates of invalidity, concordance, and relative impact on cognitive performance

Abstract Objective: Differential diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common referral questions for neuropsychological evaluation but is complicated by the presence of external incentives. Validity assessment is therefore critical in such evaluations, employing symptom validity tests (SVTs) and performance validity tests (PVTs) to assess the validity of reported symptoms and cognitive test performance, respectively. This study aimed to establish the base rate of symptom and performance invalidity in adults referred for ADHD, compare concordance between performance and symptom validity, and assess the impact of each type of validity on cognitive test performance. Method: This consecutive case series included data from 392 demographically-diverse adults who underwent outpatient neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD. All patients were administered the Clinical Assessment of Attention Deficit-Adult (CAT-A) and a uniform cognitive test battery, including seven PVTs. Results: Invalid symptom reporting and PVT performance were found in 22% and 16% of the sample, respectively. Sixty-eight percent had concordantly valid SVTs/PVTs and 6% had invalid SVTs/PVTs, whereas the remaining 26% had either invalid SVTs or PVTs (but not both). Invalid PVT performance resulted in a significant decrease across all cognitive test scores, with generally large effects (ηp 2=.01-.18). Invalid symptom reporting had minimal effects on cognitive test performance (ηp 2= ≤.04). Conclusions: PVTs and SVTs are dissociable and therefore should not be used interchangeably in the context of adult ADHD evaluations. Rather, symptom and performance validity should continue to be assessed independently as they provide largely non-redundant information.
Surface flashover of solid dielectric in vacuum

The surface of a solid dielectric insulator becomes electrically charged when subjected to a high‐voltage stress in vacuum. A method for calculating the surface flashover voltage based on the assumption that the discharge occurs in a layer of desorbed gases from the insulator surface is proposed. The electric field strength required to cause surface flashover is calculated by taking into account the secondary electron emission characteristics of the dielectric material. The dependence of the surface flashover field on the insulating material is deduced. A dependence of the flashover voltage on the insulator length to a power law of 0.5 is theoretically predicted. The calculated surface flashover voltage is compared with the previously reported measurements and good agreement is obtained.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the setting of myeloid neoplasms: Diagnostic guide to challenging pathologic presentations

In this article, we describe three broad pathologic presentations of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that may be encountered in clinical practice, in which an association between pDCs and myeloid neoplasms is identified: (1) myeloid neoplasms with mature pDC expansion, most commonly seen in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML); (2) myeloid neoplasms with pDC differentiation, in which pDCs show a spectrum of maturation from early immature pDCs to mature forms, most commonly seen in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML); (3) myeloid neoplasms associated with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), either stemming from the same precursor or representing an independent clonal process. Additionally, we also discuss AML with pDC‐like phenotype, in which myeloblasts show immunophenotypic features that may mimic those seen in pDCs. Using these presentations, we provide a diagnostic algorithm for appropriate pathologic classification, while attempting to clarify and homogenize nomenclatures pertaining to different biologic states of pDCs.