Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved delay‐dependent absolute stability and robust stability for a class of nonlinear systems with a time‐varying delay

This paper investigates the problem of the absolute stability of Lur'e systems with a time‐varying delay. By considering the relationships among the time‐varying delay, its upper bound, and the difference between them, less conservative delay‐dependent stability criteria are obtained and formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities, without ignoring any useful terms in the derivative of a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. Numerical example shows that the results obtained in this paper are better than the previous results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproductive outcomes after expectant and surgical management for tubal pregnancy: a retrospective study

Abstract Background: The management of ectopic pregnancy is widely debated. Salpingectomy, salpingostomy, and expectant management are widely performed, but the best approach in terms of keeping good future spontaneous fertility chances is yet to be determined. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis (Clinical Trial ID: NCT05479786) of the medical records of patients with an ultrasonographic or surgical diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy that were admitted to the University of Debrecen Clinical Centre between 2012 and 2020. Results: A total of 312 patients were included in the analysis. Patients managed expectantly and patients treated with salpingostomy had significantly higher rates of clinical pregnancy than patients treated with salpingectomy. Pregnancy outcomes and recurrence rates were comparable between the study groups. Salpingectomy was found to decrease the likelihood of conceiving spontaneously by 65%. A stratified analysis based on serum β-HCG levels demonstrated that all treatment modalities carry the same reproductive opportunities for patients presenting with β-HCG levels ≤ 1745 IU/L. Conclusion: Salpingectomy was found to decrease the patient’s chance of achieving a natural conception. Conservative approaches should be considered with caution only when the patient’s clinical condition permits, and the patient is appropriately counseled.
The Reduced Monotonic Regression Method

Abstract Medical researchers often desire to categorize patients into monotonic response groups based on the relationship between continuous variables. Isotonic regression fits consist of level sets of increasing value, for which the estimated response is constant. However, the number of level sets obtained is often large, preventing simple description. This article introduces two new nonparametric methods called reduced isotonic regression and reduced monotonic regression, the latter being a two-sided extension of the former for use when the direction of the trend is unknown. Using a backward elimination algorithm, the new procedures reduce the number of level sets by combining those whose values do not differ greatly. For the statistical relations examined here, the reduced monotonic method averaged at most 30% of the number of level sets obtained for isotonic regression. The method is illustrated with an example that examines the relationship between risk factors for survival among children with leukem.
Hit the acceleration petal: Methylation as a mediator of ethylene-induced petal senescence

Open Access Received January 30, 2023. Accepted February 7, 2023. Advance access publication February 22, 2023 © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Society of Plant Biologists. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. N ew s an d V ie w s
First-in-human study to assess the pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and safety of single-dose oxybutynin hydrochloride administered via a microprocessor-controlled intravaginal ring

Abstract Polymeric drug-releasing vaginal rings are useful for both local and systemic administration of drugs via the intravaginal route. Typically, they provide continuous sustained or controlled release of drug(s) over extended time periods, thereby avoiding overdose and improving adherence. This first-in-human study (EudraCT number: 2020-0050044-30) evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of a single dose of oxybutynin administered by a novel microprocessor-controlled vaginal ring (MedRing). Eight healthy female subjects received an electronically controlled single intravaginal dose of 3 mg oxybutynin hydrochloride (100 mg/mL) dissolved in 1:1 water/propylene glycol administered via MedRing. Following dosing, MedRing was kept in situ for up to 6 h. Blood samples were collected 1 h prior to oxybutynin dosing and subsequently at regular intervals post-dose for the assessment of plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and its active metabolite N-desethyloxybutynin. The results showed that MedRing efficiently administered oxybutynin via the intravaginal route, resulting in plasma oxybutynin levels comparable to orally administered oxybutynin. The mean ± standard deviation pharmacokinetic parameters for oxybutynin were Cmax 5.4 ± 2.7 ng/mL, AUCinf 34.9 ± 17.4 h ng/mL, t1/2 8.5 ± 3.5 h and for N-desethyloxybutynin were Cmax 3.9 ± 2.5 ng/mL, AUCinf 51.1 ± 43.1 h ng/mL, t1/2 7.7 ± 5.9 h. No serious adverse events were reported. The study demonstrates that intravaginal administration of oxybutynin hydrochloride using the MedRing device was well tolerated.
Interactive effects of FTO rs9939609 and obesogenic behavioral factors on adiposity-related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes

Abstract Numerous genetic variants have been linked to obesity predisposition, however, the interplay of genetic and behavioral factors is very crucial in determining the final phenotype. Therefore, this study examined the interactive effects of the FTO rs9939609 and various obesogenic behavioral factors on adiposity-related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes in a sample of Pakistani population. A total of 612 participants encompassing 306 overweight/obese (cases) and an equal number (306) of age- and sex-matched normal-weight (controls) individuals were included in the study. Adiposity-related anthropometric parameters were collected by taking corresponding body measurements by following standard procedures. The metabolic parameters were assessed by performing corresponding biochemical assays. A standard questionnaire was devised for the collection of adiposity-related behavioral information. The FTO rs9939609 was genotyped by employing TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software. Interactive effects of the FTO rs9939609 and behavioral factors on obesity-related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes were examined via linear regression by adjusting potential confounders and making correction for multiple comparisons. The results implied that the interaction between the FTO rs9939609 and low physical activity may significantly increase various adiposity-related anthropometric variables (p < 0.05). However, no such interactive effects were found on any adiposity-related metabolic variable. In conclusion, the interaction between the FTO rs9939609 and low physical activity may have a significant impact on obesity-related anthropometric traits in the Pakistani population.
PM10 and NO2 Air Pollution and Evolution of COVID-19 Cases in Romania.

Objectives:Based on the correlation between air pollution and COVID-19 incidence/mortality already existing in the literature, we aimed to develop a study to investigate the link between the average level of PM10 (particulate matter 10 - particulate matter 10 microns in diameter) and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) concentration over five years and the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 cases per 1000 people in Romania. Methods: To assess PM10 and NO2 exposure, we determined the average value of annual PM10 and NO2 concentration for each city over five years (2015-2019). For this purpose, the average of annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations collected from monitoring stations in selected cities was calculated. Then, the annual values over five years were averaged to finally obtain the average PM10 and NO2 concentration for each city. Data on the cumulative number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 up to the 28th of September 2020 were provided by the National Centre for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT) of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). The study used the cumulative incidence/hour per 1000 population on 28.09. 2020. Results:According to Law no. 104/2011, the annual permissible limit value of PM10 concentration of 40 μg/m³ was not exceeded in any of the 43 cities in our study. The average for all cities was 24.0±4.8 ìg/m³, with a minimum value of average PM10 concentration of 13.9 μg/m3 measured in Alba Iulia and a maximum value of 39.1 μg/m³ in Iasi. The regression model shows that, in Bucharest, 77.9% of the variation in case incidence is explained by the variation in PM10 concentration. In order to find the number of new cases that would correspond to a cumulative incidence of 0.166, taking as an example one of the districts with a population of 259,084, the above regression model shows that an increase in the average PM10 concentration by one unit is associated with 43 new cases. Conclusion:The study demonstrates that an exposure of the population to particulate matter in atmospheric air, at low values, below the permissible limit values but for a long time (the follow-up period in our study was five years, between 2015 and 2019), can have effects on the health status of the population, which becomes much more vulnerable to external agents, in our case pathogenic microorganisms (viruses).
Analysis of the GPR17 receptor in NG2‐glia under physiological conditions unravels a new subset of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells with distinct functions

NG2‐glia comprise a heterogeneous population of cycling cells that give rise to mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes. The mechanisms that regulate the process of differentiation from NG2‐glia into oligodendrocytes are still not fully understood but over the last years the G Protein‐coupled Receptor 17 (GPR17) has been on the spotlight as a possible key regulator. Interestingly, GPR17‐expressing NG2‐glia show under physiological conditions a slower and lower level of differentiation compared to NG2‐glia without GPR17. In contrast, after a CNS insult these react with proliferation and differentiation in a high rate, pointing towards a role in repair processes. However, the role of GPR17+ NG2‐glia under healthy conditions in adulthood has not been addressed yet. Therefore, we aimed here to characterize the GPR17‐expressing NG2‐glia. Using transgenic mouse models, we showed restricted GPR17 expression in only some NG2‐glia. Furthermore, we found that these cells constitute a distinct subset within the NG2‐glia population, which shows a different gene expression profile and behavior when compared to the total NG2‐glia population. Genetic depletion of GPR17+ cells showed that these are not contributing to the dynamic and continuous generation of new oligodendrocytes in the adult brain. Taken together, GPR17+ NG2‐glia seem to play a distinct role under physiological conditions that goes beyond their classic differentiation control, that needs to be further elucidated. These results open new avenues for using the GPR17 receptor as a target to change oligodendrogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions, highlighting the importance of further characterization of this protein for future pharmacological studies.
VY SCL, A NEW RAPID BLUE VARIABLE.

Rapid variations with an underlying 500-second periodicity are reported for VY Scl, a blue star at the south galactic pole. Broad absorption lines are visible beneath the bright line spectrum. It is suggested that the star is a dwarf nova, not the R CrB-type star previously proposed. Key words: variable star - photometry - spectrum
Experimental studies of stability and transition in high-speed wakes

The investigation undertaken deals with the development of disturbances in a supersonic wake (free viscous layer and regular wake) behind a flat plate both in its linear and nonlinear stages. The influence of a number of factors (Mach and Reynolds numbers, temperature factor, thickness of the plate, length of its stern) on the wake stability and transition was studied. The development of the artificial disturbances in a wake at Mach number M∞ = 2 was investigated also. It was found that compressibility of the flow (increasing Mach number) stabilizes the wake disturbances – their amplification rates decrease, and the transition point moves away from the model plate. Cooling of the model surface at M∞ ≈ 7 has a destabilizing influence on the development of disturbances in the wake. With increase of unit Reynolds number the beginning of transition in the wake moves forward to a rear critical point. It was confirmed that a distinctive maximum in the spectral distribution of fluctuations appears, corresponding to Strouhal number (based on frequency of this maximum) of 0.3. With the growth of the model thickness the disturbance amplification rates in the wake increase, which results in earlier transition of a laminar wake into turbulent one. With the growth of length of the plate stern, the position of the wake transition moves back accordingly, while the wake stability increases a little (though very unsignificantly). In the nonlinear stage of development of disturbances, the occurrence of a triad of waves, satisfying the resonant correlation of frequencies, and the growth of harmonics are observed. A monochromatic packet of waves of Tollmien–Schlichting type, rather narrow (in the transversal coordinate) in the boundary layers on a flat plate with an opposite wedge at the stern, was found to extend in the wake. The wake disturbances have a complex wave structure. At the Mach number of free flow 2.0, the three-dimensional disturbances are the most unstable in the wake.
Neurobehavioral Profiles of Six Genetically-based Rat Models of Schizophrenia-related Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder with high heterogeneity in its symptoms clusters. The effectiveness of drug treatments for the disorder is far from satisfactory. It is widely accepted that research with valid animal models is essential if we aim at understanding its genetic/neurobiological mechanisms and finding more effective treatments. The present article presents an overview of six genetically-based (selectively-bred) rat models/strains, which exhibit neurobehavioral schizophrenia-relevant features, i.e., the Apomorphine-susceptible (APO-SUS) rats, the Low-prepulse inhibition rats, the Brattleboro (BRAT) rats, the Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR), the Wisket rats and the Roman High-Avoidance (RHA) rats. Strikingly, all the strains display impairments in prepulse inhibition of the startle response (PPI), which remarkably, in most cases are associated with novelty-induced hyperlocomotion, deficits of social behavior, impairment of latent inhibition and cognitive flexibility, or signs of impaired prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. However, only three of the strains share PPI deficits and dopaminergic (DAergic) psychostimulant-induced hyperlocomotion (together with prefrontal cortex dysfunction in two models, the APO-SUS and RHA), which points out that alterations of the mesolimbic DAergic circuit are a schizophrenia-linked trait that not all models reproduce, but it characterizes some strains that can be valid models of schizophrenia-relevant features and drug-addiction vulnerability (and thus, dual diagnosis). We conclude by putting the research based on these genetically-selected rat models in the context of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, suggesting that RDoC-oriented research programs using selectively-bred strains might help to accelerate progress in the various aspects of the schizophrenia-related research agenda.
Use of machine learning in the field of prosthetics and orthotics: A systematic narrative review

Although machine learning is not yet being used in clinical practice within the fields of prosthetics and orthotics, several studies on the use of prosthetics and orthotics have been conducted. We intend to provide relevant knowledge by conducting a systematic review of prior studies on using machine learning in the fields of prosthetics and orthotics. We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until July 18, 2021. The study included the application of machine learning algorithms to upper-limb and lower-limb prostheses and orthoses. The criteria of the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. A total of 13 studies were included in this systematic review. In the realm of prostheses, machine learning has been used to identify prosthesis, select an appropriate prosthesis, train after wearing the prosthesis, detect falls, and manage the temperature in the socket. In the field of orthotics, machine learning was used to control real-time movement while wearing an orthosis and predict the need for an orthosis. The studies included in this systematic review are limited to the algorithm development stage. However, if the developed algorithms are actually applied to clinical practice, it is expected that it will be useful for medical staff and users to handle prosthesis and orthosis.
The use of different 16S rRNA gene variable regions in biogeographical studies

Abstract 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing is routinely used in environmental surveys to identify microbial diversity and composition of the samples of interest. The dominant sequencing technology of the past decade (Illumina) is based on the sequencing of 16S rRNA hypervariable regions. Online sequence data repositories, which represent an invaluable resource for investigating microbial distributional patterns across spatial, environmental or temporal scales, contain amplicon datasets from diverse 16S rRNA gene variable regions. However, the utility of these sequence datasets is potentially reduced by the use of different 16S rRNA gene amplified regions. By comparing 10 Antarctic soil samples sequenced for five different 16S rRNA amplicons, we explore whether sequence data derived from diverse 16S rRNA variable regions can be validly used as a resource for biogeographical studies. Patterns of shared and unique taxa differed among samples as a result of variable taxonomic resolutions of the assessed 16S rRNA variable regions. However, our analyses also suggest that the use of multi‐primer datasets for biogeographical studies of the domain Bacteria is a valid approach to explore bacterial biogeographical patterns due to the preservation of bacterial taxonomic and diversity patterns across different variable region datasets. We deem composite datasets useful for biogeographical studies.
Tight junctions and acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid reduction in kidney function caused by various etiologies. Tubular epithelial cell dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AKI. Tight junction (TJ) is the major molecular structure that connects adjacent epithelial cells and is critical in maintaining barrier function and determining the permeability of epithelia. TJ proteins are dysregulated in various types of AKI, and some reno‐protective drugs can reverse TJ changes caused by insult. An in‐depth understanding of TJ regulation and its causality with AKI will provide more insight to the disease pathogenesis and will shed light on the potential role of TJs to serve as novel therapeutic targets in AKI.
Tillage and Mulch Effects on Yield and Fruit Fresh Mass of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

ABSTRACT In 1997, three tillage/mulch pepper production systems were compared on raised beds at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), MD, and at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Kentland Agricultural Research Farm (KARF), Blacksburg, VA. The tillage/mulch treatments were hairy vetch (Vicia vlllosa Roth) mulch, no tillage (HVNT), black polyethylene in which the beds were rototilled and reformed before transplanting the peppers (BPT), and bare soil, no tillage (BSNT). ‘Camelot’ bell peppers were transplanted between late May and early June in double rows. Treatments BPT and BSNT received N at 224 kg.ha−1 in six applications on a sandy loam soil at BARC, while less N (78 kg.ha−') was applied in two early applications on a fine-textured loam soil at KARF. Vetch biomass in the HVNT treatment was estimated at 9.7 t.ha−1 at BARC and 5.4 t.ha−1 at KARF with a N content of 320 and 194 kg.ha−1 respectively. Six to nine harvests were made and fruit at each harvest were graded. Yi.
The impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 immunization on COVID‐19 disease course in people with myasthenia gravis

There is limited knowledge regarding the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines οn coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) disease course in people with myasthenia gravis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination influences hospitalization and mortality due to COVID‐19 in this population.
Antimicrobial blue light as a biofilm management therapy at the skin‐implant interface in an ex vivo percutaneous osseointegrated implant model

Biofilm contamination is often present at the skin‐implant interface of transfemoral osseointegrated implants leading to frequent infection, irritation, and discomfort. New biofilm management regimens are needed as the current standard of washing the site with soap and water is inadequate to manage infection rates. We investigated the potential of antimicrobial blue light, which has reduced risk of resistance development and broad antimicrobial mechanisms. Our lab developed an antimicrobial blue light (aBL) device uniquely designed for an ex vivo system based on an established ovine osseointegrated (OI) implant model with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 biofilms as initial inocula. Samples were irradiated with aBL or washed for three consecutive days after which they were quantified. Colony‐forming unit (CFU) counts were compared with a control group (bacterial inocula without treatment). After 1 day, aBL administered as a single 6 h dose or two 1 h doses spaced 6 h apart both reduced the CFU count by 1.63 log10 ± 0.02 CFU. Over 3 days of treatment, a positive aBL trend was observed with a maximum reduction of ~2.7 log10 CFU following 6 h of treatment, indicating a relation between multiple days of irradiation and greater CFU reductions. aBL was more effective at reducing the biofilm burden at the skin‐implant interface compared with the wash group, demonstrating the potential of aBL as a biofilm management option.