Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explicit and combined estimators for stable distributions parameters

This article focuses on the estimation of the stability index and scale parameter of stable random variables. While there is a sizable literature on this topic, no precise theoretical results seem available. We study an estimator based on log-moments, which always exist for such random variables. The main advantage of this estimator is that it has a simple closed form expression. This allows us to prove an almost sure convergence result as well as a central limit theorem. We show how to improve the accuracy of this estimator by combining it with previously defined ones. The closed form also enables us to consider the case of non identically distributed data, and we show that our results still hold provided deviations from stationarity are ”small”. Using a centro-symmetrization, we expand the previous estimators to skewed stable variables and we construct a test to check the skewness of the data. As applications, we show numerically that the stability index of multistable Levy motion may be estimated accurately and consider a financial log, namely the S&P 500, where we find that the stability index evolves in time in a way that reflects with major financial events.
Majorizing Sequences for Nonlinear Fredholm–Hammerstein Integral Equations

We use the method of majorizing sequences to study the applicability of Newton's method to solve nonlinear Fredholm–Hammerstein integral equations. For this, we use center convergence conditions on points different from the starting point of Newton's method, which is the point usually used by other authors until now when center conditions are required. In addition, the theoretical significance of the method is used to draw conclusions about the existence and uniqueness of solutions and about the region in which they are located. As a result, we modify the domain of starting points for Newton's method.
The Viral Knock: Ameliorating Cancer Treatment with Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus

The prospect of cancer treatment has drastically transformed over the last four decades. The side effects caused by the traditional methods of cancer treatment like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy through the years highlight the prospect for a novel, complementary, and alternative cancer therapy. Oncolytic virotherapy is an evolving treatment modality that utilizes oncolytic viruses (OVs) to selectively attack cancer cells by direct lysis and can also elicit a strong anti-cancer immune response. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) provides a very high safety profile compared to other oncolytic viruses. Extensive research worldwide concentrates on experimenting with and better understanding the underlying mechanisms by which oncolytic NDV can be effectively applied to intercept cancer. This review encapsulates the potential of NDV to be explored as an oncolytic agent and discusses current preclinical and clinical research scenarios involving various NDV strains.
Convectively Induced Stabilizations and Subsequent Recovery with Supercell Thunderstorms during the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX)

AbstractThe adiabatic and diabatic processes inherent to midlatitude deep convective storms are well known to modify the atmospheric temperature, moisture, and winds especially within horizontal scales equivalent to a Rossby radius of deformation. Such modifications, or “feedbacks,” induced by supercell thunderstorms were a particular focus of the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX), owing to the unique supercell dynamics and associated supercell intensity and longevity. During the MPEX field phase, which was conducted 15 May–15 June 2013 within the Great Plains region of the United States, radiosonde observations collected in immediate supercell wakes exhibited temperature lapse rates that were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to preconvective lapse rates above the boundary layer.Complementary idealized model simulations were used to confirm that there was little residual effect of the supercell in the wake of the moving storm except within the area occupied by the surface cold pool, and w.
Financing of state-owned entities: Can the Trade-off Theory explain the debt structure?

The purpose of this research is to determine if the financing behaviour of South African state-owned entities (SOEs) have a target capital structure which they adjust towards and if so, the speed of adjustment, a central tenet of the Trade-off Theory. An unbalanced panel data set from a sample of thirty-three commercial SOEs were studied using a dynamic partial adjustment model. The findings provide strong evidence that South African SOEs follow the trade-off theory based on the existence of a target capital structure and speed of adjustment of 21.5% per annum towards the target which is slower than other SOEs in developing economies. The findings also revealed that these SOEs take almost five years to close off two-thirds of the gap between the actual and optimal capital structures. The findings will be of interest to observers of the economy, as they measure the capacity of SOEs to play a leading role in investment and in improving the efficiency of the economy. They could also inform decision making and policy development on SOEs.
Plate Age and Uppermost Mantle Structure Across the Juan de Fuca and Gorda Plates

To test the relationship between plate age and uppermost mantle structure for the Juan de Fuca and Gorda plates, as well as the mode of lithospheric cooling, we produce a new 3D oceanic shear wave speed (VS) model. This model is constructed using a new high‐quality Rayleigh wave phase speed data set across the plates and is based on a novel thermo‐seismic hybrid parameterization. In the lithosphere, we find that the VS structure is primarily (68% of study area) governed by conductive cooling. Exceptions are observed, suggesting advective heat influx along ridges and hydrothermal circulation through cracks near the subduction trench and transform faults. In the asthenosphere of the Juan de Fuca plate, no simple monotonic relationship between seismic structure and plate age exists, but instead there is a non‐monotonic slow‐fast‐slow VS pattern from west to east. The two slow asthenospheric VS anomalies indicate the presence of partial melt beneath both the mid‐ocean ridge and the subduction trench. The partial melt beneath the trench is enigmatic.
Case report: Villaret's syndrome caused by middle ear adenocarcinoma in a cat

A 7-year-old castrated male American Shorthair cat presented with left-side Horner's syndrome and voice change. The overall clinical presentation included dysphagia, intermittent coughing, unilateral miosis, and third eyelid protrusion of the left eye. A topical 1% phenylephrine was applied, and miosis and protrusion of the third eyelid disappeared within 20 min which suggested a post-ganglionic lesion. Laryngoscopy showed left-sided laryngeal paralysis. Computed tomography (CT) identified a mass lesion invading outside of the left tympanic bulla with osteolysis. Endoscopically assisted ventral bulla osteotomy was performed for tumor resection and definitive diagnosis. Middle ear adenocarcinoma was diagnosed based on histopathology. It appears that these neurological signs occurred due to adenocarcinoma in the tympanic bulla, penetrating the jugular foramen and the hypoglossal canal and damaging the cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve), X (vagus nerve), XI (accessory nerve), and XII (hypoglossal nerve) and the sympathetic nerve. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of Villaret's syndrome associated with middle ear adenocarcinoma affecting the nerves passing through the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal in cats.
Structural Characteristics and Microstructure Analysis of Soft Soil Stabilised with Fine Ground Tile Waste

Using ceramic tile waste as a soil stabiliser in road construction is a potential solution to dispose of the waste material while providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional stabilising agents. The ceramic tile waste, when crushed and mixed with soil, helps to improve the strength and durability of the road base. However, the effectiveness of the ceramic tile waste as a soil stabiliser depends on the type and size of ceramic tiles used and the soil properties being stabilised. This study investigated the effect of ground tile waste on the plasticity, compatibility, and mechanical properties such as the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile test (IDT), flexural test (FS), and microstructural analysis. A range of soil mixtures was prepared by adding the different percentages of fine tile waste (TW): 5% to 40%. Including tile waste in the soil led to a decrease in its water-holding capacity, reducing the optimum moisture content required for optimal compaction. Meanwhile, the maximum dry density increased. The UCS, IDT, and FS improved when the optimum 15% of TW was used in the mixes. However, the strength decreased after 20% of the TW addition. This effect was particularly pronounced in the presence of excessive TW contents in soil samples without a pozzolanic reaction. Reusing tile waste as a soil stabiliser can significantly reduce the costs of purchasing new materials and helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Compact Magnetic Field Amplification by Tuned Lenz Lens

High-frequency magnetic field sensing is a vital feature of several biomedical and industrial applications. Typically, highly sensitive magnetic materials are used for such applications, yet such materials are expensive and their development is bespoke. Recently, there has been an increased interest in reshaping magnetic fields to enhance the high performance of sensing devices. In this article, we present and evaluate the design of a Lenz lens (LL)-based miniaturized magnetic field sensor onto a single substrate. We envision that our device can be used for magnetic field-based sensing applications. Through simulations, we show that the introduction of LL confines and enhances the magnetic field in the region of the sensor. Our design is validated using laboratory measurements that show a 40-fold improvement in the detected signal at 28.6 MHz when an LL is placed around the sensor. We also note that the enhancement leads to a 15-dB increase in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the detected signal. We fabricated the design using etching techniques that are both well-known and low-cost, therefore, showing potential for mass-scale production. We demonstrate that it is not only possible to create a device that enhances magnetic field sensitivity but also to do so in a manner that makes it easy to integrate with existing technologies. The latter feature allows it to become immediately useful for a variety of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications.
Emerging Therapies for Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplantation

Despite the advances in immunosuppressive medications, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) continues to be a major cause of kidney allograft failure and remains a barrier to improving long-term allograft survival. Recently, there have been significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiological process of AMR, along with the development of new therapeutic options. Additionally, surveillance protocols with donor-derived cell-free DNA and gene profile testing have been established, leading to the early detection of AMR. A multitude of clinical trials are ongoing, opening numerous opportunities for improving outcome in kidney transplant recipients. In this brief review, we discuss the emerging therapies for managing both active and chronic active AMR and highlight the ongoing clinical trials.
Diarrheal-associated gut dysbiosis in cancer and inflammatory bowel disease patients is exacerbated by Clostridioides difficile infection

Introduction Low diversity gut dysbiosis can take different forms depending on the disease context. In this study, we used shotgun metagenomic sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to compared the metagenomic and metabolomic profiles of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile diarrheal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and defined the additive effect of C. difficile infection (CDI) on intestinal dysbiosis. Results The study cohort consisted of 138 case-mix cancer patients, 43 IBD patients, and 45 healthy control individuals. Thirty-three patients were also infected with C. difficile. In the control group, three well-known enterotypes were identified, while the other groups presented with an additional Escherichia-driven enterotype. Bacterial diversity was significantly lower in all groups than in healthy controls, while the highest level of bacterial species richness was observed in cancer patients. Fifty-six bacterial species had abundance levels that differentiated diarrheal patient groups from the control group. Of these species, 52 and 4 (Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Ruminococcus gnavus) were under-represented and over-represented, respectively, in all diarrheal patient groups. The relative abundances of propionate and butyrate were significantly lower in fecal samples from IBD and CDI patients than in control samples. Isobutyrate, propanate, and butyrate concentrations were lower in cancer, IBD, and CDI samples, respectively. Glycine and valine amino acids were over- represented in diarrheal patients. Conclusion Our data indicate that different external and internal factors drive comparable profiles of low diversity dysbiosis. While diarrheal-related low diversity dysbiosis may be a consequence of systemic cancer therapy, a similar phenotype is observed in cases of moderate to severe IBD, and in both cases, dysbiosis is exacerbated by incidence of CDI.
Correlates of susceptibility to tobacco use among never-smoking youth in four eastern and southern European countries

Introduction and Objective. Young adults demonstrate the highest prevalence of cigarette and e-cigarette use which justifies conducting research in attempt to identify correlates of the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The aim of the study was to compare predictors related to smoking susceptibility among adolescents in four Eastern and Southern European countries. Materials and method. The latest data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), obtained from Latvia (2019), Moldova (2019), Montenegro (2018), and San Marino (2018) were subject to analysis. The research tool was a standardized, anonymous survey questionnaire, consisting of basic questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence of tobacco smoking, knowledge and attitudes of young people about and to smoking, access to cigarettes, the role of advertising and the media in tobacco smoking. Results. Nearly one-third of young adults were prone to smoking in San Marino and a one-fourth in Latvia. In all four analyzed countries, exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in public places was a predictor of vulnerability to tobacco use (OR 1.4 – 1.79; p<0.01 in Montenegro; p<0.001 in Moldova). In three analyzed countries, the correlates were: exposure to SHS at home (OR 1.31; p<0.05 in Latvia; 1.51; p<0.01 in Moldova; 1.91; p<0.01 in San Marino), the feeling of comfort (OR 1.59; p< 0.001 in Latvia; 1.45; p< 0.01 in Moldova; 1.41; p< 0.01 in Montenegro), and the opinion that a smoker can easily quit smoking (OR 1.39; p< 0.05 in Latvia; 1.84; p< 0.001 in Moldova; 1.4; p<0.05 in Montenegro). Conclusions. Political factors (observance of smoking bans in public places and homes) were strongly correlated with tobacco use susceptibility. These results should induce governments to intensify interventions to encourage tobacco-free homes, and control smoking bans in public places.
High-resolution numerical simulation of summer wind field comparing WRF boundary-layer parametrizations over complex Arctic topography: case study from central Spitsbergen

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model was run in three different configurations over Svalbard Archipelago and compared with the 12-day summer measurements of surface wind characteristics at three sites along the western coast of Petuniabukta, central Spitsbergen. For studying wind patterns over complex topography, we chose the following sites for their differing terrain elevation and local surface characteristics: a raised marine terrace (15 m a.s.l.), the foreland of Horbyebreen Glacier (67 m a.s.l.) and the top of Mumien Peak (773 m a.s.l.). The WRF simulations were conducted using three boundary layer (BL) parameterization schemes: the Yonsei University (YSU), the Mellor-Yamada-Janjic (MYJ) and the Quasi-Normal Scale Elimination (QNSE), with 1-km horizontal resolution of the inner domain. The WRF simulations agreed fairly well with the surface wind observations taken at all the sites. For wind speed, the mean correlation coefficients between the modelled and observed data ranged from 0.56 to 0.67. The best results across all the stations were found for the QNSE parameterization scheme, with a bias of 0.1m s-1. The wind speed simulations were sensitive to the geographical location and elevation of the stations. All the parameterization schemes had difficulties in capturing the surface wind field in the narrow valley near the Horbye foreland station, while satisfactory estimates were found at the top of Mumien Peak and Terrace station, located in a wide part of the fjord.
Tracing the evolution of the Galactic bulge with chemodynamical modelling of alpha-elements

Context. Galactic bulge abundances can be best understood as indicators of bulge formation and nucleosynthesis processes by com- paring them with chemo-dynamical evolution models. Aims. The aim of this work is to study the abundances of alpha-elements in the Galactic bulge, including a revision of the oxygen abundance in a sample of 56 bulge red giants. Methods. Literature abundances for O, Mg, Si, Ca and Ti in Galactic bulge stars are compared with chemical evolution models. For oxygen in particular, we reanalysed high-resolution spectra obtained using FLAMES + UVES on the Very Large Telescope, now taking each star’s carbon abundances, derived from CI and C 2 lines, into account simultaneously. Results. We present a chemical evolution model of alpha-element enrichment in a massive spheroid that represents a typical classical bulge evolution. The code includes multi-zone chemical evolution coupled with hydrodynamics of the gas. Comparisons between the model predictions and the abundance data suggest a typical bulge formation timescale of 1–2 Gyr. The main constraint on the bulge evolution is provided by the O data from analyses that have taken the C abundance and dissociative equilibrium into account. Mg, Si, Ca and Ti trends are well reproduced, whereas the level of overabundance critically depends on the adopted nucleosynthesis prescriptions.
Rapid-Scan Radar Observations of an Oklahoma Tornadic Hailstorm Producing Giant Hail

Rapid-scan radar observations of a supercell that produced near-record size hail in Oklahoma are examined. Data from the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar (PAR) in Norman, Oklahoma, are used to study the overall character and evolution of the storm. Data from the nearby polarimetric KOUN WSR-88D and rapid-scanning X-band polarimetric (RaXPol) mobile radar are used to study the evolution of low- to midaltitude dual-polarization parameters above two locations where giant hailstones up to 16 cm in diameter were observed. The PAR observation of the supercell’s maximum storm-top divergent outflow is similar to the strongest previously documented value. The storm’s mesocyclone rotational velocity at midaltitudes reached a maximum that is more than double the median value for similar observations from other storms producing giant hail. For the two storm-relative areas where giant hail was observed, noteworthy findings include 1) the giant hail occurred outside the main precipitation core, in areas with low-altitude reflectivities of 40–50 dBZ; 2) the giant hail was associated with dual-polarization signatures consistent with past observations of large hail at 10-cm wavelength, namely, low ZDR, low ρHV, and low KDP; 3) the giant hail fell along both the northeast and southwest edges of the primary updraft at ranges of 6–10 km from the updraft center; and 4) with the exception of one isolated report, the giant hail fell to the northeast and northwest of the large tornado and the parent mesocyclone.
An imaging‑based diagnostic approach to vascular anomalies of the oral and maxillofacial region

The accurate diagnosis of vascular anomalies (VAs) is considered a challenging endeavor. Misdiagnosis of VAs can lead clinicians in the wrong direction, such as the performance of an unnecessary biopsy or inappropriate surgical procedures, which can potentially lead to unforeseen consequences and increase the risk of patient injury. The purpose of the present study was to develop an approach for the diagnosis of VAs of the oral and maxillofacial region based on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). In the present study, the CT and MR images of 87 VAs were examined, and the following imaging features were evaluated: Detectability of the lesion, the periphery of the lesion, the inner nature of the lesion, the density of the lesion on CT, the signal intensity of the lesion on MRI, the detectability of phleboliths and the shape of the lesion. A total of 29 lesions were further evaluated using the contrast index (CI) curves created from the DCE-MRI images. A diagnostic diagram, which is based on the imaging features of VAs and CI curve patterns, was subsequently extrapolated. The results obtained demonstrated that the VAs were detected more readily by MRI compared with CT, whereas the detectability of phleboliths was superior when using CT compared with MRI. VAs showed a propensity for homogeneous isodensity on CT, whereas, by contrast, they exhibited a propensity for heterogeneous hyperdensity on CE-CT. VAs also showed a propensity for homogeneous intermediate signal intensity when performing T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), heterogeneous high signal intensity when performing short tau inversion recovery MRI, and heterogeneous high signal intensity when performing fat-saturated CE-T1WI. The CI curves of VAs were found to exhibit a specific pattern: Of the 29 CI curves, 23 (79.3%) showed early weak enhancement, followed by a plateau leading up to 400–600 sec. An imaging-based diagnostic diagram was ultimately formulated. This diagram can act as an aid for radiologists when they are expecting to find a VA, and hopefully serve the purpose of simplifying the diagnostic process. Taken together, the findings of the present study indicated that DCE-MRI may be considered a useful tool for the diagnosis of VAs.
A taxonomic revision of Lagenophora Cass. (Asteraceae) in Australia

Wang, J. & Bean, A.R. (2019). A taxonomic revision of Lagenophora Cass. (Asteraceae) in Australia. Austrobaileya 10(3): 405–442. The genus Lagenophora Cass. is taxonomically revised for Australia with 12 species recognised from Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania. Nine species are endemic to Australia and three also occur elsewhere. Lagenophora adenosa Jian Wang ter & A.R. Bean and L. platysperma Jian Wang ter & A.R. Bean are newly described; L. gunniana Steetz and L. latifolia Hook.f. are reinstated; L. montana Hook.f. is newly recognised for South Australia; L. sublyrata (Cass.) A.R. Bean & Jian Wang ter is a new combination (based on Ixauchenus sublyratus Cass.); and L. gracilis Steetz is reinstated in its original (geographically restricted) sense. All of the 12 species are fully described and seven species are illustrated. Notes are provided on the Australian distribution of all species (including maps), habitat and proposed conservation status. Identification keys are provided for Australia and for each state.