Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Random lasing from kombucha bacterial cellulose—ZnO bionanocomposite foam

Random lasers (RLs) with biological and natural origins have attracted a great deal of attention in biosensing and bio-imaging. In this work, we described a high-performance RL based on kombucha bacterial cellulose and ZnO bionanocomposite foam. The foam was constructed by coating a high-scattering ZnO material on the 3D scaffold cellulose fibers of a KBC. This provides a high level of scattering, which enables light to be better confined within the structures, thus facilitating resonance feedback for random lasing emission. By implementing organic dye molecules into the bionanocomposite foam, we successfully achieved a random lasing emission with a low threshold of 110 μJ mm−2. Due to the RL’s high flexibility and high elasticity, it is able to shift the lasing emission wavelengths to the longer range induced by the folding effect. Compared to other RLs based on natural materials, our RL showed a lower lasing threshold. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of the nanocomposite materials together with the simple, two-step, and low-cost RL fabrication process highlight the promising future of using the proposed RLs in many optical, biological, and medical applications.
Site-Specific Seismic Ground Motion Analyses for Transportation Infrastructure in the New Madrid Seismic Zone

Generic, code-based design procedures cannot account for the anticipated short-period attenuation and long-period amplification of earthquake ground motions in the deep, soft sediments of the Mississippi Embayment within the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). As a result, generic, code-based seismic designs may lead to short-period structures being over-designed at a significant cost, and long-period structures being under-designed at a significant risk. For these reasons, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) explicitly recommends site-specific ground motion response analyses for this part of the country. Most bridges constructed by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) within the NMSZ are in the short-period range (i.e., 0.1-0.5 seconds), where site specific analyses can potentially allow engineers to reduce seismic design forces by up to 33% according to AASHTO guidelines. Site-specific ground motion response analyses have been conducted for an example bridge site in Blytheville, AR. Results from the site-specific analyses clearly show that the generic seismic design forces could have been reduced by the AASHTO- allowed 33% if these site-specific analyses had been performed prior to design. Similar results are expected for short-period bridges throughout Northeast Arkansas, where probabilistic seismic hazards are generally dominated by a single earthquake scenario and subsurface conditions are relatively homogenous.
A qualitative analysis of public health officials' experience in California during COVID-19: priorities and recommendations

Objectives The aim of this study was to collect qualitative data regarding the violence faced by public health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic and create a guideline of recommendations to protect this population moving forward. Methods Two focus groups were conducted virtually from April 2022 to May 2022. All nine participants were public health officials from across California. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data from these focus groups. Results The main recurrent experiences among public health officials were harassment, psychological impact, systemic backlash, and burnout. Several recommendations for supporting public health officials were highlighted, including security and protection, mental health support, public awareness, and political/institutional support. Conclusion Our study captures the violent experiences that health officials have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. To maintain the integrity of the public health system, timely changes must be made to support and protect health officials. Our guideline of recommendations provides a multi-faceted approach to the urgent threats that officials continue to face. By implementing these solutions, we can strengthen our public health system and improve our response to future national emergencies.
A retrospective study of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease from a clinical laboratory perspective

Objectives To analyze the differences in laboratory data between patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Methods The study included 26 MOGAD patients who visited Beijing Tiantan Hospital from 2018 to 2021. MS and NMOSD patients who visited the clinic during the same period were selected as controls. Relevant indicators were compared between the MOGAD group and the MS/NMOSD groups, and the diagnostic performance of meaningful markers was assessed. Results The MOGAD group showed a slight female preponderance of 57.7%, with an average onset age of 29.8 years. The absolute and relative counts of neutrophils were higher in the MOGAD group than in the MS group, while the proportion of lymphocytes was lower. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG level, IgG index, 24-h IgG synthesis rate, and positive rate of oligoclonal bands (OCB) were lower in MOGAD patients than in the MS group. The area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.939 when combining the relative lymphocyte count and IgG index. Compared to the NMOSD group, the MOGAD group had higher levels of serum complement C4 and lower levels of serum IgG. The AUC of serum C4 combined with FT4 was 0.783. Conclusion Statistically significant markers were observed in the laboratory data of MOGAD patients compared to MS/NMOSD patients. The relative lymphocyte count combined with IgG index had excellent diagnostic efficacy for MOGAD and MS, while serum C4 combined with FT4 had better diagnostic efficacy for MOGAD and NMOSD.
Preventing Rejection of the Kidney Transplant

With increasing knowledge of immunologic factors and with the advent of potent immunosuppressive agents, the last several decades have seen significantly improved kidney allograft survival. However, despite overall improved short to medium-term allograft survival, long-term allograft outcomes remain unsatisfactory. A large body of literature implicates acute and chronic rejection as independent risk factors for graft loss. In this article, we review measures taken at various stages in the kidney transplant process to minimize the risk of rejection. In the pre-transplant phase, it is imperative to minimize the risk of sensitization, aim for better HLA matching including eplet matching and use desensitization in carefully selected high-risk patients. The peri-transplant phase involves strategies to minimize cold ischemia times, individualize induction immunosuppression and make all efforts for better HLA matching. In the post-transplant phase, the focus should move towards individualizing maintenance immunosuppression and using innovative strategies to increase compliance. Acute rejection episodes are risk factors for significant graft injury and development of chronic rejection thus one should strive for early detection and aggressive treatment. Monitoring for DSA development, especially in high-risk populations, should be made part of transplant follow-up protocols. A host of new biomarkers are now commercially available, and these should be used for early detection of rejection, immunosuppression modulation, prevention of unnecessary biopsies and monitoring response to rejection treatment. There is a strong push needed for the development of new drugs, especially for the management of chronic or resistant rejections, to prolong graft survival. Prevention of rejection is key for the longevity of kidney allografts. This requires a multipronged approach and significant effort on the part of the recipients and transplant centers.
Evaluating Driver Response to a Dynamic Speed Feedback Sign at a Freeway Exit Ramp Considering the Sign Design Characteristics and Lateral Installation Position

Research was conducted at a freeway exit ramp with significant horizontal curvature to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic speed feedback signs (DSFS) as a speed reduction countermeasure. Several aspects of the DSFS were evaluated, including display size, border type, lateral installation position, and vehicle detection range. Three different full-matrix DSFS were utilized, which included: 15-inch display panel with yellow border, 18-inch display panel with yellow border, and 18-inch display panel with no border. Each sign was individually installed and tested at identical locations near the start of the exit ramp curve, in both the traditional right-side-mount and an alternative forward-mount within the exit gore area. Speed data and message activation location were collected for vehicles approaching and entering into the curve across the various sign test conditions. Overall, the presence of a DSFS positioned near the start of the curve resulted in curve entry speeds that were, on average, 3.5 mph lower than without a DSFS present at the site. The lowest curve entry speeds were observed for cases where the message activated when vehicles were within 250 to 400 ft of the curve. Interestingly, earlier message activation did not contribute to further speed reductions, although later activation substantially diminished the speed reduction effects. Regarding DSFS lateral position, both the side-mounted and forward-mounted DSFS installations resulted in similar curve entry speeds. Furthermore, there were no discernable differences in curve entry speeds between the 15-inch and 18-inch display panels, although the inclusion of a yellow sign border improved performance.
Understanding Regularization in Batch Normalization

Batch Normalization (BN) makes output of hidden neuron had zero mean and unit variance, improving convergence and generalization when training neural networks. This work understands these phenomena theoretically. We analyze BN by using a building block of neural networks, which consists of a weight layer, a BN layer, and a nonlinear activation function. This simple network helps us understand the characteristics of BN, where the results are generalized to deep models in numerical studies. We explore BN in three aspects. First, by viewing BN as a stochastic process, an analytical form of regularization inherited in BN is derived. Second, the optimization dynamic with this regularization shows that BN enables training converged with large maximum and effective learning rates. Third, BN's generalization with regularization is explored by using random matrix theory and statistical mechanics. Both simulations and experiments support our analyses.
Who persistently consumes dietary supplements? A multifaceted analysis using South Korea’s nationally representative health and nutrition examination survey data

Objective This study aimed to identify multifaceted factors affecting intake of dietary supplements among Koreans. Methods Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data from 2018 to 2020 were obtained, pertaining to functional food intake, health related behaviors and morbidities. A total of 12,031 participants representing the Korean adult population were identified into two groups: 1 year more consumer group (N = 4,345) vs. non-consumer group (N = 7,686). A logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the predictors of dietary supplement consumptions. Results Sociodemographic variables were associated with dietary supplement use. Participants who were female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.59–2.15), older (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04–1.08), married (OR = 6.39; 95% CI, 3.44–11.85), highly educated, and high income earners consumed significantly more dietary supplements. Non-smoking (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06–1.53) and performing aerobic exercise (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13–1.46) predict dietary supplement consumption. Self-rated health status and health-related quality of life increased the likelihood of dietary supplement intake by 1.86 (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.04–3.32) and 7.77 times (OR = 7.77; 95% CI, 1.66–33.40), respectively. The number of chronic diseases, cancer, or stroke was not significantly associated with intake. Those with obesity tended to less consume dietary supplements (OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74–0.97). Hypertension (OR = 3.14; 95% CI, 1.36–7.21), osteoporosis (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.11–1.95), and asthma (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27–0.73) were significantly associated with the intake. Conclusion Considering that healthy behaviors and subjective health led to the consumption of dietary supplements, whereas current disease or catastrophic experience did not, the intake of dietary supplements should be included in health promotion in Korea.
An EGCG Derivative in Combination with Nimotuzumab for the Treatment of Wild-Type EGFR NSCLC

Inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) using small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or monoclonal antibodies is often ineffective in treating cancers harboring wild-type EGFR. Given the fact that EGFR possesses a kinase-independent pro-survival function, more effective inhibition of EGFR-mediated signals is therefore necessary. In this study, we investigated the effects of using a combination of low-dose nimotuzumab and theasinensin A to evaluate whether the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on NCI-H441 cancer cells was enhanced. Here, theasinensin A, a novel epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) derivative, was identified and its potent anticancer activity against wild-type EGFR NSCLC was demonstrated in vitro; the anticancer activity was induced through degradation of EGFR. Mechanistic studies further revealed that theasinensin A bound directly to the EGFR extracellular domain, which decreased interaction with its ligand EGF in combination with nimotuzumab. Theasinensin A significantly promoted EGFR degradation and repressed downstream survival pathways in combination with nimotuzumab. Meanwhile, treatment with theasinensin A and nimotuzumab prevented xenograft growth, whereas the single agents had limited effect. Thus, the combination therapy of theasinensin A with nimotuzumab is a powerful candidate for treatment of wild-type EGFR cancers.
Incidence, Predictors, and Strategies for Retrograde Wire Tracking Failure via Poor Septal Collateral Channels in Chronic Total Occlusion

Background Retrograde guidewire (GW) tracking success via a poor septal collateral channel (CC) when an antegrade approach fails is crucial for successful revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) with poor septal CC. However, the incidence, predictors, and management strategies for retrograde GW tracking failure via poor septal CC remain unclear. Methods In total, 122 CTO patients who underwent retrograde septal percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with poor CC between January 2017 and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the retrograde GW tracking success group (success group) and the retrograde GW tracking failure group (failure group). Clinical and angiographic data were compared to investigate the predictors of retrograde GW tracking failure. Results The incidence of GW tracking failure was 22.1% (27/122). Patients in the failure group had a higher prevalence of left anterior descending artery (LAD) CTO (66.7% vs 37.9%; p = 0.009) and a higher incidence of well-developed non-septal collateral (66.7% vs 30.5%; p = 0.001). Patients with a septal CC diameter ≥ 1 mm (48.1% vs 70.5%; p = 0.040), ≥ 3 septal CCs (44.4% vs 66.3%; p = 0.046), and initial retrograde application of Guidezilla (37.0% vs 60.0%; p = 0.048) were significantly lower in the failure group than in the success group. The binary logistics regression model showed that a CC diameter < 1 mm, well-developed non-septal collateral, and LAD CTO were independent predictors for GW tracking failure in patients undergoing retrograde CTO PCI via poor septal CC. Conclusion The success rate of retrograde GW tracking via poor septal CC was high, with a relatively high procedural success rate. A CC diameter < 1 mm, well-developed non-septal collateral, and LAD CTO were independent predictors of GW tracking failure in patients undergoing retrograde CTO PCI via poor septal CC.
Single-Layer Dual-Band Microwave Metasurface Cloak of Conducting Cylinder

A single-layer dual-band metasurface cloak for a conducting cylinder illuminated by TM waves is presented. The metasurface is designed with dual-resonance unit cells to fulfil the sheet impedances necessary for scattering cancelation at two frequency bands. The electrically thin reciprocal metasurface cloaking layer is wrapped around the conducting cylinder separated by a dielectric spacer. As an example, the dual-band cloaking of a conducting cylinder with radius of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.1\lambda _{\mathrm {L}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm {L}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is the wavelength in free space at 2 GHz), height of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.1\lambda _{\mathrm {L}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and a spacer distance of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.03\lambda _{\mathrm {L}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is verified. The simulation results show more than 10 and 7 dB reduction in total scattering width, with 5.2% and 4.2% of 5 dB reduction bandwidth, centered at 2 and 3 GHz, respectively. The design is validated experimentally at four bistatic angles.
High-dose liraglutide improves metabolic syndrome in poor responders to bariatric surgery

Background Bariatric surgery (BS) represents the most effective therapy for obesity class III, or class II with at least one weight-related comorbidity. However, some patients have insufficient weight loss or clinically relevant weight regain after a successful primary procedure. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of liraglutide treatment on weight loss, body composition and improvement of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients defined as poor responders after BS. Methods The study involved 59 non-diabetic adults with obesity (M/F: 17/42, age: 38.6 ± 11.8 years, BMI 38.3 ± 5.5 kg/m2) who had been treated with BS and experienced a poor response, categorized as either IWL (insufficient weight loss) or WR (weight regain). All patients were prescribed pharmacological therapy with liraglutide and attended nutritional counseling. Anthropometric and clinical measurements, body composition and the presence of MS defined according to the ATP-III classification were evaluated before starting liraglutide and after 24 weeks of treatment. Results After 24 weeks of treatment with liraglutide, the mean weight loss was 8.4% ± 3.6% with no difference between gender, bariatric procedure, or type of poor response (IWL or WR). A significant decrease in fat mass, free-fat mass and total body water was documented. After 24 weeks, patients presented significantly lowered fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, AST and ALT. The prevalence of MS was reduced from 35% at baseline to 1.6% after 24 weeks. No patients discontinued the treatment during the study. Conclusion In patients who experience poor response after BS, liraglutide is well tolerated and promotes significant weight loss, ameliorates cardiometabolic comorbidities, and reduces the prevalence of MS.
Meaningful Application of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: The Role of the University Appointed Supervisor

: Preservice teachers undertake mandatory professional experience as part of their journey towards classroom readiness and in-service teaching. Supporting them in this process are supervisors who both guide and assess these novices. Central to this assessment are the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, which need to be rigorously applied to ensure quality teaching graduates. This article investigates the application of these Standards by the supervisors in both their formative and summative assessment. Data are derived from interviews with final year preservice teachers and supervisors in a primary teaching degree course at one Western Australian university. Findings suggest that there is scope for a more detailed and consistent application of the Standards. The paper argues for the development of a model of supervision to ensure consistent evaluations against the Standards, as recommended by the Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group.
SARS-CoV-2 and Parkinson’s Disease: A Review of Where We Are Now

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been discussed in the context of Parkinson’s disease (PD) over the last three years. Now that we are entering the long-term phase of this pandemic, we are intrigued to look back and see how and why the community of patients with PD was impacted and what knowledge we have collected so far. The relationship between COVID-19 and PD is likely multifactorial in nature. Similar to other systemic infections, a probable worsening of PD symptoms secondary to COVID-19, either transient or persistent (long COVID), has been demonstrated, while the COVID-19-related mortality of PD patients may be increased compared to the general population. These observations could be attributed to direct or indirect damage from SARS-CoV-2 in the central nervous system (CNS) or could result from general infection-related parameters (e.g., hospitalization or drugs) and the sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., quarantine). A growing number of cases of new-onset parkinsonism or PD following SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported, either closely (post-infectious) or remotely (para-infectious) after a COVID-19 diagnosis, although such a link remains hypothetical. The pathophysiological substrate of these phenomena remains elusive; however, research studies, particularly pathology studies, have suggested various COVID-19-induced degenerative changes with potential associations with PD/parkinsonism. We review the literature to date for answers considering the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and PD/parkinsonism, examining pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, vaccination, and future directions.
Interpretation of the 27 May 2006 Yogyakarta Earthquake Hypocenter and Subsurface Structure Deduced From the Aftershock and Gravity Data

We started earthquake observations nine days after the 27 May 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake. Objectives of the observations were to delineate the distribution of the aftershock hypocenters clarifying the subsurface structure, for a better understanding of the mechanism of the earthquake and to contribute minimizing the impacts of similar hazard around the Yogyakarta region in the future. We have determined the distribution of aftershock hypocenters, and constructed a rough estimate of the subsurface structure of the study area with the aid of gravity data analysis. The hypocenter distribution showed that the Opakfault was not the earthquake source fault. The source fault is the uncharted fault situated 10-15 km east of the Opak fault. The most severely damaged region seemed to range with the Opak fault. However, the distribution of the damaged area must reflect the distribution of shallow unconsolidated soil r the distribution of fragile buildings. We have delineated the deszty structure of the Yogyakarta Basin. The result shows that there exzsts a 30-40 hn wide, more than 2/cm deep graben structure in the Yogyaka ta Basin. The Opak fault is located at the eastern edge of the grabn m the Yogyakarta basin which is, accompanied by a smaller subszdence. structure. It is believed that the Opak fault must be a topographrc anomaly that reflects the existence of the small-scale subgraben beneath it.