Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Analytical Method for Quantifying the Yields of DNA Double-Strand Breaks Coupled with Strand Breaks by γ-H2AX Focus Formation Assay Based on Track-Structure Simulation

Complex DNA double-strand break (DSB), which is defined as a DSB coupled with additional strand breaks within 10 bp in this study, induced after ionizing radiation or X-rays, is recognized as fatal damage which can induce cell death with a certain probability. In general, a DSB site inside the nucleus of live cells can be experimentally detected using the γ-H2AX focus formation assay. DSB complexity is believed to be detected by analyzing the focus size using such an assay. However, the relationship between focus size and DSB complexity remains uncertain. In this study, using Monte Carlo (MC) track-structure simulation codes, i.e., an in-house WLTrack code and a Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS), we developed an analytical method for qualifying the DSB complexity induced by photon irradiation from the microscopic image of γ-H2AX foci. First, assuming that events (i.e., ionization and excitation) potentially induce DNA strand breaks, we scored the number of events in a water cube (5.03 × 5.03 × 5.03 nm3) along electron tracks. Second, we obtained the relationship between the number of events and the foci size experimentally measured by the γ-H2AX focus formation assay. Third, using this relationship, we evaluated the degree of DSB complexity induced after photon irradiation for various X-ray spectra using the foci size, and the experimental DSB complexity was compared to the results estimated by the well-verified DNA damage estimation model in the PHITS code. The number of events in a water cube was found to be proportional to foci size, suggesting that the number of events intrinsically related to DSB complexity at the DNA scale. The developed method was applicable to focus data measured for various X-ray spectral situations (i.e., diagnostic kV X-rays and therapeutic MV X-rays). This method would contribute to a precise understanding of the early biological impacts of photon irradiation by means of the γ-H2AX focus formation assay.
How Can CpG Methylations, and Pair-to-Pair Correlations between the Main (Gene) and the Opposite Strands, Suggest a Bending DNA Loop: Insights into the 5′-UTR of DAT1

A working hypothesis issues from patterns of methylation in the 5′-UTR of the DAT1 gene. We considered relationships between pairs of CpGs, of which one on the main-gene strand and another on the complementary opposite strand (COS). We elaborated on data from ADHD children: we calculated all possible combinations of probabilities (estimated by multiplying two raw values of methylation) in pairs of CpGs from either strand. We analyzed all correlations between any given pair and all other pairs. For pairs correlating with M6-M6COS, some pairs had cytosines positioning to the reciprocal right (e.g., M3-M2COS and M6-M5COS), other pairs had cytosines positioning to the reciprocal left (e.g., M2-M3COS; M5-M6COS). Significant pair-to-pair correlations emerged between main-strand and COS CpG pairs. Through graphic representations, we hypothesized that DNA folded to looping conformations: the C1GG C2GG C3GG and C5G C6G motifs would become close enough to allow cytosines 1-2-3 to interact with cytosines 5-6 (on both strands). Data further suggest a sliding, with left- and right-ward oscillations of DNA strands. While thorough empirical verification is needed, we hypothesize simultaneous methylation of main-strand and COS DNA (“methylation dynamics”) to serve as a promising biomarker.
Menopausal Status Contributes to Overall Survival in Endometrial Cancer Patients

Simple Summary Endometrial cancer is a leading cause of female genital tract malignancies, and its incidence has been rising in recent years. Despite relatively good prognosis, a noticeable number of patients eventually die within five years of diagnosis. Thus, one of the most common questions addressed to oncologists by patients and their families refers to prognosis. Our study was performed to assess the influence of some conventional clinicopathological features on overall (all-cause) survival of endometrial cancer patients. We have proved that some characteristics related to menopause status (i.e., time from last menstruation and postoperative FSH concentration) may strongly correlate with patients’ survival. Further research on various risk factors will provide us with improved and more personalized care for cancer patients. Abstract Endometrial cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy in developed countries that occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women. The primary objective of our research was to investigate whether menopause status together with selected conventional prognostic indicators may contribute to overall (all-cause) survival in endometrial cancer patients. For this purpose, we applied the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Patients in advanced FIGO stage showed a relatively poor survival rate. The time since last menstruation and postoperative FSH concentration were identified as unfavorable prognostic factors in our model. Additionally, age at diagnosis, BMI value, adjuvant treatment (brachytherapy), and parity showed no impact on survival. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a prognostic model for endometrial cancer including exact time from last menstruation as one of the prognostic variables. Due to the fact that there are no stratifying systems to reliably predict survival in patients with endometrial cancer, there is a strong need to revise and update existing models using complementary prognostic indicators. Collection of precise data on various risk factors may contribute to increased accuracy of artificial intelligence algorithms in order to personalize cancer care in the near future.
MOEMS-Based Lens-Assisted Beam Steering for Free-Space Optical Communications

Free-space optical communication (FSOC) systems require precise pointing, acquisition, and tracking to send and receive optical beams for effective operation. In a lens-assisted beam steering (LABS) system, light is steered by controlling the emission location in a focal plane. The emitted light is directed into the scene by a lens, like a camera but operating in reverse. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel free-space optical communication link using a micro-opto-electro-mechanical-system (MOEMS) based photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for LABS between multiple receive locations. The MOEMS PIC operates via selective electrical actuation of an array of small grating switches (30 μm × 30 μm footprint, 100 μm pitch). Data rates up to 10 Gbps and a 3 dB optical bandwidth covering the infrared C and L bands (1530 nm to 1625 nm) are measured over a 1 m free-space link distance. Eye diagrams indicate a quality communication link for data rates up to 10 Gbps and bit-error-rates <10−10 are measured for on-off keying (OOK) modulation. A measured beam profile is propagated into the far-field via simulation, and used to calculate link budgets for example CubeSat crosslink and downlink scenarios. Link budget calculations indicate potential >1 Gbps CubeSat FSOC crosslinks for link lengths >1000 km and 1 W of input optical power, using identical 90 mm transmit and receive apertures and a commercially-available fiber-coupled InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD) receive detector.
Peirce’s Semiotics: Use of Gestures as a Potential Semiotic Resource for Teaching Bohr’s Atom Model

Background: Gestures, seen through Peirce’s semiotics as semiotic resources, have the potential to be revealed as cornerstones for the teaching of physics and, in particular, for the teaching of Bohr’s atomic model. Initially, the semiotic perspective in the teaching process will be addressed and, subsequently, the role of gestures and non-verbal communication as a semiotic resource. Objective: To investigate the contribution of gestures as a potential semiotic resource in teaching Bohr’s atom model. Design: The principles of a qualitative study were observed. Setting and participants: Videos of a preparatory course for ENEM, in the subject of Physics, made by the secretary of education of the state of RS, Brazil, free of charge via the internet. Data collection and analysis: A total of seven hours of online classes of a preparatory course for ENEM are analysed. For the gestural microanalysis, episodes on Bohr’s atom were chosen, with two distinct episodes: the first on the photon and the second on energy levels. Results: From the research analysis carried out on signs within the Peircean framework, it is possible to infer that gestures have the potential to be used as a semiotic resource in the classroom. Conclusion: We found that gestures can be a potential semiotic resource in teaching Bohr’s atom model, as they can enable an articulation between different semiotic resources.
An investigation on the learning barriers of boarding school students In terms of different dimensions of the curriculum implementation

This study aims to analyze in-depth and comprehensively the learning barriers of students in an Islamic Boarding School in terms of different dimensions of the curriculum implementation, such as the religion, national education, and technology-based practices. In the study, qualitative method with case study approach was adopted. The participants were composed of 120 students, 15 parents, 8 teacher and 1 principal who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data were collected via an observation, interviews, and documentation methods. The obtained data were analyzed through problem identification, literature search, determining objectives, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. The results have revealed that the students’ learning barriers in the application of the religion, national education, and technology-based curriculum are, respectively, (a) memorizing the Koran both from within students and from external factors, (b) more emphasis on learning mathematics including low learning motivation, low problem solving and communication skills, notation writing errors, which can be grouped into ontogenic, dictatorial, and epistemological learning barriers, and (c) the lack of facilities and infrastructure, lack of support from the management of Islamic boarding schools, low trust, and attitudes towards ICT. In conclusion, several learning barriers have been detected in every application stage of the curriculum.
How and When May Technostress Impact Workers’ Psycho-Physical Health and Work-Family Interface? A Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

Although a growing body of research has analyzed the determinants and effects of technostress, it is still unclear how and when technostress would impact workers’ psycho-physical health and work-family interface during the pandemic. To fill this gap, this study tests the mediating mechanisms and the boundary conditions associated with the impact of technostress on workers’ psycho-physical well-being and work-family conflict. A total of 266 Italian workers completed online questionnaires measuring (traditional vs. remote) working modalities, technostress, fear of COVID-19, working excessively, psycho-physical distress, work-family conflict, loss of a loved one due to COVID-19, and resilience. Structural equation models were performed. Results indicated that technostress was positively related to psycho-physical distress and work-family conflict, as mediated by fear of COVID-19 and working excessively, respectively. The loss of a loved one exacerbated the effects of fear of COVID-19 on psycho-physical health, while resilience buffered the effects of working excessively on work-family conflict. Since numerous organizations intend to maintain remote working also after the COVID-19 emergency, it is crucial to study this phenomenon during its peaks of adoption, to prevent its potential negative outcomes. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.
Numerical Computation of the Natural Convection Flow about a Horizontal Cylinder Using Splines

The present work is devoted to the numerical study of laminar natural convection flow from a heated horizontal cylinder under diverse surface boundary conditions using the spline fractional step method. A general formulation to treat mixed boundary conditions using the spline approximation has been presented. Numerical solutions have been obtained by solving the Navier-Stokes and energy equations. The results for the isothermal boundary condition as well as for the uniform heat flux are in good agreement with published experimental data and with other solutions presently available in the literature. Some new computations at very high Rayleigh numbers indicate the existence of attached separation vortices in the downstream plume region, the appearance of these vortices being dependent on the values of the Biot number. All results were computed on a personal computer using unequally spaced grids that provided good results with a minimum number of computational points. The numerical scheme presented here app.
Renormalization of the gravitational trace anomaly in QED

We evaluate to O (e/sup 2/) in QED the effect of the electromagnetic coupling on the gravitational trace anomaly. The basis of the discussion is the calculation of the absorptive part of i . Using dimensional regularization we find as in the analogous calculation of sigma (e/sup +/e/sup -/ .-->. hadrons) that the result is free of infrared singularities. By combining our results with those of Shore we are able to exhibit the complete gravitational trace anomaly to O (e/sup 2/). The relationship of our results with the renormalization group is briefly discussed.
Variation in adult and pup wolf diets at natal den sites is influenced by forest composition and configuration

Abstract Although wolves are wide‐ranging generalist carnivores throughout their life cycle, during the pup‐rearing season wolf activity is focused on natal den sites where pup survival depends upon pack members provisioning food. Because prey availability is influenced by habitat quality within the home range, we investigated the relative importance of prey species for adults and pups and further examined the relationship between habitat characteristics, wolf diet, and litter size on Prince of Wales Island (POW) in Southeast Alaska. During 2012–2020, we detected 13 active den sites within the home ranges of nine wolf packs. We estimated minimum pup counts using motion‐detecting cameras and individual genotypes from noninvasive samples (hair: n = 322; scat: n = 227) and quantified wolf diet composition using fecal DNA metabarcoding (n = 538). We assessed habitat composition, configuration, and connectivity within denning and annual home ranges estimated using wolf GPS‐collar data. Contrary to expectations, wolves had a more constricted diet during denning season (April 15–July 31), and within this season pups had a narrower dietary niche (species richness [S] = 4) focused more on deer (relative frequency of occurrence [O/I] = 0.924) than adults (S = 15; deer O/I = 0.591). Litter size had a positive relationship with the relative frequency of deer in a wolf pack's diet. Wolf consumption of deer was positively associated with the proportion of young‐growth forest (≤25 years old) within denning and annual home ranges. High levels of vegetation patch interspersion, and the density of closed logging roads were also important predictors, suggesting these habitat qualities were influential for increasing the availability of deer to wolves. Our results contrast with previous research indicating wolf pup diets included more alternate prey (i.e., beaver) than adults and emphasize the importance of deer to wolf viability on POW, especially during denning season.
Sources of Computational Instability in Numerical Solution of the Stochastic Collection Equation

Abstract A finite-difference representation of the stochastic collection equation similar to the one proposed by Berry and Reinhardt (1974) has been analyzed for stability. Two sources of instability have been identified: the use of low precision in calculating the gain and loss integrals, and the use of droplet spectra having high liquid water content and small variance. Means of dealing with both sources of instability are presented. Use of mass density per unit log radius is found to offer no advantage with regard to stability over the use of number density as the dependent variable.
Moving Plasmoid and Formation of the Neutral Sheet in a Solar Flare

A spectacular erupting feature with a plasmoid-like structure is observed before and during the solar flare that occurred on the limb on 1991 December 2 with the Yohkoh soft X-ray telescope. The rise of a loop structure starts ~10 min before the flare, evolving to a plasmoid-like structure in the impulsive phase of the flare. The speed of the rising loop (plasmoid) is almost constant (~96 km s-1) throughout the observation. A clear X-shaped structure is formed underneath the rising plasmoid, and a bright soft X-ray loop is formed below the X-point. The X-shaped structure indicates a magnetic neutral point with a large-scale magnetic separatrix structure. Inverse-V-shaped high-temperature ridges are located above the soft X-ray loop and below the X-point. We interpret these as reconnected loops heated by slow shocks. A moving high-temperature (15 MK) source is found, coincident in position with the rising structure above the X-point. A hard X-ray source (33-53 keV) is located at the top of the soft X-ray flare loop. These two compact high-temperature sources located above and below the X-point would be formed by fast shocks due to the symmetric reconnection outflows both upward and downward from the X-point.
Relationship between Body Composition and Specific Motor Abilities According to Position in Elite Female Soccer Players

Contemporary top-division soccer is characterized by high-intensity activity throughout the entire match, which also requires high levels of a wide range of the players’ functional and motor abilities. Furthermore, motor and functional requirements vary in relation to the players’ position on the pitch. In view of the above, the objective of this study was to determine any differences in body composition and specific motor abilities in relation to position. Twenty elite female soccer players (age: 20.90 ± 3.70 years; height: 166.95 ± 5.83 cm; weight: 58.97 ± 7.50 kg; training experience: 9.50 ± 4.11 years) were recruited for the purpose of this study. Based on their position within the team, the players were divided into three groups: defenders (N-7), midfielders (N-6), and forwards (N-7). The instruments used included the InBody770 (for body composition assessment), Optojump and Polar for the assessment of specific motor abilities. The results obtained indicate a strong link between the parameters body composition and specific motor abilities; however, the level of significance varies, as do the variables concerning specific motor abilities and body composition in relation to the players’ position on the pitch. In accordance with these results, coaches and others working in the soccer industry should be apprised of the necessity of a tailored approach when it comes to planning the development of specific motor abilities, as well of with the importance of balanced body composition as prerequisites for achieving top results.
Increased General, Eating, and Body-Related Psychopathology in Inpatients in a Specialized Eating Disorders Unit after the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Comparison with the Pre-Pandemic Period

The study of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals who attended mental health services is needed to identify the specific vulnerabilities associated to this challenging period. Despite several analyses reporting the worsening of eating disorders symptomatology after the beginning of the pandemic, characterizations of adult inpatients with eating disorders are still lacking. We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess whether adult individuals who underwent hospitalization in a specialized eating disorders unit in the two years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic differed in clinical presentation, psychopathological measures, and treatment outcomes from inpatients hospitalized in the two years before. In the comparison between the two groups, the individuals who began treatment after the start of the pandemic presented with more physical hyperactivity and more severe psychopathological scores in most of the areas investigated, with differences in eating symptoms still evident at discharge. Notably, body-related symptoms (i.e., body shape concerns, body checking, body avoidance) were associated with the pandemic, and also for inpatients with extreme anorexia nervosa. This retrospective analysis does not allow us to separate the impact of COVID-19 from other potentially relevant co-occurring factors; however, these findings help in understanding how the pandemic could have affected individuals that needed specialized intensive treatment.
Breakup and grain growth in thin-film array

The problem of the morphological evolution in a polycrystalline thin film during annealing is examined by considering a periodic array in a 2D film. The combined motion of the surface moving by diffusion, and the grain boundary, which moves due to its curvature, is presented as a self-consistent problem. The analysis of this problem leads to two distinct kinetics, namely, (a) film breakup: when the grain size is larger than the film thickness, the surface relaxation is primarily a result of its interaction with a single grain boundary, the groove grows until the film breaks up; and (b) grain growth: when the two adjacent grooves interact before breakup happens, grain growth occurs by means of grain annihilation. Asymptotic analysis of the final stage of grain annihilation reveals the dependence of the groove velocity on the two interface energetic. Numerical analysis of boundary/surface motion demonstrates the morphological evolution with time, and establishes the conditions of transition between the two .
The maximally achievable accuracy of linear optimal regulators and linear optimal filters

A linear system with a quadratic cost function, which is a weighted sum of the integral square regulation error and the integral square input, is considered. What happens to the integral square regulation error as the relative weight of the integral square input reduces to zero is investigated. In other words, what is the maximum accuracy one can achieve when there are no limitations on the input? It turns out that the necessary and sufficient condition for reducing the regulation error to zero is that 1) the number of inputs be at least as large as the number of controlled variables, and 2) the system possess no right-half plane zeros. These results are also "dualized" to the optimal filtering problem.