Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A monopole antenna loaded by a hemispherical dielectric resonator

The input conductance, radiation pattern, and radar cross section (RCS) of a monopole loaded by a hemispherical dielectric resonator (DR) are studied. The effects of the DR on the monopole characteristics are investigated. Measurements were carried out to verify the theory. It is found that the input conductance, radiation patterns, and RCS are strongly affected by the DR.
The Safety and Efficacy of Arformoterol and Formoterol in COPD

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of arformoterol and formoterol over 6-months in subjects with COPD. In a multi-center, 6-month randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial, subjects with COPD (mean FEV1 1.21 L, ∼41.0%% predicted) were randomized to receive either nebulized arformoterol (15μg BID [[n == 149]][[ARF 15]], 25μg BID [[n == 147]][[ARF 25]]), or racemic formoterol (12μg BID [[n == 147]][[FORM]]) delivered by DPI. The proportion of subjects with any post-treatment adverse event for ARF 15, ARF 25 μg, and FORM was 67.8%%, 76.2%% and 66.7%%, respectively, and those with at least one COPD exacerbation was 32.2%%, 30.6%%, and 22.4%%, respectively. Pulmonary function improved for all treatment groups and was maintained throughout the study. Mean change from baseline at 6-months for ARF 15, ARF 25 and FORM in peak FEV1 was 0.30L, and 0.34L, and 0.26L, respectively, in 24-hour trough FEV1 was, 0.10L, 0.14L, and 0.09L, and in inspiratory capacity was, 0.20L, 0.37L, and 0.23L. Dyspnea, (mean Transition Dypsnea Index (TDI) focal score) improved in all treatment arms (ARF 15: 1.4, ARF 25: 1.5, and FORM: 1.4) at 6 months, as did rescue short-acting β2-agonists use (mean range: −1.1 to −1.3 actuations/day) and ipratropium bromide (mean range: −0.3 to −0.8 actuations/day). Health status, measured by St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, improved from baseline at 6-months in all treatment groups (mean change: −3.7 to −6.8). In this 6-month study, arformoterol and formoterol were well-tolerated, and their use was associated with improvement in pulmonary function and health status in subjects with COPD with no apparent development of tolerance.
Inferring disease-associated circRNAs by multi-source aggregation based on heterogeneous graph neural network

Emerging evidence has proved that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in pathogenic processes. They are regarded as promising biomarkers for diagnosis due to covalently closed loop structures. As opposed to traditional experiments, computational approaches can identify circRNA-disease associations at a lower cost. Aggregating multi-source pathogenesis data helps to alleviate data sparsity and infer potential associations at the system level. The majority of computational approaches construct a homologous network using multi-source data, but they lose the heterogeneity of the data. Effective methods that use the features of multi-source data are considered as a matter of urgency. In this paper, we propose a model (CDHGNN) based on edge-weighted graph attention and heterogeneous graph neural networks for potential circRNA-disease association prediction. The circRNA network, micro RNA network, disease network and heterogeneous network are constructed based on multi-source data. To reflect association probabilities between nodes, an edge-weighted graph attention network model is designed for node features. To assign attention weights to different types of edges and learn contextual meta-path, CDHGNN infers potential circRNA-disease association based on heterogeneous neural networks. CDHGNN outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of accuracy. Edge-weighted graph attention networks and heterogeneous graph networks have both improved performance significantly. Furthermore, case studies suggest that CDHGNN is capable of identifying specific molecular associations and investigating biomolecular regulatory relationships in pathogenesis. The code of CDHGNN is freely available at https://github.com/BioinformaticsCSU/CDHGNN.
Blast injury in humpback whale ears: Evidence and implications

To date, there is no published report of effects on marine mammal hearing from underwater explosions. External injuries consistent with inner ear damage have been found in dolphins subjected to Class C explosives, but often little change is seen in surface animal behavior near blast areas [Richardson et al., OCS MMS/90‐0093 (1991)]. In this study, temporal bones from two humpback whales, which died following a 5000‐kg explosion in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland [Lien et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 94, 1849(A) (1993)], were harvested, preserved in formalin, scanned with 1‐mm‐high resolution spiral CT, decalcified, and sectioned at 20 μ. Evidence of mechanical trauma was found in all four ears: Round window rupture, ossicular chain disruption, sero‐sanguinous effusion of peribullar spaces, and dissection of the middle ear mucosa with pooled sera. In one animal, there were bilateral periotic fractures. These observations are consistent with blast injury reports in humans, particularly with damage to victims near the source who sustained massive, precipitous increases in cerebrospinal fluid pressure. There was no evidence that the pathologies found in these whales resulted from repeated barotrauma or chronic infection, and no similar abnormalities were found in control ears from humpbacks not exposed to blasts. While the results show whales, like other mammals, are subject to severe blast trauma, it remains unclear whether lower level stimuli induce temporary and/or acute threshold shifts in marine mammals. [Work supported by ONR Grant. No. N00014‐92‐J‐4000. ]
Mitochondria transplant therapy improves regeneration and restoration of injured skeletal muscle

Injection of exogenous mitochondria has been shown to improve the ischaemia‐damaged myocardium, but the effect of mitochondrial transplant therapy (MTT) to restore skeletal muscle mass and function has not been tested following neuromuscular injury. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that MTT would improve the restoration of muscle function after injury.
Sensitivity of the performance of optimal control systems to plant parameter variations

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the sensitivity of the performance of optimal control systems to plant parameter variations. The problem or determining the change in value or a performance index with parameter variations, and outlined a method or computing the performance index sensitivity functions is considered. The system to be controlled is described by the vector differential equation x = f (t, x, u, a), x(t0) = x0, where x is a n-dimensional column vector representing the state of the plant and u is an r-dimensional column vector representing the control input. The vector a = (a1, a2, …, am) represents a set of plant parameters. The chapter also discusses closed- and open-loop systems.
Comparative proteomics reveals anticancer compounds from Lansium domesticum against NSCLC cells target mitochondrial processes

Lansium domesticum is identified as a potential source of anticancer compounds. However, there are minimal studies on its anti‐lung cancer properties as well as its mechanism of action. Here, we show the specificity of lanzones hexane (LH) leaf extracts to non‐small cell lung cancer cells (A549) compared to normal lung fibroblast cells (CCD19‐Lu) and normal epithelial prostate cells (PNT2). Subsequent bioassay‐guided fractionation of the hexane leaf extracts identified two bioactive fractions with IC50 values of 2.694 μg/ml (LH6‐6) and 2.883 μg/ml (LH7‐6). LH 6‐6 treatment (1 μg/ml concentration) also showed a significantly reduced migration potential of A549 relative to the control. Thirty‐one phytocompounds were isolated and identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (MS) analysis and were then subjected to network pharmacology analysis to assess its effects on lung cancer target proteins. Using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry proteomics experiments, we were able to show that these compounds cause cytotoxic effects through targeting mitochondrial processes in A549 lung cancer cells.
Community risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection among fully vaccinated US adults by rurality: A retrospective cohort study from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative

Background While COVID-19 vaccines reduce adverse outcomes, post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection remains problematic. We sought to identify community factors impacting risk for breakthrough infections (BTI) among fully vaccinated persons by rurality. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of US adults sampled between January 1 and December 20, 2021, from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C). Using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-Proportional Hazards models adjusted for demographic differences and comorbid conditions, we assessed impact of rurality, county vaccine hesitancy, and county vaccination rates on risk of BTI over 180 days following two mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations between January 1 and September 21, 2021. Additionally, Cox Proportional Hazards models assessed the risk of infection among adults without documented vaccinations. We secondarily assessed the odds of hospitalization and adverse COVID-19 events based on vaccination status using multivariable logistic regression during the study period. Results Our study population included 566,128 vaccinated and 1,724,546 adults without documented vaccination. Among vaccinated persons, rurality was associated with an increased risk of BTI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–1.64, for urban-adjacent rural and 1.65, 1.42–1.91, for nonurban-adjacent rural) compared to urban dwellers. Compared to low vaccine-hesitant counties, higher risks of BTI were associated with medium (1.07, 1.02–1.12) and high (1.33, 1.23–1.43) vaccine-hesitant counties. Compared to counties with high vaccination rates, a higher risk of BTI was associated with dwelling in counties with low vaccination rates (1.34, 1.27–1.43) but not medium vaccination rates (1.00, 0.95–1.07). Community factors were also associated with higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among persons without a documented vaccination. Vaccinated persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the study period had significantly lower odds of hospitalization and adverse events across all geographic areas and community exposures. Conclusions Our findings suggest that community factors are associated with an increased risk of BTI, particularly in rural areas and counties with high vaccine hesitancy. Communities, such as those in rural and disproportionately vaccine hesitant areas, and certain groups at high risk for adverse breakthrough events, including immunosuppressed/compromised persons, should continue to receive public health focus, targeted interventions, and consistent guidance to help manage community spread as vaccination protection wanes.
The Mode of Endurance Exercise Influences Changes in EEG Resting-State Graphs among High-Level Cross-Country Skiers

ABSTRACT Purpose Acute bouts of exercise influence the communication and organization of brain networks, with exercise intensity and volume regarded as key moderators. However, differences in coordination demands and limb involvement between exercise modes may also affect the communication and organization of brain networks after exercise and should be considered additionally. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mode on exercise-induced changes in electroencephalogaphy (EEG) resting-state networks comparing running (RUN) and cross-country skating (XC). Methods Fifteen male, highly trained participants were tested for peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) during RUN (65.3 mL·min−1·kg−1) and XC (63.5 mL·min−1·kg−1) followed by incremental protocols at 50%, 70%, and 90% of speed at V̇O2peak in both modes on the treadmill. After each exercise bout, 5-min resting-state EEG assessments using 64 channels were performed. Upon graph theory, small world index (SWI), clustering coefficient (CC), and path length (PL) were assessed in theta, alpha-1 and alpha-2 frequency bands. Repeated-measures ANOVA was applied to analyze the influence of exercise intensity and mode on modulations in brain network efficiency. Results Main effects of mode on SWI (P = 0.047), CC (P < 0.001), and PL (P = 0.031) in the alpha-2 network indicated stronger modulations in network efficiency after XC. Main effects of exercise intensity in the theta network indicated modulated SWI (P < 0.001), CC (P < 0.001), and PL (P = 0.003) after exercise at 90% of V̇O2peak speed. Physiological outcomes (heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion) were influenced by intensity solely. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that an acute bout of coordinatively challenging endurance exercise may affect brain networks differently compared with running. Future studies may consider exercise mode as a potential moderator in the acute interaction between exercise and the brain.
Galactic clusters with associated Cepheid variables. II : NGC 129 and DL Cassiopeiae

New photoelectric UBV photometry of 27 stars and spectroscopic observations of 12 stars are presented for NGC 129, the cluster containing the 8 d . 00 Cepheid DL Cas. The photometry is used to restandardize previously published photoelectric and photographic observations of stars in NGC 129, including transformed Stromgren system data. A compilation of the best available photometric data for stars with V<15.3 (the limit for reliable observations) is used in conjunction with published proper motion data and spectroscopic observations of the brighter stars for a detailed cluster analysis
Heat instability of quantum Hall conductors

Breakdown of the integer quantum Hall effect (IQHE) is discussed based on the consideration of heat stability of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). First, the 2DEG system in the IQHE state is suggested to become thermally unstable when the Hall electric field ${E}_{y}$ reaches a threshold value ${E}_{b}. $ Above ${E}_{b},$ a small number of excited electrons in the higher Landau level, which are initially present in the conductor as fluctuation, are accelerated by ${E}_{y},$ and the 2DEG thereby undergoes a transition to a warm dissipative state. This abrupt transition is referred to as the bootstrap-type electron heating (BSEH). Second, the critical field, ${E}_{b},$ for BSEH is theoretically derived and compared with the experimental values of the IQHE breakdown reported earlier by different groups. The agreement is satisfactory, suggesting that BSEH is the basic mechanism behind the IQHE breakdown. Third, dynamical aspects of BSEH are discussed. It is argued that the BSEH is a process of the avalanche-type electron-hole pair multiplication, in which a small number of nonequilibrium carriers gains kinetic energy within a Landau level and excites other electron-hole pairs via the inter-Landau-level impact ionization. Electrons travel a macroscopic distance during the process of electron-hole multiplication. This feature is confirmed by experiments. Experiments indicate that ${E}_{y}$ does not locally influence the longitudinal conductivity when the IQHE breaks down, providing definite proof of BSEH. Finally, a variety of characteristics of the IQHE, reported in earlier works, is reviewed and suggested to be consistent with the BSEH model.
Immunoexpression of E-cadherin, CD44 and Claudin 7 in gastric adenocarcinomas

Gastric adenocarcinomas represent frequent malignant tumors in the digestive tract, with a high and constant mortality rate in last decades. The disturbance of the adhesion molecules expression, which normally is essential in maintaining epithelial homeostasis, has a critical role in the initiation and progression of tumors. In this study, we analyzed the immunoexpression of E-cadherin, cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), and Claudin 7 in 58 cases of gastric adenocarcinomas, in relation to the histopathological parameters of the lesions’ aggressiveness. Increased E-cadherin immunoexpression was observed in tubular adenocarcinomas, those of low grade and in stages I–III. CD44 presented high scores in discohesive, hepatoid, tubular, and tubulopapillary adenocarcinomas, those of high grade and in advanced stages. Claudin 7 associated increased scores for tubular, tubulopapillary and micropapillary tumors, those of low grade and mainly in stage I. The markers used in the study can be useful for assessing the aggressiveness of gastric adenocarcinomas, in the context of specific adapted therapy.
Participation in Project ECHO to advance rural primary care providers’ ability to address patient mental health needs

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the burden of behavioral health conditions prevalent in the United States (U.S.). Consequently, there is a behavioral healthcare provider shortage, particularly in rural areas, to support this need. Recently, primary care providers (PCPs) have shifted to incorporate behavioral health to their practice. However, many PCPs lack knowledge and skills to successfully manage their patients’ behavioral health conditions. In response to the need for effective behavioral healthcare across the U.S. Weitzman ECHO launched the Advanced Primary Care (APC ECHO) Adult Psychiatry Module to provide continuing education (CE) for rural PCPs. This study presents the results from the APC ECHO pilot to demonstrate how CE can support PCPs in addressing their patients’ mental health needs. Evaluators used a one-group repeated measures study design to assess the APC ECHO Module and understand learner outcomes and individual practice changes. Participant characteristics and individual practice changes were summarized using descriptive statistics, with support from open-ended responses to illustrate findings. Repeated measures analyses of covariance were applied to compare the differences in pre- and post-module learner outcomes. A total of 18 providers participated in the study, with the majority encompassing medical providers (72.2%). There was a significant increase in knowledge (pre-module: 21.11 + 6.99; post-module: 25.08 + 5.66; p < .01), self-efficacy (pre-module: 6.89 + 3.05; post-module: 9.78 + 3.25; p < .01), and skills (pre-module: 7.67 + 4.03; post-module: 10.06 + 3.23; p < .05) gained over the duration of the ECHO module. Additionally, participants indicated they are applying best practices learned through the module to their patients experiencing psychiatric conditions (3.96 + 0.09). This study suggests that tailored CE for PCPs can promote an increase in knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills to apply best practices when treating patients with behavioral health conditions. This, in turn, allows patients to receive more comprehensive care and mitigates access barriers, especially for rural populations.
A linear matrix inequality approach to H∞ control

The continuous- and discrete-time H∞ control problems are solved via elementary manipulations on linear matrix inequalities (LMI). Two interesting new features emerge through this approach: solvability conditions valid for both regular and singular problems, and an LMI-based parametrization of all H∞-suboptimal controllers, including reduced-order controllers. The solvability conditions involve Riccati inequalities rather than the usual indefinite Riccati equations. Alternatively, these conditions can be expressed as a system of three LMIs. Efficient convex optimization techniques are available to solve this system. Moreover, its solutions parametrize the set of H∞ controllers and bear important connections with the controller order and the closed-loop Lyapunov functions. Thanks to such connections, the LMI-based characterization of H∞ controllers opens new perspectives for the refinement of H∞ design. Applications to cancellation-free design and controller order reduction are discussed and illustrated by examples.
ChemFlow—From 2D Chemical Libraries to Protein–Ligand Binding Free Energies

The accurate prediction of protein–ligand binding affinities is a fundamental problem for the rational design of new drug entities. Current computational approaches are either too expensive or inaccurate to be effectively used in virtual high-throughput screening campaigns. In addition, the most sophisticated methods, e.g., those based on configurational sampling by molecular dynamics, require significant pre- and postprocessing to provide a final ranking, which hinders straightforward applications by nonexpert users. We present a novel computational platform named ChemFlow to bridge the gap between 2D chemical libraries and estimated protein–ligand binding affinities. The software is designed to prepare a library of compounds provided in SMILES or SDF format, dock them into the protein binding site, and rescore the poses by simplified free energy calculations. Using a data set of 626 protein–ligand complexes and GPU computing, we demonstrate that ChemFlow provides relative binding free energies with an RMSE < 2 kcal/mol at a rate of 1000 ligands per day on a midsize computer cluster. The software is publicly available at https://github.com/IFMlab/ChemFlow.
Model uncertainty quantification in Cox regression

We consider covariate selection and the ensuing model uncertainty aspects in the context of Cox regression. The perspective we take is probabilistic, and we handle it within a Bayesian framework. One of the critical elements in variable/model selection is choosing a suitable prior for model parameters. Here, we derive the so‐called conventional prior approach and propose a comprehensive implementation that results in an automatic procedure. Our simulation studies and real applications show improvements over existing literature. For the sake of reproducibility but also for its intrinsic interest for practitioners, a web application requiring minimum statistical knowledge implements the proposed approach.
High electron mobility of epitaxial ZnO thin films on c-plane sapphire grown by multistep pulsed-laser deposition

A multistep pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) process is presented for epitaxial, nominally undoped ZnO thin films of total thickness of 1 to 2 μm on c-plane sapphire substrates. We obtain reproducibly high electron mobilities from 115 up to 155 cm2/V s at 300 K in a narrow carrier concentration range from 2 to 5×1016 cm−3. The key issue of the multistep PLD process is the insertion of 30-nm-thin ZnO relaxation layers deposited at reduced substrate temperature. The high-mobility samples show atomically flat surface structure with grain size of about 0.5–1 μm, whereas the surfaces of low-mobility films consist of clearly resolved hexagonally faceted columnar grains of only 200-nm size, as shown by atomic force microscopy. Structurally optimized PLD ZnO thin films show narrow high-resolution x-ray diffraction peak widths of the ZnO(0002) ω- and 2Θ-scans as low as 151 and 43 arcsec, respectively, and narrow photoluminescence linewidths of donor-bound excitons of 1.7 meV at 2 K.