Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Hoffmann Reflex on Standing Postural Control Complexity in the Elderly with Impaired Plantar Sensation

In people with peripheral neuropathy (PN), impaired plantar sensation can cause adaptive changes in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in changes in the standing postural control, which is reflected in the variability of standing output signals. Standard deviation (SD) and entropy are reliable indicators of system variability, especially since entropy is highly sensitive to diseased populations. The relation between SD and entropy, CNS and center of pressure (COP) variability is unclear for people with severe PN. The purpose of this study was to explore the adaptability of the CNS to the severe of PN and its effect on the degree and complexity of COP variability. Here, people with PN were divided into less affected (LA) and more affected (MA) groups based on plantar pressure sensitivity. We studied Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) and standing balance performance with the control group (n = 8), LA group (n = 10), and MA group (n = 9), recording a 30 s COP time series (30,000 samples) of double-leg standing with eyes open. We observed that the more affected group had less COP complexity than people without PN. There is a significant negative correlation between the SD and sample entropy in people without PN, less affected and more affected. The COP complexity in people without PN was inversely correlated with H-reflex. We concluded that: (1) The complexity of COP variability in patients with severe plantar sensory impairment is changed, which will not affect the degree of COP variability; (2) The independence of the COP entropy in the AP and ML directions decreased, and the interdependence increased in people with PN; (3) Although the CNS of people with PN has a greater contribution to standing balance, its modulation of standing postural control is decreased.
Transparent Oxide Thin-Film Transistors Using n-(In2O3)0.9(SnO2)0.1/InGaZnO4 Modulation-Doped Heterostructures

We investigated transparent oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) using n-(In2O3)0.9(SnO2)0.1/InGaZnO4 (n-ITO/IGZO) modulation-doped heterostructures, which are effective in achieving high carrier mobilities. From transmittance measurements and UV photoemission spectroscopy, n-ITO/IGZO modulation-doped heterostructures are expected to realize the type-II energy band lineup, in which both the conduction band minimum and the valence band maximum of n-ITO are higher in energy than those of IGZO. Van der Pauw Hall measurements revealed Hall mobility enhancement and two-dimensional behavior of electrons at the n-ITO/IGZO interface. Using the n-ITO/IGZO modulation-doped heterostructures, we obtained TFTs with higher electron mobility than that of IGZO TFTs. We consider that modulation doping is a promising method for performance improvements of TFTs using transparent oxide semiconductors.
Exploring equity issues with technology in secondary literacy education

ABSTRACT This mapping review investigates how researchers of secondary literacy teacher education over the past 20 years have used digital technologies to address issues of equity. The study’s findings suggest that technology has been used to: (a) address racial and cultural gaps between teachers and students, (b) engage teachers in critical reflection, (c) take on issues of resource access, and (d) expand teachers’ conceptualisations of literacy. Analyses of the reviewed studies include critical discussion of the affordances and limitations of technology use for more equitable learning, as well as how the technology being used shapes the learning situation. Along with a synthesis of these findings, this article offers conceptual and practical implications for teacher educators and secondary literacy teachers interested in digital technology use that supports equitable learning for social change.
3D Pulsatile flow with the Lattice Boltzmann BGK Method

We present detailed analysis of the accuracy of the lattice Boltzmann BGK method in simulating pulsatile flow in a 2D channel and a 3D tube. For the 2D oscillatory flow, we have observed a half time-steps shift between the theory and the simulation, that enhances the accuracy at least one order of magnitude. For 3D tube flow, we have tested the accuracy of the lattice Boltzmann BGK method in recovering the Womersley solution for pulsatile flow in a rigid tube with a sinusoidal pressure gradient. The obtained flow parameters have been compared to the analytical solutions. The influence of different boundary conditions such as the bounce-back and inlet-outlet boundary conditions on the accuracy was studied. Relative errors of the order of 0.001 in 2D with the bounce back on the nodes have been achieved. For the 3D simulations, it has been possible to reduce the error from 15% with the simple bounce-back to less than 5% with a curved boundary condition.
A Test for Normality Based on Kullback—Leibler Information

Abstract A goodness-of-fit test (based on sample entropy) for normality was given by Vasicek. The test, however, can be applied only to the composite hypotheses. In this article an extended test of fit for normality is introduced based on Kullback—Leibler information. The Kullback—Leibler information is an extended concept of entropy, so the test can be applied not only to the composite hypotheses, but also to the simple hypotheses. The power comparisons of the proposed test with some other tests are illustrated and discussed.
Raman and Infrared Emission Spectra of Hydrogenated Amorphous Carbon: Insight into the Origin of the 6-14 Micron Infrared Emission Bands

We have obtained micro-Raman spectra of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (HAC) in particulate and thin-film form. A comparison between Raman and infrared emission spectra of HAC in the 6-14 μm region yields further information concerning the chemical structure of the emitters responsible for the infrared emission bands observed in interstellar and circumstellar sources. In particular, we find that both aromatic and nonaromatic species can contribute to emission at 6.2 μm but that emission in the 7.6-7.8 μm band arises primarily from sixfold aromatic species. Using Raman spectra as a guide, it is suggested that the nanoparticles responsible for the unidentified infrared bands may be three-dimensional, consisting of small stacks of aromatic rings. We find that these particles should emit at wavelengths between 6.17 and 6.25 μm (1620-1600 cm-1), coinciding with those observed in types A and B infrared emission sources. We find that a 6.05 μm satellite to the 6.2 μm feature observed in sources such as HD 44179 likely arises as a result of emission from olefinic CC in bridging groups between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules. Infrared emission spectra of HAC films also show features at 6.9 and 7.27 μm corresponding to bending vibrations in aliphatic and olefinic groups. Counterparts of these bands in interstellar emission spectra may be useful in indicating the level of hydrogenation of the emitters.
Metabolic Activation of Benzo[a]pyrene by Human Tissue Organoid Cultures

Organoids are 3D cultures that to some extent reproduce the structure, composition and function of the mammalian tissues from which they derive, thereby creating in vitro systems with more in vivo-like characteristics than 2D monocultures. Here, the ability of human organoids derived from normal gastric, pancreas, liver, colon and kidney tissues to metabolise the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was investigated. While organoids from the different tissues showed varied cytotoxic responses to BaP, with gastric and colon organoids being the most susceptible, the xenobiotic-metabolising enzyme (XME) genes, CYP1A1 and NQO1, were highly upregulated in all organoid types, with kidney organoids having the highest levels. Furthermore, the presence of two key metabolites, BaP-t-7,8-dihydrodiol and BaP-tetrol-l-1, was detected in all organoid types, confirming their ability to metabolise BaP. BaP bioactivation was confirmed both by the activation of the DNA damage response pathway (induction of p-p53, pCHK2, p21 and γ-H2AX) and by DNA adduct formation. Overall, pancreatic and undifferentiated liver organoids formed the highest levels of DNA adducts. Colon organoids had the lowest responses in DNA adduct and metabolite formation, as well as XME expression. Additionally, high-throughput RT-qPCR explored differences in gene expression between organoid types after BaP treatment. The results demonstrate the potential usefulness of organoids for studying environmental carcinogenesis and genetic toxicology.
A low-pressure encapsulated resonant fluid density sensor with feedback control electronics

In this paper we present a fully low-pressure encapsulated and closed-loop operated resonant fluid density sensor. The device consists of a tube in silicon, which is vibrating in a selected balanced torsion mode. The resonance frequency changes with the density of the fluid in the tube due to the change of the inertial mass of the vibrating system. The sensor is fabricated and encapsulated at wafer level using silicon micromachining techniques. The encapsulation is performed by anodically bonding the silicon densitometer in vacuum between two glass lids with metal electrodes for electrostatic excitation and capacitive detection. The sample volume is only 0.035 ml and the size of the encapsulated device is 14 mm × 23 mm × 1.85 mm. The measurements were performed using a novel excitation and detection technique based on discontinuous, `burst' excitation. This principle enabled us to eliminate the electrical crosstalk between excitation and detection. The electrodes could be placed on top of the glass lids without using electrical feedthroughs, and a cavity gap of 100 µm could be formed between the recessed glass lid surface and the silicon tube to reduce squeeze-film damping. The closed-loop `burst' technology enabled us to make continuous measurements of fluid densities. The sensor showed high density sensitivities of the order of -200 ppm (kg m-3 )-1 , a high mechanical Q -factor of 3400 for air in the tube and low temperature sensitivities of -29 ppm °C-1 in the range 20-100 °C.
IMPACT OF REDUCED TARIFF RATE UNDER FTA SCHEME ON IMPORT QUALITY UPGRADING

The good quality of imported goods as input production is needed to produce quality goods. This paper examines the impact of reduced tariffs under FTA scheme on the quality of imported inputs in the Indonesian Automotive Industry in 2015-2019. Quality is measured by the unit value approach. Using data from Customs declaration documents, this paper captures the impact of tariffs on the quality of imported products using the Difference-in-Difference (DiD) method. The result shows that the reduction in tariffs does not have a significant impact on improving the quality of imported products. Most of Indonesia's automotive exports are dominated by less developed countries. Thus, producers do not take advantage of the reduction in tariffs to improve the quality of imported products to adapt purchasing power in the export market. They focus more on productivity to produce cheaper goods so that export products become more competitive in the export market in terms of price.
Precise Spiking Motifs in Neurobiological and Neuromorphic Data

Why do neurons communicate through spikes? By definition, spikes are all-or-none neural events which occur at continuous times. In other words, spikes are on one side binary, existing or not without further details, and on the other, can occur at any asynchronous time, without the need for a centralized clock. This stands in stark contrast to the analog representation of values and the discretized timing classically used in digital processing and at the base of modern-day neural networks. As neural systems almost systematically use this so-called event-based representation in the living world, a better understanding of this phenomenon remains a fundamental challenge in neurobiology in order to better interpret the profusion of recorded data. With the growing need for intelligent embedded systems, it also emerges as a new computing paradigm to enable the efficient operation of a new class of sensors and event-based computers, called neuromorphic, which could enable significant gains in computation time and energy consumption—a major societal issue in the era of the digital economy and global warming. In this review paper, we provide evidence from biology, theory and engineering that the precise timing of spikes plays a crucial role in our understanding of the efficiency of neural networks.
Recent Advances of Brillouin Optical Correlation-Domain Analysis for Enhanced Sensing Accuracy

Optical fiber sensors based on Brillouin scattering were first introduced over three decades ago, and various types of distributed sensing schemes have been developed. The Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis (BOCDA), first proposed in 2000, is a quasi-distributed Brillouin sensor which supports arbitrary access to a sensing position by the frequency modulation of a continuous-wave light source. Compared to time-domain distributed sensors, the BOCDA is more suitable for the measurement requiring a high spatial resolution or high sampling rate in a relatively short sensing distance. In this paper, we present technical reviews on recent technologies that can be applied to improve the sensing accuracy of a BOCDA system, such as differential measurement, injection-locking, and orthogonally polarized probe sidebands.
Humoral Response after Two Doses of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Has a Role in Predicting Response after Three Doses That Is Related to Plasma HIV Viremia and Nadir CD4+ Cell Count in HIV-Positive Patients

We investigated the spike IgG levels of HIV+ patients on antiretroviral therapy six months after they received their second dose (T2) and six months after the third dose (T3) of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, as well as the influence of different levels of plasma HIV viremia of overall CD4+ cell count and nadir value on the humoral time course. One hundred eighty-four patients were enrolled. The median age was 55 years, the median CD4+ cell count was 639 cells/mm3 and the median nadir value was 258 cells/mm3. On the basis of all tests performed during the study period, persistently undetectable plasma HIV RNA (PUD) was found in 66 patients, low-level viremia (LLV) in 57 and ongoing viremia (OV) in 61. Serum levels of IgG antibodies against a trimeric S-protein antigen were tested with DiaSorin Liaison SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG and the response was classified as optimal (>75th percentile), intermediate (50th–25th percentile) and low (<25th percentile). The frequencies of the three different patterns of plasma HIV viremia (PUD, LLV and OV) were comparable in patients with low, intermediate and optimal IgG response evaluated at T2, with no difference in overall CD4+ cell count or nadir count. At T3, 92.9% of patients achieved an optimal response: T2 response proved to be the most important factor in predicting T3 optimal response in patients with LLV and OV.A nadir value ≤ 330 cells/mm3 had 100% sensitivity in predicting a non-optimal response. In conclusion, we demonstrated the persistence of anti-spike IgG, with high serum levels occurring in most patients six months after the third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and a predictive role of humoral response at T2 in subjects with detectable plasma HIV viremia. Immunological alterations related to past immunodeficiency may persist despite immune reconstitution, and the nadir value could be a useful tool for elaborating personalized vaccine schedules.
Pulse shape discrimination capability of metal-loaded organic liquid scintillators for a short-baseline reactor neutrino experiment

A new short-baseline (SBL) reactor neutrino experiment is proposed to investigate a reactor anti-neutrino anomaly. A liquid scintillator (LS) is used to detect anti-neutrinos emitted from a Hanaro reactor, and the pulse shape discrimination (PSD) ability of the metal-loaded organic LSs is evaluated on small-scale laboratory samples. PSD can be affected by selecting different base solvents, and several of the LSs used two different organic base solvents, such as linear alkyl benzene and di-isopropylnaphthalene. For the metallic content, gadolinium (Gd) or lithium (6Li) was loaded into a home-made organic LS and into a commercially available liquid scintillation cocktail. A feasibility study was performed for the PSD using several different liquid scintillation cocktails. In this work, the preparation and the PSD characteristics of a promising candidate, which will be used in an above-ground environment, are summarized and presented.
Comparison of Various Voltage Metrics for the Evaluation of the Nonradiative Voltage Loss in Quantum-Structure Solar Cells

There are several methods for the evaluation of the performance of solar cells through the voltage loss. However, the advantages and disadvantages of each method have not been thoroughly discussed nor elucidated. This study compares these various methods to clarify their advantages and disadvantages. The bandgap offset WOC has been used for the evaluation of the voltage loss. However, it was found that such approach gives inaccurate assessment of the voltage loss in thin-bulk and quantum-structure solar cells. Our study discusses the reasons for such inaccuracy and proves that we can accurately evaluate the nonradiative voltage loss in quantum-structure solar cells using the optoelectronic reciprocity theorem and detailed-balance theory. Our findings enable a fair, accurate, and accessible evaluation of the nonradiative voltage loss in solar cells which facilitates the development of high-efficiency quantum-structure solar cell.
Improved Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia in the Critically Ill via Fluorescence Flowcytometric Hemoglobin Biomarkers

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common in critically ill patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), and it can lead to severe consequences. Precise and immediate diagnostics are not available, but they are inevitably needed to administer adequate therapy. Serological parameters such as serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) are heavily influenced by simultaneous inflammation reactions, resulting in the need for more suitable parameters. Reticulocyte biomarkers such as reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RET-He) and Delta-hemoglobin equivalent (Delta-He) determined by fluorescence flowcytometry are more specific for the diagnosis of IDA-based anemia and should be investigated for this purpose. Methods: In a prospective cohort single-center study, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were collected and compared to RET-He and Delta-He by performing a receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of a single variable or the combination of two variables, as well as cutoff values, for the diagnosis of IDA were calculated. A group comparison for IDA patients without IDA was performed for a control group. Results: A total of 314 patients were enrolled from an interdisciplinary ICU. RET-He (area under the curve (AUC) 0.847) and Delta-He (AUC 0.807) did indicate iron-deficient anemia that was more specific and sensitive in comparison to serum ferritin (AUC 0.678) and TSAT (AUC 0.754). The detection of functional iron deficiency (FID) occurred in 28.3% of cases with anemia. Conclusions: Determination of RET-He and Delta-He allows for the increased precision and sensitivity of iron-deficient anemia in the ICU.
Multipacting on the trailing edge of proton beam bunches in the PSR and SNS

The Proton Storage Ring (PSR) in Los Alamos has a fast intensity-limiting instability, which may result from an electron cloud interaction with the circulating proton beam leading to a transverse mode coupling instability. The most probable mechanism of the electron creation is multipacting. Though the effect depends on many parameters, a model is presented which predicts a large electron creation in the vacuum chamber. A comparison of this effect between the PSR in Los Alamos and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) in Oak Ridge is given. In addition, several possibilities to reduce multipactor are discussed.
Transition Probabilities for Generalized SIR Epidemic Model

Gani and Purdue outlined a matrix-geometric method for determining the total size distribution of an epidemic in a recursive manner. In this article, we explore how this method can be used to study an SIR epidemic model with a generalized mechanism of infection. We are able to obtain an explicit formula for the Laplace transform of the transition probabilities. Using this we derive various other quantities explicitly. Examples of such quantities are the transition probabilities and the expectation of the duration of the epidemic.
Progressive Motion Boosting for Video Frame Interpolation

Video frame interpolation has made great progress in estimating advanced optical flow and synthesizing in-between frames sequentially. However, frame interpolation involving various resolutions and motions remains challenging due to limited or fixed pre-trained networks. Inspired by the success of the coarse-to-fine scheme for video frame interpolation, i.e., gradually interpolating frames of different resolutions, we propose a progressive boosting network (ProBoost-Net) based on a multi-scale framework to achieve flexible recurrent scales and then gradually optimize optical flow estimation and frame interpolation. Specifically, we designed a dense motion boosting (DMB) module to transfer features close to real motion to the decoded features from the later scales, which provides complementary information to refine the motion further. Furthermore, to ensure the accuracy of the estimated motion features at each scale, we propose a motion adaptive fusion (MAF) module that adaptively deals with motions with different receptive fields according to the motion conditions. Thanks to the framework's flexible recurrent scales, we can customize the number of scales and make trade-offs between computation and quality depending on the application scenario. Extensive experiments with various datasets demonstrated the superiority of our proposed method over state-of-the-art approaches in various scenarios.