Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A direct Method for the Discrete Solution of Separable Elliptic Equations

This paper extends the direct method of cyclic reduction to linear systems which result from the discretization of separable elliptic equations with Dirichlet, Neumann, or periodic boundary conditions. For an $m \times n$ net, the operation count is proportional to $mn\log _2 n$ and $mn$ storage locations are required.
RIS Partition-Assisted Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) and Quadrature-NOMA With Imperfect SIC

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted power-domain non-orthogonal multiple access (PD-NOMA) system has emerged as a revolutionary technology to enhance the spectrum efficiency for future wireless networks. This work introduces two novel RIS systems, namely, RIS partition-assisted (RISP) PD-NOMA (RISP-PD-NOMA) and RISP-Quadrature-NOMA (RISP-Q-NOMA), to maximize the diversity order and to improve the signal quality of all users by dedicating fixed RIS units to each user. The closed-form expressions of average sum-rate, outage probability, and diversity order are evaluated for both systems under the Rician fading channel for perfect and imperfect successive interference cancellation (SIC) operations. Further, the performance of both RISP-PD-NOMA and RISP-Q-NOMA systems is compared with RIS partitioned PD-NOMA, RIS-assisted PD-NOMA, and PD-NOMA systems. It is noticed from the analysis that under perfect SIC, RISP-PD-NOMA outperforms all other systems. However, under imperfect SIC, RISP-Q-NOMA demonstrates superior performance to other systems due to the lesser number of SIC operations that reduce detection delay and decoding complexity. Furthermore, the analytical expression for bit error rate (BER) of RISP-PD-NOMA and RISP-Q-NOMA is derived, and then the closed-form expression of average-BER is evaluated. Numerical results demonstrate that RISP-Q-NOMA is superior to RISP-PD-NOMA.
Monte Carlo estimation of neoclassical transport for the TJ-II stellarator

The neoclassical transport properties of TJ-II stellarator [C. Alejaldre et al., Fusion Technol. 13, 521 (1988)] are studied with the monoenergetic Monte Carlo technique. A compromise between the number of modes and particles and the required computing time to obtain reliable estimates, from the computational point of view, of the monoenergetic diffusion coefficients is shown to be of one thousand particles and one hundred harmonics, because of the rich magnetic-field structure of TJ-II. Although, these requirements are probably too demanding in making the transport estimations. The data base containing the normalized monoenergetic diffusion coefficient for several radial positions, radial electric fields and collisionalities have been fitted using a neural network. This fit reduces the number of points necessary in the data base and allows a smooth interpolation and extrapolation to perform the convolutions of the monoenergetic coefficients with the Maxwellian. For two different typical TJ-II discharges .
Triiodothyronine lowers the potential of colorectal cancer stem cells in vitro

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the influence of triiodothyronine (T3) on the biological regulation of CSCs remains unclear. In the present study, it was reported that T3 exerts significant impact on CSCs of two CRC cell lines cultured in the form of colonospheres. It was observed that the incubation of colonospheres with T3 decreased the viability, proliferative and spherogenic potential of cancer cells (P<0.05). In addition, increased apoptotic rate of CRC cells treated with T3 was revealed. Furthermore, T3-treated colonospheres were more likely to move into silenced pool in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. The smaller sizes of colonospheres observed after the treatment with T3 confirmed this conclusion. T3 could lower the proportion of primitive cells which supply the pool of proliferating cells within spheres. Thyroid receptors THRα1 and THRβ1 and two deiodinases (DIO2 and DIO3) were affected by T3 in manner depended on clinical stage of cancer and CRC cell line used for analysis. In summary, the present study uncovered a novel function of thyroid hormones signaling in the regulation of the CSCs of CRC, and these findings may be useful for developing novel therapies by targeting thyroid hormone functions in CRC cells.
In-Vivo Validation of a Novel Robotic Platform for Endovascular Intervention

Objective: In-vivo validation on animal setting of a pneumatically propelled robot for endovascular intervention, to determine safety and clinical advantage of robotic cannulations compared to manual operation. Methods: Robotic assistance and image-guided intervention are increasingly used for improving endovascular procedures with enhanced navigation dexterity and accuracy. However, most platforms developed in the past decade still present inherent limitations in terms of altered clinical workflow, counterintuitive human-robot interaction, and a lack of versatility. We have created a versatile, highly integrated platform for robot-assisted endovascular intervention aimed at addressing such limitations, and here we demonstrate its clinical usability through in-vivo animal trials. A detailed in-vivo study on four porcine models conducted with our robotic platform is reported, involving cannulation and balloon angioplasty of five target arteries. Results: The trials showed a 100% success rate, and post-mortem histopathological assessment demonstrated a reduction in the incidence and severity of vessel trauma with robotic navigation versus manual manipulation. Conclusion: In-vivo experiments demonstrated that the applicability of our robotic system within the context of this study was well tolerated, with good feasibility, and low risk profile. Comparable results were observed with robotics and manual cannulation, with clinical outcome potentially in favor of robotics. Significance: This study showed that the proposed robotic platform can potentially improve the execution of endovascular procedures, paving the way for clinical translation.
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of congruent LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 crystals

The complex dielectric constants of congruent LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 single crystals in a THz frequency region have been determined directly by using broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) with reflection configuration. We have successfully extracted the accurate complex dielectric constants by using corrected phase information derived from the transmission measurement results. The lowest E(TO1) phonon modes of both crystals have been observed clearly. On the other hand, additional bands at approximately 2.5 THz below the lowest A1(TO1) mode frequency have been observed. These bands have also been reported by Raman and hyper-Raman spectroscopy and attributed to intrinsic defects in congruent crystals. According to the experimental results that these additional bands were observed at almost the same frequency on Raman, hyper-Raman, and THz-TDS, these bands are suggested to be assigned as a first-order scattering process.
Are Cryptos Different? Evidence from Retail Trading

Trading in cryptocurrencies has grown rapidly over the last decade, primarily dominated by retail investors. Using a dataset of 200,000 retail traders from eToro, we show that they have a different model of the underlying price dynamics in cryptocurrencies relative to other assets. Retail traders in our sample are contrarian in stocks and gold, yet the same traders follow a momentum-like strategy in cryptocurrencies. Individual characteristics do not explain the differences in how people trade cryptocurrencies versus stocks, suggesting that our results are orthogonal to differences in investor composition or clientele effects. Furthermore, our findings are not explained by inattention, differences in fees, or preference for lotterylike stocks. We conjecture that retail investors hold a model of cryptocurrency prices, where price changes imply a change in the likelihood of future widespread adoption, which in turn pushes asset prices further in the same direction.
Towards the Dispersion Characteristics of Tapered Core Dielectric Optical Fibers

Using Maxwell's field equations, an analytical investigation is presented of the modal characteristics for a step-index plastic clad tapered optical fiber operating in the infrared region of the electro-magnetic spectrum. Following rigorous analytical approach, dispersion relations are developed, and a study is presented of the fiber characteristics for different lower order modes. The cutoff situation is also discussed. Attention is also paid to the characteristics of dispersion curves for the tapered fiber under consideration by taking into account the different possible modes. Results are compared with conventional optical fibers in terms of dispersion characteristics.
Impacts of Entrepreneurial Education on Rural Youth's Entrepreneurial Behavior in Algeria

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of entrepreneurship training on entrepreneurial behaviour of the Strengthening Rural Youth Development through Enterprise programme in Algeria. Methodology: Descriptive design was used in collecting the data from respondents. Questionnaires were used for collecting data containing mainly closed ended questions to the sample respondents. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics employing mean and standard deviation with the aid of SPSS. Data collected and analyzed was finally presented in various formats such as charts, graphs and tables. Results: All the predictor variables, that is, attitude, skills, knowledge and social network βvalues were positive indicating that they directly proportional to entrepreneurial behaviour of rural youth in Algeria, in which case an improvement in attitude, skills, knowledge and positive support from the social network causes a positive change towards entrepreneurial behaviour of rural youth in the country. Conclusion: The youth in the area are in favor of entrepreneurship than other occupational options as seen by their determination to start a business if they had the opportunity and resources, as well as their indication that they are not afraid to take risks. Recommendation: The study therefore recommends that the national government should make flexible policies to attract young graduates to be entrepreneurs to develop their socio-economic status. Also, they should facilitate entrepreneurial training programmes for the youth so as to enable them to develop the right skills, knowledge and competence in entrepreneurship.
Theoretical analysis of nonlinear interaction of intense electromagnetic wave and plasma waves in the ionosphere

It is well known that refraction, Faraday rotation, scintillation and absorption of microwaves take place when a microwave passes through an ionospheric plasma. However, when the amplitude of the microwave is large, nonlinear interactions occur with plasma in addition to these plasma interactions with a small signal microwave. Various phenomena not conceivable for weak microwaves used in communication can take place. Especially, it is predicted that the three-wave resonance, which is the most fundamental nonlinear wave-wave interaction, can be applied to the nonlinear wave-wave interaction between the plasma and a large signal microwave. In this paper, the generating condition of the electrostatic plasma wave phenomena excitated in the plasma medium by a large signal electromagnetic wave is theoretically investigated and the nonlinear coupling coefficient between the large signal electromagnetic wave and the electrostatic plasma wave is derived.
On the Existence of Solutions to a Differential Game

In this paper we consider the problem of the existence of a “min-sup” strategy to a pursuit-evasion game. The dynamics of the players have been modeled by a general dynamical system rather than by a differential system. This has helped to achieve mathematical simplicity as well as clarification of the problems involved in a competitive situation. We have discussed the relation between the two models and the relevance of our results to time-optimal control problems.
Stochastic averaging for multiscale Markov processes with an application to branching random walk in random environment

Let Z = (Zt)t2[0,1) be an ergodic Markov process and, for n 2 , let Z n = (Zn2t)t2[0,1) drive a process X n . Classical results show under suitable conditions that the sequence of non-Markovian processes (X n )n2 converges to a Markov process and give its infinitesimal characteristics. Here, we consider a general sequence (Z n )n2 . Using a general result on stochastic averaging from [Kur92], we derive conditions which ensure that the sequence (X n )n2 converges as in the classical case. As an application, we consider the diffusion limit of branching random walk in quickly evolving random environment.
Developability profiling of a panel of Fc engineered SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies

ABSTRACT To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, potential therapies have been developed and moved into clinical trials at an unprecedented pace. Some of the most promising therapies are neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. In order to maximize the therapeutic effectiveness of such neutralizing antibodies, Fc engineering to modulate effector functions and to extend half-life is desirable. However, it is critical that Fc engineering does not negatively impact the developability properties of the antibodies, as these properties play a key role in ensuring rapid development, successful manufacturing, and improved overall chances of clinical success. In this study, we describe the biophysical characterization of a panel of Fc engineered (“TM-YTE”) SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, the same Fc modifications as those found in AstraZeneca’s Evusheld (AZD7442; tixagevimab and cilgavimab), in which the TM modification (L234F/L235E/P331S) reduce binding to FcγR and C1q and the YTE modification (M252Y/S254T/T256E) extends serum half-life. We have previously shown that combining both the TM and YTE Fc modifications can reduce the thermal stability of the CH2 domain and possibly lead to developability challenges. Here we show, using a diverse panel of TM-YTE SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, that despite lowering the thermal stability of the Fc CH2 domain, the TM-YTE platform does not have any inherent developability liabilities and shows an in vivo pharmacokinetic profile in human FcRn transgenic mice similar to the well-characterized YTE platform. The TM-YTE is therefore a developable, effector function reduced, half-life extended antibody platform.
Rootstocks with Different Tolerance Grade to Citrus Tristeza Virus Induce Dissimilar Volatile Profile in Citrus sinensis and Avoidance Response in the Vector Aphis gossypii Glover

The citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is an agent of devastating epidemics of the citrus plant grafted on Citrus aurantium, one of the main rootstocks still used in the Mediterranean area. Consequently, CTV-tolerant alternative citrus rootstocks are considered necessary to manage this disease and/or its vector; that in Mediterranean countries is the aphid Aphis gossypii. In this study, we analyzed the VOCs emitted from Citrus sinensis plants grafted on the CTV-susceptible C. aurantium and on the CTV-tolerant Volkamer lemon, Forner-Alcaide no. 5, and Carrizo citrange. Furthermore, the aphid preference/avoidance response toward these combinations was evaluated in a semi-field experiment. The VOC profiles recorded on the leaves of C. sinensis grafted on the four rootstocks listed above showed significant differences in the abundances and ratios of the compounds emitted. The behavioral experiments indicated that A. gossypii prefers to orient and establish on the C. sinensis plants grafted on C. aurantium rather than on that grafted on the three CTV-tolerant varieties. The possibility that this avoidance mechanism is triggered by the different profile of the VOC emitted by the different combinations and the consequent susceptibility/tolerance shown toward CTV is discussed.
Sleep quality among different classes of heart failure patients in Jordan: A STROBE compliant cross-sectional study

Many researchers emphasize the importance of studying sleep quality among patients with heart failure (HF). Because of the importance of this topic, many studies have been conducted to address the different aspects of sleep-in various populations of patients with HF. The purposes of our study were: to assess the types of disturbances in sleep within the different classes of HF, and to assess whether there were differences in the levels of sleep quality and types of disturbances in sleep within the different classes in non-hospitalized Jordan patients with HF. Data were gathered from 2 cardiac clinics and 2 medical clinics at 3 Jordan hospitals. A minimum sample of 200 people was recruited to participate in this study based on these criteria and factors. The prevalence of low sleep quality and types of disturbances in sleep were increased with the increase in New York Heart Association class. Nearly 3 quarters of the study sample had poor sleep quality 73.5% (n = 147). Using a score of 5 as a cut point, 147 patients with HF in our study sample had poor sleep quality. The most common types in all classes were waking up for urination, waking in the middle of the night or early morning, waking up due to coughing and snoring, and difficulty falling asleep within 30 minutes. However, waking up due to feeling cold or hot were rarely reported in all classes of patients with HF. Poor sleep quality negatively affects the quality of life in patients with HF by decreasing physical cognitive and psychosocial performance in those patients. This is the first study in literature study sleep quality in the different New York Heart Association functional classes.
Changes in Disposition of Ezetimibe and Its Active Metabolites Induced by Impaired Hepatic Function: The Influence of Enzyme and Transporter Activities

Ezetimibe (EZE) is a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor. Hepatic impairment significantly increases the systemic exposure of EZE and its main active phenolic glucuronide, EZE-Ph. Although changes in efflux transporter activity partly explain the changes in EZE-Ph pharmacokinetics, the causes of the changes to EZE and the effects of the administration route on EZE-Ph remain unclear. A carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic failure rat model was combined with in vitro experiments to explore altered EZE and EZE-Ph disposition caused by hepatic impairment. The plasma exposure of EZE and EZE-Ph increased by 11.1- and 4.4-fold in CCl4-induced rats following an oral administration of 10 mg/kg EZE, and by 2.1- and 16.4-fold after an intravenous injection. The conversion of EZE to EZE-Ph decreased concentration-dependently in CCl4-induced rat liver S9 fractions, but no change was observed in the intestinal metabolism. EZE-Ph was a substrate for multiple efflux and uptake transporters, unlike EZE. In contrast to efflux transporters, no difference was seen in the hepatic uptake of EZE-Ph between control and CCl4-induced rats. However, bile acids that accumulated due to liver injury inhibited the uptake of EZE-Ph by organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) (glycochenodeoxycholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid had IC50 values of 15.1 and 7.94 μM in OATP1B3-overexpressed cells). In conclusion, the increased plasma exposure of the parent drug EZE during hepatic dysfunction was attributed to decreased hepatic glucuronide conjugation, whereas the increased exposure of the metabolite EZE-Ph was mainly related to transporter activity, particularly the inhibitory effects of bile acids on OATPs after oral administration.
Bounds on the complex permittivity of a two‐component composite material

A generalization of the bounds obtained by Wiener, Hashin and Shtrikman, and others is derived for complex permittivities. Provided the scale of inhomogeneities in the composite is sufficiently small compared with the wavelength of the applied radiation, the permittivity of the composite is found to lie within a simply constructed region of complex plane. The appropriate region depends on what is known about the composite material. We show that in many cases the region is the most restrictive which can be given, using limited information about the structure of the composite.
Some general results on random walks, with genetic applications

Consider a random Markovian process in which the state of the system is defined by a random variable which can take the finite set of values i=0, 1, …, N, and which is such that transition can only occur from any state i to the two nearest states i+1. This restriction brings about an essential simplification of the theory for the basic reason that in order for the system to move from i to state j (i < j say) it must first move to i+1, then i+2 and so on until it reaches j. From this it follows that the first passage distribution from i to j is the convolution of the first passage distributions from i to i+l, i+l to i+2,…, j—l to j each of which is comparatively easy to find.
Numerical and experimental investigation of polycarbonate vacuum-forming process

This research investigates the influence of process variables on the quality of vacuum-formed thermoplastic products and provides guidelines for polycarbonate (PC) thermoforming optimization. The process variables investigated include: operating temperature, non-uniform temperature of the PC sheet, and applied pressure. A series of thermo-coupled numerical simulations are conducted to examine the quality of the vacuum-formed parts. Three general hyperelastic constitutive models are used to describe the mechanical behavior of PC during the thermoforming process and to examine its reliability. The forming limit and the thickness distribution predicted by the numerical simulations for the axisymmetric vacuum-formed parts are compared with the experimental results of vacuum-forming. Good agreement is found between the numerical simulations and the experimental results. In addition, the effect of temperature on the surface smoothness and the deformation results of the thermoformed parts are discussed. Based on the results of the experiments and numerical analyses, guidelines for the PC thermoforming process are proposed.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cognitive Performance in Cognitively Normal Non-Hispanic Whites and Mexican Americans From the HABS-HD Cohort

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) on cognition in non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) versus Mexicans Americans (MA). Methods: A cross sectional analysis was conducted on 663 NHW and 632 MA. Prevalence of specific CVRF were compared between both demographics. Cognition was tested with various neuropsychologic tests. Results: MA had a higher percentage of hypertension, abdominal circumference, diabetes, and current smoking while NHW had a higher prevalence of other CVD. However, specific CVRF impacted NHW neuropsychologic testing on cognition, executive function, and processing, while only memory was affected in MA. Discussion: MA have less access to healthcare services with a higher prevalence of specific CVRF, however previous research has cited a lower mortality compared to NHW, this is known as the Hispanic paradox effect. The Mexican American ethnicity may be a protective factor in cognition creating increased neuropsychologic resilience from CVRF.