Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microphysical and radiative properties of inhomogeneous stratocumulus: Observations and model simulations

Detailed microphysical observations made from aircraft during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment are used to examine the optical properties of marine stratocumulus. Special attention is given to the relationship between the droplet size distribution (droplet‐number concentration, effective radius, and liquid‐water content) and the optical extinction parameter. The extinction parameter calculated with measurements from the forward‐scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP) differs only slightly from the extinction parameter obtained from the total droplet spectrum (measured with two optical probes, FSSP and 260X). In contrast, the results for the effective radius and the liquid‐water content show differences up to 40% between the two spectra. A Monte Carlo radiative‐transfer model is initialized with optical properties calculated from the observed microphysics. Monte Carlo simulations of radiative fluxes are in good agreement with observations for well‐mixed boundary‐layer cloud fields.
Playback pulse shape and spectra for shielded MR heads

Simple analytical expressions for the longitudinal surface fields from four types of shielded magnetoresistive (MR) heads, i.e., single element MR heads (both centered and off-center), dual-stripe heads, and "differential" MR heads are derived using superposition and Schwarz-Christoffel transformation. These expressions are utilized to study playback pulse shape and spectra. For the centered shielded MR head as well as the dual stripe shielded MR head, simple accurate formulas for PW/sub 50/ and D/sub 50/ are derived. For the dual stripe MR head, the model predicts the position of the first spectral gap null accurately, as well as the voltage spectral shape.
Auditory perception of reverberant surroundings

Three experiments on perception of reverberant surroundings were performed. In the first experiment, listeners were presented with binaural recordings of a speech signal and a set of photographs taken in different rooms, and were asked to point out where each recording was made. Most listeners performed very well in this task (average number of correct answers was 70%), showing that reverberation contains information on room properties that the listeners are able to extract. In the second experiment, listeners were asked to judge the relative size of different rooms by listening to the recorded signals. The results show substantial individual differences, with some listeners being close to veridical performance while others had only a few correct answers. A scaling analysis suggests that some listeners use the direct/reverberant energy ratio, while others use reverberation time as a cue for room size. In the third experiment, artificial reverberation generated by a geometric room model (including individual reflections) and from a stochastic model (controlling only energy measures) were compared with signals generated directly from measured room impulse responses. The results show comparable performance, suggesting that energy measures are the most important for assessing information on room parameters. [Work supported by ONR Grant No. N00014‐96‐1‐0675. ]
Drifting vortices in ramped Taylor vortex flow: Quantitative results from phase equation

The phase equation approach for the description of patterns in a spatially varying environment is tested for realistic setups. To this end the phase equation for axisymmetric Taylor vortex flow with spatially varying cylinder radii (spatial ramps) is derived and solved for various geometries which allow a detailed comparison with recent experiments. The wave number selected by subcritical ramps and its dependence on the geometry is determined. A suitable choice of the ramp allows the selection of wave numbers for which the pattern is unstable with respect to a wavelength changing instability (e.g., Eckhaus instability). This leads to a drift of the pattern. The drift velocity is calculated as a function of the Reynolds number for different geometries. Without any adjustable parameters the results for the selected wave numbers as well as for the drift velocities agree well with recent experiments. The calculations suggest the possibility of spatiotemporal chaos in suitably ramped systems.
On the errors involved in computing the empirical characteristic function

This paper considers discretisation errors involved in using the Fast Fourier Transform to compute the empirical characteristic function efficiently. A simple improvement to the usual histogram discretisation scheme is shown to reduce the mean square error considerably, as the grid size tends to zero. Simulation results show that the improvement is just as good in practical cases. The theoretical results are applied to the efficient calculation of kernel density estimates, described in Silverman (1982).
Reactogenicity and persistence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among recipients of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine: A single center experience from Sri Lanka

Objectives: Actual world data on vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are imperative for future immunization decisions. We studied the reactogenicity and IgG response in a cohort dually vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Methods: This prospective study recruited 494 ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine recipients at the University Hospital KDU between January 30 and February 5, 2021, and followed up for 9 months. The two doses of the vaccine were administered 3-month apart, followed by a booster dose with the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine 6 months later. One-week post-vaccination surveillance ascertained the reactogenicity of the vaccine. Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies before each vaccination dose was determined using a commercially available quantitative ELISA kit (WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 IgG Quantitative ELISA Beijing China). Reactogenicity profiles after vaccination doses were compared. Association of pre-vaccination seropositivity and demographic variables with antibody levels was assessed. Results: Reactogenicity was reported by 78.5% (329/419) and 25.4% (104/410) participants after the first and second doses, respectively, with a significantly high mean total score of vaccine-related symptoms following the first dose (P = 0.015). Post-first dose seroconversion rate was 97.1%, and the immune response was more robust among pre-vaccination seropositive participants and females. Following the second dose, 100% seroconversion was observed. Subgroup analysis of 196 participants revealed persistent antibodies at nine months with a rise in the previously measured levels among 78.1% compared to 21.9% with declining titers. Antibody waning was significantly associated with pre-vaccination seropositivity (P = 0.015) and female gender (P = 0.022). Conclusions: High seroconversion rates and longevity of antibody response in the absence of serious concerns regarding reactogenicity suggest that the vaccine is immunogenic and safe. Significant antibody waning among females and pre-vaccination seropositive participants warrant further research.
Three-dimensional Imaging Reveals Immune-driven Tumor-associated High Endothelial Venules as a Key Correlate of Tumor Rejection Following Depletion of Regulatory T Cells

High endothelial venules (HEV) are specialized post capillary venules that recruit naïve T cells and B cells into secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) such as lymph nodes (LN). Expansion of HEV networks in SLOs occurs following immune activation to support development of an effective immune response. In this study, we used a carcinogen-induced model of fibrosarcoma to examine HEV remodeling after depletion of regulatory T cells (Treg). We used light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging to visualize entire HEV networks, subsequently applying computational tools to enable topological mapping and extraction of numerical descriptors of the networks. While these analyses revealed profound cancer- and immune-driven alterations to HEV networks within LNs, these changes did not identify successful responses to treatment. The presence of HEV networks within tumors did however clearly distinguish responders from nonresponders. Finally, we show that a successful treatment response is dependent on coupling tumor-associated HEV (TA-HEV) development to T-cell activation implying that T-cell activation acts as the trigger for development of TA-HEVs which subsequently serve to amplify the immune response by facilitating extravasation of T cells into the tumor mass. Significance: We used three-dimensional imaging methods with computational tools to analyze networks of specialized blood vessels called HEVs in LNs and tumors. By applying these techniques in a mouse model of carcinogen-induced tumors, we could identify network changes after depletion of Tregs.
On schemes for congruence distributivity

We present diagrammatic schemes characterizing congruence 3-permutable and distributive algebras. We show that a congruence 3-permutable algebra is congruence meetsemidistributive if and only if it is distributive. We characterize varieties of algebras satisfying the so-called triangular scheme by means of a Maltsev-type condition.
On Cartan's theorem and Cartan's conjecture

We give a mild generalization of Cartan's theorem on value distribution for a holomorphic curve in projective space relative to hyperplanes. This generalization is used to complete the proof of the following theorem claimed in an earlier paper by the author: Given hyperplanes in projective space in general position, there exists a finite union of proper linear subspaces such that all holomorphic curves not contained in that union (even linearly degenerate curves) satisfy the inequality of Cartan's theorem, except for the ramification term. In addition, it is shown how these methods can lead to a shorter proof of Nochka's theorem on Cartan's conjecture and (in the number field case) how Nochka's theorem gives a short proof of Wirsing's theorem on approximation of algebraic numbers by algebraic numbers of bounded degree.
SPARSITY-BASED MULTI-TARGET DIRECT POSITIONING ALGORITHM BASED ON JOINT-SPARSE RECOVERY

The direct position determination (DPD) method can improve the location accuracy compared with the traditional two- step location methods due to omitting the intermediate procedure of estimating the measurement parameters. However, the DPD methods presented so far are signiflcantly more complex than the two-step approach. To overcome the shortcomings of the published DPD algorithms, a novel multi-target direct localization approach is flrstly proposed by exploiting the jointly sparse property in the discrete spatial domain. The main idea of this paper is that the location estimation can be obtained by flnding the sparsest solution according to the predeflned overcomplete basis. Furthermore, the locations of targets can be obtained from noisy signals, even if the number of targets is not known a priori. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has superior positioning accuracy to other DPD methods and improves computational e-ciency greatly.
Verification of Finite Volume Computations on Steady-State Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer

This work presents a post-processing tool for the verification of steady-state fluid flow and heat transfer finite volume computations. It is based both on the generalized Richardson extrapolation and the Grid Convergence Index (GCI). The observed order of accuracy and a error band where the grid independent solution is expected to be contained are estimated. The results corresponding to the following two and three-dimensional steady-state simulations are post-processed: a flow inside a cavity with moving top wall, an axisymmetric turbulent flow through a compressor valve, a premixed methane/air laminar flat flame on a perforated burner, and the heat transfer from an isothermal cylinder enclosed by a square duct. Discussion is carried out about the certainty of the estimators obtained with the post-processing procedure. They have been shown to be useful parameters in order to assess credibility and quality to the reported numerical solutions
The validation of a Mandarin version of the Empathy Components Questionnaire (ECQ-Chinese) in Chinese samples

Empathy involves both empathic ability and empathic motivation. An important topic has been how to measure empathic ability and motivation simultaneously in both clinical and non-clinical samples and across different cultures. The Empathy Components Questionnaire (ECQ) is a self-report questionnaire that measures empathic ability and motivation in a questionnaire. The current study aimed to validate the Mandarin Chinese version of the ECQ (ECQ-Chinese) in three Chinese samples. In study 1, a total of 538 Chinese participants (Sample 1) completed the ECQ-Chinese via an online survey, and existing measures of empathy and related constructs which were used for criterion validity. In study 2, a total of 104 participants (Sample 2) were recruited again from sample 1 and completed the ECQ-Chinese three weeks later to investigate test-retest reliability. In study 3, a further 324 participants (Sample 3) completed the ECQ-Chinese for confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed that the ECQ-Chinese has a good internal consistency reliability, split-half reliability, and criterion validity (Study 1), and a good test-retest reliability (Study 2). Further, Study 3 found that a 22-item ECQ-Chinese consisting of five subscales had a good construct validity, convergence validity and discriminate validity, demonstrating it to be a suitable tool for the measurement of empathic ability and motivation in Chinese samples and to carry out cross-cultural studies of empathy and its components.
Transcriptional responses define dysregulated immune activation in Hepatitis C (HCV)-naïve recipients of HCV-infected donor kidneys

Renal transplantation from hepatitis C (HCV) nucleic acid amplification test-positive (NAAT-positive) donors to uninfected recipients has greatly increased the organ donation pool. However, there is concern for adverse outcomes in these recipients due to dysregulated immunologic activation secondary to active inflammation from acute viremia at the time of transplantation. This includes increased rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia and allograft rejection. In this study, we evaluate transcriptional responses in circulating leukocytes to define the character, timing, and resolution of this immune dysregulation and assess for biomarkers of adverse outcomes in transplant patients. We enrolled 67 renal transplant recipients (30 controls, 37 HCV recipients) and performed RNA sequencing on serial samples from one, 3-, and 6-months post-transplant. CMV DNAemia and allograft rejection outcomes were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was utilized to develop gene expression classifiers predictive of clinical outcomes. Acute HCV incited a marked transcriptomic response in circulating leukocytes of renal transplant recipients in the acute post-transplant setting, despite the presence of immunosuppression, with 109 genes significantly differentially expressed compared to controls. These HCV infection-associated genes were reflective of antiviral immune pathways and generally resolved by the 3-month timepoint after sustained viral response (SVR) for HCV. Differential gene expression was also noted from patients who developed CMV DNAemia or allograft rejection compared to those who did not, although transcriptomic classifiers could not accurately predict these outcomes, likely due to sample size and variable time-to-event. Acute HCV infection incites evidence of immune activation and canonical antiviral responses in the human host even in the presence of systemic immunosuppression. After treatment of HCV with antiviral therapy and subsequent aviremia, this immune activation resolves. Changes in gene expression patterns in circulating leukocytes are associated with some clinical outcomes, although larger studies are needed to develop accurate predictive classifiers of these events.
Discrete tomography and Hodge cycles

We study a problem in discrete tomography on the free abelian group of rank n through the theory of distributions on the n -dimensional torus, and show that there is an intimate connection between the problem and the study of the Hodge cycles on abelian varieties of CM-type. This connection enables us to apply our results in tomography to obtain several inﬁnite families of abelian varieties for which the Hodge conjecture hold.
Identifying usual food choices with avocados in a clinical trial cohort of overweight and obese adults in Australia

Background Consumption of avocados has been suggested to be beneficial for weight control, however, limited research is available about the related food choices. Understanding the food choices associated with avocados at meal occasions may further aid behavioural strategies to lose weight. The present study used a systematic approach to develop an avocado-specific food database, with the aim to explore food choices related to avocados at meal occasions as reported by overweight and obese volunteers in weight loss clinical trials. Methods The avocado-specific database was based on AUSNUT 2011–13 food composition database structure and was developed via a systematic approach, which determined the avocado content of Australian foods and beverages. Baseline usual food intake data was retrospectively pooled from four food-based clinical trials (n = 758). The Apriori algorithm of association rules, a two-step descriptive method was used to identify food choices associated with avocados at different meal occasions using a nested hierarchical food group classification system. Results The avocado database identified 34 avocados and avocado-containing foods and beverages. The proportion of avocado consumers in the pooled cohort was 51.3% (n = 389), with an average avocado intake of 21.57 ± 36.75 grams per day. Avocados were found to be closely related to other food groups at all of the food group levels at main meal occasions. A total of 68 food items containing avocados were identified for avocado consumers at the breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Conclusion The avocado specific database provides a snapshot of the foods and beverages which contain avocados. Enumerating the full range of food choices in relation to avocado consumption should provide examples of food choices that people might consider in their efforts to increase their avocado consumption.
Gene expression changes in Tay–Sachs disease begin early in fetal brain development

Treatment of monogenic disorders has historically relied on symptomatic management with limited ability to target primary molecular deficits. However, recent advances in gene therapy and related technologies aim to correct these underlying deficiencies, raising the possibility of disease management or even prevention for diseases that can be treated pre‐symptomatically. Tay–Sachs disease (TSD) would be one such candidate, however very little is known about the presymptomatic stage of TSD. To better understand the effects of TSD on brain development, we evaluated the transcriptomes of human fetal brain samples with biallelic pathogenic variants in HEXA. We identified dramatic changes in the transcriptome, suggesting a perturbation of normal development. We also observed a shift in the expression of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway away from production of the HEXA substrate, GM2 ganglioside, presumptively to compensate for dysfunction of the enzyme. However, we do not observe transcriptomic signatures of end‐stage disease, suggesting that developmental perturbations precede neurodegeneration. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the relationship between fetal disease pathology in juvenile onset TSD and the analysis of gene expression in fetal TSD tissues. This study highlights the need to better understand the “pre‐symptomatic” stage of disease to set realistic expectations for patients receiving early therapeutic intervention.
Spontaneous mind wandering impairs model-based decision making

Background If our attention wanders to other thoughts while making a decision, then the decision might not be directed towards future goals, reflecting a lack of model-based decision making, but may instead be driven by habits, reflecting model-free decision making. Here we aimed to investigate if and how model-based versus model-free decision making is reduced by trait spontaneous mind wandering. Methods and findings We used a sequential two-step Markov decision task and a self-report questionnaire assessing trait spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering propensity, to investigate how trait mind wandering relates to model-free as well as model-based decisions. We estimated parameters of a computational neurocognitive dual-control model of decision making. Analyzing estimated model parameters, we found that trait spontaneous mind wandering was related to impaired model-based decisions, while model-free choice stayed unaffected. Conclusions Our findings suggest trait spontaneous mind wandering is associated with impaired model-based decision making, and it may reflect model-based offline replay for other tasks (e.g., real-life goals) outside the current lab situation.
Characteristics and factors associated with the position of the haptic after ICL V4C implantation

This article use an ultrasound biomicroscopy image to quantitatively assess the position of ICL haptic and found the ICL haptic-related parameters have an important influence on the clinical vault. Purpose: To assess the position of implantable collamer lens (ICL) haptic after ICL V4C implantation using standardized panoramic ultrasound bimicroscopy (UBM), to analyze its characteristics, associated factors, and the relationship with the clinical vault quantitatively. Setting: Hankou Aier Eye Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 167 subjects (323 eyes) implanted with ICL V4C who had a 3-month follow-up with UBM examination were included in this study. The relative position of ICL to the adjacent structure and ICL haptic-related parameters (the final tip point of ICL haptic [ftICL haptic], measured from the scleral spur to the final tip of the ICL haptic, the posterior of the ICL to ICL haptic [ICL arc], measured from the posterior surface of the ICL to the ICL haptic plane, and the height of the crystalline lens from the ICL haptic (lens arc), measured from the anterior surface of the crystalline lens to the ICL haptic plane and other parameters), were estimated on the UBM image. Eyes were divided into 3 subgroups according to the ftICL haptic (Group 1: ≤0.5 mm; Group 2: 0.5 to 1.0 mm; and Group 3:≥1.0 mm, respectively), and the factors associated with the ICL haptic-related parameters and their impact on the clinical vault were evaluated. Results: The haptics could be imaged in the ciliary sulcus, on the ciliary body, and under the ciliary body in 629 (48.7%), 525 (40.6%), and 138 (10.7%) eyes, respectively. The ftICL haptic and the summation of ICL arc and lens arc showed a correlation with the clinical vault (r = −0.34, P = .00; r = 0.87, P = .00). When the ftICL haptic results were divided into 3 groups, the percentage of eyes that exhibited clinical vault >750 μm were lowest in Group 3. Multivariate regression analysis showed spherical equivalent, white-to-white (WTW), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and iris–ciliary angle (ICA); the difference between the implanted ICL size and horizontal sulcus-to-sulcus (ICL size-STS) were associated with the ftICL haptic. The IOP, WTW, ACV, and the ICL size-STS were significantly associated with ICL arc, while the ICA and lens rise were associated with lens arc. Conclusions: The position of ICL haptic was associated with the clinical vault. Its quantitative evaluation may provide valuable information to help clinicians to select the best ICL size before surgery and understand the formation of clinical vault after surgery.