Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On quantum R\'enyi entropies: a new definition, some properties and several conjectures

The R\'enyi entropies constitute a family of information measures that generalizes the well-known Shannon entropy, inheriting many of its properties. They appear in the form of unconditional and conditional entropies, relative entropies or mutual information, and have found many applications in information theory and beyond. Various generalizations of R\'enyi entropies to the quantum setting have been proposed, most notably Petz's quasi-entropies and Renner's conditional min-, max- and collision entropy. Here, we argue that previous quantum extensions are incompatible and thus unsatisfactory. We propose a new quantum generalization of the family of R\'enyi entropies and the corresponding relative entropies that contains the min-entropy, collision entropy, von Neumann entropy as well as the max-entropy as special cases, thus encompassing most quantum entropies in use today. We show several natural properties for this definition, including data-processing inequalities and a limited duality relation. We conclude that the treatment of these entropies is technically challenging and requires sophisticated tools from linear algebra. We share several conjectured properties which we were unable to prove.
Propagation and Characteristics of Hydrometeorological Drought Under Changing Climate in Irish Catchments

Hydrometeorological droughts are complex hazards expressed through the relative deviation in water availability relative to long‐term average conditions. The development and propagation of drought is governed by hydrological processes at different spatial scales including precipitation, evapotranspiration, overland flow, soil moisture, groundwater storage and discharge. Detailed investigation is thus required to evaluate associated linkages among various types of hydrometeorological drought to understand the likely impacts of climate change on drought characteristics (magnitude, frequency, duration and propagation). This study explores the impact of climate change on hydrometeorological drought for 10 Irish catchments, using standardized drought indices representing different components of the hydrological system. We employ 12 Global Climate Models from the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6), forced with SSP370 and bias corrected to catchment conditions to force a conceptual hydrological model to generate hydrological projections for each catchment. The results indicate substantial drying during summer with associated increases in summer drought magnitude and frequency. However, simulations show a wide range of change, especially for hydrological drought (discharge and baseflow). Only modest changes in the magnitude and frequency of hydrological drought events were found, with increases in winter and spring precipitation offsetting summer dryness. Similarly, the probability of meteorological drought propagating to hydrological events (Standardized Streamflow Index/Standardized Baseflow Index), shows modest increases under the climate change projections considered. Findings highlight that drought, especially during summer are a critical climate change risk for adaptation.
Safety and Risk Factors of Needle Thoracentesis Decompression in Tension Pneumothorax in Patients over 75 Years Old

Background There are very few professional recommendations or guidelines on the needle thoracentesis decompression (NTD) for the tension pneumothorax in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the safety and risk factors of tension pneumothorax NTD in patients over 75 years old based on CT evaluation of the chest wall thickness (CWT). Methods The retrospective study was conducted among 136 in-patients over 75 years old. The CWT and closest depth to vital structure of the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line (second ICS-MCL) and the fifth intercostal space at the midaxillary line (fifth ICS-MAL) were compared as well as the expected failure rates and the incidence of severe complications of different needles. We also analyzed the influence of age, sex, presence or absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and body mass index (BMI) on CWT. Results The CWT of the second ICS-MCL was smaller than the fifth ICS-MAL both on the left and the right side (P < 0.05). The success rate associated with a 7 cm needle was significantly higher than a 5 cm needle (P < 0.05), and the incidence of severe complications with a 7 cm needle was significantly less than an 8 cm needle (P < 0.05). The CWT of the second ICS-MCL was significantly correlated with age, sex, presence or absence of COPD, and BMI (P < 0.05), whereas the CWT of the fifth ICS-MAL was significantly correlated with sex and BMI (P < 0.05). Conclusion The second ICS-MCL was recommended as the primary thoracentesis site and a 7 cm needle was advised as preferred needle length for the older patients. Factors such as age, sex, presence or absence of COPD, and BMI should be considered when choosing the appropriate needle length.
COVID-19 Biomarkers Comparison: Children, Adults and Elders

Background and Objectives: this study aimed to research links between C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinekinase (CK), 25-OH vitamin D (25-OHD), ferritin (FER), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)cholesterol and clinical severity in patients from the western part of Romania, and compare their potential use as biomarkers for intensive care units (ICU) admission and death in children, adults and elders. Materials and Methods: this study is a retrospective cohort study, performed on patients positively diagnosed with COVID-19. Available CRP, LDH, CK 25-OH vitamin D, ferritin, HDL cholesterol and clinical severity were recorded. The following were assessed: median group differences, association, correlation and receiver operating characteristic. Results: 381 children, 614 adults and 381 elders were studied between 1 March 2021 and 1 March 2022. Most children and adults presented mild symptomatology (53.28%, 35.02%, respectively), while most elders presented severe symptomatology (30.04%). ICU admission was 3.67% for children, 13.19% for adults and 46.09% for elders, while mortality was 0.79% for children, 8.63% for adults and 25.1% for elders. With the exception of CK, all other biomarkers showed some significant associations with clinical severity, ICU admission and death. Conclusions: CRP, LDH, 25-OH vitamin D, ferritin and HDL are important biomarkers for COVID-19 positive patients, especially in the pediatric population, while CK was mostly within normal ranges.
Equilibrium investment with random risk aversion

We solve the problem of an investor who maximizes utility but faces random preferences. We propose a problem formulation based on expected certainty equivalents. We tackle the time‐consistency issues arising from that formulation by applying the equilibrium theory approach. To this end, we provide the proper definitions and prove a rigorous verification theorem. We complete the calculations for the cases of power and exponential utility. For power utility, we illustrate in a numerical example that the equilibrium stock proportion is independent of wealth, but decreasing in time, which we also supplement by a theoretical discussion. For exponential utility, the usual constant absolute risk aversion is replaced by its expectation.
Effect of Shear and Load Behavior on Ring Stability

The problem of buckling of a thin circular ring under uniform external transverse loading is investigated for the force normal to the deformed ring, the force parallel to its initial direction, and the force directed toward the initial center of curvature. Results are derived through a simple treatment within the framework of thin ring theory and without the assumption of inextensionality. It is assumed that the uniform pressure is applied quasistatically, the material is linearly elastic, and the strains are small while the rotations are moderate. In addition, the effect of transverse shear deformation is included.
Search for Terrestrial Electron Beams in SAMPEX HILT data

The Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) was a low polar orbiting satellite operating from 1992 to 2012. The goal of this master project has been to see if Terrestrial Electron Beams (TEBs), ∼ 20 ms bursts of electrons, were detected by the Heavy Ion Large Telescope (HILT) instrument on SAMPEX. After 1996 this instrument was switched to a mode where electrons in excess of 1 MeV were detectable, with a time resolution of 20 ms and a geometric factor of 60 cmsr. The time resolution and the relatively large geometric factor are reasons why we use HILT on SAMPEX. TEBs are secondary relativistic electrons generated by Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) via Compton scattering and pair production. These electrons gyrate along geomagnetic field lines out to space. It is possible for satellites to detect such electrons several thousands of kilometers from where they originate, if the satellite passes through the actual field line at the right moment. To distinguish real signals from variations in background noise, Poisson distribution is used to search for TEBs in HILT data for 2012. More than 300 TEB candidates, significant above background radiation, are observed. For all TEB candidates, the magnetic field lines are traced down to 45 km altitude. At the foot points we have searched for lightning using data from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). A null hypothesis has been performed to test if the lightning activity is random or correlated to the TEB candidates. We have done a modeling analysis of how many TEBs SAMPEX is expected to observe, compared to Fermi results. The probability of observing more than one TEB per year by SAMPEX, is estimated to be ∼ 9.8%. Mostly all of the ∼ 300 observed TEB candidates in 2012 are most likely something else than TEBs. Cosmic ray showers are thought to generate TEB mimic signals. One possible TEB has been found. Both in space and time, this event is correlated to two WWLLN detected lightning strokes.
POLYNOMIAL FUNCTION BASED GUIDANCE FOR IMPACT ANGLE AND TIME CONTROL

In this paper, missile homing guidance laws to control the impact angle and time are proposed based on the polynomial function. To derive the guidance commands, we first assume that the acceleration command profile can be represented as a polynomial function with unknown coefficients. After that, the unknown coefficients are determined to achieve the given terminal constrains. Using the determined coefficients, we can finally obtain the state feedback guidance command. The suggested approach to design the guidance laws is simple and provides the more generalized optimal solutions of the impact angle and time control guidance.
Distribution of Stress and Strain Produced in the Human Facial Skeleton by the Masticatory Force

In an attempt to make analysis of stress and strain on the human facial skeleton due to chewing force, a series of experiments were carried out on dry skulls reproducing the mastication, Brief results are shown in Fig. 4 (ditribution of principal strains); Fig. 5 (distribution of strains along the free margins); Fig. 8 (distribution of strain normal to the supposed cross sections); and Fig. 10 (distribution of the maximum absolute values of the strains, i. e., relative strength of various parts), and they are summarized as follows :1) The strains in the facial skeleton increase generally as the load (Pd in Fig. 2 (A)) moves toward the foreteeth in consequence of the increase of the moment of the load about the mandibular joint.2) The direction of the axes of the principal strains changed according to the shift of the load along the dental arch. Nevertheless, the directions in the facial skeleton excluding the lower part of the maxilla and the forehead, are in some measure similar to the orientation of the split-lines.3) Intensive strains appear in the anterior region of the lower part of the maxilla. Fairly intensive strains appear in such region as the nasal root, medial end of the infraorbital margin, infero-lateral corner of the orbit and its inferior vicinity, and the orbital surface of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.4) Strains in the facial skeleton show the remarkable occurrence of the bending moments.5) The mechanical behavior of the human facial skeleton seems to resemble that of the rigid frame structure.6) The infero-anterior part of the maxilla is relatively weak among various parts of the facial skeleton. This fact may suggest that the human facial skeleton is rather adapted to the use of the posterior teeth.The present study was carried out in the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo, before the author was transfered to the present institution. The author is deeply grateful to Professor Hisashi SuzuKI of the above department for his guidance and continuous suggestion during the course of the present study. The author also wishes to express his sincere thanks to Professor Teruyoshi UTOGUCHI, Assistant Professor Hiroyuki OKAMURA, and Mr. Shunsaku MITSUHASHI of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Tokyo for their instructive advice during the experiment of the present study.
A Versatile Brij-Linker for One-Step Preparation of Targeted Nanoparticles

Background: Most frequently the functionalization of nanoparticles is hampered by time-consuming, sometimes harsh conjugation and purification procedures causing premature drug release and/or degradation. A strategy to circumvent multi-step protocols is to synthesize building blocks with different functionalities and to use mixtures thereof for nanoparticle preparation in one step. Methods: BrijS20 was converted into an amine derivative via a carbamate linkage. The Brij-amine readily reacts with pre-activated carboxyl-containing ligands such as folic acid. The structures of the building blocks were confirmed by different spectroscopic methods and their utility was assessed by one-step preparation and characterization of nanoparticles applying PLGA as a matrix polymer. Results: Nanoparticles were about 200 nm in diameter independent of the composition. Experiments with human folate expressing single cells and monolayer revealed that the nanoparticle building block Brij mediates a “stealth” effect and the Brij-amine-folate a “targeting” effect. As compared to plain nanoparticles, the stealth effect decreased the cell interaction by 13%, but the targeting effect increased the cell interaction by 45% in the monolayer. Moreover, the targeting ligand density and thus the cell association of the nanoparticles is easily fine-tuned by selection of the initial ratio of the building blocks. Conclusions: This strategy might be a first step towards the one-step preparation of nanoparticles with tailored functionalities. Relying on a non-ionic surfactant is a versatile approach as it might be extended to other hydrophobic matrix polymers and promising targeting ligands from the biotech pipeline.
Preparative pre-laboratory online resources for effectively managing cognitive load of engineering students

ABSTRACT Laboratory learning forms a significant and integral part of engineering education, wherein students develop technical, collaborative, enquiry, and observation skills that go beyond theoretical studies. Engineering is inherently a practice-based profession, and consequently, laboratory work has been inseparable for engineering curricula. However, there is evidence suggesting that students encounter cognitive or information overload during modern laboratory classes, leading to reduced likelihoods of effectively achieving intended learning outcomes, as specified by the cognitive load theory. This article investigates how pre-lab online learning resources can be utilised to effectively manage cognitive load of engineering students, in the context of thermodynamics education. Qualitative and quantitative data have been collected from students as well as teaching staff on a range of parameters such as student preparedness, confidence levels, degree of engagement, and understanding. The findings of the study indicate that efficient student preparedness through pre-lab online resources can be utilised to effectively manage cognitive load of engineering students, leading to increased levels of understanding, preparedness, and confidence. It can be observed that there are influences from factors such as the quality of pre-lab resources and degree of engagement.
Effects of Rho-Associated Kinase (Rock) Inhibitors (Alternative to Y-27632) on Primary Human Corneal Endothelial Cells

(1) Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase (ROCK) signaling cascade impacts a wide array of cellular events. For cellular therapeutics, scalable expansion of primary human corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is crucial, and the inhibition of ROCK signaling using a well characterized ROCK inhibitor (ROCKi) Y-27632 had been shown to enhance overall endothelial cell yield. (2) In this study, we compared several classes of ROCK inhibitors to both ROCK-I and ROCK-II, using in silico binding simulation. We then evaluated nine ROCK inhibitors for their effects on primary CECs, before narrowing it down to the two most efficacious compounds—AR-13324 (Netarsudil) and its active metabolite, AR-13503—and assessed their impact on cellular proliferation in vitro. Finally, we evaluated the use of AR-13324 on the regenerative capacity of donor cornea with an ex vivo corneal wound closure model. Donor-matched control groups supplemented with Y-27632 were used for comparative analyses. (3) Our in silico simulation revealed that most of the compounds had stronger binding strength than Y-27632. Most of the nine ROCK inhibitors assessed worked within the concentrations of between 100 nM to 30 µM, with comparable adherence to that of Y-27632. Of note, both AR-13324 and AR-13503 showed better cellular adherence when compared to Y-27632. Similarly, the proliferation rates of CECs exposed to AR-13324 were comparable to those of Y-27632. Interestingly, CECs expanded in a medium supplemented with AR-13503 were significantly more proliferative in (i) untreated vs. AR-13503 (1 μM; * p < 0.05); (ii) untreated vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; *** p < 0.001); (iii) Y-27632 vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; ** p < 0.005); (iv) AR-13324 (1 μM) vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; ** p < 0.005); and (v) AR-13324 (0.1 μM) vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; * p < 0.05). Lastly, an ex vivo corneal wound healing study showed a comparable wound healing rate for the final healed area in corneas exposed to Y-27632 or AR-13324. (4) In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate that various classes of ROCKi compounds other than Y-27632 were able to exert positive effects on primary CECs, and systematic donor-match controlled comparisons revealed that the FDA-approved ROCK inhibitor, AR-13324, is a potential candidate for cellular therapeutics or as an adjunct drug in regenerative treatment for corneal endothelial diseases in humans.
Helminths of freshwater turtles in Northeastern Brazil: parasite–host–environment relationships

ABSTRACT The parasitic fauna of reptiles is considered understudied compared to that of other vertebrates and is even less well known than the parasitic fauna of chelonians. Yet parasites are considered one of the main controllers of host populations because they can strongly impact population structure and species diversity. The objective of the present study was to identify the helminth fauna infecting freshwater turtles Phrynops geoffroanus and Mesoclemmys tuberculata, to evaluate the effects of host features (body mass and sex) and seasonality (dry and rainy seasons) on the abundance of parasites, and to compare infection rates in each host species between different biomes (Caatinga and Atlantic Forest) in an area of Northeastern Brazil. We found seven species of helminths that belong to Nematoda (Physaloptera sp., Serpinema amazonicus, Serpinema monospiculatus and Spiroxys figueiredoi), Cestoda (unidentified specimen), Digenea (Echinostomatidae) and Monogenea (Polystomoides brasiliensis). For both freshwater turtle species, we did not find a significant difference in the abundance of helminths related to the maximum carapace length, body mass or host sex; however, males had higher prevalence than females, while females presented greater abundance when infected. We observed significant differences in the infection levels between biomes and between seasons (dry and rainy), where the Atlantic Forest specimens showed higher infection rates compared to the Caatinga and the highest rates occurred in the dry season. The main parasitological parameters observed in P. geoffroanus and M. tuberculata showed that the studied biomes directly influenced the levels of parasitic infection. Variations in habitat characteristics can directly influence patterns of helminth diversity and abundance, and interactions between these characteristics can generate differences in parasitism rates of the same host species in different environments.
Prediction of Central Arizona Convection. Part II: Further Examination of the Eta Model Forecasts

Abstract Output from simulations of the Eta model are compared to special observations collected during the 1990 Southwest Area Monsoon Project (SWAMP). The emphasis is on the model's prediction of the preconvection air mass over Phoenix, Arizona, and on the model's representation of the low-level jet and moisture surge observed over southwest Arizona. At times the model fails to capture the rapid increase in low- and mid-level moisture that is observed in the hours prior to the onset of convection. Subsequent convection is not predicted by the Eta model. In one event the model very accurately predicts the evolution of the air mass over Phoenix during the period just prior to the outbreak of severe convection. However, no convection is predicted by the model. The model seems unable to generate convection over the high terrain or lower deserts of central Arizona regardless of whether the air mass is simulated correctly. A low-level jet feature observed over southwest Arizona during SWAMP is not correctly s.
Tetrahydrobiopterin: Beyond Its Traditional Role as a Cofactor

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an endogenous cofactor for some enzymatic conversions of essential biomolecules, including nitric oxide, and monoamine neurotransmitters, and for the metabolism of phenylalanine and lipid esters. Over the last decade, BH4 metabolism has emerged as a promising metabolic target for negatively modulating toxic pathways that may result in cell death. Strong preclinical evidence has shown that BH4 metabolism has multiple biological roles beyond its traditional cofactor activity. We have shown that BH4 supports essential pathways, e.g., to generate energy, to enhance the antioxidant resistance of cells against stressful conditions, and to protect from sustained inflammation, among others. Therefore, BH4 should not be understood solely as an enzyme cofactor, but should instead be depicted as a cytoprotective pathway that is finely regulated by the interaction of three different metabolic pathways, thus assuring specific intracellular concentrations. Here, we bring state-of-the-art information about the dependency of mitochondrial activity upon the availability of BH4, as well as the cytoprotective pathways that are enhanced after BH4 exposure. We also bring evidence about the potential use of BH4 as a new pharmacological option for diseases in which mitochondrial disfunction has been implicated, including chronic metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and primary mitochondriopathies.