Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REGRESSION WITH SLOWLY VARYING REGRESSORS AND NONLINEAR TRENDS

Slowly varying (SV) regressors arise commonly in empirical econometric work, particularly in the form of semilogarithmic regression and log periodogram regression. These regressors are asymptotically collinear. Usual regression formulas for asymptotic standard errors are shown to remain valid, but rates of convergence are affected and the limit distribution of the regression coefficients is shown to be one dimensional. Some asymptotic representations of partial sums of SV functions and central limit theorems with SV weights are given that assist in the development of a regression theory. Multivariate regression and polynomial regression with SV functions are considered and shown to be equivalent, up to standardization, to regression on a polynomial in a logarithmic trend. The theory involves second-, third-, and higher-order forms of slow variation. Some applications to the asymptotic theory of nonlinear trend regression are explored.The author thanks two referees and Pentti Saikkonen for comments and suggestions, Sidney Resnick for references on second-order regular variation, and a Kelly Fellowship and the NSF for partial research support under grants SBR 97-30295 and SES 04-142254. An original draft of the paper was written in June 2000 and circulated under the title “Regression with Slowly Varying Regressors. ”
Intergenerational Deliberations for Long Term Sustainability

Grŵp Cynefin, a social housing association in North Wales, United Kingdom (UK) with other partner organisations, had a vision to create a community Hub in the Nantlle Valley to strengthen and support the health and well-being of the local community through the provision of a range of traditional and preventative services. Social prescribing (SP), which is a non-medical support using community assets, would be a part of this new innovative Hub. SP activities would be co-designed and co-produced by current community members. Drawing on the principles of citizens’ assembly deliberations and Future Design, four focus groups (n = 16) were conducted to develop sustainable strategies for SP activities as part of the proposed Hub. Deliberations on the perspectives of future generations were considered along with current community needs. Findings from the focus groups imply that current members of society are open to the concept of taking an inter-generational approach when designing SP activities to address the social and economic needs of the community along with integration of traditional and preventative community health services. Deliberations highlighted that the proposed Hub could strengthen communities and support community health and well-being, by providing a place to socialise and acting as a single point of access for community services, which could promote social cohesion in line with the Well-being for Future Generations (Wales) Act. Applying a long-term thinking approach to citizens’ assembly deliberation design offers a voice to the interests of future generations, providing inter-generational equity.
Pressure dependence of polarization mode dispersion in HiBi fibers

Pressure effects in polarization maintaining fibers are investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Interferometric measurements of the propagation times and polarization mode dispersion as a function of hydrostatic pressure over the range 0 to 40 MPa are presented. The finite-element method is used to calculate the pressure-induced variations of the asymmetrical stress in the core. It is observed and comprehensively explained that the birefringence increases with external applied hydrostatic pressure. >
Dry eye disease: A review of anti-inflammatory therapies

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common chronic ocular disease. DED can have a significant impact on visual function, causing disturbances to comfort, daily activities, and general quality of life. The varied nature of DED makes it difficult to point to a specific cause of the syndrome. However, current literature agrees that the inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva plays a major role in its pathogenesis. Therapies targeted toward inflammation have shown varied success in the treatment of DED. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the prevalence and inflammatory pathophysiology of DED and discussion of the available anti-inflammatory therapies including the following: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and other hormonal therapies, nonsteroidal immunomodulators, biological tear replacement, antibiotics, dietary supplements, tea tree oil, and intense pulsed light.
Anti-bacterial efficacy of bee pollen samples collected from Chandigarh (U.T.) during spring season

The study was conducted in Chandigarh during spring season to find the potentiality of flora with high anti- bacterial efficacy. Mainly four bacterial strains [Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 2453), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC 109), Streptococcus pneumoniae (MTCC 655) and Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC 3231)] were selected for the study. First pollen aqueous extract (PAE) of different concentrations (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) were prepared, then disc diffusion method was used to check the anti- bacterial efficacy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was highly inhibited by bee pollen of sub- divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4.Sub- division 3 and 4 also has higher action against Salmonella typhimurium. Sub- division 5 has higher efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study throws light on their therapeutic use of bee pollen.
A Wave-Propagation Model for Gravitational Effects On Light Deflection and Radar Echo Time

The deflection of a light beam passing close to the Sun and the increment in interplanetary radar echo time are known as important consequences of the general theory of relativity. In this investigation, by endowing each celestial body a unique local ether and by modifying the speed of light in a gravitational potential, a wave-propagation model is proposed to account for these phenomena in a classical way without invoking the space-time curvature.
The problem of integration in finite terms

This paper deals with the problem of telling whether a given elementary function, in the sense of analysis, has an elementary indefinite integral. In ? 1 of this work, we give a precise definition of the elementary functions and develop the theory of integration of functions of a single varia' Z. By using functions of a complex, rather than a real variable, we can limit ourselves to exponentiation, taking logs, and algebraic operations in defining the elementary functions, since sin, tan- 1, etc., can be expressed in terms of these three. Following Ostrowski [9], we use the concept of a differential field. We strengthen the classical Liouville theorem and derive a number of consequences. 2 uses the terminology of mathematical logic to discuss formulations of the problem of integration in finite terms. 3 (the major part of this paper) uses the previously developed theory to give an algorithm for determining the elementary integrability of those elementary functions which can be built up (roughly speaking) using only the rational operations, exponentiation and taking logarithms; however, if these exponentiations and logarithms can be replaced by adjoining constants and performing algebraic operations, the algorithm, as it is presented here, cannot be applied. The man who established integration in finite terms as a mathematical discipline was Joseph Liouville (1809-1882), whose work on this subject appeared in the years 1833-1841. The Russian mathematician D. D. Mordoukhay-Boltovskoy (1876-1952) wrote much on this and related matters. The present writer received his introduction to this subject through the book [10] by the American J. F. Ritt
Efficacy and Safety of Korean Herbal Medicine for Patients with Post-Accident Syndrome, Persistent after Acute Phase: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

This is a pragmatic, two-armed, parallel, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial for comparative evaluation between the effectiveness of integrated Korean medicine (IKM) and herbal medicine treatment with that of IKM monotherapy (control) for post-accident syndrome persistent after the acute phase. Participants were randomized into Herbal Medicine (HM, n = 20) and Control groups (n = 20) to receive the allocated treatment of 1–3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. The Difference of Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) change of overall post-accident syndromes from baseline to week 5 for the two groups was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.08–2.48; p < 0.001). Regarding secondary outcomes, a significant decrease compared to the baseline values was confirmed for NRS of musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric complaints and general symptoms of post-accident syndromes. In a survival analysis based on the recovery criteria of “patients with a reduction in the NRS of overall post-accident syndromes of ≥50%,” the HM group showed a shorter time to recovery than the control group during the 17-week study period (p < 0.001 by the log-rank test). IKM combined with herbal medicine treatment significantly improved the quality of life by relieving somatic pain and alleviating the overall post-accident syndrome persistent after the acute phase; this effect was maintained for at least 17 weeks.
The Association of Serum Adipokines, Insulin Resistance and Vitamin D Status in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

Background The frequent coexistence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in patients with Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), may indicate a common pathogenetic pathway with adipokines being a possible implicating cytokine. Objective This study was conducted to investigate the changes in serum levels of adipokines, insulin resistance, vitamin D status and their relationship with AGA, and the relationship between serum levels of adipokines and insulin resistance. Methods 80 male patients with AGA were selected as the experimental group and 60 healthy males served as the control group. Both the AGA group and healthy control group were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of insulin resistance (IR): the IR group and the NIR group. Serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, insulin and 25(OH)D were evaluated in all subjects. Results Compared with the control group, AGA patients showed higher serum levels of leptin and lower adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio (P<0.05), and both were positively correlated with the severity of the disease. Compared with the AGA NIR group, serum leptin levels were increased in the AGA IR group (P<0.05). AGA IR group and AGA NIR group possessed lower Adpn/Lep ratio when compared with the healthy IR group and healthy NIR group respectively (P<0.05). The multi-factor logistic regression analysis results showed decreased Adpn/Lep level and increased leptin level as risk factors for AGA. AGA Patients had lower vitamin D levels than healthy controls (P<0.05). Conclusion Patients with AGA show an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines, and probably be involved in AGA pathogenesis. Insulin resistance may influence levels of adipokines, but the present findings cannot indicate insulin resistance plays a role in the onset of AGA. The insufficiency and deficiency of vitamin D are common health concern in our subjects and may be involved in the dysfunction of adipocytes and the development of AGA.
High-quality factor optical microcavities using oxide apertured micropillars

An oxide aperture is used to confine optical modes in a micropillar structure. This method overcomes the limitations due to sidewall scattering loss typical in semiconductor etched micropillars. High cavity quality factors (Q) up to 48 000 are determined by external Fabry–Perot cavity scanning measurements, a significantly higher value than prior work in III-V etched micropillars. Measured Q values and estimated mode volumes correspond to a maximum Purcell factor figure of merit value of 72.
Fractionation and Characterization of Triterpenoids from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Cuticular Waxes and Their Potential as Anticancer Agents

Fruit and leaf cuticular waxes are valuable source materials for the isolation of triterpenoids that can be applied as natural antioxidants and anticancer agents. The present study aimed at the semi-preparative fractionation of triterpenoids from cuticular wax extracts of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (lingonberry) leaves and fruits and the evaluation of their cytotoxic potential. Qualitative and quantitative characterization of obtained extracts and triterpenoid fractions was performed using HPLC-PDA method, followed by complementary analysis by GC-MS. For each fraction, cytotoxic activities towards the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29), malignant melanoma cell line (IGR39), clear renal carcinoma cell line (CaKi-1), and normal endothelial cells (EC) were determined using MTT assay. Furthermore, the effect of the most promising samples on cancer spheroid growth and viability was examined. This study allowed us to confirm that particular triterpenoid mixtures from lingonberry waxes may possess stronger cytotoxic activities than crude unpurified extracts. Fractions containing triterpenoid acids plus fernenol, complexes of oleanolic:ursolic acids, and erythrodiol:uvaol were found to be the most potent therapeutic candidates in the management of cancer diseases. The specificity of cuticular wax extracts of lingonberry leaves and fruits, leading to different purity and anticancer potential of obtained counterpart fractions, was also enclosed. These findings contribute to the profitable utilization of lingonberry cuticular waxes and provide considerable insights into the anticancer effects of particular triterpenoids and pharmacological interactions.
Radio and H-alpha images of the figure-8 radio nucleus of the interacting Seyfert galaxy NGC 2992

Synthesis observations at a wavelength of 6 cm of the nuclear region of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 2992 clarify the presence of a striking pair of loops which join at the nuclear point source, forming a figure-8. The radio strands forming the loops are discussed in terms of two possible models: limb-brightened bubbles and magnetic arches. Noting that several examples of radio loops in galactic nuclei have been documented, the frequency of occurrence of galactic center loops is discussed and it is concluded that they may be relatively common. A larger-scale view of the nucleus of NGC 2992 based on a H-alpha image is presented. 22 references.
Effect of Non-Pharmacological Methods in the Reduction of Neonatal Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In neonatology, neonates have traditionally been considered incapable of feeling pain, due to the immaturity of their nervous system. Currently, there is sufficient information on the perception of pain in neonates; however, this treatment at this crucial stage for development requires a better approach. For this reason, the aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of non-pharmacological analgesia interventions during heel prick, and to assess their effects on heart rate (HR), premature infant pain profile (PIPP) and O2 saturation. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), and the Cochrane collaboration handbook. The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and Science Direct were searched until the end of January 2022. The DerSimonian and Laird methods were used to estimate the effect size with a 95% confidence interval (CI95%). Effect size estimates were 0.05 (95% CI: −0.19, 0.29) for HR, −0.02 (95% CI: −0.24, 0.21) for PIPP scale, and −0.12 (95% CI: −0.29, 0.05) for O2 saturation. The non-pharmacological interventions analysed (breastfeeding, kangaroo-mother care method, oral sucrose and non-nutritive sucking) were not statistically significant in reducing neonatal pain, but did influence the decrease in pain score and a faster stabilisation of vital signs.
Frequency response analysis of pentacene thin-film transistors with low impedance contact by interface molecular doping

Frequency response measurements were performed on top-contact pentacene organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The ac characteristics of OTFTs are strongly limited by the contact interface between a metallic electrode and a pentacene thin film. Local doping of a charge transfer molecule (CTM) into the contact interface efficiently improves the ac characteristics. Metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitance measurements revealed that the interface contains parasitic impedance composed of capacitance and resistance in parallel. The parasitic impedance was suppressed by CTM doping of the interface. The limitation factors for the frequency of operation in such an OTFT are discussed based on the experimental results and an equivalent circuit model.
Current Metabolic Engineering Strategies for Photosynthetic Bioproduction in Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of using solar energy to convert CO2 and H2O into O2 and energy-rich organic compounds, thus enabling sustainable production of a wide range of bio-products. More and more strains of cyanobacteria are identified that show great promise as cell platforms for the generation of bioproducts. However, strain development is still required to optimize their biosynthesis and increase titers for industrial applications. This review describes the most well-known, newest and most promising strains available to the community and gives an overview of current cyanobacterial biotechnology and the latest innovative strategies used for engineering cyanobacteria. We summarize advanced synthetic biology tools for modulating gene expression and their use in metabolic pathway engineering to increase the production of value-added compounds, such as terpenoids, fatty acids and sugars, to provide a go-to source for scientists starting research in cyanobacterial metabolic engineering.
CBL-Interacting Protein Kinases 18 (CIPK18) Gene Positively Regulates Drought Resistance in Potato

Sensor—responder complexes comprising calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) are plant-specific Ca2+ receptors, and the CBL-CIPK module is widely involved in plant growth and development and a large number of abiotic stress response signaling pathways. In this study, the potato cv. “Atlantic” was subjected to a water deficiency treatment and the expression of StCIPK18 gene was detected by qRT-PCR. The subcellular localization of StCIPK18 protein was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The StCIPK18 interacting protein was identified and verified by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). StCIPK18 overexpression and StCIPK18 knockout plants were constructed. The phenotypic changes under drought stress were indicated by water loss rate, relative water content, MDA and proline contents, and CAT, SOD and POD activities. The results showed that StCIPK18 expression was upregulated under drought stress. StCIPK18 is localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. Y2H shows the interaction between StCIPK18 and StCBL1, StCBL4, StCBL6 and StCBL8. BiFC further verifies the reliability of the interaction between StCIPK18 and StCBL4. Under drought stress, StCIPK18 overexpression decreased the water loss rate and MDA, and increased RWC, proline contents and CAT, SOD and POD activities; however, StCIPK18 knockout showed opposite results, compared with the wild type, in response to drought stress. The results can provide information for the molecular mechanism of the StCIPK18 regulating potato response to drought stress.
Oxidative Damages on the Alzheimer’s Related-Aβ Peptide Alters Its Ability to Assemble

Oxidative stress that can lead to oxidation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is considered a key feature in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), influencing the ability of Aβ to assemble into β-sheet rich fibrils that are commonly found in senile plaques of AD patients. The present study aims at investigating the fallouts of Aβ oxidation on the assembly properties of the Aβ peptide. To accomplish this, we performed kinetics and analysis on an oxidized Aβ (oxAβ) peptide, resulting from the attack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are formed by the biologically relevant Cu/Aβ/dioxygen/ascorbate system. oxAβ was still able to assemble but displayed ill-defined and small oligomeric assemblies compared to the long and thick β-sheet rich fibrils from the non-oxidized counterpart. In addition, oxAβ does affect the assembly of the parent Aβ peptide. In a mixture of the two peptides, oxAβ has a mainly kinetic effect on the assembly of the Aβ peptide and was able to slow down the formation of Aβ fibril in a wide pH range [6.0–7.4]. However, oxAβ does not change the quantity and morphology of the Aβ fibrils formed to a significant extent. In the presence of copper or zinc di-cations, oxAβ assembled into weakly-structured aggregates rather than short, untangled Cu-Aβ fibrils and long untangled Zn-Aβ fibrils. The delaying effect of oxAβ on metal altered Aβ assembly was also observed. Hence, our results obtained here bring new insights regarding the tight interconnection between (i) ROS production leading to Aβ oxidation and (ii) Aβ assembly, in particular via the modulation of the Aβ assembly by oxAβ. It is the first time that co-assembly of oxAβ and Aβ under various environmental conditions (pH, metal ions …) are reported.
Use of Heat-Shock and Edible Coating to Improve the Postharvest Preservation of Blueberries

The quality of blueberry fruit is easily altered after harvest. We investigated the regulatory mechanism of heat-shock (postharvest treatment) and edible coating (preharvest treatment) on the post-harvest physiological quality of blueberry from the perspective of physiological, biochemical and organoleptic characteristics. In our research, the optimal TKL concentration and the appropriate range of heat-shock temperatures were first screened based on actual application results, and then a combination of heat-shock temperature and TKL coating with significant differences in preservation effects was selected to investigate the effects of different heat-shock temperatures and TKL60 composite coating on post-harvest quality and volatile compound concentration of blueberries under refrigerated conditions. Our results showed that TKL with 60 mg/L thymol can retard the development of the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation and effectively reduce the incidence of fruit decay and the severity of blueberries infected with major pathogens at 25 °C. Meanwhile, heat-shock treatments were effective in maintaining the quality of blueberries, with a certain advantage from 45 °C to 65 °C after 8 d of storage at ambient temperature, but these treated groups were slightly inferior to TKL60 groups for fresh-keeping effect. Remarkably, the combination of heat-shock treatment and edible coating application could extend the shelf life of blueberries by 7–14 d compared to the results obtained with coating alone under low temperature storage. Specifically, heat treatment at 45 °C for 60 min after TKL60 coating (HT2) retarded the decrease in the levels of ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin, total acid and soluble solids. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry hierarchical clustering analysis showed that this treatment also improved the aroma of the fruit, which maintained a certain similarity with that of fresh blueberries after 14 d. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the results of the evaluations carried out using an electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue) showed that blueberries of the HT2 treated group did not show a large placement change of the PC1 distribution area from that of the fresh and blank control group. Accordingly, the combination of coating with heat-shock treatment can effectively improve the post-harvest quality and aroma compound concentration of blueberries, showing good application potential in storage and preservation of fresh fruits such as blueberries.