Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of time-delay systems containing saturating actuators

The problem of the stabilization of time-delay systems containing saturating actuators is considered. Two kinds of feedback stabilizing laws are treated: state feedback and sampled-state feedback. Several sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the stability of the saturating time-delay system under control. Each of these results, expressed by a scalar inequality, permits us to assess the transient behaviour of the controlled system. The results presented enable a practical consideration of the unavoidable saturation of the actuators and give an insight into the stabilization analysis of saturating time-delay systems.
Epitaxy and strain in the growth of GaN on AlN: A polarized x-ray absorption spectroscopy study

We present a study of the local structure of 7\char21{}8 nm thick GaN epilayers deposited on AlN by molecular beam epitaxy at temperatures ranging between 620 and $790\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$ by x-ray absorption spectroscopy, exploiting the polarization dependence of the technique. Both the near-edge and extended spectra suggest that atomic intermixing between GaN and AlN takes place at most for one monolayer. An interpretation of the near-edge spectra of wurtzite GaN and of the variation with the sample orientation in the framework of multiple scattering theory is provided. Values of the in-plane and out-of-plane strain due to heteroepitaxial growth are obtained from the interatomic distances in the second coordination shell around Ga; we compare the obtained values to literature values of the elastic constants, finding good agreement with most of them.
Ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) responses to phytase enzyme purified from Lactobacillus coryniformis application

In order to increase the quality and yield of ornamental plants, especially potted ornamental plants, it is necessary to enrich the physical properties of the growing medium and to ensure the continuity of the growing medium. In order to achieve this, organic substances that create a serious cost in ornamental plant cultivation are added to the growing medium. This study was planned to assess the role of inoculation of different levels in the seeds and soaking times of purified phytase, on the plant growth and ornamental plant decorative values in ornamental cabbage plants under nutrient limiting condition in greenhouse. Different doses (E0: 0 EU, E1: 5 EU, E2: 10 EU), soaking times (W15: 15 min, W30: 30 min, W60: 60 min), and their combinations (W15 + E0, W15 + E1, W15 + E2, W30 + E0, W30 + E1, W30 + E2, W60 + E0, W60 + E1, W60 + E2) of phytase enzyme purified and isolated from the Lactobacillus coryniformis were applied to ornamental cabbage seeds, and they were sown in plug trays filled with appropriate growing medium. Seedlings were planted in plastic pots during their period when the seedlings had four to five true leaves. Treatments of phytase enzyme purified and isolated from the microorganism generally improved the observed parameters. The application of, especially, the highest level of phytase enzyme doses increased the plant height, main stem height, and stem diameter of ornamental cabbage as compared to control (E0 treatment: distilled water). While the highest number of leaves per plant was obtained at E1 and E2 application doses and W30 and W60 soaking times; the highest stem diameter was obtained at E2 application doses and W30 and W60 soaking times. The present study clarified that the purified phytase enzyme can increase ornamental cabbage quality at the appropriate concentration and soaking time and is a promising biotechnology material for agricultural applications, and especially in different ornamental plant species.
Angular divergence of laser beams disturbed by an aero-engine exhaust jet

The results of experimental studies of angular divergence for laser beams intersecting an aero-engine jet at different angles to its axis - 90 degree(s), 45 degree(s) and 10 degree(s), are presented. The experiments were carried out on the ground with radiation wavelengths of 1.06 and 0.53 microns. Depending on conditions of the experiment, the angular divergence of radiation impacted by the jet increased 6-35 times as compared to the initial values for undisturbed beams. It has been found that the angular width of the half- micron beam is significantly (two or three times) higher than that of the one-micron beam, which does not fit in with the model of radiation scattered by typical a turbulent medium. Besides, radiation intensity angular distribution demonstrated azimuthal asymmetry correlating with physically selected spatial directions - along and across the jet stream. Based on relevant selection of spectral density for refractive index fluctuations (composition of a turbulent spectrum and additional high frequency spectral components, anisotropy in the outer scales of turbulence) analytical relationships for evaluation of the angular divergence of disturbed beams matching experimental data have been obtained.
Comparing inhaled colistin with inhaled fosfomycin/tobramycin as an adjunctive treatment for ventilator‐associated pneumonia: An open‐label randomized controlled trial

Although investigations are limited, adjunctive aerosolized antibiotics have been advised in the setting of gram‐negative ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP). This study aimed to compare the efficiency of inhaled colistin with inhaled fosfomycin/tobramycin in treating VAP due to extensively drug‐resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii.
Can proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors regress coronary atherosclerotic plaque? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Whether inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes the regression of coronary atherosclerotic plaque in statin-treated individuals remains unclear. This study examined whether PCSK9 inhibitors combined with statin therapy could increase atherosclerotic plaque regression compared with statin therapy alone. METHODS PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the database Clinical trials, and the Web of Science were searched to report the coronary atherosclerotic plaque of PCSK9 inhibitors using intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) in statin patients. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of the random-effects/fixed-effects model was used to pool data that satisfied our inclusion criteria obtained from the included studies. RESULTS When compared with statin therapy alone, pooled studies revealed that PCSK9 inhibitors combined with statin therapy significantly decreased percent atheroma volume (PAV) (WMD: -1.06%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.39 to -0.73; P<0.001) and total atheroma volume (TAV) (WMD: -6.38 mm3, 95% CI: -10.12 to -2.64; P=0.001). Moreover, the fibrous cap thickness (FCT) of the coronary atherosclerotic plaque increases to 21.31 um (WMD: 21.31, 95% CI: 7.08 to 35.53, P<0.001), and the maximum lipid arc decreases 10.9° (WMD: -10.9, 95% CI: -15.24 to -5.34, P<0.001). CONCLUSION In our systematic review and meta-analysis, PCSK9 inhibitors combined with statin therapy were found to be more effective than statin therapy alone for slowing coronary plaque progression by decreasing PAV, TAV, and increasing FCT, maximum lipid arc.
Current attitudes toward carrier screening for spinal muscular atrophy among pregnant women in Eastern China

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive and often fatal neurological disease. However, very little is known about the attitudes toward SMA carrier screening among Chinese pregnant people. In this study, pregnant women in Eastern China who were undergoing routine chromosomal screening programs were invited to view an educational video about SMA and complete a 26‐item survey regarding their attitudes toward SMA screening by scanning a specific quick response code. A total of 1673 questionnaires were collected, and 81.1% of respondents were willing to undergo self‐funded screening. If the screening program were included in the medical insurance, 97.8% of respondents were willing to accept screening. The important reasons for supporting SMA screening were a belief that it could help them make better reproductive decisions and avoid having a child with SMA. The key reason for declining SMA screening was not having a family history of genetic diseases. A higher score for SMA genetics knowledge was associated with a greater willingness to undergo SMA screening. We concluded that pregnant women in Eastern China had positive attitudes toward SMA carrier screening. Improving genetic knowledge and including the screening program in medical insurance would support the widespread implementation of SMA carrier screening. Steps should be taken to offer SMA carrier screening along with pre‐ and posttest education and genetic counseling to raise awareness and reduce misconceptions regarding SMA.
Immunohistochemical detection of double‐stranded RNA in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue

Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is produced during most viral infections, and immunohistochemical detection of dsRNA has been proposed as a potential screening marker for viral replication. The anti‐dsRNA monoclonal antibody clone 9D5 is more sensitive than the established clone J2 but has not been validated in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue. This study aimed to test and compare the performance of the anti‐dsRNA monoclonal antibodies, 9D5 and J2, in FFPE tissue using an automated staining platform. Archived clinical tissue samples with viral infections (n = 34) and uninfected controls (n = 30) were examined. Immunohistochemical staining for dsRNA (9D5 and J2) and virus‐specific epitopes was performed. 9D5 provided a similar staining pattern but a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio than J2. The following proportions of virus‐infected tissue samples were dsRNA‐positive: SARS‐CoV‐2 (5/5), HPV (6/6), MCV (5/5), CMV (5/6), HSV (4/6), and EBV (0/6). Also, 18 of 30 uninfected samples were dsRNA positive, and an association between fixation time and intensity was observed. However, signals in all samples were markedly reduced by pretreatment with dsRNA‐specific RNAse‐III, indicating a specific reaction. In conclusion, dsRNA can be demonstrated in most viral infections with immunohistochemistry in FFPE tissue but with low clinical specificity. The antibody clone 9D5 performs better than clone J2.
Cassini between Venus and Earth: Detection of interstellar dust

[1] We report the successful in situ measurement of interstellar dust particles inside the orbit of the Earth with the Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) on the Cassini spacecraft. The impact ionization subsystem of the CDA is similar to the instruments on Ulysses and Galileo. As the heliocentric velocity and the direction of the interstellar dust flux are well known from Ulysses measurements, a combined analysis of the impact charge signals together with geometric and kinematic spacecraft data allowed us to separate interplanetary impacts from interstellar ones. The mean interstellar flux between 0.7 and 1.2 AU derived from our analysis is 2.5 ± 0.5 · 10−5 m−2s−1, in a mass range of 5 · 10−17 kg to 10−15 kg which is in good agreement with the interstellar dust flux measured by Ulysses at 3 AU during the same time period [Landgraf et al., 2003]. The simultaneous detection of interstellar grains by Ulysses at 3 AU and approximately 1 AU by Cassini proves that big interstellar grains (radius greater than 0.4 μm), can penetrate deeply into the inner solar system.
Rumination and inhibition in task switching: no evidence for an association

ABSTRACT Rumination is typically defined as the perseverative focus of attention on negative internal thoughts and feelings, which can increase the risk of developing – and severity once developed – of depression. It is thought the perseveration is caused by a deficit in inhibitory control in ruminators. Congruent with this hypothesis, estimates of inhibition in task switching – the n–2 task repetition cost – are negatively associated with estimates of rumination. However, estimates of individual differences of n–2 task repetition costs are hampered by (a) measurement error caused by trial-wise variation in performance, and (b) recent evidence suggesting much of the n–2 task repetition cost measures interference in episodic memory, not inhibition. The aim of the current study was to revisit the question of the association between the n–2 task repetition cost and measures of rumination by (a) statistically accounting for measurement error by estimating n–2 task repetition costs via trial-level Bayesian multilevel modelling, and (b) controlling for episodic interference effects on estimates of n–2 task repetition cost by utilising a paradigm capable of doing so. The results provided no evidence for an association between rumination and n–2 task repetition costs, regardless of episodic interference.
Non‐Gaussian behavior and the dynamical complexity of particle motion in a dense two‐dimensional liquid

The single particle dynamics of a 2D liquid made up of soft disks interacting by a repulsive r−12 potential are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that mean squared particle displacement 〈Δr(t)2〉 behaves diffusively, i.e., increases linearly with time, within a time interval tc very much shorter than that required for structural relaxation. The non‐Gaussian parameter α(t)=〈Δr4〉/2〈Δr2〉2−1, on the other hand, exhibits a significant peak at times considerably greater than tc and a subsequent slow decay. It is argued that the only picture of diffusion consistent with these results considers particles moving in a medium characterized by fluctuating local mobilities. This picture provides an explicit connection between structural fluctuations (as characterized by the local mobility) and single particle motion. The possibility of obtaining the width and lifetime of the distribution of local relaxation times from incoherent scattering is examined.
Maternal–infant interaction quality is associated with child NR3C1 CpG site methylation at 7 years of age

Infancy is both a critical window for hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis development, and a sensitive period for social–emotional influences. We hypothesized that the social–emotional quality of maternal–infant interactions are associated with methylation of HPA‐axis gene NR3C1 later in childhood.
The politics of LGBT+ suicide and suicide prevention in the UK: risk, responsibility and rhetoric

Abstract Suicide is a major public health concern, patterned by systematic inequalities, with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) people being one example of a minoritised group that is more likely to think about and attempt suicide worldwide. To address this, UK national suicide prevention policies have suggested that LGBT+ people should be prioritised in prevention activities. However, there is little research seeking to understand how LGBT+ suicide is re/presented in political and policy spheres. In this article, we critically analyse all mentions of LGBT+ suicide in UK parliamentary debates between 2009 and 2019 and in the eight suicide prevention policies in use during this period. We argue that LGBT+ suicide is understood in two contrasting ways: firstly, as a pathological ‘problem’, positioning LGBT+ people either as risks or as at risk and in need of mental health support. Alternatively, suicide can be seen as externally attributable to perpetrators of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate, requiring anti-hate activities as part of suicide prevention. In response, we argue that although these explanations may appear oppositional; they both draw on reductive explanations of LGBT+ suicide, failing to consider the complexity of suicidal distress, thus constraining understandings of suicide and suicide prevention.
Spine Fractures of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: Fracture Severity and Injury-Related Mortality at a Level I Trauma Center

Study Design Retrospective review of prospectively collected cohort. Purpose To identify differences in treatment and mortality of spine fractures in patients with ankylosing conditions of the spine. Overview of Literature Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) are the two most common etiologies of ankylosing spinal disorder (ASD). However, studies on the treatment and outcomes of spine fractures in AS and DISH patients remain few. Methods Patients presenting with a spine fracture were diagnosed with AS or DISH at a single tertiary care center between 2010 and 2019. We excluded those who lacked cross-sectional imaging or fractures occurring at spinal segments affected by ankylosis, as well as polytraumatized patients. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, fracture level, neurologic status, treatment, and 1-year mortality were recorded. Computed tomography imaging was reviewed by two independent readers and graded according to the indicated AO Spine Injury Classification System. Differences in fracture severity, treatment method, and mortality were examined using Student t-tests, chi-square tests, and two-proportion Z-tests with significance set to p<0.05. Results We identified 167 patients with spine fracture diagnosed with AS or DISH. Patients with AS had more severe fractures and more commonly had surgery than patients with DISH (p<0.001). Despite these differences, 1-year mortality did not significantly differ between AS and DISH patients (p=0.14). Conclusions Although patients with AS suffered more severe fractures compared to DISH and more frequently underwent surgery for these injuries, outcomes and 1-year mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups. For patients with ASDs and fractures, outcomes appear similar regardless of treatment modality. Consequently, there may be an opportunity for critical reappraisal of operative indications in ASD and a larger role for nonoperative management in these challenging patients.
Mindin Activates Autophagy for Lipid Utilization and Facilitates White Spot Syndrome Virus Infection in Shrimp

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that has had a serious influence on worldwide shrimp farming in the last 30 years. We have demonstrated that WSSV hijacks host autophagy and lipid metabolism for reproduction in kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus). These findings revealed the mechanism by which WSSV exploits host machinery for its infection and provided serial targets for WSSV prevention and control in shrimp farming. ABSTRACT Mindin is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that is involved in regulating cellular events through interacting with integrin. Studies have demonstrated its role in host immunity, including phagocytosis, cell migration, and cytokine production. However, the function of Mindin in the host-virus interaction is largely unknown. In the present study, we report that Mindin facilitates virus infection by activating lipid utilization in an arthropod, kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus). Shrimp Mindin facilitates white spot syndrome virus infection by facilitating viral entry and replication. By activating autophagy, Mindin induces lipid droplet consumption, the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids, and ATP production, ultimately providing energy for virus infection. Moreover, integrin is essential for Mindin-mediated autophagy and lipid utilization. Therefore, by revealing the mechanism by which Mindin facilitates virus infection through regulating lipid metabolism, the present study reveals the significance of Mindin in the host-virus interaction. IMPORTANCE White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that has had a serious influence on worldwide shrimp farming in the last 30 years. We have demonstrated that WSSV hijacks host autophagy and lipid metabolism for reproduction in kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus). These findings revealed the mechanism by which WSSV exploits host machinery for its infection and provided serial targets for WSSV prevention and control in shrimp farming.
Normal modes of a Si(100) double-paddle oscillator

Six low-frequency eigenmodes of a double-paddle oscillator have been measured and have been identified with a finite-element model. The internal friction Q−1 of these modes has been measured in the range of 4–80 K. Only one of the oscillator’s modes has a Q−1<3×10−8 below 40 K, which is furthermore very reproducible. All other modes have a higher internal friction which is not as reproducible and also sometimes changes after thermal cycling. It is shown that the internal friction of the different modes is related to the restoring force needed to hold the oscillator in place. The finite-element model is used to predict the damping of the different modes.
Nonlinear Marangoni waves in a two-layer film in the presence of gravity

Longwave Marangoni convection in two-layer films under the action of gravity is considered. The analysis is carried out in the lubrication approximation. A linear stability analysis reveals the existence of monotonic and oscillatory instability modes, depending on the way of heating and the value of the Biot number. Numerical simulations are performed in the case of an oscillatory instability, which takes place by heating from above. Periodic boundary conditions are applied on the boundaries of the computational region. A sequence of nonlinear wavy regimes, which develop by the increase of the Galileo number, is studied. That sequence includes three-dimensional and two-dimensional structures. The multistability of wavy patterns with different spatial periods has been revealed.
Umbrella review: Summary of findings for acupuncture as treatment for radiation‐induced xerostomia

Acupuncture is a common part of complementary medicine. However, traditional Chinese acupuncture has been built on concepts which are not in accordance with science‐based medicine. Our aim was to critically assess the evidence presented in systematic reviews (SRs) and meta‐analyses (MAs) about the effectiveness of acupuncture on radiotherapy induced xerostomia. A systematic search was conducted in February 2022. We evaluated all SRs/MAs using the AMSTAR‐2 instrument. Eight SRs, with 12 controlled studies were included. All SRs summarize that the methodological drawbacks do not allow to give a clear statement about the effectiveness of acupuncture. While objective assessments in most SRs/MAs reported no difference between real and sham acupuncture, some favorable effects on subjective xerostomia symptoms are found. No clinical meaningful effectiveness of acupuncture on xerostomia has been proven so far, but positive subjective findings need to be explored more. While most SRs recommend further studies, studies involving patients with a serious cancer diagnosis are ethically questionable.
GEOMETRY OF TYPE II SUPERSTRINGS AND THE MODULI OF SUPERCONFORMAL FIELD THEORIES

We study general properties of the low-energy effective theory for 4D type II superstrings obtained by the compactification on an abstract (2,2) superconformal system. This is the basic step towards the construction of their moduli space. We give an explicit and general algorithm to convert the effective Lagrangian for the type IIA into that of type IIB superstring defined by the same (2,2) superconformal system (and vice versa). This map converts Kahler manifolds into quaternionic ones (and quaternionic into Kahlerian ones) and has a deep geometrical meaning. The relationship with the theory of normal quaternionic manifolds (and algebras), as well as with Jordan algebras, is outlined. It turns out that only a restricted class of quarternionic geometries is allowed in the string case. We derive a general and explicit formula for the (fully nonlinear) couplings of the vector-multiplets (IIA case) in terms of the basic three-point functions of the underlying superconformal theory. A number of illustrative e.