Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical and Electrical Method Characterizing the Dynamic Behavior of the Fused Silica Cylindrical Resonator

Fused silica cylindrical resonant gyroscope (CRG) is a novel high-precision solid-wave gyroscope, whose performance is primarily determined by the cylindrical resonator’s frequency split and quality factor (Q factor). The laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) is extensively used to measure the dynamic behavior of fused silica cylindrical resonators. An electrical method was proposed to characterize the dynamic behavior of the cylindrical resonator to enhance the measurement efficiency and decrease the equipment cost. With the data acquisition system and the designed signal analysis program based on LabVIEW software, the dynamic behavior of the fused silica cylindrical resonator can be analyzed automatically and quickly. We compared all the electrical measurement results with the optical detection by LDV, demonstrating that the fast Fourier transform (FFT) result of the resonant frequency measured by the electrical method was 0.12 Hz higher than that with the optical method. Thus, the frequency split measured by the electrical and optical methods was the same in 0.18 Hz, and the measurement of the Q factor was basically the same in 730,000. We conducted all measurements under the same operation condition, and the optical method was used as a reference, demonstrating that the electrical method could characterize the dynamic behavior of the fused silica cylindrical resonator and enhance the measurement efficiency.
Adaptive Evolution of Escherichia coli to Ciprofloxacin in Controlled Stress Environments: Contrasting Patterns of Resistance in Spatially Varying versus Uniformly Mixed Concentration Conditions.

A microfluidic gradient chamber (MGC) and a homogeneous batch culturing system were used to evaluate whether spatial concentration gradients of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin allow development of greater antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strain 307 ( E. coli 307) compared to exclusively temporal concentration gradients, as indicated in an earlier study. A linear spatial gradient of ciprofloxacin and Luria-Bertani broth (LB) medium was established and maintained by diffusion over 5 days across a well array in the MGC, with relative concentrations along the gradient of 1.7-7.7× the original minimum inhibitory concentration (MICoriginal). The E. coli biomass increased in wells with lower ciprofloxacin concentrations, and only a low level of resistance to ciprofloxacin was detected in the recovered cells (∼2× MICoriginal). Homogeneous batch culture experiments were performed with the same temporal exposure history to ciprofloxacin concentration, the same and higher initial cell densities, and the same and higher nutrient (i.e., LB) concentrations as in the MGC. In all batch experiments, E. coli 307 developed higher ciprofloxacin resistance after exposure, ranging from 4 to 24× MICoriginal in all replicates. Hence, these results suggest that the presence of spatial gradients appears to reduce the driving force for E. coli 307 adaptation to ciprofloxacin, which suggests that results from batch experiments may over predict the development of antibiotic resistance in natural environments.
Package of menthol measures for thirst relief: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of the menthol package (lip hydration and ice popsicles) compared to a package of non-menthol measures (lip hydration and ice popsicles) as a way to relieve thirst in patients in the Anesthetic Recovery Room. METHOD Randomized and parallel trial study, with 120 patients randomized patients in an experimental group - menthol measurements (n=59) and control group - measures without menthol (n = 61). RESULTS There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in intensity, hydration, dryness and taste in the oral cavity between the three moments of assessment/intervention in the two groups. The difference was significant in the experimental group for thirst intensity at the second assessment/intervention point (p<0.05) after a single administration of the menthol package. CONCLUSION There was a reduction in thirst intensity in both groups. Patients who received menthol packages showed a significant decrease in intensity after a single evaluation/intervention time. NCT: 02869139.
Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection With Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate–Containing Antiretrovirals Maintains Low Bone Formation Rate, But Increases Osteoid Volume on Bone Histomorphometry

Bone mineral density (BMD) loss is a known complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its treatment, particularly with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)‐containing antiretroviral regimens. Although renal proximal tubular dysfunction and phosphaturia is common with TDF, it is unknown whether BMD loss results from inadequate mineralization. We evaluated change in BMD by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bone histomorphometry by tetracycline double‐labeled transiliac crest biopsies in young men living with HIV before (n = 20) and 12 months after (n = 16) initiating TDF/lamivudine/efavirenz. We examined relationships between calciotropic hormones, urinary phosphate excretion, pro‐inflammatory and pro‐resorptive cytokines, and bone remodeling‐related proteins with changes in BMD and histomorphometry. Mean age was 29.6 ± 5.5 years, with mean CD4 + T cell count of 473 ± 196 cells/mm3. At baseline, decreased bone formation rate and increased mineralization lag time were identified in 16 (80%) and 12 (60%) patients, respectively. After 12 months, we detected a 2% to 3% decrease in lumbar spine and hip BMD by DXA. By histomorphometry, we observed no change in bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and trabecular parameters, but rather, increases in cortical thickness, osteoid volume, and osteoblast and osteoclast surfaces. We did not observe significant worsening of renal phosphate excretion or mineralization parameters. Increases in PTH correlated with decreased BMD but not histomorphometric parameters. Overall, these data suggest abnormalities in bone formation and mineralization occur with HIV infection and are evident at early stages. With TDF‐containing antiretroviral therapy (ART), there is an increase in bone remodeling, reflected by increased osteoblast and osteoclast surfaces, but a persistence in mineralization defect, resulting in increased osteoid volume. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Enhancing the performance of textile triboelectric nanogenerator with oblique microrod array for wearable energy harvesting.

The rapid development of wearable electronics urgently requires the wearable energy harvesting technology that can convert mechanical energy from body movements into electricity. In this paper, a novel structure with oblique microrod array is employed to fabricate a high-performance textile-based wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (WTNG). The contact area of WTNGs can be efficiently enhanced when the oblique polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microrods are forced to bend uniformly and slide along one direction during the working condition. Oblique microrods structure enables WTNG to generate a short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage to reach 3.24 μA/cm2, 1014.2 V, respectively. The maximum peak power density of a WTNG reached 211.7 μW/cm2. Meanwhile, 48 red LEDs were simultaneously lit up by tapping a WTNG. Furthermore, the WTNG can be dressed on an elbow to continuously harvest energy from human motions as a sustainable power source. This work develops an efficient approach for enhancing the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator and paves a promising way to power wearable electronics.
Adaptor protein-3 complex is required for Vangl2 trafficking and planar cell polarity of the inner ear

Planar cell polarity (PCP) regulates coordinated cellular polarity among neighboring cells to establish a polarity axis parallel to the plane of the tissue. Disruption in PCP results in a range of developmental anomalies and diseases. A key feature of PCP is the polarized and asymmetric localization of several membrane PCP proteins, which is essential to establish the polarity axis to orient cells coordinately. However, the machinery that regulates the asymmetric partition of PCP proteins remains largely unknown. In the present study, we show Van gogh-like 2 (Vangl2) in early and recycling endosomes as made evident by colocalization with diverse endosomal Rab proteins. Vangl2 biochemically interacts with adaptor protein-3 complex (AP-3). Using short hairpin RNA knockdown, we found that Vangl2 subcellular localization was modified in AP-3–depleted cells. Moreover, Vangl2 membrane localization within the cochlea is greatly reduced in AP-3–deficient mocha mice, which exhibit profound hearing loss. In inner ears from AP-3–deficient mocha mice, we observed PCP-dependent phenotypes, such as misorientation and deformation of hair cell stereociliary bundles and disorganization of hair cells characteristic of defects in convergent extension that is driven by PCP. These findings demonstrate a novel role of AP-3–mediated sorting mechanisms in regulating PCP proteins.
5-Amino-1-β-D-Ribofuranosyl-Imidazole-4-Carboxamide (AICAR) Reduces Peripheral Inflammation by Macrophage Phenotype Shift

The stimulation of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) by 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR) has been associated with antihyperalgesia and the inhibition of nociceptive signaling in the spinal cord in models of paw inflammation. The attenuated nociception comes along with a strongly reduced paw edema, indicating that peripheral antiinflammatory mechanisms contribute to antinociception. In this study, we investigated the impact of AICAR on the immune cell composition in inflamed paws, as well as the regulation of inflammatory and resolving markers in macrophages. By using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and immunofluorescence, we found a significantly increased fraction of proresolving M2 macrophages and anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 in inflamed tissue, while M1 macrophages and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 were decreased by AICAR in wild type mice. In AMPKα2 knock-out mice, the M2 polarization of macrophages in the paw was missing. The results were supported by experiments in primary macrophage cultures which also showed a shift to a proresolving phenotype with decreased levels of proinflammatory mediators and increased levels of antiinflammatory mediators. However, in the cell cultures, we did not observe differences between the AMPKα2+/+ and −/− cells, thus indicating that the AICAR-induced effects are at least partially AMPK-independent. In summary, our results indicate that AICAR has potent antiinflammatory and proresolving properties in inflammation which are contributing to a reduction of inflammatory edema and antinociception.
Management of Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A 6-Year Case Series

Background We discuss the presentation and management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) and to develop a new type of classification. Material/Methods A retrospective review of 35 ECAAs patients who were admitted in our institution from January 2010 to June 2016 was conducted. The mean follow-up period was 25.58±22.13 months. Results During the study period, 35 aneurysms were diagnosed and treated (mean age, 50.8±15.6 years; 15 men). There were 28 true aneurysms, 5 false aneurysms, and 2 dissecting aneurysms. A total of 16 patients with true aneurysms underwent open surgical treatment (group 1), whereas 15 received endovascular management, including all false and dissecting aneurysms (group 2). The remaining 4 true aneurysms were treated with hybrid operation (group 3). The patency rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 100%, 93.3%, and 100%, respectively. According to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) Classification, all 24 cases of type Ia aneurysms were treated by either open surgery and/or endovascular treatment, whereas all 3 type Ib cases were treated solely by open surgery. All 5 type IIa patients were treated by endovascular treatment, with the exception of 1 failure that was transferred to hybrid operation. All 3 type IIb patients were treated by hybrid operation. Conclusions Open surgery was more frequently feasible in true aneurysms, and endovascular surgery was the first choice for false and dissecting aneurysms. Hybrid operation was available for complicated cases. The PUMCH classification may be helpful for selection of management strategies for ECAAs.
Exploratory non-parametric and graphical procedures for top-k ranked lists

assignment in one list is independent of its rank assignments in the other lists. The ranking is from 1 to N, without ties. Starting with the work of Mallows (1957), there is a substantial model-based literature on problems in combining rankings where the number of items N is relatively small, and signiflcantly less than the number ‘ of assessment mechanisms. These parametric approaches cannot handle data of the type described above. Moreover, we are interested in problems where the reliability of rankings breaks down after the flrst (top) k objects due to error or lack of discriminatory information. Hence, we need distribution-free, and at the same time computationally highly e‐cient, approaches because list aggregation by means of brute force is limited to the situation where both N and ‘ are impractically small. Here, we present a non-parametric inference procedure that allows us to test for random degeneration of paired rankings (Hall and Schimek, 2010) even under m-dependence of the assignments. The size of a reliable consensual sub-list obtained in this manner depends on various technical parameters to cope with irregular and incomplete rankings, typical for real data. This exploratory inference tool can provide the necessary input for rank aggregation procedures (Schimek, Mysickova, and Budinska, 2010). Here, our focus is on statistical graphics for data integration based on the estimated k’s. The inference and the graphical procedures as well as others for rank aggregation were implemented in the R package TopKLists (for a description see Schimek et al., 2011). Two examples illustrate the capabilities of this new methodology.
Solving Optimization and Inverse Problems in Remote Sensing by using Evolutionary Algorithms

This thesis objective is the solving of combinatorical and inverse problems in Remote Sensing by using genetic algorithms. The first part introduces optimization theory. Four different deterministic local search algorithms are reviewed. Differences and similarities between these algorithms are examined, also their behavior in a representative test domain. Then the theory of evolutionary computing is explained. It is shown, that evolutionary algorithms are in contrast to the previous discussed search algorithms not deterministic, but heuristic. Furthermore the difference between local and global search is pointed out. An genetic algorithm, which is inspired by evolutionary algorithms, is developed. The program is written in an object oriented style using C++. This program is tested with several test functions which are common in global optimization literature. But besides of forward problems, also an inverse problem is solved in this methodology part. It is shown that the algorithm delivers reasonable results. The algorithm is enhanced with local search and parallel computation. The proof is made that by merging local and global search, a signifcant reduction in the number of function calls can be reached. Moreover by doing hybridization more robust results are gained. At the end of the methodology part the reader has an overview about the developed genetic algorithm and the different search strategies. In the second part two problems in the field of Remote Sensing are solved using genetic algorithms. The first one is a combinatorical task, which arises in the field of an ozone retrieval algorithm. The parallelized genetic algorithm is adapted to the specific problem domain. The fitness function is formulated according to the combinatorical problem, methods are written for the specific tasks like reading HDF files and starting external processes. Then under different conditions the program is applied and the results are discussed. A second problem deals with the retrieval of cloud parameters. This task is an inverse problem and the genetic algorithm is enhanced with an local search operator. The task is about funding input parameters that correspond to given measurements. Because of this, a total least squares approach is selected for the local search. As a result we see that the hybrid approach provides more accurate results then the pure genetic algorithm.
Effects of short-term in-season plyometric training in adolescent female basketball players.

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that, during the regular in-seasonal basketball training, an additional 7-week plyometric training program improves lower extremity strength, balance, agility, and jump performance in adolescent female basketball players. Eighteen female basketball players less than 17 years of age were randomly assigned into an experimental group (plyometric training) and a control group. Both groups underwent the same basketball training program. Pre- and post-training test periods included quadriceps and hamstring strength, balance, jump performance, and agility measurements. Illinois agility test time (p = 0.000) and quadriceps strength (p = 0.035) increased uniformly in the two groups. Significant group by test period interaction was found for countermovement jump (p = 0.007), and countermovement height reduced significantly in the plyometric training group (p = 0.012), while it remained unchanged in controls. No significant change was found for T agility test, balance, hamstring strength or H:Q ratio. This study shows that the training program used in-season did not improve the measured variables, except for knee extensor strength. It is possible that regular basketball trainings and games combined with high-volume plyometric training did not show positive functional effects because of the fatigue caused by incomplete recovery between sessions.
Regulation of the Bone Vascular Network is Sexually Dimorphic

Osteoblast (OB) lineage cells are an important source of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is critical for bone growth and repair. During bone development, pubertal differences in males and females exist, but little is known about whether VEGF signaling contributes to skeletal sexual dimorphism. We have found that in mice, conditional disruption of VEGF in osteocalcin‐expressing cells (OcnVEGFKO) exerts a divergent influence on morphological, cellular, and whole bone properties between sexes. Furthermore, we describe an underlying sexual divergence in VEGF signaling in OB cultures in vitro independent of circulating sex hormones. High‐resolution synchrotron computed tomography and backscattered scanning electron microscopy revealed, in males, extensive unmineralized osteoid encasing enlarged blood vessel canals and osteocyte lacunae in cortical bone after VEGF deletion, which contributed to increased porosity. VEGF was deleted in male and female long bone–derived OBs (OBVEGKO) in vitro and Raman spectroscopic analyses of mineral and matrix repertoires highlighted differences between male and female OBVEGFKO cells, with increased immature phosphate species prevalent in male OBVEGFKO cultures versus wild type (WT). Further sexual dimorphism was observed in bone marrow endothelial cell gene expression in vitro after VEGF deletion and in sclerostin protein expression, which was increased in male OcnVEGFKO bones versus WT. The impact of altered OB matrix composition after VEGF deletion on whole bone geometry was assessed between sexes, although significant differences between OcnVEGFKO and WT were identified only in females. Our results suggest that bone‐derived VEGF regulates matrix mineralization and vascularization distinctly in males and females, which results in divergent physical bone traits.
Neuroimmune Interactions in the Gut and Their Significance for Intestinal Immunity

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have a complex, multifactorial pathophysiology with an unmet need for effective treatment. This calls for novel strategies to improve disease outcome and quality of life for patients. Increasing evidence suggests that autonomic nerves and neurotransmitters, as well as neuropeptides, modulate the intestinal immune system, and thereby regulate the intestinal inflammatory processes. Although the autonomic nervous system is classically divided in a sympathetic and parasympathetic branch, both play a pivotal role in the crosstalk with the immune system, with the enteric nervous system acting as a potential interface. Pilot clinical trials that employ vagus nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation are met with promising results. In this paper, we review current knowledge on the innervation of the gut, the potential of cholinergic and adrenergic systems to modulate intestinal immunity, and comment on ongoing developments in clinical trials.
Peak Movement and Technical Demands of Professional Australian Football Competition

Abstract Johnston, RD, Murray, NB, Austin, DJ, and Duthie, G. Peak movement and technical demands of professional Australian football competition. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2818–2823, 2021—The aim of this study was to determine the average peak movement and technical demands of professional Australian football (AF) across a number of period durations using an observational cohort design. This information will be able to guide duration-specific intensities for training drills. Microtechnology and technical performance data were recorded across 22 games of the 2017 AF League season. The peak 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, and 10-minute rolling periods were determined from each game for each player for each frequency of skill involvements. Average speed (m·min−1) and accelerometer load (PlayerLoad; PL·min−1) were used as measures of physical output, and any disposal of the football or tackle was used as a technical involvement. Linear mixed models and Cohen's effect size (ES) statistic were used to determine the impact technical involvements had on movement profiles. There were substantial reductions in average speed across each duration as the number of technical involvements increased, other than for the 10-minute period. The reductions in speed were greatest during the 1-minute period for 1 (ES = −0.59 ± 0.13), 2 (ES = −1.96 ± 0.17), and 3 (ES = −2.39 ± 0.27) involvements. Similarly, less pronounced reductions were seen for accelerometer load, other than during the 7- and 10-minute periods where there were small to moderate increases in load for periods with technical involvements. Players may have to perform as many as 3 technical involvements a minute while covering 150–160 m·min−1. This information provides coaches with the peak speed, accelerometer load, and technical demands of competition. There are reductions in movement profiles as the number of technical involvements increases.