Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On hyperstability of Cauchy functional equation in (2, γ )-Banach spaces

In this paper, we generalize the recent hyperstability results obtained by Brzd ↪ ek and concerning the Cauchy functional equation f(x1 + x2) = f(x1) + f(x2). The obtained results are in (2,γ)-Banach spaces. The main tool used in the analysis is some fixed point theorem.
Lubricin Contributes to Homeostasis of Articular Cartilage by Modulating Differentiation of Superficial Zone Cells

Lubricin encoded by the proteoglycan 4 (Prg4) gene is produced from superficial zone (SFZ) cells of articular cartilage and synoviocytes, which is indispensable for lubrication of joint surfaces. Loss‐of‐function of human and mouse Prg4 results in early‐onset arthropathy accompanied by lost SFZ cells and hyperplastic synovium. Here, we focused on increases in the thickness of articular cartilage in Prg4‐knockout joints and analyzed the underlying mechanisms. In the late stage of articular cartilage development, the articular cartilage was thickened at 2 to 4 weeks and the SFZ disappeared at 8 weeks in Prg4‐knockout mice. Similar changes were observed in cultured Prg4‐knockout femoral heads. Cell tracking showed that Prg4‐knockout SFZ cells at 1 week of age expanded to deep layers after 1 week. In in vitro experiments, overexpression of Prg4 lacking a mucin‐like domain suppressed differentiation of ATDC5 cells markedly, whereas pellets of Prg4‐knockout SFZ cells showed enhanced differentiation. RNA sequencing identified matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9) as the top upregulated gene by Prg4 knockout. Mmp9 expressed in the SFZ was further induced in Prg4‐knockout mice. The increased expression of Mmp9 by Prg4 knockout was canceled by IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor treatment. Phosphorylation of Smad2 was also enhanced in Prg4‐knockout cell pellets, which was canceled by the IKK inhibitor. Expression of Mmp9 and phosphorylated Smad2 during articular cartilage development was enhanced in Prg4‐knockout joints. Lubricin contributes to homeostasis of articular cartilage by suppressing differentiation of SFZ cells, and the nuclear factor‐kappa B‐Mmp9‐TGF‐β pathway is probably responsible for the downstream action of lubricin. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The Economics of Beliefs under Fundamental Uncertainty

Introducing the concept of “belief entrepreneur”, this paper offers a novel theory on endogenous belief formation under fundamental uncertainty in the sense of \textcite{Knight1921}. We consider a generic setup in which individuals must choose between a tested approach (supplied by a “defender”) and a competing innovative approach (supplied by an “innovator”). While the innovation is promising, its true merits are uncertain (e.g., financial engineering in the 1990s). Facing an ambiguous choice, individuals are susceptible to narratives. The innovator and defender thus act as competing belief entrepreneurs who engage in a narrative contest whose outcome shapes individual prior beliefs. We clarify the conditions under which the contest outcome predominantly reflects information on the merits of the innovation---and when other factors, such as the entrepreneurs’ payoffs, dominate. Our analysis may be helpful to regulators that have to grapple with innovations whose fundamentals they do not know any better than the public.
Synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in microbial fuel cell.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important chemical product, and this study investigated its synthesis at the cathode of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) system using spectrographically pure graphite (SPG) rods as cathode electrode. RESULTS: Electrochemical methods showed that oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on SPG mainly followed the two-electron pathway yielding H2O2, while, the optimal condition for H2O2 production was in 0.1 mol L −1 Na2SO4 electrolyte. When SPG was used as the cathodic electrode in the MFC system, H2O2 concentration reached 78.85 mg L −1 after 12 h operation with an external resistance of 20 (H2O2 production rate was 6.57 mg L −1 h −1 ). Coulombic efficiency, current efficiency and COD conversion efficiency were 12.26%, 69.47% and 8.51%, respectively. Repeated experiments proved this system had a stable operating performance. CONCLUSIONS: H2O2 was synthesized at the cathode of an MFC, and this study provides a proof-of-concept demonstration to realize the process of synthesizing H2O2 with wastewater. c � 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Exploring osteoporosis sufferers knowledge on sedentary behaviour in the management of their disease

Objectives: 1) To develop an understanding of the thoughts and opinions of older women diagnosed with osteoporosis regarding sedentary behaviour and 2) Investigate strategies used to reduce sedentary behaviour for future intervention development. Methods: Eleven older women with osteoporosis (mean age=68.2y±6.6(SD)) participated in semi-structured interviews (March-May 2020). They were recruited from the Royal Osteoporosis Society (Scottish) support group networks and the Strathclyde Age-Friendly-Academy. Telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using Braun & Clarke (2006). Results: Three main themes emerged: ‘Older Women’s Knowledge’, ‘Motivators to reduce Sedentary Behaviour’ and ‘Older Adult’s and Technology’. Participants reported an increase/maintenance of physical activity levels after osteoporosis diagnosis, had a good understanding and awareness of sedentary behaviour and how it affects health holistically. Participants identified motivators to interrupt sedentary behaviour (e.g. family/friends) and facilitators of sedentary behaviour (e.g. Television). Technology appeared to be used widely among participants to track movement patterns (e.g. Fitbit) but access and usability were identified as potential barriers when using technology to reduce sedentary behaviour among older adults. Conclusion: Knowledge does not appear to be a factor that needs addressing in relation to sedentary behavior in older women diagnosed with osteoporosis. Identified motivators and barriers could increase awareness of sedentary behaviour among older adults.
Imaging velocity profiles: Flow through an abrupt contraction and expansion

Dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) microscopy has been used to study the laminar flow of water through cylindrical tubes in the vicinity of both an abrupt expansion and an abrupt contraction. Radial profiles of the velocity have been obtained, at a spatial resolution on the order of 20 μm, for the velocity components in the axial and transverse directions, both at the junction and at different axial displacements on either side of the junction. The data have been compared with solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations obtained by finite difference numerical methods using a Macintosh personal computer. Excellent agreement is apparent without the need for any adjustable parameters, the numerical solutions depending only on the Reynolds number determined from inlet flow conditions. This study demonstrates the usefulness of dynamic NMR microscopy for the study of the flow of Newtonian fluids in complex geometries. The method can also be applied to the flow of non-Newtonian fluids.
Regime-Switching Factor Investing with Hidden Markov Models

This study uses the hidden Markov model (HMM) to identify different market regimes in the US stock market and proposes an investment strategy that switches factor investment models depending on the current detected regime. We first backtested an array of different factor models over a roughly 10.5 year period from January 2007 to September 2017, then we trained the HMM on S&P 500 ETF historical data to identify market regimes of that period. By analyzing the relationship between factor model returns and different market regimes, we are able to establish the basis of our regime-switching investing model. We then back-tested our model on out-of-sample historical data from September 2017 to April 2020 and found that it both delivers higher absolute returns and performs better than each of the individual factor models according to traditional portfolio benchmarking metrics.
Dispersion of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes in Polystyrene

Polystyrene nanocomposites with functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), prepared by the in-situ generation and reaction of organic diazonium compounds, were characterized using melt-state linear dynamic viscoelastic measurements. These were contrasted to the properties of polystyrene composites prepared with unfunctionalized SWNTs at similar loadings. The functionalized nanocomposites demonstrated a percolated SWNT network structure at concentrations of 1 vol % SWNT, while the unfunctionalized SWNT-based composites at twice the loading of SWNT exhibited viscoelastic behavior comparable to that of the unfilled polymer. This formation of the SWNT network structure for the functionalized SWNT-based composites is because of the improved compatibility between the SWNTs and the polymer matrix and the resulting better dispersion of the SWNT.
Hotair (Homeobox Antisense Intergenic Rna) And Gas-5 (Growth Arrest–Specific 5) Expressions As Biomarkers For Early Diagnosis Of Multiple Sclerosis (Ms)

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system autoimmune illness that is characterized by chronic inflammation, gliosis, demyelination, and neuronal loss. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a significant role in regulating immune response, as well as the development of immune cells. Objective: This study aims investigate the role of lncRNAs; HOTAIR (HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA) and (HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA) in MS pathophysiology and their impact on clinical course of the disease. Patients and methods: The present study was conducted on 134 subjects; 74 patients with MS (relapsing remitting and secondary progressive types) and 60 age and sex matched controls. Expression of both lncRNAs; HOTAIR and GAS-5 was assessed in serum using Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The clinical disability in the patients was evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at the time of patient enrollment. Results: The relative expression levels of HOTAIR were significantly down-regulated in serum samples of MS patients relative to the control group; (p value < 0.001) while relative expression levels of GAS-5 were significantly up-regulated in serum samples of MS patients relative to the control group; (p value = 0.002). There is significant positive association between GAS-5 expression level and age of onset in MS patients (P value= 0.020). Conclusion: This differential expression of both lncRNAs may have an important role in MS pathophysiology. This study clarified the molecular pathways through which those lncRNAs contribute to MS clinical presentation.
Synthesis and structure of 1,3-bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-2,4,5-triselena-1,3-digermabicyclo[1.1.1] pentane

1,3-Bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-2,4,5-triselena-1,3-digermabicyclo[1.1. 1]pentane 4, obtained by photodeselenation of the corresponding 2,4,5,6-tetraselena-1,3-digermabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane, shows a short Ge ⋯ Ge distance of 2.672 A; an Se ⋯ Se interaction in 4 is observed by 77Se NMR, X-ray analysis and electronic spectroscopy.
Forward Stepwise Deep Autoencoder-Based Monotone Nonlinear Dimensionality Reduction Methods

Abstract Dimensionality reduction is an unsupervised learning task aimed at creating a low-dimensional summary and/or extracting the most salient features of a dataset. Principal component analysis is a linear dimensionality reduction method in the sense that each principal component is a linear combination of the input variables. To allow features that are nonlinear functions of the input variables, many nonlinear dimensionality reduction (NLDR) methods have been proposed. In this article, we propose novel NLDR methods based on bottleneck deep autoencoders. Our contributions are 2-fold: (1) We introduce a monotonicity constraint into bottleneck deep autoencoders for estimating a single nonlinear component and propose two methods for fitting the model. (2) We propose a new, forward stepwise deep learning architecture for estimating multiple nonlinear components. The former helps extract interpretable, monotone components when the assumption of monotonicity holds, and the latter helps evaluate reconstruction errors in the original data space for a range of components. We conduct numerical studies to compare different model fitting methods and use two real data examples from the studies of human immune responses to HIV to illustrate the proposed methods. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Efficacy of rFVIIIFc versus Emicizumab for the Treatment of Patients with Hemophilia A without Inhibitors: Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of A-LONG and HAVEN Trials

Purpose Primary prophylaxis, using factor VIII replacement, is the recognized standard of care for severe hemophilia A. Recombinant factor VIII-Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) and emicizumab, a humanized, bispecific antibody, are approved for routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in severe hemophilia A. These products have different mechanisms of action, methods of administration and treatment schedules. In the absence of head-to-head trials, indirect treatment comparisons can provide informative evidence on the relative efficacy of the two treatments. The aim of the study was to compare the approved dosing regimens for each product, rFVIIIFc individualized prophylaxis and emicizumab administered once every week (Q1W), every 2 weeks (Q2W) or every 4 weeks (Q4W), based on clinical trial evidence. Patients and Methods The comparison was conducted using matching-adjusted indirect comparison since clinical evidence did not form a connected network. Individual patient data for rFVIIIFc (A-LONG) were compared with data for emicizumab (HAVEN trial program) for mean annualized bleeding rate (ABR) and proportion of patients with zero bleeds. Safety data reported across the analyzed treatment arms were tabularized but not formally compared. Results After matching, no significant differences were observed between mean ABR for rFVIIIFc and emicizumab administered Q1W, Q2W or Q4W. The proportion of patients with zero bleeds was significantly higher with rFVIIIFc compared with emicizumab administered Q4W (51.2% versus 29.3%, respectively; odds ratio 2.53; 95% confidence interval 1.09–5.89); no significant differences noted when rFVIIIFc was compared with emicizumab administered Q1W or Q2W. The mean number of adverse events expressed per participant was 1.9 for individualized prophylaxis with rFVIIIFc and 3.7–4.0, 4.1 and 3.6 for emicizumab administered Q1W, Q2W or Q4W, respectively. Conclusion This indirect treatment comparison suggests that rFVIIIFc individualized prophylaxis is more efficacious than emicizumab Q4W, and at least as effective as more frequent emicizumab regimens, for the management of hemophilia A.
Substrate integrated waveguide E‐plane tapering in low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic

This letter discusses the design, manufacture, and characterization of a substrate‐integrated waveguide E‐plane tapering. The tapering facilitates the integration of two waveguides with varying heights for, that is, conductor‐backed coplanar waveguide to rectangular waveguide integration. A simultaneous top‐ and bottom‐sided, λ/4‐based stepped tapering for the 71–86 GHz band is designed using low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic technology. The fabricated design is measured using two E‐plane taperings in back‐to‐back configuration. The reflection coefficient better than −11.8 dB, and the transmission coefficient larger than −1.4 dB at the full 71–86‐GHz range for a single tapering is extracted from the measurement using time‐gating.
Estimation of Uncertainty in Airborne LiDAR Inventories Using Approaches Based on Bootstrapping-Pairs Methods

LiDAR inventories were carried out to estimate the mean volume and variance in Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens stands. Uncertainty of the population estimates was examined using approximations based on the bootstrap method. Three methods were tested, the traditional bootstrapping-pair method (Method 1) and two additional methods in which the residual variance of the models was incorporated. Method 2 incorporated the residual variance in homoscedastic structure and Method 3 incorporated the heteroscedastic residual variance. Bootstrapping-pairs based on Method 3 generated similar estimates for the mean volume and slightly higher estimates for the variance as the traditional method (Method 1). Variance estimates obtained with the traditional bootstrapping-pairs method could be biased due to the presence of heteroscedasticity. Method 3 was found to best estimate the variance of the mean volume in LiDAR inventories, when the models that describe the relationship between stand variables and LiDAR metrics do not meet the assumption of homoscedasticity. It is shown that the uncertainty of the estimation of the average volume decreased in stands with a larger area, stabilizing the uncertainty of estimates in stands with areas larger than 50 hectares. Our results suggest that the residual variance in the heteroscedastic structure must be incorporated to avoid bias when bootstrapping-pairs are used in small area stands (less than 5 hectares).
A MODEL OF AUTHENTIC TEACHING MATERIALS FOR GENERAL ENGLISH SUBJECT

Designing teaching materials for General English at higher education has become a foundation of language teaching practices. The students at tertiary level should delineate the needs of the English language skill in the 21 st century. This study aimed to conduct need analysis to create a model of teaching materials that can accommodate university students to improve English proficiency skill. This study focused on the realm of designing teaching materials based on authentic materials in the area of reading skill supplemented with listening skill. The initial need analysis investigated students' needs of reading text, the needs of multimodal texts, the problems in reading and listening skill. The study also invigoratedthe level of critical thinking for critical reading, and the perspectives of lecturer in General English class. A sample of 230 students at Management Program was selected to participate as the sample represented the nature of the homogenous language skill. The results of the study revealed that students prefer to get exposure on authentic materials with multimodal images. They need to read materials that can catalyze critical thinking skill in critical reading. Also, listening materials can serveas an additional material to enrich the reading materials on the basis of sources of authentic materials.
Dependence of fishbone cycle on energetic particle intensity in EAST low-magnetic-shear plasmas

The dependence of fishbone cycle on energetic particle intensity has been investigated in EAST low-magnetic-shear plasmas. It is observed that the fishbone mode growth rate, saturation amplitude as well as fishbone cycle frequency clearly increase with increasing neutral beam injection (NBI) power. Moreover, enhanced electron density and temperature perturbations as well as energetic particle loss were observed with greater injected NBI power. Simulation results using M3D-K code show that as the NBI power increases, the resonant frequency and the energy of the resonant particles become higher, and the saturation amplitude of the mode also changes, due to the non-perturbative energetic particle contribution. The relationship between the calculated energetic particle pressure ratio and fishbone cycle frequency is obtained as ${f_{\textrm{FC}}} = 2.2{(1000{\beta _{\textrm{ep,calc}}} - 0.1)^{5.9 \pm 0.5}}$. Results consistent with the experimental observations have been achieved based on a predator–prey model.
Time-course of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) during an episode of psychosis: a pilot study

A central issue in affective science is the assessment of specific feelings in severe mental disorders. The PANAS (Positive [PA] and Negative [NA] Affect Scale) is widely used, and we have described its psychometric properties in Venezuela. Here, the course of the PANAS is described during a psychotic epi¬sode requiring hospitalization. Eighteen consecutively admitted patients (56% females) were assisted to answer the PANAS, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and locally designed depression (GE-DEPRE) and anxiety (ANSILET) scales, at admission and at discharge. The PA subscale showed a non-significant increase (p = 0.07), whereas the NA subscale displayed a significant decrease (p = 0.01). In males, at discharge, the NA scale positively correlated with the ANSILET (p = 0.09), whereas the PA inversely correlated with the GE-DEPRE scale (p= 0.007). The PANAS may complement the standard psychological eval¬uations by monitoring specific affect dimensions, relatively independent from the core psychopathology.
Ground Response and Historical Buildings in Avellino (Campania, Southern Italy): Clues from a Retrospective View Concerning the 1980 Irpinia-Basilicata Earthquake

Cultural heritage represents our legacy with the past and our identity. However, to assure heritage can be passed on to future generations, it is required to put into the field knowledge as well as preventive and safeguard actions, especially for heritage located in seismic hazard-prone areas. With this in mind, the article deals with the analysis of ground response in the Avellino town (Campania, Southern Italy) and its correlation with the effects caused by the 23rd November 1980 Irpinia earthquake on the historical buildings. The aim is to get some clues about the earthquake damage cause-effect relationship. To estimate the ground motion response for Avellino, where strong-motion recordings are not available, we made use of the seismic hazard disaggregation. Then, we made extensive use of borehole data to build the lithological model so being able to assess the seismic ground response. Overall, results indicate that the complex subsoil layers influence the ground motion, particularly in the lowest period (0.1–0.5 s). The comparison with the observed damage of the selected historical buildings and the maximum acceleration expected indicates that the damage distribution cannot be explained by the surface geology effects alone.
Estimation of Residential Property Market Price: Comparison of Artificial Neural Networks and Hedonic Pricing Model

The correct real estate property price estimation is significant not only in the real estate market but also in the banking sector for collateral loans and the insurance sector for property insurance. The paper focuses on both traditional and advanced methods for real estate property valuation. Attention is paid to the analysis of the accuracy of valuation models. From traditional methods, a regression model is used for residential property price estimation, which represents the hedonic approach. Modern advanced valuation methods are represented by the artificial neural network, which is one of the soft computing techniques. The results of both methods in residential property market price estimation are compared. The analysis is performed using data on residential properties sold on the real estate market in the city of Nitra in the Slovak Republic. To estimate the residential property prices, artificial neural networks trained with the Levenberg-Marquart learning algorithm, the Bayesian Regularization learning algorithm, and the Scaled Conjugate Gradient learning algorithm, and the regression pricing model are used. Among the constructed neural networks, the best results are achieved with networks trained with the Regularization learning algorithm with two hidden layers. Its performance is compared with the performance of the regression pricing model, and it can state that artificial neural networks can considerably improve prediction accuracy in the estimation of residential property market price. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2020-01250 Full Text: PDF