Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Third-order relativistic many-body calculations of energies, transition rates, hyperfine constants, and blackbody radiation shift in 171Yb+

Relativistic many-body perturbation theory is applied to studying the properties of singly ionized ytterbium, Yb+. Specifically, energies of the Xe 4fns1/2, Xe 4fnpj, and Xe 4fndj n 9 are calculated through third order. Reduced matrix elements, oscillator strengths, and transition rates are determined for electricdipole transitions including the 6s, 7s, 8s, 6p, 7p, 5d, and 6d states. Lifetime values are determined for the 6p states. Electric-dipole 6s1/2−npj , n=6–12 matrix elements are calculated to obtain the ground-state E1 polarizability. The hyperfine A values are determined for the low-lying levels up to n=7 of Yb II. The quadratic Stark effect on hyperfine structure levels of Yb II ground state is investigated. The calculated shift for the F=1, M =0 ↔ F=0, M =0 transition is −0.1796 Hz / kV /cm 2, in agreement with the previous theoretical result −0.171 0.009. These calculations provide a theoretical benchmark for comparison with experiment and theory.
Porous carbon nanosheets for oxygen reduction reaction and Zn-air batteries

Zn-air batteries (ZABs) are a promising source of renewable energy for portable electronic devices and automobiles because of low-cost and high energy density. The efficiency of ZABs significantly relies on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in air cathode, development of efficient electrochemical catalysts is kindly important. In the past decade, inspired by graphene, porous carbon nanosheets (PCNs) have been widely developed and studied in the field of energy conversion and storage due to their adjustable structure, good and long-distance conductivity, rich porosity, and abundant active sites, as well as excellent performance. In this review, various rational preparation methods toward PCN-based catalysts are summarized. Then, the catalytic active sites in PCNs are classified, and the relationship between performance and active sites are discussed. At the end of this review, the challenges and future prospects for rational development of two-dimensional porous carbon-based electrochemical ORR catalysts as air cathode for ZABs are discussed. This review will give guideline for the development of novel porous carbon-based materials for energy conversion and storage.
Analog processing for nonlinear fuzzy controller development

In this work we present some analog circuits used in fuzzy control. We have done some modifications to conventional implementations and we present a new circuit for the inference stage. We have substituted the conventional method of rule aggregation for a simpler one, which results in a reduced number of transistors. We also present an example of an analog fuzzy controller applied to a nonlinear plant with multiplicity of stable and unstable equilibrium points, different operation regions and different operation modes.
The association between distal symmetric polyneuropathy in diabetes with all-cause mortality – a meta-analysis

Background Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a common microvascular complication of both type 1 and 2 diabetes with substantial morbidity burden and reduced quality of life. Its association with mortality is equivocal. Purpose To describe the association between DSPN and all-cause mortality in people with diabetes and further stratify by the type of diabetes based on a meta-analysis of published observational studies. Data Sources We searched Medline from inception to May 2021. Study Selection Original data were collected from case-control and cohort studies that reported on diabetes and DSPN status at baseline and all-cause mortality during follow-up. Data Extraction was completed by diabetes specialists with clinical experience in neuropathy assessment. Data Synthesis Data was synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis. The difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes was investigated using meta-regression. Results A total of 31 cohorts (n=155,934 participants, median 27.4% with DSPN at baseline, all-cause mortality 12.3%) were included. Diabetes patients with DSPN had an almost twofold mortality (HR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.68-2.27, I2 = 91.7%), I2 = 91.7%) compared to those without DSPN that was partly explained by baseline risk factors (adjusted HR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.37-1.87, I2 = 78.86%). The association was stronger in type 1 compared to type 2 diabetes (HR: 2.22, 95%CI: 1.43-3.45). Findings were robust in sensitivity analyses without significant publication bias. Limitations Not all papers reported multiple adjusted estimates. The definition of DSPN was heterogeneous. Conclusions DSPN is associated with an almost twofold risk of death. If this association is causal, targeted therapy for DSPN could improve life expectancy of diabetic patients.
PP/PS anisotropic stereotomography

SUMMARY Stereotomography is a slope tomographic method which gives good results for background velocity model estimation in 2-D isotropic media. We develop here the extension of the method to 3-D general anisotropic media for PP and PS events. We do not take into account the issue of shear wave degeneracy. As in isotropic media, the sensitivity matrix of the inversion can be computed by paraxial ray tracing. We introduce a ‘constant Z stereotomography’ approach, which can reduce the size of the sensitivity matrix. Based on ray perturbation theory, we give all the derivatives of stereotomography data parameters with respect to model parameters in a 3-D general anisotropic medium. These general formulas for the derivatives can also be used in other applications that rely on anisotropic ray perturbation theory. In particular, we obtain derivatives of the phase velocity with respect to position, phase angle and elastic medium parameters, all for general anisotropic media. The derivatives are expressed using the Voigt notation for the elastic medium parameters. We include a Jacobian that allows to change the model parametrization from Voigt to Thomsen parameters. Explicit expressions for the derivatives of the data are given for the case of 2-D tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media. We validate the method by single-parameter estimation of each Thomsen parameter field of a 2-D TTI synthetic model, where data are modelled by ray tracing. For each Thomsen parameter, the estimated velocity field fits well with the true velocity field.
Integration of GaAs/In0.1Ga0.9As/AlAs resonance tunneling heterostructures into micro‐electro‐mechanical systems for sensor applications

Double‐barrier quantum‐well resonant tunneling heterostructures of GaAs/In0.1Ga0. 9As/AlAs have been used as pressure‐sensing elements of designed micro‐electro‐mechanical systems. The static experiments have been conducted on the heterostructure, in both positive and negative differential resistance (PDR and NDR) regions, showing a piezoresistive coefficient of 3.85 × 10−9 Pa−1, which is about seven times larger than that of piezoresistive silicon devices. At the same time, the devices also provided an improved dynamic response (119.6 µV · g−1 V−1) and signal‐to‐noise ratio (57 dB) in the NDR region.
IRT models with relaxed assumptions in eRm: A manual-like instruction

Linear logistic models with relaxed assumptions (LLRA) as introduced by Fischer (1974) are a flexible tool for the measurement of change for dichotomous or polytomous responses. As opposed to the Rasch model, assumptions on dimensionality of items, their mutual dependencies and the distribution of the latent trait in the population of subjects are relaxed. Conditional maximum likelihood estimation allows for inference about treatment, covariate or trend effect parameters without taking the subjects' latent trait values into account. In this paper we will show how LLRAs based on the LLTM, LRSM and LPCM can be used to answer various questions about the measurement of change and how they can be fitted in R using the eRm package. A number of small didactic examples is provided that can easily be used as templates for real data sets. All datafiles used in this paper are available from http://eRm.R-Forge.R-project.org/
Preparation, characterization and release studies of naproxen-loaded microspheres from natural gums

Background: Use of biodegradable natural materials as pharmaceutical excipients is increasing. In this study, Naproxen loaded microbeads were produced, using natural gums obtained from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensisObjective: Aim is to evaluate physicochemical properties of the gums and determining release properties of the formulations.Materials and Methods: Cedrela gum (CG) and Irvingia gum (IG) were extracted from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensis respectively, and characterized by viscosity, density and pH measurements. Naproxen microbeads were formulated (Formulation A2 to A9) with the gums and sodium alginate using ionotropic gelation method. Cross linkers (CaCl2 or Al2[SO4]3) were used at different curing times. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photomicrographs, entrapment efficiency and release profiles of the formulations were determined.Results: Physicochemical property tests showed that the gums possess good flow, viscosity and they presented with acidic pH. There was no interaction between FT-IR spectra of the gums and naproxen. SEM revealed microbeads to be almost spherical, having slightly rough surfaces. Microbeads from Formulation A6 had the largest particle size (1500±163.2 μm) while Formulation A9 possessed the smallest particle size A9 (491.6±191.7 μm). All the formulations gave high entrapment efficiency (80 – 96%); microbeads containing IG (Batch A6 – A9) had higher values than those formulated with CG gum (Batch A2 – A5) (p > 0.05). Batch A6 (containing IG with CaCl2 at curing time of 15 minutes) gave the highest drug release (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gums obtained from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensis possessed good physicochemical properties and produced microbeads suitable for the controlled release of Naproxen. Formulations containing Irvingia gum showed higher drug release and better entrapment.
DETERMINATION OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC SHOCK NORMALS.

A method for determining many new magnetohydrodynamic shock normal expressions is described that uses both magnetic-field and plasma-flow parameters. These shock normal expressions are useful as a check on the usual magnetic coplanarity expression or for cases in which the most reliable data are mixed. For high Alfven Mach numbers, the exact results are well approximated by the simple velocity coplanarity formula. This is illustrated by calculating shock normals for the 1965 bow shock crossing of Pioneer 6.
Impact of an exceptional winter flood on benthic oxygen and nutrient fluxes in a temperate macrotidal estuary: Potential consequences on summer deoxygenation

Despite 20 years of control on eutrophication, episodes of summer hypoxia still occur in the Loire estuary, impacting water quality and posing a key scientific and management challenge. This work aimed to quantify the contribution of the benthic compartment to hypoxia in the Loire estuary by direct measurement of water–sediment fluxes and an in-depth understanding of the seasonal variations of oxides and phosphorus stocks. During the summer’s low-discharge period, results show that the iron oxide-rich deposit is stable under hypoxic conditions, limiting the release of dissolved phosphorus into the overlying water column. The high nitrate content of the water column appears to be an important oxidizer of iron during hypoxic periods, limiting dissolved phosphorus leakage and aggravation of hypoxia. During the exceptional winter flood, significant sediment erosion associated with bubbling phenomena (attributed to methane efflux) created severe fractures in the sediment and stimulated water–sediment exchange. During the following months, these fractures were progressively filled, which decreased the intensity of benthic fluxes. However, due to the high residence time in the water during the summer period, a simple model demonstrated that benthic contributions were sufficient to directly (by direct oxygen consumption) or indirectly (by promoting ammonia oxidation) affect the oxygen stock in the water column during the low-discharge period. Our study demonstrates the importance of the benthic compartment in the occurrence of hypoxia and the obvious lack of knowledge to illustrate and model the biogeochemical functioning of the estuary.
Scattering by multilayered lossy periodic strips with application to artificial dielectrics

The scattering properties of multiple-layered interfaces each comprising metal strips periodically mounted on a lossy dielectric substrate are examined. The formulation employs the impedance sheet concept extended to multiple-layered periodic interfaces. The solution yields the currents as well as the transmitted and reflected fields. It is found that convergence is rapid, and the solution numerically stable. Results have been obtained for up to nine layers. By matching the complex transmitted and reflected fields to an actual dielectric slab, it is also possible to determine the refraction index and effective loss tangent of a strip-type artificial dielectric. Results thus obtained exhibited excellent agreement in refraction index with measurement and other theory when the medium is lossless. Moreover, it also now allows not only the quantitative examination of losses in artificial dielectrics but also the refraction index sensitivity to substrate thickness.
Supplementation with Natto and Red Yeast Rice Alters Gene Expressions in Cholesterol Metabolism Pathways in ApoE-/- Mice with Concurrent Changes in Gut Microbiota

We aimed to examine the effect of natto and red yeast rice (NR) supplementation on lipid and lipoprotein profiles, gene expressions of cholesterol metabolism, and the composition of gut microbiota in ApoE-/- mice. Forty-one male ApoE-/- mice aged 7–8 wks old were randomly fed a control diet (CD), CD + NR (oral gavage at 0.3 g/kg BW/day), high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFD), or HFD + NR for 12 wks. Fasting blood samples, liver and intestine tissues and fecal samples were collected at week 12. Biochemical parameters, gene expressions in cholesterol metabolism and gut microbiota composition and diversity were measured using standard methods. NR supplementation had no significant effect on lipid and lipoprotein profiles. Compared with the HFD group, HFD + NR resulted in higher mRNA expressions of HMGCR and CYP7A1 (both P-NR < 0.05) and ABCA1 (P-diet*NR = 0.0134, P-NR = 0.0407), lower mRNA expression of PCSK9 (P-diet*NR = 0.0002), lower fasting glucose concentrations (P-diet*NR = 0.0011), and lower relative abundance of genera Bacteroides and Lactococcus (both P-NR < 0.01) and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 (P-diet*NR = 0.0007). The relative abundance of Lactococcus was inversely correlated with HMGCR and CYP7A1, and the relative abundance of Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 was positively correlated with PCSK9 and inversely correlated with ABCA1 (all P < 0.05). These findings suggest that NR supplementation may regulate gene expressions in cholesterol metabolism via changes in the gut microbiota in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice.
Regulatory T cell enhancement in adults with cystic fibrosis receiving Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor therapy

Introduction Cystic fibrosis (CF), especially CF lung disease, is characterized by chronic infection, immune dysfunction including impairment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and an exaggerated inflammatory response. CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have shown to improve clinical outcomes in people with CF (PwCF) with a wide range of CFTR mutations. However, it remains unclear whether CFTR modulator therapy also affects CF-associated inflammation. We aimed to examine the effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy on lymphocyte subsets and systemic cytokines in PwCF. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma were collected before and at three and six months after the initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy; lymphocyte subsets and systemic cytokines were determined using flow cytometry. Results Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment was initiated in 77 PwCF and improved percent predicted FEV1 by 12.5 points (p<0.001) at 3 months. During elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy, percentages of Tregs were enhanced (+18.7%, p<0.001), with an increased proportion of Tregs expressing CD39 as a marker of stability (+14.4%, p<0.001). Treg enhancement was more pronounced in PwCF clearing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Only minor, non-significant shifts were observed among Th1-, Th2- and Th17-expressing effector T helper cells. These results were stable at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Cytokine measurements showed a significant decrease in interleukin-6 levels during treatment with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (–50.2%, p<0.001). Conclusion Treatment with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor was associated with an increased percentage of Tregs, especially in PwCF clearing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Targeting Treg homeostasis is a therapeutic option for PwCF with persistent Treg impairment.
Automated TM/ETM+ image co-registration using pre-qualified area matching and studentized outlier detection

Abstract Automated image co-registration is a process of matching an image to a reference image by deriving transformation parameters to shift co-incident points in the real world to match in the image space. In order to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the co-registration approach, the author proposed a pre-qualified area matching algorithm which is composed of feature extraction with Canny operator and area matching algorithm with cross correlation coefficient. For refining matching points, outlier detection using studentized residual was used to iteratively remove outliers at the level of three standard deviations. Through the pre-qualification and refining processes, the computation time was significantly improved and the registration accuracy enhanced. A prototype of the proposed algorithm was implemented and the performance test of 14 TM/ETM+ images in the USA showed: (1) average RMSE of the approach was 0.42 dependent upon terrain and features; (2) the average number of matching points was over 36 000; (3) the average processing time was less than 9.2 min per image using a workstation equipped with a 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 CPU and 1 Gb Ram. The proposed approach achieved robustness, complete automation and reduced computation time.
Middle School Students' Understanding of Number Sense Related to Percent.

This study examined middle school students' understanding of percent, focusing on number sense. Participants in the study were 106 seventh-grade and 93 eighth-grade students. Students were given a written test that included 21 multiple-choice questions and an open-ended item. Research interviews were conducted with 28 selected students. Students performed better interpreting a quantity expressed as a percent given a pictorial continuous region than when a pictorial discrete set of circles was given. Students had difficulty interpreting a quantity expressed as a percent of a number. The strategies used by students to make comparisons about percents represent a wide range of correct and incorrect approaches to the questions. In addition to the use of 50% and 100% as common reference points, students successfully applied fractional relationships, estimation and mental computation to make comparisons. A variety of inappropriate strategies which included computational procedures and numerical comparisons were also employed, some of which resulted in the correct multiple-choice response.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict mortality risk in patients with ischemic heart disease

Background Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Currently, most studies have focused on factors influencing IDH or mortality risk, while few predictive models have been used for mortality risk in IHD patients. In this study, we constructed an effective nomogram prediction model to predict the risk of death in IHD patients by machine learning. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 1,663 patients with IHD. The data were divided into training and validation sets in a 3:1 ratio. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was used to screen the variables to test the accuracy of the risk prediction model. Data from the training and validation sets were used to calculate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, C-index, calibration plots, and dynamic component analysis (DCA), respectively. Results Using LASSO regression, we selected six representative features, age, uric acid, serum total bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and left ventricular ejection fraction, from 31 variables to predict the risk of death at 1, 3, and 5 years in patients with IHD, and constructed the nomogram model. In the reliability of the validated model, the C-index at 1, 3, and 5 years was 0.705 (0.658–0.751), 0.705 (0.671–0.739), and 0.694 (0.656–0.733) for the training set, respectively; the C-index at 1, 3, and 5 years based on the validation set was 0.720 (0.654–0.786), 0.708 (0.650–0.765), and 0.683 (0.613–0.754), respectively. Both the calibration plot and the DCA curve are well-behaved. Conclusion Age, uric acid, total serum bilirubin, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly associated with the risk of death in patients with IHD. We constructed a simple nomogram model to predict the risk of death at 1, 3, and 5 years for patients with IHD. Clinicians can use this simple model to assess the prognosis of patients at the time of admission to make better clinical decisions in tertiary prevention of the disease.
Symmetric Generation of Groups: With Applications to many of the Sporadic Finite Simple Groups

Preface Acknowledgements Part I. Motivation: 1. The Mathieu group M12 2. The Mathieu group M24 Part II. Involutory Symmetric Generators: 3. The progenitor 4. Classical examples 5. Sporadic simple groups Part III. Non-involutory Symmetric Generators: 6. The progenitor 7. Images of these progenitors.
Administration of Secretome Derived from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induces Hepatoprotective Effects in Models of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury Caused by Amiodarone or Tamoxifen

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the leading causes of acute liver injury. While many factors may contribute to the susceptibility to DILI, obese patients with hepatic steatosis are particularly prone to suffer DILI. The secretome derived from mesenchymal stem cell has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects in diverse in vitro and in vivo models. In this study, we evaluate whether MSC secretome could improve DILI mediated by amiodarone (AMI) or tamoxifen (TMX). Hepatic HepG2 and HepaRG cells were incubated with AMI or TMX, alone or with the secretome of MSCs obtained from human adipose tissue. These studies demonstrate that coincubation of AMI or TMX with MSC secretome increases cell viability, prevents the activation of apoptosis pathways, and stimulates the expression of priming phase genes, leading to higher proliferation rates. As proof of concept, in a C57BL/6 mouse model of hepatic steatosis and chronic exposure to AMI, the MSC secretome was administered endovenously. In this study, liver injury was significantly attenuated, with a decrease in cell infiltration and stimulation of the regenerative response. The present results indicate that MSC secretome administration has the potential to be an adjunctive cell-free therapy to prevent liver failure derived from DILI caused by TMX or AMI.