Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The large deformation of a single micro-elastomeric sphere

This paper reports on an experimental and theoretical study of the mechanical response of microscopic (about ) elastomer spheres compressed between two smooth parallel platens over a wide range of imposed deformations. An experimental arrangement for obtaining these data is described. Experimental results presented for these elastomeric micro-spheres confirm the theoretical predictions of various models for the dependence of the reaction force on the compressive deformation of a sphere. At values of the dimensionless approach [(compressive displacement)(initial particle diameter)] up to 10%, the classical Hertz theory was found to be in good agreement with experimental results and confirms that the load is a function of the approach to the power . At larger deformations (dimensionless approaches in the cases 10-37%), a numerical implementation of Tatara's large deformation model for the compression of an elastomeric sphere gives good agreement with experimental results. The Tatara analysis provides a numerical solution in which the load depends on the approach cubed for large deformations and follows the fifth power of the approach for even larger deformations. The good agreement between the experimental results and theoretical predictions described facilitates the determination of a number of mechanical properties of these microscopic particles from the experimental load versus displacement curves. The Tatara-based analysis, combined with experimental data for a 37% dimensionless approach, allows the explicit estimation of the Poisson ratio for these elastomeric particles. An application of the Hertz or Tatara analyses, depending upon the dimensionless approach regime investigated experimentally, also allows the plane strain modulus of a single particle to be determined.
A New Paradigm for State Estimation in Nonlinear Systems via Minimum Distortion Filtering

Abstract It is well know that, for linear gaussian processes, the Kalman Filter provides an elegant solution to the recursive state estimation problem. However, when the process is nonlinear, then one needs to use various approximations to the filtering problem. In this paper we describe a new approach to nonlinear filtering based on Minimum Distortion Filtering. At the core of this algorithm is a deterministic on-line griding technique based on Vector Quantization. We explore several practical issues associated with the algorithm which are necessary to ensure that it runs effectively. We also present several examples which illustrate the utility of this class of algorithm in the context of nonlinear state estimation.
The formation of silicides from thin films of some rare-earth metals

The formation of silicides from thin films of the rare‐earth (or related) elements Y, Tb, and Er, on both (100) and (111) Si substrates, has been investigated simultaneously with backscattering and x‐ray diffraction. The silicon‐rich compounds of the type R‐ESi2−n form almost directly with no, or only poorly distinct formation of other silicides at temperatures from about 300 to 500 °C. For all three metals, the reactions with (111) Si require temperatures some 100 °C higher than the reactions with (100) Si, a difference in behavior which is quite important considering the relatively low reaction temperatures. The reactions of Er and Tb with (100) Si are quite sudden, indicating that nucleation is probably the controlling mechanism.
Big Five, self-reported depression, and anxiety are predictive for Alzheimer's disease

Objectives: The main goal of machine learning approaches to classify people into healthy, increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, and AD is the identification of valuable predictors for valid classification, prediction of conversion, and automatization of the process. While biomarkers from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are the best-established predictors for AD, other less invasive, easy-to-assess candidate predictors have been identified. Here, we evaluated the predictive value of such less invasive, predictors separately and in different combinations for classification of healthy controls (HC), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and mild AD. Methods: We evaluated the predictive value of personality scores, geriatric anxiety and depression scores, a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) marker (mPerAF), apoliprotein E (ApoE), and CSF markers (tTau, pTau181, Abeta 42/40 ratio) separately and in different combinations in multi-class support vector machine classification. Participants (189 HC, 338 SCD, 132 MCI, 74 mild AD) were recruited from the multi-center DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE). Results: HC were best predicted by a feature set comprised of personality, anxiety, and depression scores, while participants with AD were best predicted by a feature set containing CSF markers. Both feature sets had equally high overall decoding accuracy. However, all assessed feature sets performed relatively poorly in the classification of SCD and MCI. Conclusion: Our results highlight that SCD and MCI are heterogeneous groups, pointing out the importance of optimizing their diagnosis criteria. Moreover, CSF biomarkers, personality, depression, and anxiety indicate complementary value for class prediction, which should be followed up on in future studies.
Photoluminescence study of the damage distribution in proton‐bombarded (Al,Ga)As‐GaAs‐(Al,Ga)As double heterostructure

The damage distribution in proton‐bombarded (Al,Ga)As‐GaAs‐(Al,Ga)As double heterostructure was studied via changes in the photoluminescence intensity of the GaAs layer as a function of proton energy in the range 50–300 keV for a constant fluence of 3×1015 cm−2. It was found that the intensity decreased monotonically with proton energy greater than 175 keV and at an implant energy of 225 keV it degraded by a factor of 4 even though the projected range of the protons ended ∼0.7 μm above the layer. The luminescence changes at low implant energies are attributed to the damage created by those protons in the tail of the distribution even though their number has decreased by two to three orders of magnitude from the peak value. In light of our results the implications of using protons to form the current‐confining stripe in (Al,Ga)As lasers are discussed.
A protocol to identify the barriers and facilitators for people with severe mental illness and/or learning disabilities for PErson Centred Cancer Screening Services (PECCS)

Objectives To identify the barriers and facilitators that people with severe mental illness and people with learning disabilities may encounter when accessing cancer screening and make recommendations for implementing reasonable adjustments throughout cancer screening services. Methods and analysis An 18-month sequential, mixed-methods study comprising of two phases of work and underpinned by Normalisation Process Theory, recruiting from across the North-East and North Cumbria. The first phase aims to identify the barriers and facilitators for people with severe mental illness in accessing cervical, breast and colorectal cancer screening. A systematic review of eight databases (Part 1a; PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022331781) alongside semi-structured interviews of up to 36 people with severe mental illness (Part 1b) will occur. Additional characteristics indicating populations whose perspectives may not have been accounted for in the systematic review will be targeted in the interviews. Potential participants will be identified from a range of settings across the North-East and North Cumbria, including through social media and gatekeepers within National Health Service Trusts and charities. Interviews will be analysed using framework analysis, which will be in line with the Normalisation Process Theory. The second phase of the project (part 2a) involves triangulating the results of the systematic review and interviews with existing research previously completed with people with learning disabilities accessing cancer screening. This will be to identify population specific barriers and facilitators across people with learning disabilities and people with severe mental illness to access cancer screening services. Following triangulation, part 2b will include designing and planning a future study involving stakeholders in cancer screening to explore the feasibility, practicality, and priority for implementing the recommendations to improve person centred cancer screening services (PECCS). Ethics and dissemination This study has received Teesside University ethical approval, Health Research Authority approval (IRAS: 310622) and favourable opinion (REF: 22/PR/0793). Findings will be disseminated through a range of academic and non-academic modes including infographics, blog posts and academic publications.
Final Report on subcontract B551021: Optimal AMG interpolation and Convergence theory

The goal of this project is to implement and study various techniques for the construction of Algebraic Multigrid Methods (AMG) for the solution of positive definite linear systems arising from the discretizations of elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs). Both theoretical as well as practical implementation of the methods that we have developed are based on compatible relaxation and energy minimization.
Positive mental health and mindfulness as protective factors against addictive social media use during the COVID-19 outbreak

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused high psychological burden for many people. Some people tend to excessive social media use (SMU) to escape the negative emotions which can foster addictive tendencies. The present study investigated positive mental health (PMH) and mindfulness as protective factors that could reduce the risk for addictive SMU. Data of 1,049 participants from Germany were assessed via online surveys in autumn 2021. The current results reveal a positive relationship between COVID-19 burden and addictive SMU. Both were negatively linked to PMH and mindfulness. In a moderated mediation analysis, the relationship between COVID-19 burden and addictive SMU was mediated by PMH. Mindfulness moderated the association between PMH and addictive SMU. The COVID-19 situation can be burdensome and contribute to dysfunctional coping strategies such as addictive SMU. However, PMH and mindfulness serve as protective factors. The protective effect of mindfulness could be especially important for persons with low PMH.
Correlates of Autonomic Function, Hemodynamics, and Physical Activity Performance During Exercise Stress Testing Among Firefighters

Background Autonomic dysfunction is an important propagator of cardiometabolic disease and can be measured using multiple metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR). The relationships between HRV and HRR have not been fully examined, nor have the relationships between HRV, HRR, and other physiological measures linked to cardiometabolic disease (e.g., blood pressure recovery). Evaluation of these additional relationships may provide new insights into the association between autonomic function and cardiometabolic disease especially among high-risk groups like firefighters. Methods 92 firefighters (96% male, 81% white) without overt cardiovascular disease underwent exercise testing with continuous heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) monitoring. HRR was the difference between maximal HR and HR 1-minute post-exercise; BP recovery (BPR) was the difference between maximal BP and BP 2-minute post-exercise. Afterwards, participants underwent 24-hour electrocardiographic monitoring to measure HRV. Unadjusted Spearman correlations and adjusted partial Spearman correlations were computed. Between group analyses were also conducted with Kruskal–Wallis test. Results Associations between HRV and HRR poorly converged (RMSSD and HRR, unadjusted = 0.235; adjusted = 0.144). SDNN Index exhibited the strongest association with parasympathetic tone exhibited by overall lower HRs (unadjusted = −0.600; adjusted = −0.631). HRR demonstrated stronger associations with systolic and diastolic BP responses during exercise (SBP Recovery unadjusted = 0.267; adjusted = 0.297; DBP Recovery unadjusted = −0.276; adjusted = −0.232). Conclusions Overall, while HRV metrics converged and were associated with lower resting heart rates, HRV and HRR poorly converged. Interestingly, HRR was related with measures of hemodynamics indicating a potential relationship with vascular function during both maximal exercise and exercise recovery.
Scaling Up Implementation Support for Violence Prevention and Resilience Promotion in the Air Force

Closing the gap between research and practice requires that organizations can consistently incorporate new ideas and best practices. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Integrated Resilience Directorate is leading a coordinated effort to increase the adoption of evidence-based violence prevention and resilience promotion programs across the entire Department. To support this effort, DAF is using Getting To Outcomes (GTO), an evidence-based implementation support that helps organizations plan, implement, and self-evaluate programs. Thus, the DAF is not only scaling up prevention programs but is also embarking on the largest scale-up of GTO to date. The study team trained personnel from every Air Force installation across the world to use GTO for their programs. Quantitative findings from training questionnaires and ratings of implementation plans as well as qualitative results from resilience personnel interviews suggest some lessons learned for scaling up implementation support. This study builds on established implementation science frameworks for scaling up interventions by identifying critical tasks and unique supports needed to scale up evidence-based prevention. Results suggest GTO helped DAF scale-up prevention across the Department, and that establishing leadership buy-in, simplifying evidence-based program selection and adaptation, monitoring implementation and outcomes, and creating dedicated prevention practitioner roles are critical tasks to support scale-up of evidence-based prevention. Unique supports needed to scale-up evidence-based prevention include multitiered learning systems; integrated tools that improve access to data and evolving evidence; prevention personnel with skills in program management, adaptation, and evaluation; timely crosscutting data; continuous learning to support sustainability; and leadership buy-in.
Digitale Gesundheitsinterventionen entwickeln, evaluieren und implementieren Teil II – Diskussionspapier der Arbeitsgruppe Digital Health des Deutschen Netzwerk Versorgungsforschung (DNVF)

Zusammenfassung Methodische Herausforderungen bei der Evaluation digitaler Interventionen (DI) sind für die Versorgungsforschung allgegenwärtig. Die Arbeitsgruppe Digital Health des Deutschen Netzwerks Versorgungsforschung (DNVF) hat in einem zweiteiligen Diskussionspapier diese Herausforderungen dargestellt und diskutiert. Im ersten Teil wurden begriffliche Abgrenzungen sowie die Entwicklung und Evaluation von DI thematisiert. In diesem zweiten Teil wird auf Outcomes, das Reporting von Ergebnissen, die Synthese der Evidenz sowie die Implementierung von DI eingegangen. Lösungsansätze und zukünftige Forschungsbedarfe zur Adressierung dieser Herausforderungen werden diskutiert.
Telehealth care system for chronic disease management of middle-aged and older adults in remote areas

Background With the global spread of the coronavirus disease pandemic, governments have become more interested in applying telehealth technology in 2020. Objective This study integrates the technology acceptance model and information system success model to explore the influence of satisfaction, attitudes, and continued use of telehealth systems among middle-aged and older people in remote areas. Methods The study participants were patients over 40 years (inclusive) who lived in remote townships in eastern Taiwan, were diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, and used the telehealth care system. In total, 545 questionnaires were returned, resulting in a recovery rate of 99%. Results Accepting the hypothesized structural equation model, this study found that information, system, and service quality were influenced by the mediating effect of perceived ease of use and the perceived usefulness of the technology acceptance model. The use of telehealth care systems among chronic patients increased significantly.
Redundant and Specific Roles of A-Type Lamins and Lamin B Receptor in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection

This study demonstrated that lamin A/C and LBR had redundant functions associated with HSV-1 gene expression and DNA replication by regulating the dynamics of the nuclear architecture during HSV-1 infection. This is the first report to demonstrate the redundant roles of lamin A/C and LBR as well as the involvement of LBR in the regulation of these viral and cellular features in HSV-1-infected cells. ABSTRACT We investigated whether A-type lamins (lamin A/C) and lamin B receptor (LBR) are redundant during herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection in HeLa cells expressing lamin A/C and LBR. Lamin A/C and LBR double knockout (KO) in HSV-1-infected HeLa cells significantly impaired expressions of HSV-1 early and late genes, maturation of replication compartments, marginalization of host chromatin to the nuclear periphery, enlargement of host cell nuclei, and viral DNA replication. Phenotypes of HSV-1-infected HeLa cells were restored by the ectopic expression of lamin A/C or LBR in lamin A/C and LBR double KO cells. Of note, lamin A/C single KO, but not LBR single KO, promoted the aberrant accumulation of virus particles outside the inner nuclear membrane (INM) and viral replication, as well as decreasing the frequency of virus particles inside the INM without affecting viral gene expression and DNA replication, time-spatial organization of replication compartments and host chromatin, and nuclear enlargement. These results indicated that lamin A/C and LBR had redundant and specific roles during HSV-1 infection. Thus, lamin A/C and LBR redundantly regulated the dynamics of the nuclear architecture, including the time-spatial organization of replication compartments and host chromatin, as well as promoting nuclear enlargement for efficient HSV-1 gene expression and DNA replication. In contrast, lamin A/C inhibited HSV-1 nuclear export through the INM during viral nuclear egress, which is a unique property of lamin A/C. IMPORTANCE This study demonstrated that lamin A/C and LBR had redundant functions associated with HSV-1 gene expression and DNA replication by regulating the dynamics of the nuclear architecture during HSV-1 infection. This is the first report to demonstrate the redundant roles of lamin A/C and LBR as well as the involvement of LBR in the regulation of these viral and cellular features in HSV-1-infected cells. These findings provide evidence for the specific property of lamin A/C to inhibit HSV-1 nuclear egress, which has long been considered but without direct proof.
Neuromasts and Olfactory Organs of Zebrafish Larvae Represent Possible Sites of SARS-CoV-2 Pseudovirus Host Cell Entry

Despite the development of effective vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which help prevent the most life-threatening symptoms, full protection cannot be guaranteed, especially with the emergence of new viral variants. Moreover, some resistance to vaccination remains in certain age groups and cultures. ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the acute respiratory disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has resulted in millions of deaths globally. Here, we explored the mechanism of host cell entry of a luciferase-ZsGreen spike (SARS-CoV-2)-pseudotyped lentivirus using zebrafish embryos/larvae as an in vivo model. Successful pseudovirus entry was demonstrated via the expression of the luciferase (luc) gene, which was validated by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Treatment of larvae with chloroquine (a broad-spectrum viral inhibitor that blocks membrane fusion) or bafilomycin A1 (a specific inhibitor of vacuolar proton ATPases, which blocks endolysosomal trafficking) significantly reduced luc expression, indicating the possible involvement of the endolysosomal system in the viral entry mechanism. The pharmacological inhibition of two-pore channel (TPC) activity or use of the tpcn2dhkz1a mutant zebrafish line also led to diminished luc expression. The localized expression of ACE2 and TPC2 in the anterior neuromasts and the forming olfactory organs was demonstrated, and the occurrence of endocytosis in both locations was confirmed. Together, our data indicate that zebrafish embryos/larvae are a viable and tractable model to explore the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry, that the peripheral sense organs are a likely site for viral host cell entry, and that TPC2 plays a key role in the translocation of the virus through the endolysosomal system. IMPORTANCE Despite the development of effective vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which help prevent the most life-threatening symptoms, full protection cannot be guaranteed, especially with the emergence of new viral variants. Moreover, some resistance to vaccination remains in certain age groups and cultures. As such, there is an urgent need for the development of new strategies and therapies to help combat this deadly disease. Here, we provide compelling evidence that the peripheral sensory organs of zebrafish possess several key components required for SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry. The nearly transparent larvae provide a most amenable complementary platform to investigate the key steps of viral entry into host cells, as well as its spread through the tissues and organs. This will help in the identification of key viral entry steps for therapeutic intervention, provide an inexpensive model for screening novel antiviral compounds, and assist in the development of new and more effective vaccines.
A METHOD FOR TRACING PV CURVE FOR VOLTAGE STABILITY ANALYSIS WITH VOLTAGE DEPENDENT LOADS

A new method for construction of PV-curve has been developed using one of the load bus voltage as a parameter. This regularizes the power flow solution around maximum loading point. In conventional load flow solution it is observed that main cause of numerical instability is that the load is specified at each node directly, so that the singular point occurs at maximum loading point. It is important that, instead of specifying the load externally, to be obtained as a solution of the power flow equation. The size of modified Jacobian is the same as of the conventional load flow Jacobian. The method is capable of handling Q- limits on PV - buses. Loads have been assumed to be voltage dependent. PV- curves have been traced with and without voltage dependent loads. The results of applying the proposed technique to two test systems verify its roubstness and feasibility.