Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning on Decreasing Troponin Release in Patients Not Taking Sulfonylureas After Cardiac Surgery – A Meta-Analysis

Introduction Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a new noninvasive myocardial protection strategy that uses blood pressure cuf inflation to simulate transient non-fatal ischemia to protect the myocardium and reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sulfonylureas may mask the effects of RIPC due to their cardioprotec-tive effect. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether RIPC, in the absence of sulfonylureas, reduces troponin release in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials to determine whether RIPC can reduce postoperative troponin release in cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass without treatment with sulfonylureas. The data were normalized to equivalent units prior to the analysis. A random-effects model was used to provide more conservative estimate of the effects in the presence of known or unknown heterogeneity. Results Six studies with a total of 570 participants were included. The analysis showed that troponin release was lower in the RIPC group than in the control group at six hours (test of standardized mean differences = 0, Z=3.64, P<0.001) and 48 hours (Z=2.72, P=0.007) postoperatively. When the mean of cross-clamping time was > 60 minutes, RIPC reduced troponin release at six hours (Z=2.84, P=0.005), 24 hours (Z=2.64, P=0.008), and 48 hours (Z=2.87, P=0.004) postoperatively. Conclusion In cardiac surgery patients who are not taking sulfonylureas, RIPC can reduce troponin release at six and 48 hours postoperatively; hence, RIPC may serve significant benefits in certain cardiac surgery patients.
Adapting Kubernetes to IIoT and Industry 4.0 protocols - An initial performance analysis

Kubernetes (K8s) is one of the most frequently used container orchestration tools offering, as it offers a rich set of functions to manage containerized applications, it is customizable and extensible. Container virtualization of applications and their orchestration on heterogeneous resources including edge devices is a recent trend in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)/Industry 4.0, where K8s is also applied. However, IIoT/Industry 4.0 is a domain with high standardization requirements. Besides equipment standards, e.g., for electrical control cabinets, there are also demands to standardize network protocols, data formats or information models. Such standards can foster interoperability and reduce complexity or de-ployment/integration costs. Here, the proprietary communication protocol of K8s and similar orchestrators can be an obstacle for adoption. To explore this situation from an interoperability and integration perspective, we present in this paper an approach to replace the communication protocol of K8s without modifying its code base. We show by an experiment that applying our approach with three current forms of IIoT communication, namely Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP), and Asset Administration Shell (AAS), does not significantly affect the validity and the performance of K8s.
Ldha-Dependent Metabolic Programs in Sertoli Cells Regulate Spermiogenesis in Mouse Testis

Simple Summary Infertility affects an estimated 10–15% of couples, and males are responsible for 20–30% of infertility cases worldwide. Male fertility relies on the success of spermatogenesis, which is a complex cellular differentiation process that is coordinated by germ cells and testicular somatic cells. Sertoli cells play a central role in supporting spermatogenesis, and it was proposed that they supply energy substances for the developing germ cells. In the present study, we provide genetic evidence that lactate production in Sertoli cells, which is controlled by the lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) gene, is crucial for murine spermatogenesis. Compared to the controls, Ldha deficiency in Sertoli cells greatly reduced the testicular weight, which caused spermatogenic defects and adversely impacted sperm function. The sperm from Ldha conditional knockout animals exhibited low motility, high morphological abnormalities, and an impaired capacity to fertilize oocytes. Metabolic analysis has revealed that limiting lactate production in Sertoli cells changed a large number of metabolites in the sperm from mutant animals. We then identified choline as the key molecule that mediates the function of lactate in sperm, and the supplementation of conditional knockout animals with dietary choline rescued the spermatogenic defects and fertility. This work sheds new light on the functional role of Sertoli cells in regulating spermatogenesis and identifies a candidate molecule that has potential roles in treating male infertility that is caused by metabolic disorders. Abstract Sertoli cells play indispensable roles in spermatogenesis by providing the advanced germ cells with structural, nutritional, and regulatory support. Lactate is regarded as an essential Sertoli-cell-derived energy metabolite that nurses various types of spermatogenic cells; however, this assumption has not been tested using genetic approaches. Here, we have reported that the depletion of lactate production in Sertoli cells by conditionally deleting lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) greatly affected spermatogenesis. Ldha deletion in Sertoli cells significantly reduced the lactate production and resulted in severe defects in spermatogenesis. Spermatogonia and spermatocytes did not show even mild impairments, but the spermiogenesis of Ldha conditional knockout males was severely disrupted. Further analysis revealed that 2456 metabolites were altered in the sperm of the knockout animals, and specifically, lipid metabolism was dysregulated, including choline, oleic acid, and myristic acid. Surprisingly, choline supplementation completely rescued the spermiogenesis disorder that was caused by the loss of Ldha activities. Collectively, these data have demonstrated that the interruption of Sertoli-cell-derived lactate impacted sperm development through a choline-mediated mechanism. The outcomes of these findings have revealed a novel function of lactate in spermatogenesis and have therapeutic applications in treating human infertility.
A Algebras Derived from Associative Algebras with a Non-Derivation Differential

Given an associative graded algebra equipped with a degree +1 differential delta we define an A∞-structure that measures the failure of delta to be a derivation. This can be seen as a non-commutative analog of generalized BV-algebras. In that spirit we introduce a notion of associative order for the operator delta and prove that it satisfies properties similar to the commutative case. In particular when it has associative order 2 the new product is a strictly associative product of degree +1 and there is compatibility between the products, similar to ordinary BV-algebras. We consider several examples of structures obtained in this way. In particular we obtain an A∞-structure on the bar complex of an A∞-algebra that is strictly associative if the original algebra is strictly associative. We also introduce strictly associative degree +1 products for any degree +1 action on a graded algebra. Moreover, an A∞-structure is constructed on the Hochschild cocomplex of an associative algebra with a non-degenerate inner product by using Connes’ B-operator.
Determination of the Radial Distribution of Brightness in a Cylindrical Luminous Medium with Self-Absorption

The two-path method (utilizing a mirror) is shown to provide sufficient information to solve for the true radial brightness distribution of a luminous medium in the presence of self-absorption. In the case where self-absorption is not large, an approximate solution to the problem is shown to be no more difficult than a solution for the “optically thin” approximation.
Testing for Predictability in Financial Returns Using Statistical Learning Procedures

This article examines the ability of recently developed statistical learning procedures, such as random forests or support vector machines, for forecasting the first two moments of stock market daily returns. These tools present the advantage of the flexibility of the considered nonlinear regression functions even in the presence of many potential predictors. We consider two cases: where the agent's information set only includes the past of the return series, and where this set includes past values of relevant economic series, such as interest rates, commodities prices or exchange rates. Even though these procedures seem to be of no much use for predicting returns, it appears that there is real potential for some of these procedures, especially support vector machines, to improve over the standard GARCH(1,1) model the out‐of‐sample forecasting ability for squared returns. The researcher has to be cautious on the number of predictors employed and on the specific implementation of the procedures since using many predictors and the default settings of standard computing packages leads to overfitted models and to larger standard errors.
J-matrix method: multichannel scattering and photoionization

The Jacobi- or J-matrix method introduced previously is extended to multichannel electron-atom scattering and photoionization in the LS-coupling scheme. The technique involves evaluation of only L2 matrix elements and finite matrix operations, yet yields multichannel scattering information over a continuous range of energies. The approach in general, and the form of the formal solution for the reactance matrix in particular, bear close resemblance to R-matrix theory. The Wigner threshold laws for the cross sections and the Kato correction of the reactance matrix are discussed.
A compact electron‐spin‐polarization manipulator

A compact electron‐spin‐polarization manipulator is described which allows one to align the polarization in any desired direction in space. The system delivers a focused electron beam of typically 3–5 keV. Its application in spin‐polarized low‐energy electron microscopy for the study of magnetic domain structures is briefly illustrated.
Multi-view radar target recognition based on multitask compressive sensing

A novel multitask compressive sensing (MtCS)-based method for multi-view radar automatic target recognition is presented in the paper. The sparse representation vectors recovered jointly via MtCS are used as recognition features, and classification is performed according to minimum reconstruction error criterion. Compared to the conventional methods, the proposed method has a significant advantage of exploiting the statistical correlation among multiple views for target recognition. Experiments were conducted using a synthetic vehicle target data-set and the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition database. The results show that the proposed method achieves promising recognition accuracy, and is robust with respect to noisy observations and complex target types.
Model evaluation and information criteria in covariance structure analysis

The normal theory based likelihood ratio test statistic, often used to evaluate the goodness of fit of a model in covariance structure analysis, has several problems that may make it inflexible and sometimes unreliable. We introduce criteria for evaluating the models in covariance structure analysis from an information-theoretic point of view. The basic idea behind the present approach is to express a model in the form of a probability distribution and then evaluate the model by the Kullback-Leibler information. We consider four types of information criteria that are constructed by correcting the upward bias of the sample based log-likelihood as a natural estimate of the Kullback-Leibler information or, equivalently, the expected log-likelihood. Monte Carlo experiments are conducted to examine the performance of the information criteria under various sample sizes and degrees of deviations from both structural and distributional assumptions. We show that the variance of the bootstrap bias estimate caused by bootstrap simulation can be considerably reduced without any analytical derivations.
Linearity with dose rate of low resistivity p-type silicon semiconductor detectors

Semiconductor detectors based on p-type silicon but with different doping levels have been investigated. The linearity response with dose rate (dose per pulse in a pulsed beam), the sensitivity drop and the sensitivity variation with temperature have been investigated after preirradiation, radiation damage, in different radiation qualities. It was shown that a p-type detector with a low doping level, high resistivity, showed a nonlinear dose rate response if radiation damaged in a high energy photon beam which contains neutrons. By increasing the doping level it was shown that a detector with a resistivity of 0.2 Omega cm stayed linear after preirradiation in radiation fields from high energy electrons, photons and protons. Other parameters did not show any changes of clinical importance at the different doping levels.
Walking Through the Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Modern force platforms are handy tools for investigating forces during human motion. Earlier they were very expensive and were mostly used in research laboratories. But now even platforms that can measure in two directions are quite affordable. In this work we used the PASCO 2-Axis Force Platform. The analysis of the data can serve as a nice illustration of qualitative or quantitative use of the impulse-momentum theorem p - p0 = ∫t0t Fdt = I. The most common use of force platforms is to study the force from the base during the push-off period of a vertical jump. I think this is an activity of great value, and I would recommend it. The use of force platforms in teaching is well documented in research literature.1–4
LaMnO3∕SrMnO3 interfaces with coupled charge-spin-orbital modulation

The artificial perovskite superlattices composed of LaMnO3 and SrMnO3 have been investigated to elucidate the interface electronic phases created by adjoining the two Mott insulators. Charge transfer at the interface due to chemical potential difference, as observed in p-n junctions of semiconductors, can realize metallic ferromagnet instead of resulting in insulating depletion layer. The interface electronic phases strongly depend on the orbital states at the interface which can be tuned by epitaxial strain.
Optimization of the ATST primary mirror support system

The Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) primary mirror is a 4.24-m diameter, 75-mm thick, off-axis parabola solid meniscus mirror made out of a glass or glass ceramic material. Its baseline support system consists of 120 axial supports mounted at the mirror back surface and 24 lateral supports along the outer edge with an active optics capability. This primary mirror support system was optimized for the telescope at a near horizon position to achieve the best gravity and thermal effects. To fulfill the optical and mechanical performance requirements, extensive finite element analyses using I-DEAS and optical analyses with PCFRINGE have been conducted for the support optimization. Analyses include static deformation (gravity and thermal), frequency calculations, and support system sensitivity evaluations. An influence matrix was established to compensate potential errors using an active optics system. Performances of the primary mirror support system were evaluated from mechanical deformation calculations and the optical analyses before and after active optics corrections. The performance of the mirror cell structure was also discussed.
SIMULTANEOUS FOREGROUND AND BACKGROUND SEGMENTATION WITH LEVEL SET FUNCTION

In this paper, a level set based energy functional is proposed, the minimization of which results in simultaneous reference background image modeling and foreground segmentation. Due to the mutual constraint of the two processes, a good estimate of the background can be obtained with a small number of frames, and due to the use of the level set, an Euler-Lagrange equation that directly solves the problem can be derived.
Heavy‐tailed log hydraulic conductivity distributions imply heavy‐tailed log velocity distributions

Equations of contaminant transport describing non‐Gaussian dispersion of solute in heterogeneous porous media have been developed by several authors (e.g., Berkowitz and Scher (1995, 1998), Benson (1998, 2001), Berkowitz et al. (2000), and Baeumer et al. (2005)). The equations assume that solute particle movement in time and/or space can be described by heavy‐tailed probability distributions (e.g., Levy α stable distributions). This assumption requires a mechanism for solute particles to move through heterogeneous porous media in a manner that can be approximated with heavy‐tailed probability distributions. This work investigates whether a heavy‐tailed Levy α stable distribution of increments in log hydraulic conductivity results in a heavy‐tailed distribution of increments in log velocity; a heavy‐tailed distribution of increments in log velocity would be a mechanism for solute particle movement in time or space that can be described by a heavy‐tailed probability distribution. A computer algorithm was written to generate realistic hydraulic conductivity fields. The algorithm modifies the spectral synthesis method for generating fractional Brownian motion (i.e., Saupe (1988) and Brewer and Wheatcraft (1994)) and produces self‐similar hydraulic conductivity fields with a heavy‐tailed Levy α stable distribution of increments in log hydraulic conductivity. A Monte Carlo approach was adopted in which 100 hydraulic conductivity fields were generated for each of the following values of α: 0.8, 1.1, 1.4, and 1.7. The USGS finite difference groundwater code MODFLOW was used to calculate the velocity fields, and the increments in longitudinal log hydraulic conductivity and log velocity from the fields were analyzed to determine whether they were consistent with a heavy‐tailed Levy α stable probability density function (PDF). After determining that the distributions of increments in log hydraulic conductivity and log velocity were consistent with a Levy α stable PDF, the tail parameters describing each pair of hydraulic conductivity and velocity fields were estimated with the Nolan (1997) maximum likelihood estimator. The relationship between the two tail parameters was then determined. There are three conclusions of this research. First, Mandelbrot and PP plots confirm that Levy α stable distributions of increments in log hydraulic conductivity give rise to Levy α stable distributions of increments in log velocity. Second, the tail parameter α for the increments in log velocity is typically smaller, indicating a heavier probability tail, than the corresponding tail parameter for the increments in log hydraulic conductivity. Third, there is a positive statistical relation between the two tail parameters.
Method of the spectral parameter power series in problems of underwater acoustics of the stratified ocean

The spectral parameter power series method is applied to problems of underwater sound propagation in the stratified ocean. This method is based on representations of solutions of vertical Sturm–Liouville problems of the form of power series with respect to the spectral parameter, and it gives an effective dispersion equation for wave numbers and explicit expressions for the propagating modes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobilities, Diffusion Coefficients, and Reaction Rates of Mass-Indentified Nitrogen Ions in Nitrogen

the requirements for an advanced degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, I agree that the Library of the Institute shall make it available for inspection and circulation in accordance with its regulations governing materials of this type. I agree that permission to copy from, or to publish from, this dissertation may be granted by the professor under whose direction it was written, or, in his absence, by the Dean of the Graduate Division when such copying or publication is solely for scholarly purposes and does not involve potential financial gain. It is understood that any copying from, or publication of, this dissertation which involves potential financial gain will not be allowed without written permission.
Miniaturized Fluorometer Based on Total Internal Reflector and Condensing Mirror

A miniaturized fluorescence detection system based on total internal reflection (TIR) configuration, which is applicable to detecting the presence of biological materials labeled with fluorescence dye in micro total analysis systems (μTAS), is proposed. In conventional fluorescence testing and analysis devices, interference between the excitation light beam and the emitted light from dyes is unavoidable. This paper presents a fluorescence detection system based on TIR configuration that allows the excitation light beam and the emitted light to be spatially perpendicular to each other so as to minimize the interference where fluorescence emission is detected at the orthogonal angle to the excitation beam. We achieved the limit of detection of about 5 nmol/L with a high linearity of 0.994 over a wide range of 6-FAM mol concentration, being comparable to that in earlier studies.
Generating a Networked Improvement Community to Improve Secondary Mathematics Teacher Preparation

The Mathematics Teacher Education Partnership (MTE-Partnership) was formed to address the undersupply of new secondary mathematics teachers who are well prepared to help their students attain the goals of the Common Core State Standards and other college- and career-ready standards. This national consortium of more than 90 universities and 100 school systems has been organized as a Networked Improvement Community (NIC), which combines the disciplined inquiry of improvement science with the power of networking to accelerate improvement by engaging a broad set of participants. Initiating a NIC involves a number of challenges described in the NIC Initiation Framework. This case study analyzes the MTE-Partnership’s progress in one domain of that framework: network leadership, organization, and operation. Areas of discussion include convening the network, establishing a membership framework and participation structures, building leadership and hub functions, developing a communications infrastructure, and finding necessary resources.
NSFCAM: a new infrared array camera for the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility

We have just recently commissioned a new 1.0-5.5 micrometers IR array camera for the NASA IR Telescope Facility based upon the Santa Barbara Research Center 256x256 InSb array. The primary features of this new instrument are three user-selected platescales, a variety fo fixed bandpass filters, 1 to 2% spectral resolution circular variable filters, coronagraph masks, polarization imaging capability, an optical guider/imager, and a grism. In this paper we briefly outline the design and performance of the camera system, describe some unique operating modes, and show some recent images.
Shock-drift particle acceleration in superluminal shocks - A model for hot spots in extragalactic radio sources

Shock-drift acceleration at relativistic shock fronts is investigated using a fully relativistic treatment of both the microphysics of the shock-drift acceleration and the macrophysics of the shock front. By explicitly tracing particle trajectories across shocks, it is shown how the adiabatic invariance of a particle's magnetic moment breaks down as the upstream shock speed becomes relativistic, and is recovered at subrelativistic velocities. These calculations enable the mean increase in energy of a particle which encounters the shock with a given pitch angle to be calculated. The results are used to construct the downstream electron distribution function in terms of the incident distribution function and the bulk properties of the shock. The synchrotron emissivity of the transmitted distribution is calculated, and it is demonstrated that amplification factors are easily obtained which are more than adequate to explain the observed constrasts in surface brightness between jets and hot spots. 72 refs.