Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-time dual-wavelength digital holographic microscopy for extended measurement range with enhanced axial resolution

We report on advanced dual-wavelength digital holographic microscopy (DHM) methods, enabling single-acquisition real-time micron-range measurements while maintaining single-wavelength interferometric resolution in the nanometer regime. In top of the unique real-time capability of our technique, it is shown that axial resolution can be further increased compared to single-wavelength operation thanks to the uncorrelated nature of both recorded wavefronts. It is experimentally demonstrated that DHM topographic investigation within 3 decades measurement range can be achieved with our arrangement, opening new applications possibilities for this interferometric technique.
The Myth of “Reliable Research” in Pediatric Gender Medicine: A critical evaluation of the Dutch Studies—and research that has followed

Abstract Two Dutch studies formed the foundation and the best available evidence for the practice of youth medical gender transition. We demonstrate that this work is methodologically flawed and should have never been used in medical settings as justification to scale this “innovative clinical practice. ” Three methodological biases undermine the research: (1) subject selection assured that only the most successful cases were included in the results; (2) the finding that “resolution of gender dysphoria” was due to the reversal of the questionnaire employed; (3) concomitant psychotherapy made it impossible to separate the effects of this intervention from those of hormones and surgery. We discuss the significant risk of harm that the Dutch research exposed, as well as the lack of applicability of the Dutch protocol to the currently escalating incidence of adolescent-onset, non-binary, psychiatrically challenged youth, who are preponderantly natal females. "Spin" problems—the tendency to present weak or negative results as certain and positive—continue to plague reports that originate from clinics that are actively administering hormonal and surgical interventions to youth. It is time for gender medicine to pay attention to the published objective systematic reviews and to the outcome uncertainties and definable potential harms to these vulnerable youth.
Short-Finned Pilot Whale Strandings Associated with Pilot Whale Morbillivirus, Brazil

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) causes illness and death in cetaceans worldwide; the CeMV strains circulating in the Southern Hemisphere are poorly known. We detected a pilot whale CeMV strain in 3 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) stranded in Brazil during July–October 2020. Our results confirm this virus circulates in this species.
Photoionization of Benzene and Small Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ultraviolet-processed Astrophysical Ices: A Computational Study

We employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to model the photoionization behavior of benzene and small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons when they are embedded in a matrix of water ice in order to investigate issues raised by recent experimental work by Gudipati and Allamandola. The ionization energies of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene were found to be lowered by 1.5-2.1 eV in water ice. Low-lying vertical electronic excitation energies were computed with time-dependent DFT for both neutral and ionized species and are found in both cases to be remarkably unaffected by the ice matrix. Chemical behavior in ultraviolet-photoprocessed ices is also discussed, with a focus on electron recombination and pathways leading to phenol and analogous products.
Beta‐cell function in treatment‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Analyses of baseline data from 15 clinical trials

Progressive decline of β-cell function is a hallmark of disease progression in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). β-cell dysfunction may precede the onset of T2DM by several years. Studies show a decline of approximately 50% in β-cell function at T2DM diagnosis, with a further drop of 4% expected each year. Landmark longitudinal studies such as the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) have demonstrated the importance of β-cell function in maintaining glycaemic control and as an indicator of disease status. A progressive decline in C-peptide levels from diagnosis until 18 years of diabetes duration was observed in the VADT, while in the UKPDS, homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-B) was 50% at time of diagnosis and 28% after 6 years. Early intervention is deemed as a potential approach in reducing the risk of complications due to hyperglycaemia, and β-cell status may play a crucial role in clinical decision making to facilitate appropriate and timely treatment initiation. In addition, several cross-sectional studies have demonstrated significant declines in various indices of β-cell function and established a correlation between the progressive loss of β-cell activity, duration of disease and glycaemic levels. The evidence from these studies is important, but the data are based on limited population sizes. Furthermore, very few studies have analysed β-cell activity spanned across various stages of T2DM in a global, large population. The availability of more than 12 000 patients from global clinical trials representing a wide spectrum of earlier disease stages, from patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and treatment-näive patients to patients with failure of metformin monotherapy, prompted us to perform this post hoc analysis. As defined in the studies ́ inclusion criteria, only metformin monotherapy was allowed as antidiabetes treatment prior to randomization. We acknowledge that our study population was derived from previous studies, which may not reflect the natural course of the disease in real-world. This was a modelling exercise aimed to study the rate of decline in β-cell activity across the disease spectrum, from IGT to failure of metformin * The data were partly presented at the 57th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting, September 27 to October 1, 2021, Virtual Meeting. Received: 30 August 2022 Revised: 22 December 2022 Accepted: 30 December 2022
Metastatic cancer cells tenaciously indent impenetrable, soft substrates

We present here the first evidence of mechanical penetration by a metastatic cancer cell. During metastasis, the invasive cancer-cell penetrates tissue and extracellular matrix, changes shape and applies force. These applied forces, in turn, depend on substrate stiffness and degradability. The initial stage of metastatic penetration comprises substrate indentation, which, however, has not yet been studied. Hence, we evaluate the evolution of indentation, focusing on differences relating to the metastatic potential (MP) of the cells and substrate stiffness. We found that metastatic cells attain a mushroom-like morphology and then, over several hours, repeatedly indent the substrate in a manner suggestive of a special role for the nucleus. Cells with higher MP have previously been shown to be softer internally and externally than those with lower MP yet, paradoxically, applied stronger forces. Cells of higher MP develop stronger forces on gels stiff enough to provide grip handles yet soft enough to indent, whereas benign cells did not indent substrates at all. These findings provide insight into the central role of physical forces in the initial stages of metastatic penetration and reveal new targets for treatment.
Starspots and the rotation of the flare star EV Lac

Sinusoidal variations in the magnitude of EV Lac outside of flares are interpreted as due to intensity modulations from a photospheric spot group. No variations are detected in the color indices. An upper limit set by observational uncertainties indicates that the temperature difference between the photosphere and the spot region is only a few hundred degrees. The period of the cyclic magnitude variations is determined for the first time for EV Lac, and my best estimate is P=4.378 days. This implies an equatorial rotational velocity of 4.2 +- 0.5 km s/sup -1/. The equivalent width of the H.beta. emission line does not vary, as measured through a set of interference filters. A larger scatter is evident in the measurements of the H.cap alpha. emission, however, but the variations in this line do not correlate clearly with the rotation of EV Lac. The variation in the equivalent width of the H.cap alpha. line is about one hundred percent. We are led to the conclusion that the prominent emission seen in the H.cap alpha. line is formed partly in the chromosphere of EV Lac and partly in flare-associated regions of the atmosphere, and with a possible contribution also from analogs to solarmore » plage areas. « less
[Expert consistency evaluation on nutrition and health knowledge questionnaire items for Chinese adults].

OBJECTIVE To establish nutrition knowledge questionnaire items for Chinese adults by Delphi consensus study. METHODS The framework system and preliminary items of nutrition knowledge questionnaire were established through literature review and experts consultation, considering the nutrition status and problems of Chinese people. Delphi method was used to conduct consensus analysis with 11 experts in related field involved to determine the nutrition knowledge questionnaire items. RESULTS The active coefficients of consultation in two rounds were both 100%(11/11), and the authority coefficients of experts were 0.900. The average scores of all items were(4.67±0.28) and(4.80±0.21), the variation coefficients were 0.06 and 0.04, and the Kendall harmony coefficients were 0.261(χ~2=39.645, P=0.004) and 0.324(χ~2=43.122, P=0.001), respectively. After the second round of consultation, all selected items met the inclusion criteria. Finally, 20-item nutrition knowledge questionnaire were determined, including five dimensions of dietary recommendations, food characteristics, nutrition and health, food choices and food safety. CONCLUSION The Delphi consensus of nutrition knowledge questionnaire items for Chinese adults were basically achieved.
Haemorrhage risk of brain arteriovenous malformation during pregnancy and puerperium

Background This study aimed to assess whether pregnancy and puerperium were associated with the risk of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) haemorrhage. Methods A retrospective review was conducted in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2012 to December 2021. A case–crossover design was adopted to calculate the incidence density of bAVM-related haemorrhage among female patients in risk (pregnancy and puerperium) and control (non-pregnancy and non-puerperium) periods, according to four scenarios observed in different populations (scenario I: patients with haemorrhagic bAVM of all ages; scenario II: patients with haemorrhagic bAVM of all ages, with at least one previous pregnancy; scenario III: patients with haemorrhagic bAVM who are of reproductive age (15–45 years); scenario IV: patients with haemorrhagic bAVM of reproductive age (15–45 years), with at least one previous pregnancy. Next, a comprehensive literature aggregation (up to April 2022) was performed for evidence synthesis. Results Among the 311 female patients with haemorrhagic bAVM, a significant haemorrhage risk during pregnancy and puerperium was found in Scenarios I (relative risk [RR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.28 to 3.39), II (RR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.95 to 5.31) and IV (RR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.73 to 4.93); however, a suggestive risk was found in scenario III (RR, 1.62; 95% CI, 0.99 to 2.67). Evidence synthesis revealed a consistent haemorrhage risk among patients of all ages (RR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.93 to 5.15) and those of reproductive age (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.86). Conclusion Compared with most previous studies, a higher but relatively moderate risk for bAVM-related haemorrhage was identified during pregnancy and puerperium. Individualised prevention and treatment strategies should be preferred when neurosurgeons make clinical decisions.
Maximum likelihood vs. maximum goodness of fit estimation of the three-parameter Weibull distribution

The use of statistics based on the empirical distribution function is analysed for estimation of the scale, shape, and location parameters of the three-parameter Weibull distribution. The resulting maximum goodness of fit (MGF) estimators are compared with their maximum likelihood counterparts. In addition to the Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Cramer–von Mises, and Anderson–Darling statistics, some related empirical distribution function statistics using different weight functions are considered. The results show that the MGF estimators of the scale and shape parameters are usually more efficient than the maximum likelihood estimators when the shape parameter is smaller than 2, particularly if the sample size is large.
Modelling crack initiation by means of finite fracture mechanics

In this study, a generally applicable hybrid criterion for brittle crack initiation overcoming deficiencies of classical approaches is applied to regular and singular stress concentrations. Possible formulations of the resulting optimisation problem for the failure load are discussed. Examples demonstrate the capability of the model to cover relevant effects as well as a versatile finite element analysis procedure for notch problems. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Online Dual-Task Cognitive and Motor Exercise Program for Individuals With Parkinson Disease (PD3 Move Program): Acceptability Study

Background Dual-task training is an emerging field used for people with Parkinson disease (PD) to improve their physical and cognitive well-being, but the patients’ acceptability, safety, and adherence to such training in online settings are unknown. Objective This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a dual-task cognitive and motor online training program for people with PD as a group online community program. Methods People with PD were invited to participate in an online program (PD3 Move) consisting of physical and vocal exercises in response to different cognitive challenges displayed as dynamic backgrounds on Zoom. The program ran twice per week for 16 weeks. Patient acceptability was assessed at 4 months by monitoring attendance rates and feedback from an exit questionnaire emailed to all participants assessing satisfaction, perceived benefit, safety, and willingness to continue and recommend to others. Results The online program was delivered to 15 participants (n=9, 60%, females) with a diagnosis of PD, a mean age of 69.4 (SD 9.3) years, and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stages I-IV. The attendance rate was high, with participants coming to more than 13 (81%) of the sessions. Participants were very satisfied (n=8, 53%) or satisfied (n=7, 47%) with the program. Participants reported that what they most liked were the new cognitive physical challenges. The 3 main facilitators to participating were perceiving the benefits, instructor’s flexibility and engagement, and the social interaction moments with others. The 3 main difficulties were dealing with motor fluctuations (n=3, 20%), difficulties in using technology (n=2, 13%), and difficulty hearing instructions due to hearing loss (n=2, 13%). Patients had favorable perceived benefits of the program, with 14 (93%) considering it very useful for the current management of health and 1 (7%) moderately useful. No adverse events were reported, and all participants said that they were willing to continue the program and recommend it to others. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the online cognitive and motor program was well received, safe, and perceived to be of benefit to this group of medically stable people with PD in H&Y stages I-IV. Access to specialized care and enhancement of long-term adherence to regular exercise can be achieved with online community group programs.
Numerical studies of the high power microwave breakdown in gas using the fluid model with a modified electron energy distribution function

A modified electron energy distribution function (EEDF) is introduced into the fluid model and its effects on the high power microwave (HPM) breakdown in air and argon are investigated. A proper numerical scheme for the finite-difference time-domain method is employed to solve the fluid model. Numerical simulations show that the HPM breakdown time in argon predicted by the fluid model with the modified EEDF agrees well with the results of Particle-in-cell-Monte Carlo collision simulations, while the Maxwellian EEDF results in faster HPM breakdown when the mean electron energy is less than 20 eV. We also confirm that the Maxwellian EEDF can be used in the fluid model for simulating the air breakdown at the low frequencies based on the reported experiments.
Noncommutative Poisson boundaries of unital quantum operations

In this paper, Poisson boundaries of unital quantum operations (also called Markov operators) are investigated. In the case of unital quantum channels, compact operators belonging to Poisson boundaries are characterized. Using the characterization of amenable groups by the injectivity of their von Neumann algebras, we will answer negatively some conjectures appearing in the work of Arias et al. [“Fixed points of quantum operations,” J. Math. Phys. 43, 5872 (2002)] about injectivity of the commuting algebra of the Kraus operators of unital quantum operations and their injective envelopes.
Jacob‐induced transcriptional inactivation of CREB promotes Aβ‐induced synapse loss in Alzheimer's disease

Synaptic dysfunction caused by soluble β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) is a hallmark of early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (AD), and is tightly linked to cognitive decline. By yet unknown mechanisms, Aβ suppresses the transcriptional activity of cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein (CREB), a master regulator of cell survival and plasticity‐related gene expression. Here, we report that Aβ elicits nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of Jacob, a protein that connects a NMDA‐receptor‐derived signalosome to CREB, in AD patient brains and mouse hippocampal neurons. Aβ‐regulated trafficking of Jacob induces transcriptional inactivation of CREB leading to impairment and loss of synapses in mouse models of AD. The small chemical compound Nitarsone selectively hinders the assembly of a Jacob/LIM‐only 4 (LMO4)/ Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) signalosome and thereby restores CREB transcriptional activity. Nitarsone prevents impairment of synaptic plasticity as well as cognitive decline in mouse models of AD. Collectively, the data suggest targeting Jacob protein‐induced CREB shutoff as a therapeutic avenue against early synaptic dysfunction in AD.
Effect of tissue heterogeneity on detectability of optical signals

Vascularization (hemoglobin concentration) is the main intrinsic contrast in near infrared optics and may be considered as the background heterogeneity or biological noise. This noise causes complexity of the assessment of boundary measurements and uncertainty of the detectability of an optical anomaly in the medium. We have investigated the influence of this biological noise on boundary measurements with its varying degrees. We have studied an infinite-slab medium hosting an absorbing anomaly in transmission mode. In order to model this optical heterogeneity in the volume of interest we have employed a spatially random distribution pattern of absorption and observed that the amplitude of measured signals at air-tissue boundary is even decreased by 26% for low contrast heterogeneity having 40% volume fraction of heterogeneity. Furthermore optical signal measured along the detectors has been flattened as the amount of heterogeneity in the medium increases. As a measure of flatness, we have defined the contrast of the measured signals along the detectors and observed that the contrast decreases approximately linearly with an increasing heterogeneity. It is 0.79 for the heterogeneity having 40% volume fraction (VF), 0.82 for VF = %20 whereas it is 0.85 for VF = 0% suggesting that as heterogeneity (aka biological noise) increases, the detectability of an inhomogeneity diminishes.
Apoptosis is one cause of thrombocytopenia in patients with high-altitude polycythemia

Abstract High-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) can occur in individuals who are intolerant to high-altitude hypoxia. In patients with HAPC, erythrocytosis is often accompanied by a decrease in platelet count. Chronic hypoxia can increase the incidence of arteriovenous thrombosis and the risk of bleeding during antithrombotic treatment due to thrombocytopenia; therefore, understanding the cause of thrombocytopenia can reduce the risk of treatment-related bleeding. In this study, we examined platelet production and apoptosis to understand the cause of thrombocytopenia in patients with HAPC. The classification of myeloid-derived megakaryocytes (MKs) in HAPC patients was mainly granular MKs rather than mature MKs, suggesting impaired differentiation and maturation. However, the total number of MKs and newly generated reticulated platelets in the peripheral blood increased, indicating sufficient platelet generation in HAPC thrombocytopenia. Increased platelet apoptosis may be one of the causes of thrombocytopenia. Platelet activation and GP1bα pathway activation induced by thrombin and von Willebrand factor can lead to platelet apoptosis. Platelet production was not reduced in patients with HAPC, whereas platelet apoptosis was associated with thrombocytopenia. These findings provide a rationale for considering the bleeding risk in HAPC patient while treating thrombotic diseases. Plain Language Summary What is the context? Platelets are essential in the process of blood clotting; hence, low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding. Thrombocytopenia is present in patients with high-altitude polycythemia Hypoxia can lead to platelet activation and increase in procoagulant factors, while at the same time increase the risk of thrombosis due to erythrocytosis and blood stasis. Antithrombotic therapy should be administered when thrombosis occurs in patients with high altitude polycythemia; however, due to the low platelet count, risk of bleeding must be considered. What is new? In this study, we found that platelet production was not decreased in patients with high-altitude polycythemia. One cause of thrombocytopenia is apoptosis, which is associated with platelet activation, especially GP1bα activation. Inhibition of GP1bα binding to ligand decreased the level of platelet apoptosis. What is the impact? This study provides novel insights into antithrombotic therapy for patients with high-altitude polycythemia complicated by thrombosis. Thrombocytopenia is associated with excessive apoptosis. Interfering with GP1bα targets may have a dual benefit, both in inhibiting thrombosis and avoiding thrombocytopenia.
Bayesian Analysis of Stochastic Volatility Models

New techniques for the analysis of stochastic volatility models in which the logarithm of conditional variance follows an autoregressive model are developed. A cyclic Metropolis algorithm is used to construct a Markov-chain simulation tool. Simulations from this Markov chain coverage in distribution to draws from the posterior distribution enabling exact finite-sample inference. The exact solution to the filtering/smoothing problem of inferring about the unobserved variance states is a by-product of our Markov-chain method. In addition, multistep-ahead predictive densities can be constructed that reflect both inherent model variability and parameter uncertainty. We illustrate our method by analyzing both daily and weekly data on stock returns and exchange rates. Sampling experiments are conducted to compare the performance of Bayes estimators to method of moments and quasi-maximum likelihood estimators proposed in the literature. In both parameter estimation and filtering, the Bayes estimators outperform these other approaches.