Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
User-Driven Relay Beamforming for mmWave Massive Analog-Relay MIMO

Sixth-generation mobile communication (6G) aims to further improve capacity and reliability by controlling the radio propagation environment. Millimeter wave (mmWave) high-frequency band communication offers large bandwidth at the cost of high attenuation, even for smaller distances. Due to this, fewer multiple input multiple outputs (MIMO) multiplexing is possible at the base station (BS). Distributed analog relay nodes with beamforming capability improve the received power and MIMO multiplexing of mmWave communication. Due to limited signal processing, the analog relay node cannot perform beam search and tracking using these mmWave reference signals. The beam search and tracking are possible at BS or user equipment at the cost of increased control overhead. To reduce this overhead and provide relay-based 6G communication, we propose user-driven relay beamforming methods which can obtain the benefits of a massive analog relay MIMO. Assuming vehicular-to-everything (V2X) as a 6G application, we considered a relay-beam control method that uses the user information (location, velocity, acceleration, and direction of the terminal) contained in intelligent transport systems (ITS) messages called Cooperative Awareness Message (CAM). Simulation results show that the proposed method significantly reduces the overhead and the obtains benefits of the massive analog-relay MIMO. Furthermore, the accuracy of CAM’s location information, the control period, and the effects of UE mobility are evaluated and presented. The results also show that the proposed method can work effectively in future V2X applications.
Robust Control Based on Adaptive Neural Network for the Process of Steady Formation of Continuous Contact Force in Unmanned Aerial Manipulator

Contact force control for Unmanned Aerial Manipulators (UAMs) is a challenging issue today. This paper designs a new method to stabilize the UAM system during the formation of contact force with the target. Firstly, the dynamic model of the contact process between the UAM and the target is derived. Then, a non-singular global fast terminal sliding mode controller (NGFTSMC) is proposed to guarantee that the contact process is completed within a finite time. Moreover, to compensate for system uncertainties and external disturbances, the equivalent part of the controller is estimated by an adaptive radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Finally, the Lyapunov theory is applied to validate the global stability of the closed-loop system and derive the adaptive law for the neural network weight matrix online updating. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can stably form a continuous contact force and reduce the chattering with good robustness.
Reversible Regulation of Polar Gas Molecules by Azobenzene-Based Photoswitchable Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films

The development of tunable molecule separation membranes requires materials with remote controllability and ultra-high separation capability. In this paper, a novel photoswitchable metal organic framework (MOF) thin film (Cu2(AzoBPDC)2) was prepared by liquid phase epitaxial layer-by-layer assembly to realize the reversible remote-controlled switching. The azobenzene side groups in the Cu2(AzoBPDC)2 thin film showed excellent reversible photoswitching performance under UV (365 nm) and Vis (450 nm) irradiation, achieving the remote-controlled mode of the diffusion flux of polar gas molecules in the MOF thin film.
Family Socioeconomic Status and Adolescent Mental Health Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Roles of Trait Mindfulness and Perceived Stress

The present study was conducted twice over one year during the COVID-19 pandemic with Chinese adolescents (n = 1582) to investigate the relationships among family socioeconomic status (SES), adolescent mental health problems, trait mindfulness, and perceived stress using self-reported measures. We administered the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PPS), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Conduct Problem Tendency Inventory (CPTDI) to a sample of Chinese adolescents. The results prove that (1) there were significant correlations among socioeconomic status, trait mindfulness, perceived stress, and adolescent mental health problems, and the (2) serial mediation analysis indicated that trait mindfulness and perceived stress performed as mediators on the path from SES to anxiety, depression, and externalizing problems. Our findings provide a contribution by showing the connection between socioeconomic position and adolescent mental health problems and by offering a reference for the treatment of psychological issues affecting adolescents.
Nonlinear Interaction of Acoustical Waves Due to Cracks and Its Possible Usage for Cracks Detection

An interaction of a CW acoustic wave and a powerful acoustic pulse due to nonlinear properties of a crack-type discontinuity in a solid is considered. Characteristics of nonstationary variations of the reflected wave amplitude and the phase of the transmitted wave, which are induced by the powerful pulse, are determined. The effects should allow one to distinguish cracks from other scatterers and can be used as a base of a new method of crack detection and positioning. Demonstrative signal estimates based on two simplified crack models are presented.
Homoepitaxial diamond film growth: High purity, high crystalline quality, isotopic enrichment, and single color center formation

With optical/electronic devices of the next generation in mind, we provide a guideline for the growth of homoepitaxial diamond films that possess higher crystalline quality, higher chemical purity, and a higher carbon isotopic ratio. A custom‐built microwave plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition system was constructed to achieve these requirements. To improve both the purity and crystalline quality of homoepitaxial diamond films, an advanced growth condition was applied: higher oxygen concentration in the growth ambient. Under this growth condition for high‐quality diamond, a thick diamond film of ≥30 μm was deposited reproducibly while maintaining high purity and a flat surface. Then, combining this advanced growth condition for non‐doped diamond with a unique doping technique that provides parts‐per‐billion order doping, single‐color centers of either nitrogen‐vacancy or silicon‐vacancy centers that show excellent properties were formed. The new idea of using these color centers as a probe for detecting tiny amounts of impurities was presented. These advanced growth and characterization techniques are expected to open up new fields of diamond research that require extremely low‐impurity concentration, for use in power devices and quantum information devices.
A New Approach to Detecting Atrial Fibrillation Using Count Statistics of Relative Changes between Consecutive RR Intervals

Background: The ratio of the difference between neighboring RR intervals to the length of the preceding RR interval (x%) represents the relative change in the duration between two cardiac cycles. We investigated the diagnostic properties of the percentage of relative RR interval differences equal to or greater than x% (pRRx%) with x% in a range between 0.25% and 25% for the distinction of atrial fibrillation (AF) from sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: We used 1-min ECG segments with RR intervals with either AF (32,141 segments) or SR (32,769 segments) from the publicly available Physionet Long-Term Atrial Fibrillation Database (LTAFDB). The properties of pRRx% for different x% were analyzed using the statistical procedures and metrics commonly used to characterize diagnostic methods. Results: The distributions of pRRx% for AF and SR differ significantly over the whole studied range of x% from 0.25% to 25%, with particularly outstanding diagnostic properties for the x% range of 1.5% to 6%. However, pRR3.25% outperformed other pRRx%. Firstly, it had one of the highest and closest to perfect areas under the curve (0.971). For pRR3.25%, the optimal threshold for distinction AF from SR was set at 75.32%. Then, the accuracy was 95.44%, sensitivity was 97.16%, specificity was 93.76%, the positive predictive value was 93.85%, the negative predictive value was 97.11%, and the diagnostic odds ratio was 514. The excellent diagnostic properties of pRR3.25% were confirmed in the publicly available MIT–BIH Atrial Fibrillation Database. In a direct comparison, pRR3.25% outperformed the diagnostic properties of pRR31 (the percentage of successive RR intervals differing by at least 31 ms), i.e., so far, the best single parameter differentiating AF from SR. Conclusions: A family of pRRx% parameters has excellent diagnostic properties for AF detection in a range of x% between 1.5% and 6%. However, pRR3.25% outperforms other pRRx% parameters and pRR31 (until now, probably the most robust single heart rate variability parameter for AF diagnosis). The exquisite pRRx% diagnostic properties for AF and its simple computation make it well-suited for AF detection in modern ECG technologies (mobile/wearable devices, biopatches) in long-term monitoring. The diagnostic properties of pRRx% deserve further exploration in other databases with AF.
FM1-43 Dye Memorizes Piezo1 Activation in the Trigeminal Nociceptive System Implicated in Migraine Pain

It has been proposed that mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels trigger migraine pain in trigeminal nociceptive neurons, but the mechanosensitivity of satellite glial cells (SGCs) supporting neuronal sensitization has not been tested before. Moreover, tools to monitor previous Piezo1 activation are not available. Therefore, by using live calcium imaging with Fluo-4 AM and labeling with FM1-43 dye, we explored a new strategy to identify Piezo channels’ activity in mouse trigeminal neurons, SGCs, and isolated meninges. The specific Piezo1 agonist Yoda1 induced calcium transients in both neurons and SGCs, suggesting the functional expression of Piezo1 channels in both types of cells. In Piezo1-transfected HEK cells, FM1-43 produced only a transient fluorescent response, whereas co-application with Yoda1 provided higher transient signals and a remarkable long-lasting FM1-43 ‘tail response’. A similar Piezo1-related FM1-43 trapping was observed in neurons and SGCs. The non-specific Piezo channel blocker, Gadolinium, inhibited the transient peak, confirming the involvement of Piezo1 receptors. Finally, FM1-43 labeling demonstrated previous activity in meningeal tissues 3.5 h after Yoda1 washout. Our data indicated that trigeminal neurons and SGCs express functional Piezo channels, and their activation provides sustained labeling with FM1-43. This long-lasting labelling can be used to monitor the ongoing and previous activation of Piezo1 channels in the trigeminal nociceptive system, which is implicated in migraine pain.
Large Estimate Variations in Assessed Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity Levels during Active Virtual Reality Gaming: A Short Report

The purpose of the study was to compare methods for estimating energy expenditure (EE) and physical activity (PA) intensity during a 30 min session of active virtual reality (VR) gaming. Eight individuals (age = 25.4 ± 2.0 yrs) participated, with a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of 41.3 ± 5.7 mL∙kg−1∙min−1. All tests were conducted over two days. An incremental test to determine the VO2max when running was performed on day 1, while 30 min of active VR gaming was performed on day 2. The instruments used for EE estimations and PA measurements were indirect calorimetry, a heart rate (HR) monitor, and waist- and wrist-worn accelerometer. Compared to indirect calorimetry, waist-worn accelerometers underestimated EE (mean difference: −157.3 ± 55.9 kcal, p < 0.01) and PA levels. HR-based equations overestimated EE (mean difference: 114.8 ± 39.0 kcal, p < 0.01 and mean difference: 141.0 ± 81.6 kcal, p < 0.01). The wrist-worn accelerometer was the most accurate in estimating EE (mean difference: 23.9 ± 45.4 kcal, p = 0.95). The large variations in EE have implications for population-based surveillance of PA levels and for clinical studies using active VR gaming.
Emotional Warmth and Rejection Parenting Styles of Grandparents/Great Grandparents and the Social–Emotional Development of Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren

Parenting styles are crucial in the process of forming social emotions in children. They are also vital for creating effective family policies in order to improve a child’s early development. As such, it is important to acknowledge the enduring association of parenting styles across generations, as well as their impact on early child development. In this study, the question as to whether the warm and hostile parenting styles of a parent/grandparent mediate the relationships between the emotional warmth and rejection parenting styles of a grandparent/great grandparent, as well as the subsequent social–emotional development of a grandson/great grandson and/or a granddaughter/great granddaughter, was examined. Cross-sectional assessment data from 194 primary caregivers of children between 6 and 36 months were analyzed using mediation analyses. In addition, moderated mediation models were used to test heterogeneity effects. This study found evidence that the warm and hostile parenting styles of a parent/grandparent mediated the associations between the emotional warmth and rejection parenting styles of a grandparent/great grandparent, as well as the subsequent socio-emotional development of a grandchild/great grandchild. Parents/grandparents tend to use a warm parenting style when the child is a boy, thereby resulting in fewer socio-emotional problems. This study provides empirical evidence for the purposes of preventive services to improve caregivers’ parenting styles in the early stages of a child’s development. Researchers and family practitioners should continue to support families with intervention or therapeutic techniques in order to mitigate potential lasting consequences.
In Silico Analysis of a Drosophila Parasitoid Venom Peptide Reveals Prevalence of the Cation–Polar–Cation Clip Motif in Knottin Proteins

As generalist parasitoid wasps, Leptopilina heterotoma are highly successful on many species of fruit flies of the genus Drosophila. The parasitoids produce specialized multi-strategy extracellular vesicle (EV)-like structures in their venom. Proteomic analysis identified several immunity-associated proteins, including the knottin peptide, LhKNOT, containing the structurally conserved inhibitor cysteine knot (ICK) fold, which is present in proteins from diverse taxa. Our structural and docking analysis of LhKNOT’s 36-residue core knottin fold revealed that in addition to the knottin motif itself, it also possesses a Cation–Polar–Cation (CPC) clip. The CPC clip motif is thought to facilitate antimicrobial activity in heparin-binding proteins. Surprisingly, a majority of ICKs tested also possess the CPC clip motif, including 75 bona fide plant and arthropod knottin proteins that share high sequence and/or structural similarity with LhKNOT. Like LhKNOT and these other 75 knottin proteins, even the Drosophila Drosomycin antifungal peptide, a canonical target gene of the fly’s Toll-NF-kappa B immune pathway, contains this CPC clip motif. Together, our results suggest a possible defensive function for the parasitoid LhKNOT. The prevalence of the CPC clip motif, intrinsic to the cysteine knot within the knottin proteins examined here, suggests that the resultant 3D topology is important for their biochemical functions. The CPC clip is likely a highly conserved structural motif found in many diverse proteins with reported heparin binding capacity, including amyloid proteins. Knottins are targets for therapeutic drug development, and insights into their structure–function relationships will advance novel drug design.
Colletotrichum truncatum Causing Anthracnose of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Malaysia

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a popular nutritious vegetable crop grown in Malaysia and other parts of the world. However, fungal diseases such as anthracnose pose significant threats to tomato production by reducing the fruit quality and food value of tomato, resulting in lower market prices of the crop globally. In the present study, the etiology of tomato anthracnose was investigated in commercial tomato farms in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 22 fungal isolates were obtained from anthracnosed tomato fruits and identified as Colletotrichum species, using morphological characteristics. The phylogenetic relationships of multiple gene sequence alignments such as internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (tub2), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), actin (act), and calmodulin (cal), were adopted to accurately identify the Colletotrichum species as C. truncatum. The results of pathogenicity tests revealed that all C. truncatum isolates caused anthracnose disease symptoms on inoculated tomato fruits. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of tomato anthracnose caused by C. truncatum in Malaysia. The findings of this study will be helpful in disease monitoring, and the development of strategies for effective control of anthracnose on tomato fruits.
Identification of the Time Period during Which BMP Signaling Regulates Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells in Zebrafish

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates neural induction, neuronal specification, and neuronal differentiation. However, the role of BMP signaling in neural progenitors remains unclear. This is because interruption of BMP signaling before or during neural induction causes severe effects on subsequent neural developmental processes. To examine the role of BMP signaling in the development of neural progenitors in zebrafish, we bypassed the effect of BMP signaling on neural induction and suppressed BMP signaling at different time points during gastrulation using a temporally controlled transgenic line carrying a dominant-negative form of Bmp receptor type 1aa and a chemical inhibitor of BMP signaling, DMH1. Inhibiting BMP signaling from 8 hpf could bypass BMP regulation on neural induction, induce the number of proliferating neural progenitors, and reduce the number of neuronal precursors. Inhibiting BMP signaling upregulates the expression of the Notch downstream gene hairy/E(spl)-related 2 (her2). Inhibiting Notch signaling or knocking down the Her2 function reduced neural progenitor proliferation, whereas inactivating BMP signaling in Notch-Her2 deficient background restored the number of proliferating neural progenitors. These results reveal the time window for the proliferation of neural progenitors during zebrafish development and a fine balance between BMP and Notch signaling in regulating the proliferation of neural progenitor cells.
The Role of Maxillofacial Structure and Malocclusion on Condylar Displacement in Maximum Intercuspation and Centric Relation in Patients Seeking Orthodontic Treatment—A Scoping Review

Background: Available knowledge about malocclusion and cephalometric variables and their connection with an increased risk of condylar displacement (CD) is scarce. This article aims to present current information on the relationship between centric relation-maximum intercuspal position discrepancies and maxillofacial morphology and malocclusion in patients seeking orthodontic treatment as well as to identify those who require expanded diagnostic evaluation for this disorder. Methods: This review analyzed the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases up to February 2022. Keywords and additional manual searches were performed. Literature selection was based the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The JBI Critical Appraisal Tool assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Results: The databases search provided 2321 studies. A total of 10 studies were included in this review after eligibility criteria and JBI assessment. This review was separated into five parts that evaluated CD correlations depending on the following: maxillofacial structure in different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns, vertical, horizontal, and transverse malocclusions. Conclusions: A hyperdivergent facial skeletal structure is a risk factor for increased CD, particularly in the vertical dimension. The condylar processes are usually displaced in a posteroinferior direction. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the relationship among remaining skeletal and dental malocclusions and the occurrence of CD.
Jasmonic Acid-Induced β-Cyclocitral Confers Resistance to Bacterial Blight and Negatively Affects Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis in Rice

Jasmonic acid (JA) regulates the production of several plant volatiles that are involved in plant defense mechanisms. In this study, we report that the JA-responsive volatile apocarotenoid, β-cyclocitral (β-cyc), negatively affects abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and induces a defense response against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which causes bacterial blight in rice (Oryza sativa L.). JA-induced accumulation of β-cyc was regulated by OsJAZ8, a repressor of JA signaling in rice. Treatment with β-cyc induced resistance against Xoo and upregulated the expression of defense-related genes in rice. Conversely, the expression of ABA-responsive genes, including ABA-biosynthesis genes, was downregulated by JA and β-cyc treatment, resulting in a decrease in ABA levels in rice. β-cyc did not inhibit the ABA-dependent interactions between OsPYL/RCAR5 and OsPP2C49 in yeast cells. Furthermore, we revealed that JA-responsive rice carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4b (OsCCD4b) was localized in the chloroplast and produced β-cyc both in vitro and in planta. These results suggest that β-cyc plays an important role in the JA-mediated resistance against Xoo in rice.
Genetic Iron Overload Hampers Development of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Mice

The survival, growth, and virulence of Leishmania spp. , a group of protozoan parasites, depends on the proper access and regulation of iron. Macrophages, Leishmania’s host cell, may divert iron traffic by reducing uptake or by increasing the efflux of iron via the exporter ferroportin. This parasite has adapted by inhibiting the synthesis and inducing the degradation of ferroportin. To study the role of iron in leishmaniasis, we employed Hjv−/− mice, a model of hemochromatosis. The disruption of hemojuvelin (Hjv) abrogates the expression of the iron hormone hepcidin. This allows unrestricted iron entry into the plasma from ferroportin-expressing intestinal epithelial cells and tissue macrophages, resulting in systemic iron overload. Mice were injected with Leishmania major in hind footpads or intraperitoneally. Compared with wild-type controls, Hjv−/− mice displayed transient delayed growth of L. major in hind footpads, with a significant difference in parasite burden 4 weeks post-infection. Following acute intraperitoneal exposure to L. major, Hjv−/− peritoneal cells manifested increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Il1b, Tnfa, Cxcl2, and Ccl2). In response to infection with L. infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, Hjv−/− and control mice developed similar liver and splenic parasite burden despite vastly different tissue iron content and ferroportin expression. Thus, genetic iron overload due to hemojuvelin deficiency appears to mitigate the early development of only cutaneous leishmaniasis.