Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis of asthma and allergic rhinitis reveals CST1 as a biomarker of unified airways

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an important risk factor for the development of asthma. The “unified airway” theory considers the upper and lower airways as a morphological and functional whole. However, studies exploring biomarkers linking the upper and lower airways in allergic disease are lacking, which may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying AR comorbid asthma. Purpose To integrate bioinformatics techniques to explore biomarkers in airway allergic diseases, and to provide a molecular etiology profile for preventing the development of asthma in AR patients. Methods Biomarkers were screened by identifying key genes common between AR and asthma through WGCNA and differential gene analysis. GO and KEGG analyses were performed using DAVID. Immuno-infiltration analysis was performed by CIBERSORTx. The predictive value of CST1 to distinguish Th2-high asthma was determined by ROC curves. GSEA was used to analyze the signaling pathways involved in CST1. TargetScan and miRNet were combined with GSE142237 to construct ceRNA network. CMap was used to explore potential therapeutic drugs. Results Validation of datasets showed that CST1 was the only gene that was up-regulated in both upper and lower airways in patients with AR and asthma, and correlation heatmaps showed that CST1 was the gene with the highest sum of correlation coefficients. GO and KEGG analysis demonstrated that the lower airways of AR patients were mainly involved in inflammatory and immune responses, similar to asthma. Immune infiltration showed that CST1 was mainly positively correlated with activated CD4 memory T cells. According to the ROC curve, CST1 showed excellent diagnostic efficiency for Th2-high asthma. GSEA indicated that CST1 was involved in the FcϵRI signaling pathway and O-glycan biosynthesis. A ceRNA network including the lncRNAs KCNQ1OT1 and NEAT1 was constructed. Four drugs, including verrucarin-A, had the potential to prevent the development of asthma in AR patients. In addition, corticosteroids were found to downregulate CST1 expression. Conclusion CST1 plays a key role in the development of AR comorbid asthma and may be a biomarker for airway allergic diseases. Targeted treatment of CST1 has the potential to prevent the development of asthma in AR patients and deserves further study.
Knockdown of ATF3 suppresses the progression of ischemic stroke through inhibiting ferroptosis

Objective Current therapies towards ischemic stroke (IS) are still not satisfied, and alternative strategies targeting ferroptosis may be another choice. The purpose of this study is to screen potential ferroptosis-related genes involving in IS. Methods A rat model of IS was established via middle cerebral artery occlusion. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the model rats through transcriptional sequencing. Among the isolated DEGs, the expression of several attractive DEGs relating with ischemic injury was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Then, ATF3 relating with both IS and ferroptosis was selected a candidate gene for functional assays. After knockdown of ATF3 in the model rats, the infarction, histopathology, apoptosis, and ferroptosis in brain tissues were evaluated. Results IS model was successfully established in rats, exhibiting the emergence of infarction area, histopathological injury, and enhanced cell apoptosis. Total 699 up-regulated DEGs and 461 down-regulated DEGs were screened from the model rats. qRT-PCR verified the up-regulation of Hspa1b, Tfpi2, Ptx3, and Atf3, and the down-regulation of Smyd1 and Tacr2 in the Model group compared with those in the Sham group. It is noteworthy that knockdown of ATF3 decreased the infarction area, relieved histopathological injury, weakened apoptosis, and inhibited ferroptosis in the model rats. Conclusion Several candidate genes in relation with IS were revealed. More importantly, knockdown of ATF3 may relieve IS through inhibiting ferroptosis.
The efficacy of preoperative MRI features in the diagnosis of meningioma WHO grade and brain invasion

Objective The preoperative MRI scans of meningiomas were analyzed based on the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Central Nervous System (CNS) Guidelines, and the efficacy of MRI features in diagnosing WHO grades and brain invasion was analyzed. Materials and methods The data of 675 patients with meningioma who underwent MRI in our hospital from 2006 to 2022, including 108 with brain invasion, were retrospectively analyzed. Referring to the WHO Guidelines for the Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors (Fifth Edition 2021), 17 features were analyzed, with age, sex and meningioma MRI features as risk factors for evaluating WHO grade and brain invasion. The risk factors were identified through multivariable logistic regression analysis, and their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for predicting WHO grades and brain invasion were generated, and the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results Univariate analysis showed that sex, tumor size, lobulated sign, peritumoral edema, vascular flow void, bone invasion, tumor-brain interface, finger-like protrusion and mushroom sign were significant for diagnosing meningioma WHO grades, while these features and ADC value were significant for predicting brain invasion (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the lobulated sign, tumor-brain interface, finger-like protrusion, mushroom sign and bone invasion were independent risk factors for diagnosing meningioma WHO grades, while the above features, tumor size and ADC value were independent risk factors for diagnosing brain invasion (P < 0.05). The tumor-brain interface had the highest efficacy in evaluating WHO grade and brain invasion, with AUCs of 0.779 and 0.860, respectively. Combined, the variables had AUCs of 0.834 and 0.935 for determining WHO grade and brain invasion, respectively. Conclusion Preoperative MRI has excellent performance in diagnosing meningioma WHO grade and brain invasion, while the tumor-brain interface serves as a key factor. The preoperative MRI characteristics of meningioma can help predict WHO grade and brain invasion, thus facilitating complete lesion resection and improving patient prognosis.
Role of hospitals in recovery from COVID-19: Reflections from hospital managers and frontliners in the Eastern Mediterranean Region on strengthening hospital resilience

Background COVID-19 highlighted the critical role that hospitals play throughout the prolonged response and continuous recovery stages of the pandemic. Yet, there is limited evidence related to hospitals in the recovery stage, particularly capturing the perspectives of hospital managers and frontliners in resource-restrained and humanitarian settings. Objective This paper aims to capture the perspectives of hospital managers and frontliners across the Eastern Mediterranean Region on (1) the role of hospitals in recovering from COVID-19, (2) Hospitals' expectations from public health institutions to enable recovery from COVID-19, (3) the Evaluation of hospital resilience before and through COVID-19, and (4) lessons to strengthen hospital resilience throughout the COVID-19 recovery. Methods A multi-methods approach, triangulating a scoping review with qualitative findings from 64 semi-structured key-informant interviews and survey responses (n = 252), was used to gain a deeper context-specific understanding. Purposeful sampling with maximum diversity supported by snowballing was used and continued until reaching data saturation. Thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA and simple descriptive analysis using Microsoft Excel. Findings In recovering from COVID-19, hospital managers noted hospitals' role in health education, risk reduction, and services continuity and expected human resource management, financial and material resource mobilization, better leadership and coordination, and technical support through the provision of updated clinical evidence-based information from their public health institutions. Qualitative findings also indicated that hospital managers attributed considerable changes in hospitals' resilience capacities to the pandemic and suggested that strengthening hospitals' resilience required resilient staff, sustainable finance, and adaptive leadership and management. Conclusion Hospitals are the backbone of health systems and a main point of contact for communities during emergencies; strengthening their resilience throughout the various stages of recovery is critical. Hospitals cannot be resilient in silos but rather require an integrated-whole-of-society-approach, inclusive of communities and other health systems actors.
Measuring Non-cooperation in Dialogue

This paper introduces a novel method for measuring non-cooperation in dialogue. The key idea is that linguistic non-cooperation can be measured in terms of the extent to which dialogue participants deviate from conventions regarding the proper introduction and discharging of conversational obligations (e.g., the obligation to respond to a question). Previous work on non-cooperation has focused mainly on non-linguistic task-related non-cooperation or modelled non-cooperation in terms of special rules describing non-cooperative behaviours. In contrast, we start from rules for normal/correct dialogue behaviour – i.e., a dialogue game – which in principle can be derived from a corpus of cooperative dialogues, and provide a quantitative measure for the degree to which participants comply with these rules. We evaluated the model on a corpus of political interviews, with encouraging results. The model predicts accurately the degree of cooperation for one of the two dialogue game roles (interviewer) and also the relative cooperation for both roles (i.e., which interlocutor in the conversation was most cooperative). Being able to measure cooperation has applications in many areas from the analysis – manual, semi and fully automatic – of natural language interactions to human-like virtual personal assistants, tutoring agents, sophisticated dialogue systems, and role-playing virtual humans.
The Generation of Lyapunov Functions for Input-Output Stable Systems

This paper discusses the relationship between properties of input-output descriptions and state space models for dynamical systems. It is shown that a state space realization of an input-output stable dynamical system is globally asymptotically stable in the sense of Lyapunov if it is uniformly observable and if every state is reachable. This result is proved in the context of abstract dynamical systems and leads to the equivalence of input-output stability and asymptotic stability for uniformly controllable and uniformly observable linear finite-dimensional systems. The generation of Lyapunov functions is subsequently considered, and variational techniques for the construction of Lyapunov functions are presented. Passivity and related energy concepts are particularly exploited in this context. These results yield the Lyapunov functions used in the proofs of the circle criterion and the Popov criterion as particular cases. The generality of the approach, however, makes these ideas applicable to much more .
Effect of external feedback on lasing in random media

We have studied the effect of external feedback on random laser action in ZnO polycrystalline thin films. Reinjection of light into scattering-formed cavities strongly influences modes, intensity, and threshold of random lasers. We have compared the effect of external feedback from the side of the film and that from the film surface. Our study opens the possibility of controlling random laser frequencies by external feedback.
Development of the Pre-Service Teachers’ Mathematics Identity Instrument (P-STMI)

Background: The urgency of knowledge of mathematical identity is one of the reasons for the increasing numbers of research on mathematical identity. Knowing pre-service mathematics teachers' mathematical identity becomes essential and needs to be done using valid mathematical identity instruments. Mathematical identity instruments can reveal one's mathematical identity, contributing to learning and teaching mathematics. However, mathematical identity instruments have not been widely developed, especially for pre-service mathematics teachers. Objectives : This research aims to develop valid and reliable mathematical identity instruments for pre-service mathematics teachers. Design : This research used scale-development research using the DeVellis’ model. Setting and Participants : 196 pre-service mathematics teachers from 7 universities in Indonesia were involved in piloting the test. Data collection and analysis : The questionnaire instrument was distributed via google form and analysed for content validity, construct validity, and reliability. The data analysis used the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method to test the construct validity. Results : The Pre-Service Teachers' Mathematics Identity Instrument (P-STMI) contains 18 closed questions with five components. In addition, the instrument meets the criteria for content validity with a range between 0.79-1.00, meets construct validity, and the overall reliability value is 0.91. Conclusions : The P-STMI satisfies content validity, construct validity, and reliability. Therefore, the P-STMI is valid and reliable and can be used to see the mathematical identity of pre-service mathematics teachers.
Are Islamic Banks Affected by Conventional Bank Interest Rates? The Case of Turkiye

The purpose of this study is to reveal the empirical causal relationship between the variables that affect the profit rates distributed to deposits at participation banks. In this study, monthly data for the period 2002:M01-2022:M02 were used in order to reveal the variables affecting the profit share rates distributed to deposits by participation banks. In order to analyze the relationship between the variables, the Johansen cointegration test, impulse-response analysis were used within the framework of the VAR model, and the effect ratios of the variables were revealed with the var decomposition table. In addition, the causality relationship was discussed with the Toda-Yamamoto causality test. In the study, a model has been developed that reveals the variables that affect the change in the profit share rate of participation banks distributed to time deposits. In the analyzes made, it has been revealed that the interest rates of conventional banks are effective on the profit share rates of participation banks in accordance with the literature in the case of Turkiye. VAR Decomposition results; It shows that approximately 38.05% of the change in the profit share ratio of participation banks distributed to time deposits in the 10th period is explained by the interest rate given to 1-year maturity deposits of conventional banks operating in Turkiye.
Multidimensional nonlinear mirror‐mode structures in the Earth's magnetosheath

[1] We performed two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) hybrid simulations in open boundary models to study the nonlinear mirror-mode structures driven by the temperature anisotropy (T⊥/T∥> 1) of protons in the magnetosheath. In the open systems, because of the propagation of EMIC waves, we obtain the clearer non-propagating mirror-mode structures. We analyzed the relation between the mirror instability and the magnetic peaks and dips observed in the magnetosheath. In the 2D open boundary model with low beta (β∥ ≲ 1), we obtain fine structures of the magnetic dips at the nonlinear stage. In the 3D model, on the other hand, the mirror instability makes the magnetic peak structures with the same parameters. The parametric analysis indicates that the magnetic peaks also arise in both 2D and 3D high beta cases (β∥ ⪆ 1) as shown by the Cluster observations. In the high beta cases, the high mobility of the protons helps continuous coalescence of the diamagnetic currents inside the magnetic dips. The coalescence makes the magnetic dips larger and shallower. Between the large and shallow magnetic dips, the magnetic peaks appear in the high beta cases. In the 3D models, because degree of freedom increases in the perpendicular direction, the continuous coalescence can take place even in the low beta cases. Thus, the magnetic peaks appear in the 3D models in both cases.
Idealized Mesoscale Convective System Structure and Propagation Using Convective Parameterization

Abstract The development and propagation of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) was examined within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using the Kain–Fritsch (KF) cumulus parameterization scheme and a modified version of this scheme. Mechanisms that led to propagation in the parameterized MCS are evaluated and compared between the versions of the KF scheme. Sensitivity to the convective time step is identified and explored for its role in scheme behavior. The sensitivity of parameterized convection propagation to microphysical feedback and to the shape and magnitude of the convective heating profile is also explored. Each version of the KF scheme has a favored calling frequency that alters the scheme’s initiation frequency despite using the same convective trigger function. The authors propose that this behavior results in part from interaction with computational damping in WRF. A propagating convective system develops in simulations with both versions, but the typical flow structures are di.
Existence and Uniform Decay of Solutions of a Degenerate Equation with Nonlinear Boundary Damping

Abstract In this article we prove the existence, uniqueness, and uniform decay of solution to the mixed problem for degenerate equation with nonlinear boundary damping term. The existence is proved by means of the Faedo-Galerkin method, and the asymptotic behavior is obtained by making use of the multiplier technique combined with integral inequalities due to Komornik.
Growth mechanisms of highly mismatched AlSb on a Si substrate

We describe the growth mechanisms of highly mismatched (Δao∕ao=13%) defect-free AlSb on Si(001) substrates. Nucleation occurs during the first few monolayers of AlSb deposition by crystalline quantum dot formation. With continued growth, the islands coalesce into a bulk material with no vertically propagating defects. Strain energy from the AlSb∕Si interface is dissipated by crystallographic undulations in the zinc-blende lattice, as confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Reciprocal space analysis of the TEM images corroborates a crystallographic rotation associated with the undulations. The resulting AlSb material is >98% relaxed according to x-ray diffraction analysis.
Susceptibility scaling behavior of quantum paraelectric SrTiO 3 :Ca

Static scaling analysis of the paraelectric susceptibility ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ of ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}:\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}$ as a function of temperature T and an external electric field E yields a very good scaling behavior with consistent values of the effective exponents \ensuremath{\gamma}, \ensuremath{\delta}, and \ensuremath{\Delta}. Further exponents are also calculated. Using a quantum temperature scale, it is found that scaling behavior is also maintained in the extreme quantum regime.
Control of Mixed Platoons Consist of Automated and Manual Vehicles

Platooning has a great potential for improving highway traffic flow. Platooning research focuses on fully automated platoons. However, in the near future traffic will be mixed and will consist of automated and manually driven vehicles. This work introduces a new concept of mixed platoons, i.e., platoons consist of automated and manual vehicles. In a mixed platoon the automated vehicles are controlled as part of the mixed traffic, using global sight on traffic. This way the mixed traffic flow can be optimized using the automated vehicles. The mixed platoons control developed in this paper implements the same control components that are used for automated platoons, but modifies them to suit mixed traffic environment. That is, a new Information Flow Topology (IFT) and new Distributed Controller (DC) are developed for mixed platoons using $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ control methods. Subsequently, a string stability analysis for a mixed platoon is shown, demonstrates the feasibility and potential of mixed platoons.
Shocked molecular hydrogen in the bipolar outflow NGC 2071

Maps of the emission from the v = 1-0 S(1) line of molecular hydrogen in the bipolar outflow of NGC 2071 are presented. The line emission is shown to peak at six positions distributed irregularly along two lobes which are parallel to, but offset about 20 arcsec from, the lobes of the high-velocity CO-line emission. The energetics and composition of the high-velocity gas support a model in which the driving agent is a bipolar atomic wind which arises from the vicinity of the central IR sources and shocks the surrounding molecular cloud, evacuating a cavity within it.
Low-cost lateral force sensor based on a core-offset multimode fiber interferometer with intensity based interrogation technique

A novel lateral force sensor based on a core-offset multimode fiber interferometer with intensity-based interrogation technique is reported. An offset between the cores of the single-mode fiber and multimode fiber is made to produce high extinction ratio. When a lateral force is applied to a short section of the multimode fiber, the extinction ratio decreases with the interference phase almost unchanged. In addition to serving as a sensing head, the multimode fiber can also act as a filter to realize lateral force measurement by determining the power change from a power meter. Experimental results show that the power ratio change has a linear relationship with respect to the applied lateral force, and the resolution of the sensor configuration is about 0.01 N.
Onset voltage of positive glow corona in rod-plane gaps as influenced by temperature

The postulate put forward by Hermstein to account for the positive glow corona was widely accepted at first and later criticised. Loeb's alternative postulate has not been fully satisfactory. In this paper, a method is described for calculating the onset voltage of positive glow corona in rod-plane gaps in air at room and high temperatures. The method has a flavour of both the Hermstein and Loeb postulates, but is based on the physics of air discharges occurring in the ionisation zone around the stressed rod. The threshold voltage of onset streamers and their development at higher voltages are prerequisites for calculating the onset voltage of positive glow. The threshold and onset voltages increase with the gap spacing at room temperature and decrease with the increase of air temperature for the same gap geometry in conformity with previous findings. The calculated threshold voltage and repetition rate of onset streamers, in addition to the onset voltage of the positive glow agree reasonably with those measured experimentally.
Reconstruction of impact force on elastic structures by using direct Bayesian approach

Abstract In this work, reconstruction of pressure time signal rising during a non-punctual impact occurring on an elastic structure has been achieved through using direct Bayesian approach. This was performed by means of posterior distribution of probabilities integrating the likelihood and prior random information. In the case of a noisy linear system for which the densities of probabilities associated to the prior information and noise could be assumed to be Gaussians and mutually independent, a new algorithm consisting of two steps was proposed. The first step works like a Wiener filter action and enables to determine the input pressure mean, while the second step yields evaluations of variability of the input pressure signal around that mean. It was found that the proposed method achieved perfect reconstruction of the original pressure taken at the input of the system.