Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polyunsaturated and Saturated Oxylipin Plasma Levels Allow Monitoring the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression to Severe Stages

Hepatic fat accumulation is the hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our aim was to determine the plasma levels of oxylipins, free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and markers of lipid peroxidation in patients with NAFLD in progressive stages of the pathology. Ninety 40–60-year-old adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were distributed in without, mild, moderate or severe NAFLD stages. The free PUFA and oxylipin plasma levels were determined by the UHPLC–MS/MS system. The plasma levels of oxylipins produced by cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450, such as prostaglandin 2α (PGF2α), lipoxinB4 and maresin-1, were higher in severe NAFLD patients, pointing to the coexistence of both inflammation and resolution processes. The plasma levels of the saturated oxylipins 16-hydroxyl-palmitate and 3-hydroxyl-myristate were also higher in the severe NAFLD patients, suggesting a dysregulation of oxidation of fatty acids. The plasma 12-hydroxyl-estearate (12HEST) levels in severe NAFLD were higher than in the other stages, indicating that the hydroxylation of saturated fatty acid produced by reactive oxygen species is more present in this severe stage of NAFLD. The plasma levels of 12HEST and PGF2α are potential candidate biomarkers for diagnosing NAFLD vs. non-NAFLD. In conclusion, the NAFLD progression can be monitored by measuring the plasma levels of free PUFA and oxylipins characterizing the different NAFLD stages or the absence of this disease in metabolic syndrome patients.
Efficacy of polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanorods against 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced oviduct and endometrial cancers in albino rats

ABSTRACT Polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanorods (PVP-capped AuNRs) are emerging as promising agents for cancer therapy. With the widespread utilization of nanoparticles, some is known about the therapeutic effect of PVP-capped AuNRs on oviduct and endometrium adenocarcinomas resulting from 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced carcinogenesis. Twenty-four female Wister albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were categorized into four groups: negative control, PVP-capped AuNRs positive control, DMBA-treatment and DMBA plus PVP-capped AuNRs. A fabrication method of PVP-capped AuNRs and their characterization was assessed using ultraviolet spectra (UV), ultrastructure analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ɳ). Morphometric assessments and the mortality rate after induction with DMBA carcinogenesis were recorded. The oviducts and uteri were dissected and subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. PVP-capped AuNRs treatment enhanced the histological features of the DMBA carcinogenesis-dependent oviduct and endometrium adenocarcinomas. In addition, there was a reduced immune reaction of caspase-3 and Ki-67 markers after the treatment, with PVP-capped AuNRs referring to its improvement effect. In conclusion, PVP-capped AuNRs showed therapeutic potential against oviduct and endometrium adenocarcinoma by reaching tumors via enhancing permeability and retention effect. The proposed methodology suggests that PVP-capped AuNRs target the site and the boundaries of cancer, opening new therapeutic options.
The Effects of Item Dirtiness on Disposal Decisions

Recycling programs have significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills, but recycling contamination rates have risen, reducing the environmental benefit of recycling collection. In this work, we investigate the prevalence of food-stained recyclable material contaminating recycling by evaluating disposal decisions of food-stained paper items. Consumers are more likely to contaminate recycling with food-stained items that have a low (vs. high) degree of dirtiness. We argue that consumers may dispose food-stained paper items into recycling out of a desire to avoid the anticipated negative feelings of not recycling. Consistent with this argument, we demonstrate that consumers with higher environmental values are less influenced by the degree of dirtiness of food-stained paper items and feel more negatively about not recycling food-stained paper items. We further demonstrate that disposal informational campaigns can reduce recycling contamination and increase composting by changing how consumers feel about recycling food-stained paper items.
Differences between Monolinguals and Bilinguals in Phonetic and Phonological Learning and the Connection with Auditory Sensory Memory

Bilingualism has been linked with improved function regarding certain aspects of linguistic processing, e.g., novel word acquisition and learning unfamiliar sound patterns. Two non mutually-exclusive approaches might explain these results. One is related to executive function, speculating that more effective learning is achieved through actively choosing relevant information while inhibiting potentially interfering information. While still controversial, executive function enhancements attributed to bilingual experience have been reported for decades. The other approach, understudied to date, emphasizes the role of sensory mechanisms, specifically auditory sensory memory. Bilinguals outperformed monolinguals in tasks involving auditory processing and episodic memory recall, but the questions whether (1) bilinguals’ auditory sensory memory skills are also enhanced, and (2) phonetic skill and auditory sensory memory are correlated, remain open, however. Our study is innovative in investigating phonetic learning skills and auditory sensory memory in the same speakers from two groups: monolinguals and early bilinguals. The participants were trained and tested on an artificial accent of English and their auditory sensory memory was assessed based on a digit span task. The results demonstrated that, compared to monolinguals, bilinguals exhibit enhanced auditory sensory memory and phonetic and phonological learning skill, and a correlation exists between them.
Data Synchronization in Vehicular Digital Twin Network: A Game Theoretic Approach

A fundamental issue of the vehicular digital twin (DT) is efficiently synchronizing the data between the DT and the vehicular user (VUE). In this paper, we consider the heterogeneous vehicular networks (HetVNets) in which a VUE can connect to the network through different networks. The HetVNets can improve the efficiency of communication by providing seamless connections. However, the uneven distribution of VUEs and the dynamics of HetVNets make the environment more complex. Therefore, we propose the network selection algorithm for data synchronization between VUEs and DTs in the HetVNets, where the behaviour between the VUEs is considered as a competition for wireless resources. A learning-based prediction model residing in the DT is developed where the DT can predict the waiting time of each relay and transmit the predicted results to the VUE for decision-making. We model the network selection problem as a potential game considering both the transmission time and the waiting time obtained from the prediction model and prove the existence of Nash equilibrium (NE). We analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm, and simulation results show that our approach can effectively find the optimal strategy while achieving a fast convergence speed and high-level performance compared to the baselines.
High bandwidth holographic imaging

Objective measurements of the morphology and dynamics of label-free cells and tissues can be achieved by quantitative phase. Modern quantitative optical imaging possesses a huge information capacity. But the bandwidth of quantitative phase imaging is technically limited in an interferometric setup, thereby constraining the throughput in label-free phase imaging. Firstly, we demonstrate a high-bandwidth holographic microscopy which exploits high-throughput label-free quantitative phase image. We introduce Kramers–Kronig relations to the off-axis multiplexing technology. Based the analyticity of band-limited signal under diffraction-limited system, the maximum space bandwidth utilization in single multiplexing hologram is increased to 78.5%. Secondly, by assisting with off-axis optimized initial phase in the phase retrieval, high-resolution and full-field reconstruction by exploiting the full bandwidth are demonstrated for complex-amplitude reconstruction. Off-axis optimization phase provides an effective initial guess to avoid stagnation and minimize the required measurements of multi-plane phase retrieval. Different tumor types and a variety of precursor lesions and pathologies can be visualized with label-free specimens.
Terahertz plasmonic Bessel beamformer

We experimentally demonstrate terahertz Bessel beamforming based on the concept of plasmonics. The proposed planar structure is made of concentric metallic grooves with a subwavelength spacing that couple to a point source to create tightly confined surface waves or spoof surface plasmon polaritons. Concentric scatterers periodically incorporated at a wavelength scale allow for launching the surface waves into free space to define a Bessel beam. The Bessel beam defined at 0.29 THz has been characterized through terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. This approach is capable of generating Bessel beams with planar structures as opposed to bulky axicon lenses and can be readily integrated with solid-state terahertz sources.
Inversely designed miniature light filtering structures with back-reflection minimization

On-chip silicon photonic filters acting as spectral shapers for the input spectrum are important in various applications including optical communication, computing, and spectroscopy sensing. We used the photonics inverse design framework, aided by the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, to obtain miniature and efficient filtering structures in the Silicon on Insulator (SOI) platform. These optical filters are less than 10 μm, or just a few wavelengths, in size along any dimension. The investigated structures demonstrate good light filtering characteristic, with various filter types and wavelength ranges. The performance of designed filters is comparable to widely-used mm-long Bragg grating filters, while being a tiny fraction of their size. We also study a class of filters to directly resolve the issue of removing back reflected light without using a circulator or adding a third port (as is generally done) using the optimization process. Our structures are expected to have a much wider range of applications than grating-type filters, primarily due to their miniature footprint, independence from external devices like circulators for back-reflection control, and greater tolerance to thermal effects. Our work also highlights the possibility of designing and fabricating photonic components as a next step, by inversely designing components that best match a given set of requirements instead of depending on general conventional devices.
Magnetizing Current Injection Based Push-Pull Dual Active Bridge Converter With Optimized Control to Achieve Full Load Range ZVS for the Distributed Generation System

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the distributed generation system is an approach worth investigating. With fewer switches, the push-pull circuits are suited for low-voltage and high-current applications, such as the distributed generation system. In this paper, a modified push-pull dual active bridge (PPDAB) dc-dc converter and its optimized control are proposed to achieve full load range zero voltage switching (ZVS). Considering the switch junction capacitors, the added current is injected by the magnetizing inductance to achieve full load range ZVS. Based on the RMS value of transformer current, the optimized control strategy is proposed to enhance the system efficiency with the precondition of achieving full load range ZVS of all switches. The working principles, ZVS region analysis, and design of key parameters are discussed in detail. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method for the PPDAB converter is verified by the results of a laboratory prototype.
Design, Synthesis, In Silico and POM Studies for the Identification of the Pharmacophore Sites of Benzylidene Derivatives

Due to the uneven distribution of glycosidase enzyme expression across bacteria and fungi, glycoside derivatives of antimicrobial compounds provide prospective and promising antimicrobial materials. Therefore, herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of six novel methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-glucopyranoside (MBG) derivatives (2–7). The structures were ascertained using spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Antimicrobial tests (zone of inhibition, MIC and MBC) were carried out to determine their ability to inhibit the growth of different Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded with compounds 4, 5, 6 and 7. The compounds with the most significant antifungal efficacy were 4, 5, 6 and 7. Based on the prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS), compounds 4 and 7 have promising antimicrobial capacity. Molecular docking studies focused on fungal and bacterial proteins where derivatives 3 and 6 exhibited strong binding affinities. The molecular dynamics study revealed that the complexes formed by these derivatives with the proteins L,D-transpeptidase Ykud and endoglucanase from Aspergillus niger remained stable, both over time and in physiological conditions. Structure–activity relationships, including in vitro and in silico results, revealed that the acyl chains [lauroyl-(CH3(CH2)10CO-), cinnamoyl-(C6H5CH=CHCO-)], in combination with sugar, were found to have the most potential against human and fungal pathogens. Synthetic, antimicrobial and pharmacokinetic studies revealed that MBG derivatives have good potential for antimicrobial activity, developing a therapeutic target for bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, the Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) study clearly indicated the presence of an important (O1δ−----O2δ−) antifungal pharmacophore site. This site can also be explored as a potential antiviral moiety.
The relationship between self-regulated learning, mindful agency, and psychological resilience in Chinese master of nursing specialists: A cross-sectional study

Background Self-regulated learning helps to improve academic performance and is an important strategy for the sustainable development of Master of Nursing Specialists. Consequently, it is relevant to identify the factors that affect self-regulated learning and analyze the correlation between them. Objective This study examined the status quo of self-regulated learning, the relationship between self-regulated learning, mindful agency, and psychological resilience, and explored whether mindful agency and psychological resilience influence self-regulation learning. Methods Chinese Master of Nursing Specialists were recruited to participate in an online survey from March to November 2022. Self-regulated learning, mindful agency, and psychological resilience were measured using three questionnaires, including the Self-Regulated Learning Scale for Clinical Nursing Practice Scale (SRLS-CNP), the Mindful Agency Scale, and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS26.0. The statistical methods included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression. Results Self-regulated learning of Chinese Master of Nursing Specialists was medium level (59.24 ± 9.33 scores). Mindful agency and psychological resilience were positively correlated with self-regulated learning (p < 0.01) and important predictors of self-regulated learning of Master of Nursing Specialists, explaining 44.6% of the variation. Conclusion Mindful agency and psychological resilience affected the self-regulated learning level of Master of Nursing Specialists in clinical practice. These results will enable clinical educators to pay more attention to the personal psychological factors of Master of Nursing Specialists to improve their self-regulated learning ability through mindful agency and psychological resilience.
On the construction of balanced repeated measurements designs with good circular properties

Several fields, such as biological, medical, public health, agricultural sciences, etc., require circular balanced repeated measurement designs with fewer unequal number of repeated measurements than the number of treatments. Also, the availability and high cost of experimental subjects in these fields prefer the design in fewer experimental units. However, balancing the carryover effects of the treatments in minimal experimental subjects is one of the problems in this case. In this paper, several new series of minimal circular nearly strongly balanced RMDs in periods of two and three different sizes are constructed. The proposed construction of designs has high efficiency and, therefore, can save the cost of experimentations due to a fewer experimental subjects. Most of the designs are very useful because of the unavailability of strongly balanced RMDs for these combinations of parameters. A list of sets of shifts for the construction of minimal circular nearly SBRMDs has also been mentioned in the Appendix.
Latency of breast cancer stigma during survivorship and its influencing factors: A qualitative study

Introduction Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment have been shown in studies to have a negative impact on patients’ physical, psychological, and social well-being, as well as overall quality of life. Psychologically, it’s linked to sadness, anxiety, and demoralisation. Stigma contributes to the hidden burden of breast cancer as a chronic illness. Research on the elements that breast cancer survivors encounter as influences on stigma associated to the disease is lacking. Based on the lived experiences of breast cancer survivors, this study sought to investigate the factors that lead to the manifestations of both self- and public breast cancer stigma. Methods Individual semi-structured interviews with 24 patients diagnosed with breast cancer were performed, followed by five focus groups with 25 patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Interviews were verbatim transcribed and analysed using thematic framework analysis. Results Two major themes have emerged from the data: a) Breast cancer stigma among breast cancer survivors, highlighting the various manifestations of stigma and the variables that influence them; including disease-related factors, patients’ views of cancer, public perceptions of breast cancer, family and interpersonal dynamics, and b) Stigma resilience and empowerment, emphasising the necessity of sociocultural transformation and coping strategies to preserve resilience. Conclusions To improve the well-being of breast cancer survivors, practitioners and health policymakers should be aware of the breast cancer stigma that underpins patients’ emotional and behavioural outlooks and its potential consequences on patients’ quality of life. They need to develop interventions to address the different stages of cancer stigma taking into consideration sociocultural influences, norms, and beliefs.
Study on Using Correlation to Detect Phase Difference in Coriolis Flow Meter

An improved algorithm of using correlation to detect phase difference in Coriolis flow meter is described.It is based on the traditional way of using correlation to detect the phase difference in Coriolis flow meter.The new algorithm can overcome the frequency varying in Coriolis flow meter and reduce the error induced from non-period sampling.
BGTracker: Cross-Task Bidirectional Guidance Strategy for Multiple Object Tracking

Recent works have shown that the joint-detection-and-embedding (JDE) paradigm has significantly enhanced the performance of multiple object tracking by simultaneously learning detection and re-identification features. These methods always utilize a weight-shared backbone network and two non-interactive branches for different tasks. This non-interactive multi-task learning strategy cannot make full use of geometric and semantic information between detection and re-identification tasks. And in the JDE paradigm, there exists a feature misalignment between detection and re-identification due to their different optimization directions. In this article, BGTracker is proposed as a novel online tracking framework with a cross-task bidirectional guidance strategy between detection and re-identification. Firstly, we propose a Channel-based Decoupling module and Cross-direction Transformer to alleviate feature misalignment, which can obtain task-aligned embeddings and discriminative representations at the feature level. Then, we propose the bidirectional guidance strategy to link the two tasks by the prediction map's statistical information. In this strategy, two designed feature transformations are employed to utilize the advantages of each task for complementing each other at the task level. Finally, extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed BGTracker outperforms various existing methods on the MOTChallenge benchmarks.
Heterotopic Mineralization of the Medial Collateral Ligament: Our Experience Treating Two Cases of Calcific Versus Ossific Lesions With Ultrasonic Vacuum Debridement

Chronic injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is common following an acute knee injury. This case report presents two patients that failed to respond to conservative treatment with clinical evidence of an MCL injury and radiographic finding of a benign-appearing soft tissue lesion in the MCL. Calcified or ossified lesions have been described with chronic MCL injuries. Ossification and calcification of the MCL have been observed as potential causes of chronic MCL pain. Here, we detail the distinction between these two distinct intra-ligamentous heterotopic deposits and describe a novel treatment approach using ultrasonic percutaneous debridement, a technique that is typically reserved for tendinopathies. In both cases, pain improved, and they were able to return to their prior level of function.
Super-resolution in confocal scanning microscopy

In a previous paper, (Bertero et al., Opt. Acta. vol.3., p.923 (1984)), it was shown that the resolution of the type-II confocal scanning microscope may be improved by recording the full image and by inverting the data. In this paper, the authors propose a numerical method which can be easily implemented and, in principle, applied to the practical problem. They show that by using a rather small number of data points on the image plane, it is possible to obtain the improvement in resolution (by a factor of two) predicted in their previous analysis.
Influence of diffraction coefficient and corner shape on ray prediction of power and delay spread in urban microcells

For a low base-station (BS) antenna located on one street, signals propagate into crossing and parallel streets by reflection and diffraction at corners of buildings. Therefore, in order to accurately predict the received signals, it is necessary to properly model the diffraction coefficient at the building edge and to accurately represent the shape and the electrical properties of the building near the corner. This paper compares ray-tracing predictions to measurements of received power and root mean square (rms) delay spread and shows the need for a diffraction coefficient having larger values than suggested by the commonly used heuristic diffraction coefficient. A new heuristic diffraction coefficient is proposed that has higher diffracted field strength in the deep shadow region and in the region between the two shadow boundaries. The proposed diffraction coefficient shows better agreement with measurements of both received power and delay spread compared to the commonly used heuristic diffraction coefficient. The influence of building shape near the corner and its electrical properties on the ray-tracing predictions are also presented. The shape is shown to have an important role in accurately predicting both received power and delay spread.