Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retarded Polarization Phenomena in BaTiO3 Crystals

Slow polarization phenomena in BaTiO3 c‐domain crystals were observed for applied electric fields smaller than 1 kv/cm. It is shown that the rate of change of polarization with time for small but constant fields implies the same phenomena observed for switching experiments performed at fields considerably larger than 1 kv/cm. No threshold field was found below which antiparallel nuclei would not propagate and complete the polarization reversal cycle.
Determining On‐Target, Off‐Target, and Copy Number Status of Transgenic Events After CRISPR/Cas9 Targeted AAVS1 Safe‐Harbor Modification of iPSCs Using Double‐Control Quantitative Copy Number PCR

Double‐control quantitative copy number PCR (dc‐qcnPCR) is a recently described tool that can be used to quantify donor DNA insertions in genetically modified monoclonal cell lines. In conjunction with an insert‐confirmation PCR, the technique can quickly and easily identify clones containing on‐target heterozygous or homozygous donor DNA integrations and exclude off‐target insertions. The genetic manipulation of immortal cell lines is a versatile tool to elucidate cellular signaling pathways and protein functions. Despite recent advances in the precision of genetic engineering tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, transcription‐activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), and zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs), it is still essential to verify the accurate insertion of the sequence of interest (donor DNA) into the targeted genomic DNA (gDNA) locus. This precise integration into a genetic safe harbor, and exclusion of the donor DNA from functionally relevant genes, can ensure normal cellular functionality. Current methods to analyze the specificity of donor DNA insertions either are cost‐prohibitive or create dependency on manufacturers for assay design and production. The dc‐qcnPCR method is a simple, yet powerful, approach that can be prepared and carried out in any laboratory equipped with standard molecular biology supplies. Here we provide step‐by‐step instructions to prepare and perform the dc‐qcnPCR, and its companion insert‐confirmation PCR, to determine donor DNA insertion numbers in monoclonal cell lines genetically modified through CRISPR/Cas9. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Relative contribution of neuromuscular activation, muscle size, and muscle quality to maximum strength output of the thigh muscles in young individuals

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maximal muscle strength and neuromuscular activation, muscle size, and quality of quadriceps (QF) and hamstring muscles (HM). The study included 24 young men and women. The neuromuscular activation parameter was recorded using a single‐channel surface electromyography (EMG) with the root mean square (RMS) during maximal isometric knee extension and flexion from four muscles: rectus femoris and vastus lateralis for QF; biceps femoris and semitendinosus for HM. In addition, the peak torque was measured during the same session. B‐mode ultrasonographic transverse images were obtained from the anterior, lateral, and posterior thighs. Furthermore, we calculated the muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) of the four muscles as indicators of muscle size and quality. The averaged MT, EI, and absolute RMS of QF were calculated by averaging the values of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, and that of HM was calculated by averaging the values of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus. The knee extension peak torque was correlated with EI (r = −0.61, P < 0.01) and RMS (r = 0.53, P < 0.01) in the QF. In contrast, the knee flexion peak torque was correlated with RMS (r = 0.53, P < 0.05) but not with MT and EI in HM. In addition, EI and RMS in QF, and RMS in HM were selected as the major determinants of muscle strength in the stepwise regression analysis. These results suggest that muscle strength is moderately associated with different factors related to the thigh muscles in young individuals.
A Statistical Model of Tropical Cyclone Tracks in the Western North Pacific with ENSO-Dependent Cyclogenesis

AbstractA new statistical model for western North Pacific Ocean tropical cyclone genesis and tracks is developed and applied to estimate regionally resolved tropical cyclone landfall rates along the coasts of the Asian mainland, Japan, and the Philippines. The model is constructed on International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) 1945–2007 historical data for the western North Pacific. The model is evaluated in several ways, including comparing the stochastic spread in simulated landfall rates with historic landfall rates. Although certain biases have been detected, overall the model performs well on the diagnostic tests, for example, reproducing well the geographic distribution of landfall rates. Western North Pacific cyclogenesis is influenced by El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This dependence is incorporated in the model’s genesis component to project the ENSO-genesis dependence onto landfall rates. There is a pronounced shift southeastward in cyclogenesis and a small but signi.
Expression patterns of NKCC1 in neurons and non-neuronal cells during cortico-hippocampal development

Abstract The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1 is widely expressed in cells within and outside the brain. However, our understanding of its roles in brain functions throughout development, as well as in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, has been severely hindered by the lack of reliable data on its developmental and (sub)cellular expression patterns. We provide here the first properly controlled analysis of NKCC1 protein expression in various cell types of the mouse brain using custom-made antibodies and an NKCC1 knock-out validated immunohistochemical procedure, with parallel data based on advanced mRNA approaches. NKCC1 protein and mRNA are expressed at remarkably high levels in oligodendrocytes. In immature neurons, NKCC1 protein was located in the somata, whereas in adult neurons, only NKCC1 mRNA could be clearly detected. NKCC1 immunoreactivity is also seen in microglia, astrocytes, developing pericytes, and in progenitor cells of the dentate gyrus. Finally, a differential expression of NKCC1 splice variants was observed, with NKCC1a predominating in non-neuronal cells and NKCC1b in neurons. Taken together, our data provide a cellular basis for understanding NKCC1 functions in the brain and enable the identification of major limitations and promises in the development of neuron-targeting NKCC1-blockers.
An analysis of contoured crystal resonators operating in overtones of coupled thickness shear and thickness twist

A previous treatment of overtone modes in trapped energy resonators is extended to the case of plates with slowly varying thickness. The resulting single scalar equation is applied in the analysis of plano‐convex contoured quartz crystal resonators, and a lumped parameter representation of the admittance, which is valid in the vicinity of a resonance, is obtained. The analysis holds for the fundamental and anharmonic overtones of the fundamental and each harmonic overtone thickness mode. The influence of piezoelectric stiffening, electrode mass loading, and electrical shorting is included in the analysis. No adjustable parameters are required in the theory. Although the basic piezoelectric differential equation employed here is quite different from the ones that have been employed in similar applications heretofore, the analysis accounting for the contouring has appeared in the literature. It is shown that calculations based on the analysis agree extremely well with experimental results obtained with cont.
Linear and Nonlinear Separation of Patterns by Linear Programming

A pattern separation problem is basically a problem of obtaining a criterion for distinguishing between the elements of two disjoint sets of patterns. The patterns are usually represented by points in a Euclidean space. One way to achieve separation is to construct a plane or a nonlinear surface such that one set of patterns lies on one side of the plane or the surface, and the other set of patterns on the other side. Recently, it has been shown that linear and ellipsoidal separation may be achieved by nonlinear programming. In this work it is shown that both linear and nonlinear separation may be achieved by linear programming.
X-ray, gamma-ray detector/imager by CdTe semiconductor and its applications

Photon counting type X-ray, gamma-ray detector and imager were developed by using CdTe compound semiconductor. The detector / imager could be applied for practical application and we tried to apply material identificated X-ray CT. The imager has photon energy discriminate function and high linearity between number of incident photons and output counts. It make high contrast image for X-ray penetration image and material identification in X-ray computed tomography (CT) measurement.
Polarization-resolved characterization of long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser parameters

A measurement of the parameters characterizing polarization behavior of a 1550 nm single transverse mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is presented from the analysis of CW high-resolution optical spectra. Current-induced polarization switching (PS) is observed in our device. A minimum in the absolute value of the effective dichroism is observed at the PS point. The value of the effective birefringence has a discontinuity at the current at which PS is observed. Birefringence oscillations with the bias current are also observed. PS characteristics are used for the extraction of the parameters describing the polarization behavior of the VCSEL. Obtained values of the spontaneous emission fraction and spin-flip rate are larger than those typically used in theoretical modeling of these devices.
DriveSafe DriveAware: A systematic review

Driving is an activity of daily living that significantly affects independence, and driving cessation is associated with poor health, lower quality of life, cognitive decline and early entry into care facilities. There is no consensus regarding the best off‐road tool to assess driving safety. Therefore, this review explored the diagnostic accuracy, reliability and clinical utility of DriveSafe DriveAware (DSDA) compared with an on‐road driving assessment.
On the Period of Out-of-step of Ordered Alloys with Anti-phase Domain Structure

The period of out-of-step of ordered alloys with anti-phase domain structure, measured in atomic distance, is generally not an integer, in spite of sharp splits of superlattice reflections. This fractional property of the period has theoretically been examined. The general treatment of this problem has shown that a regular and uniform arrangement of the different periods of anti-phase domains can explain the fractional value of the period, M . The results of numerical calculations in some models of arrangement have suggested, however, that complete regularity in arrangement is not always necessary but only uniformity is essential for the interpretation of the diffraction patterns.
Aortic valve fenestrations: Macroscopic assessment and functional anatomy study

Aortic valve fenestrations are defined as a loss of aortic valve leaflet tissue. They are a common but overlooked finding with unclear significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the varied functional anatomies of aortic valve fenestrations. A total of 400 formalin‐fixed autopsied human hearts were macroscopically assessed and the function of the aortic valve of 16 reanimated human hearts were imaged using Visible Heart® methodologies. Aortic valve leaflet fenestrations were present in 43.0% of autopsied hearts (in one leaflet in 24.0%, in two leaflets 16.0%, in all leaflets 3.0%). Fenestrations were mostly present in left (25.5%) followed by right (23.3%) and noncoronary leaflet (16.3%). In 93.8% of cases, the fenestrations form clusters and were mainly located at the free edge of the leaflet in the commissural area (95.4%). Hearts with aortic valve fenestrations had significantly larger aortic valve diameters and aortic valve areas (p < 0.001). The average surface area sizes of fenestrations were 23.8 ± 16.6 mm2, and the areas were largest for left followed by right and noncoronary leaflet fenestrations (p < 0.001). The fenestration areas positively correlated with donor age (r = 0.31; p = 0.02). Significant hypermobility and subjective weakening of the leaflet adhesion levels of the fenestrated regions were observed. In conclusion, fenestrations of the aortic leaflets are frequent, and their sizes may be significant. They occur in all age groups, yet their size increase with aging. Fragments of leaflets with fenestrations show different behaviors during the cardiac cycle versus unchanged areas.
Non--local macroscopic models based on Gaussian closures for the Spizer-Härm regime

The Spitzer-Harm regime arising in plasma physics leads asymptotically to a nonlinear diffusion equation for the electron temperature. In this work we propose a hierarchy of models intended to retain more features of the underlying modeling based on kinetic equations. These models are of non--local type. Nevertheless, owing to energy discretization they can lead to coupled systems of diffusion equations. We make the connection between the different models precise and bring out some mathematical properties of the models. A numerical scheme is designed for the approximate models, and simulations validate the proposed approach.
The role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in predicting lung metastasis in giant cell tumor of the extremities.

OBJECTIVE Inflammation has a vital role in tumor development and metastasis. Changes in blood count parameters have been associated with tumor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting lung metastasis of giant cell tumors of the bone (GCTB) of the extremities. PATIENTS AND METHODS 34 GCTB patients (22 males and 12 females) were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. The metastasis group (n = 7) included GCTB patients with lung metastasis, while the non-metastasis group (n = 27) included those without lung metastasis. Descriptive statistics and frequency distribution were calculated [age, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelets, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelets to lymphocytes ratio (PLR)]. Continuous normal variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and compared using Student's t-tests. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the ability of NLR and PLR to predict lung metastasis. The factors were considered to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the lymphocyte count (1.81 vs. 2.23 103/mm3), platelet count (436 vs. 364 103/mm3), and PLR values (247 vs. 190) of the two groups (p > 0.05). The WBC count (11.8 vs. 8.95 103/mm3), neutrophil count (8.78 vs. 5.69 103/mm3), and NLR levels (5.45 vs. 2.81) (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the metastasis group. The presence of an NLR cut-off value of 3.7 significantly predicted the existence of lung metastasis (AUC = 0.857 [95%CI = 0.714-1], p = 0.004) with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 82%. CONCLUSIONS NLR may serve as a promising prognostic marker for predicting lung metastasis in GCTB patients.
A remarkable adaptive paradigm of heart performance and protection emerges in response to marked cardiac-specific overexpression of ADCY8

Adult (3 month) mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of adenylyl cyclase (AC) type VIII (TGAC8) adapt to an increased cAMP-induced cardiac workload (~30% increases in heart rate, ejection fraction and cardiac output) for up to a year without signs of heart failure or excessive mortality. Here, we show classical cardiac hypertrophy markers were absent in TGAC8, and that total left ventricular (LV) mass was not increased: a reduced LV cavity volume in TGAC8 was encased by thicker LV walls harboring an increased number of small cardiac myocytes, and a network of small interstitial proliferative non-cardiac myocytes compared to wild type (WT) littermates; Protein synthesis, proteosome activity, and autophagy were enhanced in TGAC8 vs WT, and Nrf-2, Hsp90α, and ACC2 protein levels were increased. Despite increased energy demands in vivo LV ATP and phosphocreatine levels in TGAC8 did not differ from WT. Unbiased omics analyses identified more than 2,000 transcripts and proteins, comprising a broad array of biological processes across multiple cellular compartments, which differed by genotype; compared to WT, in TGAC8 there was a shift from fatty acid oxidation to aerobic glycolysis in the context of increased utilization of the pentose phosphate shunt and nucleotide synthesis. Thus, marked overexpression of AC8 engages complex, coordinate adaptation "circuity" that has evolved in mammalian cells to defend against stress that threatens health or life (elements of which have already been shown to be central to cardiac ischemic pre-conditioning and exercise endurance cardiac conditioning) that may be of biological significance to allow for proper healing in disease states such as infarction or failure of the heart.
High-throughput quantitative binding analysis of DNA aptamers using exonucleases

Abstract Aptamers are nucleic acid bioreceptors that have been used in various applications including medical diagnostics and as therapeutic agents. Identifying the most optimal aptamer for a particular application is very challenging. Here, we for the first time have developed a high-throughput method for accurately quantifying aptamer binding affinity, specificity, and cross-reactivity via the kinetics of aptamer digestion by exonucleases. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by isolating a set of new aptamers for fentanyl and its analogs, and then characterizing the binding properties of 655 aptamer–ligand pairs using our exonuclease digestion assay and validating the results with gold-standard methodologies. These data were used to select optimal aptamers for the development of new sensors that detect fentanyl and its analogs in different analytical contexts. Our approach dramatically accelerates the aptamer characterization process and streamlines sensor development, and if coupled with robotics, could enable high-throughput quantitative analysis of thousands of aptamer–ligand pairs.
Behavioural adjustment of children with intellectual disability and their sibling is associated with their sibling relationship quality

Abstract Background Understanding sibling relationship quality is important, as it is associated with mental health outcomes in both childhood and adulthood. Arguably, these relationships are even more important for individuals with intellectual disability, as siblings can be important sources of care, support, advocacy and friendship for one another. The intellectual disability field, however, has a tendency to assume that the relationship lacks reciprocity, and that it is the sibling with intellectual disability who affects the sibling, and that this effect is somehow ‘negative’. Methods We examined whether the behaviour problems and prosocial behaviour of 500 child sibling pairs, where one child has an intellectual disability, were associated with their sibling relationship quality. Measures included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires and the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire. Family poverty, the gender of both children, birth order and whether the child with intellectual disability had autism or Down syndrome were also included in the analyses. Results Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an adequate model fit for the latent variables measuring sibling relationships. The final structural model found that the prosocial behaviour and internalising problems of the children with intellectual disability, their typically developing siblings' prosocial behaviours and sibling birth order were associated with intimacy–companionship in the sibling relationship. The internalising, externalising and prosocial behaviours of the children with intellectual disability, their siblings' externalising behaviours and sibling birth order were associated with antagonism–quarrelling in the sibling relationship. Conclusions We found that the behaviours of both the child with intellectual disability and their sibling were associated with both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ dimensions of their sibling relationship. This indicates a bidirectional and reciprocal effect.
Grade estimation of chi-square divergence

For F1, F2 being distribution functions such that F2 is absolutely continuous w.r. t. F1 and F1 is continuous, the chi-square divergence between F2 and F1 equal to is considered. Its estimator based on the modified kernel estimate of the grade density g is introduced. Asymptotic normality of is established, asymptotic variance turns out to be larger than for the estimator of χ2 in the case when the i.i. d. sample from g is observable. Finally, choice of smoothing parameter is discussed based on calculation of the asymptotic mean square error for some approximation of χ2.
Overlapping Features of Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone Lymphoproliferative Disorder and Primary Cutaneous CD4+ Small/Medium T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoproliferative disorder (PCMZL) and primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (CD4+ TLPD) are indolent lymphoproliferative disorders. However, cases with overlapping features can be challenging. We identified 56 CD4+ TLPD and 38 PCMZL cases from our pathology archives. Clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features were reviewed. Polymerase chain reaction for immunoglobulin (IG) and T-cell receptor gamma (TRG) gene rearrangements were analyzed. Next-generation sequencing studies were performed on 26 cases with adequate material, 19 with CD4+ TLPD, and 7 with PCMZL. CD4+ TLPD presented mostly (91%) as solitary lesions, located in the head and neck area (64%), while PCMZL occurred mostly in the upper extremity (47%) and trunk (34%). Lesions were sometimes multiple (40%) and recurrences (67%) were more common. Cases of PCMZL had an increase in reactive CD3+ T cells, with frequent programmed cell death protein 1 expression, whereas cases of CD4+ TLPD often contained abundant reactive B cells. Twenty-five cases were identified as having overlapping features: 6 cases of PCMZL were clonal for both IG and TRG; 11 cases of CD4+ TLPD were clonal for IG and TRG and 6 cases of CD4+ TLPD had light chain–restricted plasma cells. By next-generation sequencing, 23 variants were detected in 15 genes, with PCMZL more likely to show alterations, most commonly affecting TNFAIP3 and FAS, altered in 5 cases. Both entities have an indolent clinical course with response to conservative therapy and management, and warrant interpretation as a lymphoproliferative disorder rather than overt lymphoma.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: Where we stand

For the last 20 years, therapy of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) relied—up until recently—on antibody based terminal complement inhibitionon. PNH pathophysiology—a mutational defect leading to partial or complete absence of complement‐regulatory proteins on blood cells—leads to intravascular hemolysis and consequences such as thrombosis and other sequelae. A plethora of new drugs interfering with the proximal and terminal complement cascade are under recent development and the first “proof‐of‐pinciple” proximal complement inhibitor targeting C3 has been approved in 2021. “PNH: where we stand” will try to give a brief account on where we came from and where we stand focusing on approved therapeutic options. The associated improvements as well as potential consequences of actual and future treatments as well as their impact on the disease will continue to necessitate academic and scientific focus on improving treatment options as well as on side effects and outcomes relevant to individual patient lives and circumstances in order to develop effective, safe, and available treatment for all hemolytic PNH patients globally.