Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selective α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligand as a Potential Tracer for Drug Addiction

α3β4 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been recognized as an emerging biomarker for the early detection of drug addiction. Herein, α3β4 nAChR ligands were designed and synthesized to improve the binding affinity and selectivity of two lead compounds, (S)-QND8 and (S)-T2, for the development of an α3β4 nAChR tracer. The structural modification was achieved by retaining the key features and expanding the molecular structure with a benzyloxy group to increase the lipophilicity for blood-brain barrier penetration and to extend the ligand-receptor interaction. The preserved key features are a fluorine atom for radiotracer development and a p-hydroxyl motif for ligand-receptor binding affinity. Four (R)- and (S)-quinuclidine-triazole (AK1-AK4) were synthesized and the binding affinity, together with selectivity to α3β4 nAChR subtype, were determined by competitive radioligand binding assay using [3H]epibatidine as a radioligand. Among all modified compounds, AK3 showed the highest binding affinity and selectivity to α3β4 nAChR with a Ki value of 3.18 nM, comparable to (S)-QND8 and (S)-T2 and 3069-fold higher affinity to α3β4 nAChR in comparison to α7 nAChR. The α3β4 nAChR selectivity of AK3 was considerably higher than those of (S)-QND8 (11.8-fold) and (S)-T2 (294-fold). AK3 was shown to be a promising α3β4 nAChR tracer for further development as a radiotracer for drug addiction.
Mathematical Modeling of Red Blood Cells Squeezing through Micro-capillaries and the Effect of Malaria Infection

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) when infected by Malaria Parasites have altogether a different set of structural, biochemical and biophysical properties. These changes have drastic effects on the flow of these oxygen carrying cells in our body. The change in the biophysical parameters like the stiffness of the membrane is obtained experimentally and is available in the literature. The motion of the RBCs has been observed under the infected conditions. The RBCs becoming spherocytic, develops finger-like structures on its membrane which are observed but could not be analyzed as measurement at such small scale is extremely difficult. Hence, a computational model to replicate such motion is very essential for knowing the biophysical phenomena at such small scale. To overcome this limitation, a model has been developed for RBCs in the present study to simulate their flow under different conditions with or without infection computationally. This model successfully predicts the phenomena occurring in the flow of the RBCs.
“Just Be White (JBW)”: Incels, Race and the Violence of Whiteness

Largely operating online, incels are predominantly male individuals who are frustrated by their involuntary celibacy—their inability to get a romantic or sexual partner. Their worldview is grounded in hostile sexism largely directed at women and shared contempt for mainstream dating standards and feminism. Some incels posit that they can undertake specific racially-defined actions (i.e., skin bleaching, lying about one's ethnicity, cosmetic surgery) to increase their access to women by appearing more white and, hence, more desirable. By thematically analyzing 10 online incel forums on the topic of race, this research identifies the role of race as a sustaining facilitator of networked misogyny and white supremacy. Despite these racialized efforts to appear more white, many incels conclude that these efforts to change themselves are largely ineffective in increasing their access to women. Seeing as over half of incels seek counseling and social work services, this research puts forth several implications for social workers supporting incel clients and highlights the importance of understanding the role that race plays in incel clients’ rhetoric—not only in reproducing racism, but also in provoking violence-sustaining affects (e.g., anger, disappointment, resentment) that generate a shared sense of betrayal and reinforce gender-based violence.
An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Using Observed Lightning to Improve Convective Lightning Forecasts

AbstractDynamic lightning forecasts [total and cloud to ground (CG)] were produced on a convection-allowing forecast grid with 4-km grid spacing with lightning assimilation (ASML) and without lightning assimilation [control (CNTL)]. A dynamic scheme produces time- and space-dependent potential electrical energy, which then converts this energy into lightning (e.g., number per hour per grid element). The assimilation scheme uses observed, gridded total lightning to determine how much water vapor is added at constant temperature in the mixed-phase region, leading to a convective response. ASML and CNTL lightning forecasts were compared to observed total and CG lightning. Four case studies—each representing a different type of convective regime—demonstrate that the spatial distribution and intensity of forecast lightning were improved when lightning assimilation was used. Over 3 days in March 2012, eight 18-h lightning forecasts quantified the advantages in forecast accuracy. Equitable threat scores for fore.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Outer membrane protein P2 (OmpP2) of Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis Isolates in Central State of Peninsular Malaysia

Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis, the etiological agent of Glässer’s disease, is an economically significant pathogen commonly associated with serofibrinous polyserositis, arthritis, fibrinous bronchopneumonia and/or meningitis. This study is the first attempt to molecularly characterize and provide a detailed overview of the genetic variants of G. parasuis present in Malaysia, in reference to its serotype, virulence-associated trimeric autotransporters (vtaA) gene and outer membrane protein P2 (OmpP2) gene. The G. parasuis isolates (n = 11) from clinically sick field samples collected from two major pig producing states (Selangor and Perak) were selected for analysis. Upon multiplex PCR, the majority of the isolates (eight out of 11) were identified to be serotype 5 or 12, and interestingly, serotypes 3, 8 and 15 were also detected, which had never been reported in Malaysia prior to this. Generally, virulent vtaA was detected for all isolates, except for one, which displayed a nonvirulent vtaA. A phylogenetic analysis of the OmpP2 gene revealed that the majority of Malaysian isolates were clustered into genotype 1, which could be further divided into Ia and Ib, while only one isolate was clustered into genotype 2.
A Review of Sustainable Use of Biogenic Nanoscale Agro-Materials to Enhance Stress Tolerance and Nutritional Value of Plants

Climate change is more likely to have a detrimental effect on the world’s productive assets. Several undesirable conditions and practices, including extreme temperature, drought, and uncontrolled use of agrochemicals, result in stresses that strain agriculture. In addition, nutritional inadequacies in food crops are wreaking havoc on human health, especially in rural regions of less developed countries. This could be because plants are unable to absorb the nutrients in conventional fertilizers, or these fertilizers have an inappropriate or unbalanced nutrient composition. Chemical fertilizers have been used for centuries and have considerably increased crop yields. However, they also disrupt soil quality and structure, eventually impacting the entire ecosystem. To address the situation, it is necessary to develop advanced materials that can release nutrients to targeted points in the plant-soil environment or appropriate receptors on the leaf in the case of foliar applications. Recently, nanotechnology-based interventions have been strongly encouraged to meet the world’s growing food demand and to promote food security in an environmentally friendly manner. Biological approaches for the synthesis of nanoscale agro-materials have become a promising area of research, with a wide range of product types such as nanopesticides, nanoinsecticides, nanoherbicides, nanobactericides/fungicides, bio-conjugated nanocomplexes, and nanoemulsions emerging therefrom. These materials are more sustainable and target-oriented than conventional agrochemicals. In this paper, we reviewed the literature on major abiotic and biotic stresses that are detrimental to plant growth and productivity. We comprehensively discussed the different forms of nanoscale agro-materials and provided an overview of biological approaches in nano-enabled strategies that can efficiently alleviate plant biotic and abiotic stresses while potentially enhancing the nutritional values of plants.
Some experiments on the condensation of water vapour at temperatures below 0°c

The study of the condensation of water vapour at temperatures below 0°C. has been continued in a laboratory investigation along lines similar to those pursued by Regener, Findeisen and Cwilong. An apparatus has been developed which allows for the ultramicroscopic observation of the behaviour of individual condensation nuclei when fogs are formed in a small volume of air subject to sudden cooling by expansion. An attempt has been made by the use of only small expansions to simulate as closely as possible the conditions of temperature and humidity prevailing in the atmosphere. Particular attention has been paid to the problems of distinguishing between water droplets and ice crystals and of determining the conditions necessary for the formation of the latter. The apparatus has been used to examine not only the nuclei normally present in outdoor air but also various artificially produced nuclei, in an attempt to throw some light on the physical properties which may influence their behaviour.
The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) Are Predictors of Insulin Resistance and Hyperandrogenaemia in Obesity/Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective Hyperandrogenaemia and insulin resistance (IR) are the main characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, we study to find appropriate markers predicting IR and hyperandrogenaemia of women with PCOS in northwest China. Methods According to body mass index (BMI), 953 patients with PCOS were divided into two groups. All the patients underwent physical examination and ultrasonography and collected elbow vein blood. Their BMI, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), LAP, VAI, homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated. Each group (normal weight and obesity/overweight) was further divided into two subgroups according to their HOMA-IR and FAI: the IR+ subgroup/IR- subgroup and FAI+ subgroup/FAI- subgroup. Furthermore, we compared the clinical indices, hormone levels, and metabolic makers separately between these groups. The correlations between these parameters and HOMA-IR or FAI were tested; sensitivity, specificity, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated. Results In the obesity/overweight group, the VAI (best cut-off value: 2.27, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.699) and LAP (best cut-off value: 45.54, AUC = 0.680) were sensitive predictors of IR (sensitivity = 72% and sensitivity = 67%). Additionally, the VAI (best cut-off value: 2.13, AUC = 0.624) and LAP (best cut-off value: 51.18, AUC = 0.582) were sensitive predictors of FAI (sensitivity = 87% and sensitivity = 64%). In the normal weight group, BMI could preferably predict HOMA-IR (AUC = 0.717, best cut-off value: 21.62) and HOMA-IR could preferably predict FAI (best cut-off value: 2.11, AUC = 0.648). Conclusion Our data indicated that the VAI and LAP may contribute to the early identification of IR and hyperandrogenaemia in the obesity/overweight patients of PCOS. In normal weight PCOS, BMI was a better predictor to IR, and HOWA-IR was a better predictor to FAI.
Characterization of Nanostructured Aluminum Sheets Processed by Accumulative Roll Bonding

An ultrafine grained (UFG) aluminum sheet was produced using severe plastic deformation (SPD) by a process known as accumulative roll bonding (ARB). Electron Back Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) method and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were utilized for characterization of the subgrain and grain structures of the processed sheets. The results indicate that different mechanisms at different levels of strain lead to the gradual evolution of ultrafine or nanocrystalline grains. Grain fragmentation as well as the development of subgrains are the major mechanisms at the early stages of ARB. Strain induced transformation of low angle to high angle grain boundaries and formation of a thin lamellar structure occur at the medium level of strain. Finally, the progressive fragmentation of these thin lamellar structures into more equi-axed grains is the dominant mechanism at relatively high strains which results in grain size reduction to submicron scale.
Analysis of a finite element method--PDE/PROTRAN

1. Partial Differential Equation Applications. - 1.1 Energy Minimization. - 1.2 Mass Balance. - 1.3 Force Balance. - 1.4 Resonance. - 1.5 PDE/PROTRAN. - 1.6 Exercises. - 2. Elliptic Problems-Forming the Algebraic Equations. - 2.1 The Galerkin Method. - 2.2 Lagrangian Isoparametric Triangular Elements. - 2.3 Numerical Integration. - 2.4 Triangulation Refinement and Grading. - 2.5 Exercises. - 3. Elliptic Problems-Solving the Algebraic Equations. - 3.1 The Newton-Raphson Method. - 3.2 The Band Solver. - 3.3 The Frontal Solver. - 3.4 The Lanczos Solver. - 3.5 Exercises. - 4. Parabolic Problems. - 4.1 The Time Discretization. - 4.2 Stability. - 4.3 Solving the Linear Equations. - 4.4 Exercises. - 5. Hyperbolic problems. - 5.1 First Order Transport Problems. - 5.2 Second Order Wave Problems. - 5.3 Exercises. - 6. Eigenvalue Problems. - 6.1 The Rayleigh-Ritz Approximation. - 6.2 The Inverse Power Method. - 6.3 Exercises. - Appendices. - 1. Lanczos Iteration Properties. - 2. The PROTRAN Preprocessor. - 3. PDE/PROTRAN Keywords. - 4. Postscript.
Curvature-based force estimation for an elastic tube

Abstract Contact force is one of the most significant feedback for robots to achieve accurate control and safe interaction with environment. For continuum robots, it is possible to estimate the contact force based on the feedback of robot shapes, which can address the difficulty of mounting dedicated force sensors on the continuum robot body with strict dimension constraints. In this paper, we use local curvatures to estimate the magnitude and location of single or multiple contact forces based on Cosserat rod theory. We validate the proposed method in a thin elastic tube and calculate the curvatures via Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors or image feedback. For the curvature feedback obtained from multicore FBG sensors, the overall force magnitude estimation error is $0.062 \pm 0.068$ N and the overall location estimation error is $3.51 \pm 2.60$ mm. For the curvature feedback obtained from image, the overall force magnitude estimation error is $0.049 \pm 0.048$ N and the overall location estimation error is $2.75 \pm 1.71$ mm. The results demonstrate that the curvature-based force estimation method is able to accurately estimate the contact force.
Maternal and Fetal Risk Factors for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Retrospective Study

Background Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) leads to different degree of neurological sequelae. The incidence of HIE is relatively high, and the risk factors associated with HIE are still controversial. It is necessary to identify the risk factors associated with HIE. Methods A total of 258 neonates (110 HIE patients and 148 controls) were enrolled in this study. The characteristics of pregnant women and fetuses during pregnancy and delivery were compared between HIE patients and controls, and the risk factors of HIE were analyzed. Results The proportions of premature infants, low-birth-weight infants and the levels of 1-minute Apgar score, 5-minute Apgar score in HIE group were significantly lower than those in control group, while the proportion of amniotic fluid contamination in the HIE group was significantly higher than those of the controls. When HIE was taken as the end point of 1-minute Apgar score, and 5-minute Apgar score, the cut-off value of 1-minute Apgar score was 3, and 5-minute Apgar score was 7 by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low birth weight (<2.5 kg) (OR 1.780, 95% CI: 0.124–25.463, P=0.016), amniotic fluid contamination (OR 3.223, 95% CI: 1.049–9.901, P=0.041), low 1-minute Apgar score (≤3) (OR 92.425, 95% CI: 15.522–550.343, P<0.001), and low 5-minute Apgar score (≤7) (OR 12.641, 95% CI: 2.894–55.227, P=0.001) may increase risk of HIE. In addition, amniotic fluid contamination, low 1-minute Apgar score (≤3), and low 5-minute Apgar score (≤7) may increase risk of HIE among newborns born to women without previous childbearing history, but not in newborns born to women with previous childbearing history. Conclusion Low birth weight (<2.5 kg), amniotic fluid contamination, low 1-minute Apgar score (≤3), and 5-minute Apgar score (≤7) may increase risk of HIE.
A systematic framework for predictive biomarkers in immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized the management of several life-threatening malignancies, often achieving durable sustained responses. The number of patients treated with this new class of cell-based therapy, along with the number of Food and Drug Association (FDA) approved indications, are growing significantly. Unfortunately Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) can often occur after treatment with CAR-T cells, and severe ICANS can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current standard treatments are mainly steroids and supportive care, highlighting the need for early identification. In the last several years, a range of predictive biomarkers have been proposed to distinguish patients at increased risk for developing ICANS. In this review, we discuss a systematic framework to organize potential predictive biomarkers that builds on our current understanding of ICANS.
Growth and characterization of low-temperature grown GaN with high Fe doping

We succeeded in growing highly Fe-doped GaN films by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy using an electron-cyclotron-resonance microwave nitrogen plasma. The substrate temperature was in the range of 380–520 °C. The samples were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, and showed hexagonal (wurtzite) or cubic (zincblende) structure or a mixture of both phases. The Fe concentration was on the order of 1019 cm−3 and extended x-ray absorption fine structure data show that the Fe is substituting the Ga in GaN. The magnetization measurements as a function of temperature reveal ferromagnetic properties below 100 K for the sample grown at the lowest temperature.
Low-loss latching microwave switch using thermally pulsed non-volatile chalcogenide phase change materials

A high performance RF (radio-frequency) switch based on the phase change effect in germanium-telluride (GeTe) is described. Thermal pulses applied to a separate independent thin film heating element for 0.1–1.5 μs toggles the switch in a latching fashion. Being non-volatile, no power is required to hold the switch in the on- or off-state. State-of-the-art solid-state RF switches currently in use have an on-state loss of 1 dB; here, we demonstrate an inline phase change switch with a low on-state resistance showing over a frequency range of 0-40 GHz an insertion loss of just 0.1–0.24 dB.
On the numerical integration of rigid body nonlinear dynamics in presence of parameters singularities

One of the main complexities in the simulation of the nonlinear dynamics of rigid bodies consists in describing properly the finite rotations that they may undergo. It is well known that, to avoid singularities in the representation of the SO(3) rotation group, at least four parameters must be used. However, it is computationally expensive to use a four-parameters representation since, as only three of the parameters are independent, one needs to introduce constraint equations in the model, leading to differential-algebraic equations instead of ordinary differential ones. Three-parameter representations are numerically more efficient. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to evaluate numerically the influence of the parametrization and its singularities on the simulation of the dynamics of a rigid body. This is done through the analysis of a heavy top with a fixed point, using two three-parameter systems, Euler's angles and rotation vector. Theoretical results were used to guide the numerical simulation and to assure that all possible cases were analyzed. The two parametrizations were compared using several integrators. The results show that Euler's angles lead to faster integration compared to the rotation vector. An Euler's angles singular case, where representation approaches a theoretical singular point, was analyzed in detail. It is shown that on the contrary of what may be expected, 1) the numerical integration is very efficient, even more than for any other case, and 2) in spite of the uncertainty on the Euler's angles themselves, the body motion is well represented.
Differential Loss of OAS Genes Indicates Diversification of Antiviral Immunity in Mammals

One of the main mechanisms of inducing an antiviral response depends on 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS), which sense double-stranded RNA in the cytoplasm and activate RNase L. Mutations leading to the loss of functional OAS1 and OAS2 genes have been identified as important modifiers of the human immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we performed comparative genomics to search for inactivating mutations of OAS genes in other species of mammals and to establish a model for the diversifying evolution of the OAS gene family. We found that a recombination of the OAS and OAS-like (OASL) loci has led to the loss of OAS2 in camelids, which also lack OAS3. Both paralogs of OASL and OAS3 are absent in Asian pangolins. An evolutionarily ancient OAS paralog, which we tentatively name OAS4, has been lost in pangolins, bats and humans. A previously unknown OAS gene, tentatively named OAS5, is present in Yangochiroptera, a suborder of bats. These differences in the OAS gene repertoire may affect innate immune responses to coronaviruses and other RNA viruses.
Robots in Inspection and Monitoring of Buildings and Infrastructure: A Systematic Review

Regular inspection and monitoring of buildings and infrastructure, that is collectively called the built environment in this paper, is critical. The built environment includes commercial and residential buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, and pipelines. Automation and robotics can aid in reducing errors and increasing the efficiency of inspection tasks. As a result, robotic inspection and monitoring of the built environment has become a significant research topic in recent years. This review paper presents an in-depth qualitative content analysis of 269 papers on the use of robots for the inspection and monitoring of buildings and infrastructure. The review found nine different types of robotic systems, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being the most common, followed by unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The study also found five different applications of robots in inspection and monitoring, namely, maintenance inspection, construction quality inspection, construction progress monitoring, as-built modeling, and safety inspection. Common research areas investigated by researchers include autonomous navigation, knowledge extraction, motion control systems, sensing, multi-robot collaboration, safety implications, and data transmission. The findings of this study provide insight into the recent research and developments in the field of robotic inspection and monitoring of the built environment and will benefit researchers, and construction and facility managers, in developing and implementing new robotic solutions.