Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analytical SPECT reconstruction algorithm for helical cone-beam geometry using ray-driven technology

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides functional information of the interested organs. Such information is very helpful in the early detection of diseases. However, the resolution of SPECT is low. The cone-beam SPECT reconstruction can improve the photon density and spatial resolution of the reconstructed image. In practice, because of the data sufficiency and scanning efficiency, helical cone-beam geometry is preferred. The iterative helical cone-beam reconstruction is time-consuming; the analytical methods are considerably faster and more efficient in clinic. Due to the attenuation of gamma photons, the analytical SPECT reconstruction problem is more complicated. Attenuation should be compensated for to obtain quantitative results. In this paper, based on the Novikov's reconstruction formula and our Ray-driven Technology, we present an analytical SPECT reconstruction algorithm for helical cone-beam geometry using Ray-driven Technology. The simulation results demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of our method.
Comment: method games—a proposal for assessing and learning about methods

Eliason, Scott R. and Robin Stryker. 2009. “Goodness-of-fit Tests and Descriptive Measures in Fuzzy-set Analysis. ” Sociological Methods and Research 38(1):102–46. Raftery, Adrian E. 1995. “Bayesian Model Selection in Social Research. ” Pp. 111–63 in Sociological Methodology, vol. 25, edited by Peter V. Marsden. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell. Ragin, Charles C. 2008. Redesigning Social Inquiry: Fuzzy Sets and Beyond. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Vaisey, Stephen. 2007. “Structure, Culture, and Community: The Search for Belonging in 50 Urban Communes. ” American Sociological Review 72(6):851–73. Vaisey, Stephen. 2009. “QCA 3.0: The ‘Ragin Revolution’ Continues. ” Contemporary Sociology 38(4):308–12.
On the ephemeris of the eclipsing polar HU Aquarii

The magnetic cataclysmic variable HU Aquarii displayed pronounced quasi-periodic modulations of its eclipse timing. These were interpreted in terms of the light-travel time (LTT) effect caused by a circumbinary planet or planetary system. We report new photometric observations that revealed another precise eclipse timing for the October 2013 epoch, the first obtained in a high accretion state after many years in low or intermediate states. The eclipse was observed to occur earlier by 95.3 +- 2.0 s or 62.8 +- 2.0 s than expected for an assumed linear or quadratic ephemeris, respectively. The implied apparent strong evolution of the orbital period calls for a revision of the current planetary model or the planetary parameters. The object deserves further monitoring to uncover the true nature of the observed variability and to constrain the properties of the proposed planet or planetary system. The new observations prove that advanced amateur equipment can successfully be used in the growing field of planet search in wide circumbinary orbits via the LTT effect.
Numerical Solution of Initial Boundary Value Problems Involving Maxwell’s Equations in Isotropic Media

and T. T. \Vu, “Radiation condition for a mag- netoionic medium. ” to be Dublished. examined. Kumerical results of the surface wave characteristics are given for one typical case. Abstracf-Maxwell’s equations are replaced by a set of finite difEerence equations. It is shown that if one chooses the field points appropriately, the set of finite difference equations is applicable for a boundary condition involving perfectly conducting surfaces. An example is given of the scattering of an electromagnetic pulse by a perfectly conducting cylinder.
Glycine Dissolution Behavior under Forced Convection

The integration of a flow-through cell into a Mach–Zehnder interferometer offers the possibility to study the dissolution of crystals in detail. The influence of flow on the displacement velocity of a specific crystal facet and the distribution of the solute concentration around the crystal are measured simultaneously in a time-resolved manner. The disintegration from the crystal surface and the mass transfer into the solvent can be separated. We aim to establish an in vitro experiment that improves the quality of prediction for the bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In the presented feasibility study, glycine was used as a model substance. It was successfully demonstrated that the set-up is suitable for observing disintegration and mass transfer separately. The description of the dissolution rate in terms of the Sherwood number as a function of Reynolds, Schmidt and Grashof numbers clearly shows that with increasing flow rate there is a transition from natural to forced convection as the dominant mass transfer mechanism. Temporal and spatial resolved concentration fields visualize the convective mass transfer and also show the influence of convection on the diffusive boundary layer. No limitation of the dissolution by surface disintegration could be found in the examined range of flow rates.
Modelling, simulation, and inferring regulatory networks

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Detection of ATXN2 Expansions in an Exome Dataset: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Parkinsonism

CAG‐repeat expansions in Ataxin 2 (ATXN2) are known to cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), but CAA interrupted expansions may also result in autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (AD PD). However, because of technical limitations, such expansions are not explored in whole exome sequencing (WES) data.
Leg Ulcers in Sickle Cell Disease: A Multifactorial Analysis Highlights the Hemolytic Profile

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by the presence of the variant S hemoglobin (HbS). The homozygous genotype (HbSS) is sickle cell anemia (SCA), while the double heterozygous of HbS and HbC (HbSC) is defined as SC hemoglobinopathy. The pathophysiology is based on chronic hemolysis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and vaso-occlusion, which results in vasculopathy and serious clinical manifestations. Sickle leg ulcers (SLUs) are cutaneous lesions around the malleoli frequent in 20% of Brazilian patients with SCD. SLUs present a variable clinical and laboratory pattern modulated by several characteristics that are not fully understood. Hence, this study aimed to investigate laboratory biomarkers and genetic and clinical parameters associated with the development of SLUs. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 69 SCD patients, 52 without SLU (SLU−) and 17 with active or previous SLU history (SLU+). The results showed a higher incidence of SLU in SCA patients and there was no observed association of α-3.7 Kb thalassemia in SLU occurrence. Alterations in NO metabolism and hemolysis were associated with clinical evolution and severity of SLU, in addition to hemolysis modulating the etiology and recurrence of SLU. Our multifactorial analyses demonstrate and extend the role of hemolysis driving the pathophysiological mechanism of SLU.
Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes among Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Communities: Community Partners’ and Residents’ Perspectives

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, yet rates of COVID-19 vaccination remain low among these groups. A qualitative study was undertaken to better understand the factors contributing to low vaccine acceptance among these communities. Seventeen focus groups were conducted in English and Spanish from 8/21 to 9/22, with representatives from five critical community sectors: (1) public health departments (n = 1); (2) Federally Qualified Health Centers (n = 2); (3) community-based organizations (n = 1); (4) faith-based organizations (n = 2); and (5) BIPOC residents in six high-risk, underserved communities in metropolitan Houston (n = 11), for a total of 79 participants, comprising 22 community partners and 57 community residents. A social-ecological model and anti-racism framework were adopted to guide data analysis using thematic analysis and constant comparison, which yielded five key themes: (1) legacy of structural racism: distrust and threat; (2) media misinformation: mass and social; (3) listening and adapting to community needs; (4) evolving attitudes towards vaccination; and (5) understanding alternative health belief systems. Although structural racism was a key driver of vaccine uptake, a notable finding indicated community residents’ vaccine attitudes can be changed once they are confident of the protective benefits of vaccination. Study recommendations include adopting an explicitly anti-racist lens to: (1) listen to community members’ needs and concerns, acknowledge their justified institutional distrust concerning vaccines, and learn community members’ healthcare priorities to inform initiatives built on local data; (2) address misinformation via culturally informed, consistent messaging tailored to communal concerns and delivered by trusted local leaders through multimodal community forums; (3) take vaccines to where people live through pop-up clinics, churches, and community centers for distribution via trusted community members, with educational campaigns tailored to the needs of distinct communities; (4) establish vaccine equity task forces to continue developing sustainable policies, structures, programs and practices to address the structural issues driving vaccine and health inequities within BIPOC communities; and (5) continue investing in an effective infrastructure for healthcare education and delivery, essential for competently responding to the ongoing healthcare and other emergency crises that impact BIPOC communities to achieve racial justice and health equity in the US. Findings underscore the crucial need to provide culturally tailored health education and vaccination initiatives, focused on cultural humility, bidirectionality, and mutual respect to support vaccine re-evaluation.
Weak ergodicity in non-homogeneous Markov chains

ABSTRACT The paper deals with weak ergodicity, i.e. the tendency for a chain to ‘forget’ the distant past. This may occur in non-homogeneous chains even if the probabilities of being in a given state do not tend to a limit as the number of trials increases. Investigation of the general conditions of weak ergodicity leads to the definition of a special subclass of regular matrices. Conditions for chains involving regular matrices are also given (§§2,3). Section 4 discusses similarities in asymptotic behaviour between chains whose transition matrices differ only by small amounts.
Stage-Related Neurotoxicity of BPA in the Development of Zebrafish Embryos

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. BPA is easily migrated from the outer packaging to the contents. Due to the lipophilic property, BPA is easily accumulated in organisms. Perinatal low-dose BPA exposure alters brain neural development in later generations. In this study, after BPA treatment, the spontaneous movement of zebrafish larvae from the cleavage period to the segmentation period (1–24 hpf) was significantly decreased, with speed decreasing by 18.97% and distance decreasing between 18.4 and 29.7% compared to controls. Transcriptomics analysis showed that 131 genes were significantly differentially expressed in the exposed group during the 1–24 hpf period, among which 39 genes were significantly upregulated and 92 genes were significantly downregulated. The GO enrichment analysis, gene function analysis and real-time quantitative PCR of differentially expressed genes showed that the mRNA level of guanine deaminase (cypin) decreased significantly in the 1–24 hpf period. Moreover, during the 1–24 hpf period, BPA exposure reduced guanine deaminase activity. Therefore, we confirmed that cypin is a key sensitive gene for BPA during this period. Finally, the cypin mRNA microinjection verified that the cypin level of zebrafish larvae was restored, leading to the restoration of the locomotor activity. Taken together, the current results show that the sensitive period of BPA to zebrafish embryos is from the cleavage period to the segmentation period (1–24 hpf), and cypin is a potential target for BPA-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity. This study provides a potential sensitive period and a potential target for the deep understanding of neurodevelopmental toxicity mechanisms caused by BPA.
Kinematical measurement of hydraulic tortuosity of fluid flow in porous media

It is hard to experimentally or analytically derive the hydraulic tortuosity (τ) of porous media flow because of their complex microstructures. In this work, we propose a kinematical measurement method for τ by introducing the concept of local tortuosity, which is defined as the ratio of fluid particle velocity to its component along the macro flow. And then, the calculation model of τ is analytically deduced in terms of that τ is the mean value of the local tortuosity. To avoid the impact from the singularity of local tortuosity, the velocity is normalized, and τ is then approximated by the ratio of the mean normalized velocity to the average value of its component along the macro-flow direction. The new estimation method is verified by flow through different types of porous media via the lattice Boltzmann method, and the relationships between permeabilities and tortuosities obtained by different methods are examined. The numerical results show that tortuosity by the novel approach is in good agreement with the existing theory, and the kinematic definition of hydraulic tortuosity is also proven.
Crystal-Originated Singularities on Si Wafer Surface after SC1 Cleaning

It is clarified that a new type of singularity is formed on Si wafer surface by the Standard Cleaning 1 (SC1) of the RCA cleaning process. Such singularities are perceived by laser particle counters as small particles on wafers. It is shown that the singularities correspond to small shallow pits caused by the etching effect of the SC1 cleaning solution. The origin of the pits is presumed to be some kind of defect in the melt-grown crystals.
Tunable chromatic dispersion compensation using chirp control based on XPM in a SOA

We demonstrate a tunable chromatic dispersion (CD) compensation technique using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and a coil of dispersion compensation fiber (DCF). Based on cross-phase modulation (XPM) in the SOA, the transient chirp of the received signal can be adjusted by tuning the drive current of the SOA and the power of clock pulse. In this way, a 10-Gbit/s tunable CD compensation setup, ranging from -40ps/nm to 60ps/nm, is realized without changing the length of the DCF.
Critical Voltage of π-Cell Liquid Crystal Displays

The critical voltage is investigated theoretically for π-cell with arbitrary pretilt angle. Our results show that the analytical critical voltage decreases as the pretilt angle increases, which is consistent with the numerical and experimental data. We also find that the critical voltage is dependent on the pretilt angle and the splay and bend elastic parameters of liquid crystal material, but independent on the cell gap.
Dexmedetomidine Protects against Airway Inflammation and Airway Remodeling in a Murine Model of Chronic Asthma through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Asthma is a common respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a highly selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, has been shown to participate in regulating inflammatory states and thus exert organ protective actions. However, the potential of DEX in asthma is still unknown. This study is aimed at investigating the role of DEX in a mouse model of house dust mite- (HDM-) induced asthma and exploring its underlying mechanism. Here, we found that DEX treatment significantly ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and airway remodeling in the asthmatic mice, which were similar to the efficacy of the reference anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. In addition, DEX reversed the increased expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its downstream signaling adaptor molecule nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice. Furthermore, these protective effects of DEX were abolished by yohimbine, an α2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. These results indicate that DEX is capable of ameliorating airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice, and this protective effect is associated with the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Electric field dependence of charge carrier hopping transport within the random energy landscape in an organic field effect transistor

I. I. Fishchuk,1 A. Kadashchuk,2,3,* Mujeeb Ullah,4 H. Sitter,4 A. Pivrikas,5 J. Genoe,2 and H. Bässler6 1Institute for Nuclear Research, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03680 Kyiv, Ukraine 2IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium 3Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03028 Kyiv, Ukraine 4Institute of Semiconductor & Solid State Physics, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, A-4040 Linz, Austria 5Linz Institute of Organic Solar Cells (LIOS), Johannes Kepler University of Linz, A-4040 Linz, Austria 6Universität Bayreuth, Lehrstuhl Experimentalphysik II, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany (Received 29 March 2011; revised manuscript received 8 February 2012; published 19 July 2012)
A pilot study exploring the association of bronchial bacterial microbiota and recurrent wheezing in infants with atopy

Background Differences in bronchial microbiota composition have been found to be associated with asthma; however, it is still unclear whether these findings can be applied to recurrent wheezing in infants especially with aeroallergen sensitization. Objectives To determine the pathogenesis of atopic wheezing in infants and to identify diagnostic biomarkers, we analyzed the bronchial bacterial microbiota of infants with recurrent wheezing and with or without atopic diseases using a systems biology approach. Methods Bacterial communities in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 15 atopic wheezing infants, 15 non-atopic wheezing infants, and 18 foreign body aspiration control infants were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacterial composition and community-level functions inferred from between-group differences from sequence profiles were analyzed. Results Both α- and β-diversity differed significantly between the groups. Compared to non-atopic wheezing infants, atopic wheezing infants showed a significantly higher abundance in two phyla (Deinococcota and unidentified bacteria) and one genus (Haemophilus) and a significantly lower abundance in one phylum (Actinobacteria). The random forest predictive model of 10 genera based on OTU-based features suggested that airway microbiota has diagnostic value for distinguishing atopic wheezing infants from non-atopic wheezing infants. PICRUSt2 based on KEGG hierarchy (level 3) revealed that atopic wheezing-associated differences in predicted bacterial functions included cytoskeleton proteins, glutamatergic synapses, and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways. Conclusion The differential candidate biomarkers identified by microbiome analysis in our work may have reference value for the diagnosis of wheezing in infants with atopy. To confirm that, airway microbiome combined with metabolomics analysis should be further investigated in the future.
Implementing Tests with Correct Size in the Simultaneous Equation Model

In this paper, we propose a fix to the size distortions of tests for structural parameters in the simultaneous equations model by computing critical value functions based on the conditional distribution of test statistics. The conditional tests can then be used to construct informative confidence regions for the structural parameter with correct coverage probability. Commands to implement these tests in Stata are also introduced. Copyright 2003 by Stata Corporation.
Magic Wavelengths for a Lattice Trapped Rubidium Four-Level Active Optical Clock

After being pumped from the 5s1/2 ground state to the 6p1/2 state, the population inversion between 6s1/2 and 5p1/2,3/2 can be established for a rubidium four-level active optical clock. We calculate the ac Stark shift due to lattice trapping laser which dominates the frequency shift of clock transition in a lattice trapped rubidium four-level active optical clock. Several magic wavelengths are found, which can form desired optical lattice trapping potential. By choosing a proper intensity and linewidth of the trapping laser, the fractional frequency uncertainty of clock transition due to the ac Stark shift of the trapping laser, is estimated to be below 10−18.
High precision characterization of SAW materials and devices

Three original methods, developed and used for the characterization of SAW materials and devices, are presented: an electric scanning force microscope, a laser induced SAW pulse propagation method, and an optical glass fibre interferometer. The electric scanning force microscope enables to map dielectric and piezoelectric properties in nanoscale. Two examples of its use in developing SAW thin film solutions are shown: PZT layers on Si and laser deposited LiNbO/sub 3/ layers on sapphire. The laser induced SAW pulse technique is shown to be a useful method to evaluate the mechanical properties of thin coatings in SAW preparation techniques and to determine unknown material constants of new substrate materials. The optical interferometer has been developed in such a way that the SAW velocity can be determined with an accuracy of 10/sup -5/ within transducer and reflector grating structures. This property has been used to determine the key parameters of potential materials for SAW waveguide resonator filters.
Innovation strategies to develop specific professional skills on photovoltaic systems engineering

This work describes experiences learned in teaching photovoltaic (PV) courses in Engineering Master Degrees at the UPC. These PV courses are included as elective courses in the Master of Energy Engineering included in the international master programs: Environomical Pathways for Sustainable Energy Systems (SELECT) and Renewable Energy (RENE) and in the Master Degree in Electronic Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Barcelona, Spain. These Master Degrees are aligned with the objectives of the European SET plan and the objectives of KIC InnoEnergy in the field of renewable energies and aim at delivering education for high competency and quality engineering skills in the field. The content of these programmes is focused to the renewable technologies concept of “learning by doing”, so combining deep theory knowledge (top-down approach) with internship in industry co-advisored by the university and the industry (bottom-up approach) in an international environment.
Theory-Based Impact Evaluation

Calls for rigorous impact evaluation have been accompanied by the quest not just to find out what works but why. It is widely accepted that a theory based approach to impact evaluation, one that maps out the causal chain from inputs to outcomes and impact and tests the underlying assumptions, will shed light on the why question. But application of a theory based approach remains weak. This paper identifies the following six principles to successful application of the approach: (1) map out the causal chain (programme theory); (2) understand context; (3) anticipate heterogeneity; (4) rigorous evaluation of impact using a credible counterfactual; (5) rigorous factual analysis; and (6) use mixed methods.