Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Core structure of M32 from seeing-deconvolved images

Results of two-color CCD surface photometry and seeing deconvolution of the central region of M32 (NGC 221), using the regularized multi-Gaussian method, a powerful nonlinear technique, are presented. The galaxy core remains essentially unresolved at the limit of the data, i.e., the core radius is r c ≤ 0.42 arcsec ⇒ 1.4 pc. A deprojected luminosity density profile of the galaxy is also presented, from a multi-Gaussian fit to a combined profile from these data, and the profile measured at large radii by Kent (1987, AJ, 94). The central luminosity density is obtained
The Role of PRLR Gene Polymorphisms in Milk Production in European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Simple Summary In rabbits, milk is the primary source of nutrition from early growth to weaning. The ability of the mother rabbit to produce milk, which is also influenced by the maternal genotype, is particularly important in the case of the larger litters. The hormone prolactin is responsible for the initiation and maintenance of lactation and for the synthesis of the major components of milk. Prolactin acts through membrane receptors in target tissues. Point mutations and microsatellites in receptor genes can affect production characteristics. Our aim was to examine the prolactin receptor gene in a wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) population with a diverse genetic background. Our hypothesis was that the detected polymorphisms could be associated with milk production. By sequencing the promoter region of the PRLR gene, we detected four point mutations and one microsatellite. Among the genotypes of point mutations in the regulatory region of the PRLR gene, the homozygous genotype and the short repeat of the microsatellite resulted in higher milk production. These could be potential marker candidates for the development of marker-assisted selection. Abstract One of the problematic points of rabbit breeding is that the nutritional requirements of the kits are not fully satisfied by the does’ milk production from the third week of lactation onwards. The prolactin receptor gene has a significant effect on reproductive processes, and its polymorphisms have been associated with milk production in several species (cattle, goats, sheep, and buffalo). The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), has a more diverse genetic background compared to domesticated lines. In the course of our study, sequencing of the 1210 bp long segment of the PRLR gene promoter region was accomplished. We detected four point mutations (SNP1-407G > A, SNP2-496G > C, SNP3-926T> and SNP4-973A > C) and one microsatellite at position 574. In our population, the four SNPs were segregated into four genotypes: AACCCCCC, GGGGTTAA, AAGGTTAC, and GGGGTCAC. Our results show that the genotype in the homozygous form is associated with higher milk production (1564.7 ± 444.7 g) compared to the other three genotypes (AACCCCCC 1399.1 ± 326.8 g; GTGACCTT 1403.8 ± 517.1 g; GGGGTCAC 1220.0 ± 666.2 g), and the short microsatellite repeat (167 bp) also coincides with significantly higher milk production (1623.8 ± 525.1 g). These results make the marker-assisted selection possible also for domesticated lines.
HIV/AIDS infection in critical care: epidemiological profile and risk factors for mortality in a Colombian cohort.

INTRODUCTION Outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) have improved with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, whether the outcomes have improved in low- and middle-income countries, paralleling those of high-income countries is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe a cohort of HIV-infected patients admitted to ICU in a middle-income country and identify the risk factors associated with mortality. METHODOLOGY A cohort study of HIV-infected patients admitted to five ICUs in Medellín, Colombia, between 2009 and 2014 was done. The association of demographic, clinical and laboratory variables with mortality was analyzed using a Poisson regression model with random effects. RESULTS During this time period, 472 admissions of 453 HIV-infected patients were included. Indications for ICU admission were: respiratory failure (57%), sepsis/septic shock (30%) and central nervous system (CNS) compromise (27%). Opportunistic infections (OI) explained 80% of ICU admissions. Mortality rate was 49%. Factors associated with mortality included hematological malignancies, CNS compromise, respiratory failure, and APACHE II score ≥ 20. CONCLUSIONS Despite advances in HIV care in the ART era, half of HIV-infected patients admitted to the ICU died. This elevated mortality was associated to underlying disease severity (respiratory failure and APACHE II score ≥ 20), and host conditions (hematological malignancies, admission for CNS compromise). Despite the high prevalence of OIs in this cohort, mortality was not directly associated to OIs.
Physics‐based modeling and experimental implications of trap‐assisted tunneling in InGaN/GaN light‐emitting diodes

In a combined experimental and numerical investigation, we present the effects of trap‐assisted tunneling on the sub‐threshold forward bias characteristics of a blue InGaN/GaN single‐quantum‐well LED test structure grown on a SiC substrate. The different role of donor‐ and acceptor‐like traps has been studied, for the information it can provide on the role played by point defects. Using the energy Et and trap density Nt as the only tunneling‐related fitting parameters, the behavior of the measured I(V) curves is well reproduced by our model over a wide current and temperature range. The very good agreement between simulations and experiments suggests that trap‐assisted forward tunneling is one of the most relevant contributions to the current flow below the optical turn‐on of the diode.
New approaches of multifractal image analysis

Some new approaches of multifractal image analysis methods are introduced in this paper. The greatest advantage of multifractal analysis methods is the measure-dependent characteristic. After some existing measures have been addressed, we propose two new measures derived from thresholding using Renyi's entropy for further multifractal analysis. Then we propose two novel image representations based on the multifractal image analysis assumption: the Holder exponent representation and multifractal dimension distribution representation. Experimental results show that even for general images, such representations could be utilized for further image analysis, such as feature extraction and edge detection.
Forward genetic studies reveal LsAPRR2 as a key gene in regulating the green color of pericarp in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

The fruit peel color is an important factor that affects its quality. However, genes involved in regulating pericarp color in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) have not been explored to date. Genetic analysis of color traits in bottle gourd peel through a genetic population of six generations demonstrated that the green color of peels is inherited as a single gene dominant trait. Combined phenotype-genotype analysis of recombinant plants using BSA-seq mapped the candidate gene to a 22.645 Kb interval at the head end of chromosome 1. We observed that the final interval contained only one gene, LsAPRR2 (HG_GLEAN_10010973). Sequence and spatiotemporal expression analyses of LsAPRR2 unraveled two nonsynonymous mutations (A→G) and (G→C) in the parental CDS sequences. Further, LsAPRR2 expression was higher in all green-skinned bottle gourds (H16) at various stages of fruit development than in white-skinned bottle gourds (H06). Cloning and sequence comparison of the two parental LsAPRR2 promoter regions indicated 11 bases insertion and 8 SNPs mutations in the region -991~-1033, upstream of the start codon in white bottle gourd. Proof of GUS reporting system, Genetic variation in this fragment significantly reduced the expression of LsAPRR2 in the pericarp of white bottle gourd. In addition, we developed a tightly linked (accuracy 93.88%) InDel marker for the promoter variant segment. Overall, the current study provides a theoretical basis for comprehensive elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the determination of bottle gourd pericarp color. This would further help in the directed molecular design breeding of bottle gourd pericarp.
Structural dependence of coupling between a two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide and a wire waveguide

The coupling dependence between a wire waveguide and a two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide on a shared connection structure was analyzed theoretically. By calculating the transmittance at the connecting point for various sample geometries, we found the structure to have high coupling efficiency and fabrication tolerance. The maximum transmittance can be as high as 95% for a wavelength near 1.55 μm within our investigation when the structure of the connecting point is well designed.
Limits to Modeling: Balancing Ambition and Outcome in Astrophysics and Cosmology

Computer simulations of complex physical objects and processes for which data are very sparse or inexistent have become a major tool of scientific investigation in astrophysics and cosmology. However, one must ask how these simulations acquire their epistemic credentials and whether their realistic ambition is legitimate. A close look at two model-building processes—one in galactic astrophysics, the other in cosmology—reveals heretofore underappreciated features of simulations, such as path dependency. This article argues that such features undermine our confidence in the outcomes of the simulation. Case studies presented here reveal a general tension in computer simulation between realistic ambitions and the possibility of empirical confirmation. The analysis will thus lead to a reassessment of the epistemic goals actually achieved by composite models of complex astrophysical and cosmological phenomena.
Proton-proton scattering at the C. E. R. N. Intersecting Storage Rings

The main features of the C. E. R. N. Intersecting Storage Rings (I. S. R.) are reviewed, together with results obtained in 1971 and 1972 on elastic scattering and total cross-sections. The main result is a 10% increase of the total proton-proton cross-section in the I. S. R. energy range. The simplest picture of high energy proton-proton scattering which emerges from this and the other data, is briefly discussed.
Effects of carrier transport on the L-I characteristics of QW lasers in the presence of spatial hole burning

In this paper, we study the effects of carrier transport and carrier capture on the linearity of the light-current characteristics of a semiconductor laser using an analytically solvable model. We include various physical processes within the model and study how they affect laser linearity. The technique used shows how to integrate the photon and electron transport within a single model, and the conclusions reveal some interesting aspects of semiconductor laser characteristics.
The second Born approximation for the single and double ionization of atoms by electrons and positrons

Recently, Lahmam-Bennani et al (2010 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 43 105201) have shown that the second Born approximation is necessary to describe the experimental results of the double ionization of atoms and molecules. The second Born approximation needs a difficult triple numerical integration and often many authors find some controversial results. We now investigate, in greater detail, the application of the second Born approximation for the easier case: the ionization of atomic hydrogen by electrons. The ionization of atomic hydrogen allows us to check accurately this approximation because the wavefunctions describing the target are known exactly. Moreover, sophisticated models such as convergent close coupling (CCC) and the continuum distorted wave eikonal initial state (CDW-EIS) exist and give closer results leading to easier comparisons. We report accurate second Born results for differential cross sections for the ionization of atomic hydrogen using a basis including 100 discrete states, and another basis including 32 discrete states and pseudo-states. The results of the present method are compared with other calculations and experiment. The single ionization of helium is also investigated in order to answer an old controversy between two different theoretical results. Finally, an application of the second Born approximation to the double ionization of helium has been performed.
Therapeutic Efficacy of a Formulation Prepared with Linum usitatissimum L., Plantago ovata Forssk., and Honey on Uncomplicated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Analyzed with Machine Learning Techniques

A single-blind double-dummy randomized study was conducted in diagnosed patients (n = 66) to compare the efficacy of Linseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.), Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk.), and honey in uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease (uPID) with standard drugs using experimental and computational analysis. The pessary group received placebo capsules orally twice daily plus a per vaginum cotton pessary of powder from linseeds and psyllium seeds, each weighing 3 gm, with honey (5 mL) at bedtime. The standard group received 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily and 400 mg of metronidazole TID orally plus a placebo cotton pessary per vaginum at bedtime for 14 days. The primary outcomes were clinical features of uPID (vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain (LAP), low backache (LBA), and pelvic tenderness. The secondary outcomes included leucocytes (WBCs) in vaginal discharge on saline microscopy and the SF-12 health questionnaire. In addition, we also classified both (pessary and standard) groups using machine learning models such as Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), and AdaBoost (AB). The pessary group showed a higher percentage reduction than the standard group in abnormal vaginal discharge (87.05% vs. 77.94%), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-LAP (80.57% vs. 77.09%), VAS-LBA (74.19% vs. 68.54%), McCormack pain scale (McPS) score for pelvic tenderness (75.39% vs. 67.81%), WBC count of vaginal discharge (87.09% vs. 83.41%) and improvement in SF-12 HRQoL score (94.25% vs. 86.81%). Additionally, our DT 5-fold model achieved the maximum accuracy (61.80%) in the classification. We propose that the pessary group is cost-effective, safer, and more effective as standard drugs for treating uPID and improving the HRQoL of women. Aucubin, Plantamajoside, Herbacetin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, Secoisolariciresinol Monoglucoside, and other various natural bioactive molecules of psyllium and linseeds have beneficial effects as they possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. The anticipated research work is be a better alternative treatment for genital infections.
Asynchronous learning design—Lessons for the post-pandemic world of higher education

Abstract In this article, the author describes the use of a storytelling approach in a learning design with significant asynchronous elements. This approach was introduced in an upper-level international trade course with close to 200 students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As most live “lectures” took place online and were subject to disruption due to Internet issues, the bulk of the content delivery was asynchronous, with the storytelling approach using “Sways” to address some of the common issues about engagement with asynchronous learning elements. The grade distribution and student feedback indicated that this approach was effective in achieving the stated learning goals. Finally, the author discusses how to adapt this approach to courses at other levels.
EYE ASPECT RATIO ADJUSTMENT DETECTION FOR STRONG BLINKING SLEEPINESS BASED ON FACIAL LANDMARKS WITH EYE-BLINK DATASET

Blink detection is an important technique in a variety of settings, including facial motion analysis and signal processing. However, automatic blink detection is challenging due to its blink rate. This paper proposes a real-time method for detecting eye blinks in a video series. The method is based on automatic facial landmark detection trained on real-world datasets and demonstrates robustness against various environmental factors, including lighting conditions, facial emotions, and head position. The proposed algorithm calculates the position of facial landmarks, extracts scalar values using the Eye Aspect Ratio (EAR), and characterises eye proximity in each frame. For each video frame, the proposed method calculates the location of the facial landmark and extracts the vertical distance between the eyelids using the position of the facial landmark. Blinks are detected by using the EAR threshold value and recognising the pattern of EAR values in a short temporal window. According to the results from a common data set, it is shown that the proposed approach is more efficient than state-of-the-art techniques.
A regression model for the conditional probability of a competing event: application to monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance

Summary. Competing risks are classically summarized by the cause‐specific hazards and the cumulative incidence function. To obtain a full understanding of the competing risks, these identifiable quantities should be viewed simultaneously for all events. Another available quantity is the conditional probability of a competing risk, which is defined as the cumulative probability of having failed from a particular cause given that no other (competing) events have occurred. When one event is of a particular interest, this quantity provides useful insights, as it displays a probability adjusted on the other competing events. In certain applications, this interpretation may be preferable to that for the cumulative incidence function in quantifying cause‐specific cumulative failure probabilities. The use of the conditional probability has been limited by the lack of a regression modelling strategy. We apply recently developed regression methodology to the conditional probability function and illustrate, by using a data set on patients suffering from monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, the insights that are gained from this methodology.
AFM investigation on surface damage caused by mechanical probing with small ruby spheres

One challenge for today's coordinate metrology is fast and accurate 3D measurements on small objects. Mechanical probing is considered to be simple and accurate but limitations may arise from elastic and plastic deformations at the contact point. Understanding these limits quantitatively will help to avoid surface damage and measurement errors. Static and dynamic forces for single point probings and for scanning measurements were investigated in the present work using a metrology AFM and a micro-CMM. The obtained results were compared with theoretical predictions made by Hertz's theory. We found that the standard forces used by the METAS micro-CMM can be kept below the macroscopic damage threshold. On the other hand, plastic deformation of microscopic contact points which forms at the interface due to the surface roughness of the probe and sample is always present. Additionally, probe contamination by build-up of ductile metal on the probe surface was observed and probe wear on a hard sample was measured.
Correlated three-electron continuum states in triple ionization by fast heavy-ion impact

We have performed a kinematically complete experiment for triple ionization in atomic collisions. Data were obtained for 3.6-MeV/amu Au{sup 53+} impact on Ne. A specific Dalitz representation was developed allowing one to plot in a single spectrum the energy of all three ionized electrons and, simultaneously, obtain information on their emission angles with respect to the projectile direction. The data show distinct fragmentation patterns favoring very asymmetric energy partitionings with one fast and two slow electrons. They are compared to various Classical Trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC) models. The experimental results are well described only if the electron-electron interaction is included throughout the collision and surprisingly, if the classically modeled electrons are fully correlated in the initial state. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Adaptive optimal formation control for unmanned surface vehicles with guaranteed performance using actor‐critic learning architecture

In this article, an optimized formation control algorithm is presented for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with collision avoidance and prescribed performance. The prescribed formation geometry is designed in the leader‐follower formation architecture, in which each vehicle tracks its intermediary leader with preserving a desired separation. A prescribed performance control design technique is introduced to guarantee the transient and steady‐state performance specifications on formation errors. Radial basis function neural networks (NNs) are employed to approximate modeling uncertainties including damping terms and unmodeled dynamics. Based on an actor‐critic learning strategy, a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm is proposed to ensure the optimality of formation control and the specified tracking accuracy simultaneously, in which actor NNs take appropriate control behaviors by interacting with the external environment, and critic NNs evaluate the control performance and generate a reinforcement signal to actor NNs for facilitating the improvement of subsequent behaviors. Stability analysis shows that the proposed optimal formation controller achieves semi‐global uniform ultimate boundedness of closed‐loop adaptive systems with prescribed performance. Comparative simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the presented control algorithm.
Biological Effect of some Functional Soybean Yoghurt Products on Osteoporosis in Experimental Rats

Natural health products, are popular with patients due to their ease of access and perceived margin of safety. This study aimed to prepare a functional yoghurt and study its effect on osteoporosis rats injected with dexamethasone. Thirty five adult male albino rats were divided into two main groups, the first group (n = 5) as a normal control group, while the second group (n =30) were injected with dexamethasone (1 ml/100g) to induce osteoporosis once a day for 6 weeks. The second main group was divided into six subgroups (n = 5). Subgroup 1 was fed on basal diet as a positive control. Subgroups 2, 3 ,4 ,5 and 6 were fed on soymilk, soymilk yoghurt, soymilk yogurt with pomegranate fruit, soymilk yogurt with persimmon fruit and soymilk yoghurt with kiwi fruit respectively. Result showed that soymilk yoghurt fortified with fruits was rich in minerals, vitamins and lactic acids. Also the rats suffering from osteoporosis and treated with soymilk yoghurt fortified with fruits led to decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, ALT, AST, total protein, total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, MDA and serum P levels as well as urine Ca and increased HCL, HDL-c, SOD, GPx, CAT, serum Ca and Vitamin D, especially with soymilk yoghurt with kiwi.