Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality Control Chart for the Mean using Double Ranked Set Sampling

In this paper, an attempt is made to develop Quality Control Charts for monitoring the process mean based on Double Ranked Set Sampling (DRSS) rather than the traditional Simple Random Sampling (SRS). Considering a normal population and several shift values, the performance of the Average Run Length (ARL) of these new charts was compared with the control charts based on Ranked Set Sampling (RSS) and SRS with the same number of observations. It is shown that the new charts do a better job of detecting changes in process mean compared with SRS and RSS.
SIMPLE METHOD FOR MEASURING REFRACTIVE INDEX OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS

A high pressure, optical system is presented for measuring the refractive index of a supercritical fluid solvent to within ±3×10−3 at pressures as high as 2500 bar and temperatures of 200 °C. The experimental technique used here is an adaptation of the laser beam displacement method for measuring the refractive index of liquids at ambient pressure. This optical system is used to measure the refractive index of supercritical ethane to pressures of 2000 bar and temperatures of 200 °C.
THE BRINKMAN MODEL FOR NATURAL CONVECTION IN A SHALLOW POROUS CAVITY WITH UNIFORM HEAT FLUX

The Brinkman model is used to study steady-stale natural convection in a shallow porous cavity with uniform heating and cooling through opposite walls. The horizontal boundaries are considered rigid-rigid, rigid-free, or free-free, and heating is through the bottom or the side wall. An approximate solution is obtained by assuming parallel flow in the core region of the cavity and a numerical solution by solving the complete governing equations. The flow and heat transfer variables are obtained in terms of the Darcy-Rayleigh number R and the Darcy number Da. The critical Darcy-Raleigh number for the onset of convection in a bottom-heated cavity is predicted. The results for a viscous fluid (Da → ∞) and the Darcy porous medium (Da → 0) emerge from the present analysis as limiting cases.
Enzymatic Reactions using Ionic Liquids for Green Sustainable Chemical Process; Stabilization and Activation of Lipases

The enzymatic reaction is highly respected from an environmentally‐friendly point‐of‐view. Optimization of the reaction media and supporting materials of enzymes must be investigated in parallel with the effort to develop new enzymes. Lipases are frequently used for organic syntheses as synthetic tools even industry because of their acceptance of having a broad range of substrates, stability, and availability. We have investigated the possibility of ILs as both a solvent and activating or stabilization agent of enzymes, in particular, lipase as a model enzyme. ILs allowed recyclable use of a lipase and significant acceleration of transesterification, and also enhanced the stability and reaction activity of a lipase by immobilization through a lyophilization process. We discuss how we enhanced the enzyme capability using the IL engineering focusing on lipase‐catalyzed reactions, i. e. , realization of the recyclable use of an enzyme, how ILs mediated the enhanced reaction rate, and improved the stability of the enzyme.
Size and shape control of GaAs nanowires grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy using tertiarybutylarsine

Au-catalyzed self-assembly of GaAs nanowires on (1¯1¯1¯)B GaAs by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy is reported between 375 and 500°C, using tertiarybutylarsine and trimethylgallium in H2. The nanowires are [1¯1¯1¯]B aligned and kink-free. Below 425°C the nanowires have narrow base diameter distributions, closely matching the size (∼60nm) of the Au nanoparticles at their tip (no tapering). Above 425°C the nanowires show a hexagonal-based pyramidal shape with base edges normal to the ⟨2¯11⟩ in-plane substrate directions and base diameters which increase exponentially with temperature, indicating a kinetics limited growth along the nanowire sidewalls. Activation energies in the range of ∼20–23kcal∕mol were estimated for growth along both the sidewalls and the [1¯1¯1¯]B direction.
Leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale ameliorates biomarkers of neuroinflammation, memory loss, and neurobehavioral deficit in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treated rats

Abstract Purpose Anacardium occidentale commonly known as Cashew is a plant that is widely used in African traditional medicine. It is endowed with phytochemical constituents that are responsible for its medicinal properties. Methods Twenty-five male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: Control (Group A), Group B (L-NAME 40 mg/kg), Group C (100 mg/kg Anacardium occidentale extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME), Group D (200 mg/kg extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME) and Group E (10 mg/kg of Lisinopril plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME). The animals were treated with oral administration of either the extracts or Lisnopril daily for 4 weeks. Neuro-behavioural tests such as the Morris Water Maze and Hanging Wire Grip tests were carried out to evaluate memory/spatial learning and muscular strength, respectively. Makers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes and immunohistochemical staining of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Ionised Calcium Binding Adaptor molecule 1 were assessed. Results L-NAME administration caused significant increases in biomarkers of oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant status, acetylcholinesterase activity, altered neuro-behavioural changes, astrocytosis, and microgliosis. However, Anacardium occidentale reversed exaggerated oxidative stress biomarkers and improved neuro-behavioural changes. Conclusions Combining all, Anacardium occidentale enhanced brain antioxidant defence status, improved memory and muscular strength, thus, suggesting the neuroprotective properties of Anacardium occidentale.
Particle size influences decay rates of environmental DNA in aquatic systems

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a powerful tool for remote detection of target organisms. However, obtaining quantitative and longitudinal information from eDNA data is challenging, requiring a deep understanding of eDNA ecology. Notably, if the various size components of eDNA decay at different rates, and we can separate them within a sample, their changing proportions could be used to obtain longitudinal dynamics information on targets. To test this possibility, we conducted an aquatic mesocosm experiment in which we separated fish‐derived eDNA components using sequential filtration to evaluate the decay rate and changing proportion of various eDNA particle sizes over time. We then fit four alternative mathematical decay models to the data, building towards a predictive framework to interpret eDNA data from various particle sizes. We found that medium‐sized particles (1–10 μm) decayed more slowly than other size classes (i.e., <1 and > 10 μm), and thus made up an increasing proportion of eDNA particles over time. We also observed distinct eDNA particle size distribution (PSD) between our Common carp and Rainbow trout samples, suggesting that target‐specific assays are required to determine starting eDNA PSDs. Additionally, we found evidence that different sizes of eDNA particles do not decay independently, with particle size conversion replenishing smaller particles over time. Nonetheless, a parsimonious mathematical model where particle sizes decay independently best explained the data. Given these results, we suggest a framework to discern target distance and abundance with eDNA data by applying sequential filtration, which theoretically has both metabarcoding and single‐target applications.
Estimating Space and Space-Time Covariance Functions for Large Data Sets: A Weighted Composite Likelihood Approach

In this article, we propose two methods for estimating space and space-time covariance functions from a Gaussian random field, based on the composite likelihood idea. The first method relies on the maximization of a weighted version of the composite likelihood function, while the second one is based on the solution of a weighted composite score equation. This last scheme is quite general and could be applied to any kind of composite likelihood. An information criterion for model selection based on the first estimation method is also introduced. The methods are useful for practitioners looking for a good balance between computational complexity and statistical efficiency. The effectiveness of the methods is illustrated through examples, simulation experiments, and by analyzing a dataset on ozone measurements.
Fasting for 20 h does not affect exercise‐induced increases in circulating BDNF in humans

Intermittent fasting and exercise provide neuroprotection from age‐related cognitive decline. A link between these two seemingly distinct stressors is their capability to steer the brain away from exclusively glucose metabolism. This cerebral substrate switch has been implicated in upregulating brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in neuroplasticity, learning and memory, and may underlie some of these neuroprotective effects. We examined the isolated and interactive effects of (1) 20‐h fasting, (2) 90‐min light exercise, and (3) high‐intensity exercise on peripheral venous BDNF in 12 human volunteers. A follow‐up study isolated the influence of cerebrovascular shear stress on circulating BDNF. Fasting for 20 h decreased glucose and increased ketones (P ≤ 0.0157) but had no effect on BDNF (P ≥ 0.4637). Light cycling at 25% of peak oxygen uptake ( V̇O2peak${\dot V_{{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{peak}}}}$ ) increased serum BDNF by 6 ± 8% (independent of being fed or fasted) and was mediated by a 7 ± 6% increase in platelets (P < 0.0001). Plasma BDNF was increased from 336 pg l−1 [46,626] to 390 pg l−1 [127,653] by 90‐min of light cycling (P = 0.0128). Six 40‐s intervals at 100% of V̇O2peak${\dot V_{{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{peak}}}}$ increased plasma and serum BDNF, as well as the BDNF‐per‐platelet ratio 4‐ to 5‐fold more than light exercise did (P ≤ 0.0044). Plasma BDNF was correlated with circulating lactate during the high‐intensity intervals (r = 0.47, P = 0.0057), but not during light exercise (P = 0.7407). Changes in cerebral shear stress – whether occurring naturally during exercise or induced experimentally with inspired CO2 – did not correspond with changes in BDNF (P ≥ 0.2730). BDNF responses to low‐intensity exercise are mediated by increased circulating platelets, and increasing either exercise duration or particularly intensity is required to liberate free BDNF.
Exploring isofunctional molecules: Design of a benchmark and evaluation of prediction performance

Identification of novel chemotypes with biological activity similar to a known active molecule is an important challenge in drug discovery called ‘scaffold hopping’. Small‐, medium‐, and large‐step scaffold hopping efforts may lead to increasing degrees of chemical structure novelty with respect to the parent compound. In the present paper, we focus on the problem of large‐step scaffold hopping. We assembled a high quality and well characterized dataset of scaffold hopping examples comprising pairs of active molecules and including a variety of protein targets. This dataset was used to build a benchmark corresponding to the setting of real‐life applications: one active molecule is known, and the second active is searched among a set of decoys chosen in a way to avoid statistical bias. This allowed us to evaluate the performance of computational methods for solving large‐step scaffold hopping problems. In particular, we assessed how difficult these problems are, particularly for classical 2D and 3D ligand‐based methods. We also showed that a machine‐learning chemogenomic algorithm outperforms classical methods and we provided some useful hints for future improvements.
Phonon characteristics and cathodolumininescence of boron nitride nanotubes

Large quantities of highly pure boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are synthesized through a carbon-free method. Nanotube phonon features are investigated by Raman and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopies. Both methods indicate highly pure boron nitride phase. Intense ultraviolet light emission is observed when BNNTs are excited by an electron beam, which indicates that the present BNNTs have potential applications in ultraviolet optical devices.
Early adulthood exercise capacity, but not muscle strength, associates with subclinical atherosclerosis 40 years later in Swedish men.

BACKGROUND Poor exercise capacity and muscle strength in early adulthood are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is unclear how these factors relate to subclinical atherosclerosis due to a lack of longitudinal studies. This study investigated whether early adulthood exercise capacity and muscle strength associated with later adulthood subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS This study included Swedish men (n = 797) that were eligible for military conscription (at ∼18-years of age) and that participated in the baseline assessment of the Visualization of asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease for optimum cardiovascular prevention (VIPVIZA) trial between 2013 and 2016 (at 60-years of age). At conscription, isometric muscle strength (dynamometer) and maximum exercise capacity (maximal load cycle ergometer test) were measured. During later adulthood (at 60-years old), the presence of carotid plaques and intima media thickness (cIMT) were measured by high resolution ultrasound. RESULTS At follow-up, plaques were present in 62% (n = 493) of men. Exercise capacity in early adulthood associated with 19% lower odds of plaques (odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.96), independent of muscle strength. This association was not mediated by any single CVD risk factor. However, the total indirect effect of later, but not early, adulthood CVD risk factors was significant while the direct effect was non-significant (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.71-1.02). Associations between muscle strength and subclinical atherosclerosis were non-significant. CONCLUSION Higher exercise capacity during early adulthood, but not muscle strength, may protect against carotid plaque development during adulthood mediated by the combination rather than a single later adulthood CVD risk factors.
Generalized inverses: theory and applications

* Glossary of notation * Introduction * Preliminaries * Existence and Construction of Generalized Inverses * Linear Systems and Characterization of Generalized Inverses * Minimal Properties of Generalized Inverses * Spectral Generalized Inverses * Generalized Inverses of Partitioned Matrices * A Spectral Theory for Rectangular Matrices * Computational Aspects of Generalized Inverses * Miscellaneous Applications * Generalized Inverses of Linear Operators between Hilbert Spaces * Appendix A: The Moore of the Moore-Penrose Inverse * Bibliography * Subject Index * Author Index
Shared Genetic Factors Contributing to the Overlap between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Overweight/Obesity in Swedish Adolescent Girls and Boys

Abstract Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity are positively associated, with increasing evidence that they share genetic risk factors. Our aim was to examine whether these findings apply to both types of ADHD symptoms for female and male adolescents. We used data from 791 girl and 735 boy twins ages 16−17 years to examine sex-specific phenotypic correlations between the presence of ADHD symptoms and overweight/obese status. For correlations exceeding . 20, we then fit bivariate twin models to estimate the genetic and environmental correlations between the presence of ADHD symptoms and overweight/obese status. ADHD symptoms and height/weight were parent- and self-reported, respectively. Phenotypic correlations were . 30 (girls) and . 08 (boys) for inattention and overweight/obese status and . 23 (girls) and . 14 (boys) for hyperactivity/impulsivity and overweight/obese status. In girls, both types of ADHD symptoms and overweight/obese status were highly heritable, with unique environmental effects comprising the remaining variance. Furthermore, shared genetic effects explained most of the phenotypic correlations in girls. Results suggest that the positive association of both types of ADHD symptoms with obesity may be stronger in girls than boys. Further, in girls, these associations may stem primarily from shared genetic factors.
Effects of statins and aspirin on HCC risk in alcohol-related cirrhosis: nationwide emulated trials

Background and Aims: Observational studies have shown an association between statin or aspirin use and a decreased risk of HCC, but the effects of a well-defined treatment strategy remain unknown. We emulated trials of the effects of continuous statin or aspirin use on HCC risk in patients with cirrhosis due to alcohol-related liver disease (ALD cirrhosis). Approach and Results: We specified target trials for statins and, separately, aspirin and emulated them using Danish health care registries. All eligible patients with ALD cirrhosis diagnosed in 2000–2018 were included in either an exposed or an unexposed arm. Patients were followed until HCC or death without HCC. The 5-year risk of HCC was estimated using marginal structural models with inverse probability weighting. Using statins continuously for 5 years compared with not using statins resulted in a relative risk (RR) of HCC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.45–0.91). The RR of death without HCC was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65–0.77). For aspirin, the RR was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.60–1.42) for HCC and 1.02 (95% CI: 0.95–1.09) for death without HCC. Conclusions: In patients with ALD cirrhosis, 5 years of continuous statin use resulted in a 33% RR reduction of HCC (number needed to treat = 94) and a 31% RR reduction of death without HCC (number needed to treat = 7). Such strong causal effects are implausible and best explained by uncontrollable confounding, highlighting the need for randomized trials. Aspirin use likely does not affect the risk of HCC or death without HCC.
The promise of portable remote auditory stimulation tools to enhance slow‐wave sleep and prevent cognitive decline

Dementia is the seventh leading cause of mortality, and a major source of disability and dependency in older individuals globally. Cognitive decline (and, to a lesser extent, normal ageing) are associated with sleep fragmentation and loss of slow‐wave sleep. Evidence suggests a bidirectional causal link between these losses. Phase‐locked auditory stimulation has emerged as a promising non‐invasive tool to enhance slow‐wave sleep, potentially ameliorating cognitive decline. In laboratory settings, auditory stimulation is usually supervised by trained experts. Different algorithms (simple amplitude thresholds, topographic correlation, sine‐wave fitting, phase‐locked loop, and phase vocoder) are used to precisely target auditory stimulation to a desired phase of the slow wave. While all algorithms work well in younger adults, the altered sleep physiology of older adults and particularly those with neurodegenerative disorders requires a tailored approach that can adapt to older adults’ fragmented sleep and reduced amplitudes of slow waves. Moreover, older adults might require a continuous intervention that is not feasible in laboratory settings. Recently, several auditory stimulation‐capable portable devices (‘Dreem®’, ‘SmartSleep®’ and ‘SleepLoop®’) have been developed. We discuss these three devices regarding their potential as tools for science, and as clinical remote‐intervention tools to combat cognitive decline. Currently, SleepLoop® shows the most promise for scientific research in older adults due to high transparency and customizability but is not commercially available. Studies evaluating down‐stream effects on cognitive abilities, especially in patient populations, are required before a portable auditory stimulation device can be recommended as a clinical preventative remote‐intervention tool.
The use of patient-report measures and intervention strategies for children and adolescents with chronic tinnitus: a scoping review

Abstract Background Chronic tinnitus during childhood/adolescence can be associated with impaired quality of life. Guidelines for managing paediatric tinnitus recommend assessment and interventions are often based upon the experiences and opinions of guideline committee members. Objective To examine patient response tools used for the assessment and management of childhood tinnitus and how interventions had been evaluated. Design A structured scoping review (i) identifying and critically appraising patient response measures (PRMs) assessing tinnitus in children/adolescents, and (ii) critically appraising evidence supporting reported interventions. Original papers written in English, involving paediatric participants ≤19 years, reporting (i) application of established PRMs to assess the experience of chronic tinnitus or (ii) application and evaluation of tinnitus interventions were included. Study sample Papers written in English, identifying, or assessing the experience of chronic tinnitus (>3 months) as a primary complaint during childhood/adolescence in participants ≤19 years of age using a PRM and studies evaluating the application of non-pharmaceutical interventions for tinnitus in children/adolescents. Results Six studies involving the assessment of tinnitus during childhood/adolescence using a PRM were identified and evaluated. Three established (previously named, described, and published) PRMs were applied of which none were developed specifically for children/adolescents. Three behavioural tinnitus interventions and three combination intervention strategies (coupling of psychological intervention with sound enrichment) had been applied to and evaluated within paediatric populations. Conclusions Although clinicians are seeing children/adolescents with tinnitus, they are evaluating and managing children’s distress without appropriate PRMs, and little evidence exists to support clinical interventions.
Rayleigh–Bénard convection and pattern formation in magnetohydrodynamics

A nonlinear thermal instability in a layer of electrically conducting fluid in the presence of a magnetic field is discussed. Steady-state bifurcation results in the formation of patterns: rolls, squares and hexagons. The stability of various patterns is also investigated. It is found that in the absence of a magnetic field only rolls are stable, but when the magnetic field strength exceeds a certain finite value, squares and hexagons also become stable.
A Review of Intimate Partner Violence Interventions Relevant to Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Women have experienced increased rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and at the same time requirements for physical distancing and/or remote delivery of services have created challenges in accessing services. We synthesized research evidence from 4 systematic reviews and 20 individual studies to address how IPV interventions can be adapted within the context of the pandemic. As many interventions have been delivered via various technologies, access to technology is of particular importance during the pandemic. Our results can inform the provision of services during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic including how to support women who have little access to in-person services.
Phase-modulated shaping of narrowband type-I parametric down-converted photons

We present a general theoretical description of the temporal shaping of narrowband noncollinear type-I down-converted photons using a spectral phase filter with a symmetric phase distribution. By manipulating the spectral phase of the signal or idler photon, we demonstrate control of the correlation time and shape of the two-photon wavefunction with modulation frequency and modulation depth of the phase distribution.