Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum uric acid is related to liver and kidney disease and 12-year mortality risk after myocardial infarction

Objective To study the associations of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and serum uric acid (SUA) in patients with post–myocardial infarction (MI) patients, and the relationship of SUA with 12-year mortality risk. Methods We included 3,396 patients (60–80 years old, 78% men) of the Alpha Omega Cohort. Multivariable prevalence ratios (PRs) were obtained for the association of NAFLD [fatty liver index (FLI), ≥77 (women) and ≥79 (men)] with CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2]. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of SUA to detect the (combined) presence and absence of NAFLD and CKD. Cause-specific mortality was monitored from enrolment (2002–2006) through December 2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in SUA categories were obtained from multivariable Cox models. Results Median baseline FLI was 67 (men, 68; women, 64), and mean ± SD eGFR was 81 ± 20 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (17% with CKD). Sex-specific FLI was associated with higher CKD prevalence (PRtertile3 vs. tertile1, 1.94; 95% confidence interval: 1.57, 2.39). Baseline SUA was 0.36 ± 0.09 mmol/L. With increasing SUA concentrations, specificity for the presence of NAFLD, CKD, or both increased, and sensitivity decreased. During 12 (interquartile range, 9–14) years of follow-up, 1,592 patients died (713 from CVD). HRs ranged from 1.08 (0.88, 1.32) for SUA ≤0.25 mmol/L to 2.13 (1.75, 2.60) for SUA >0.50 mmol/L vs. SUA >0.30–0.35 mmol/L for all-cause mortality. For CVD mortality, HRs ranged from 1.05 (0.77, 1.44) to 2.43 (1.83, 3.25). Conclusions NAFLD and CKD were strongly associated, which was reflected by higher SUA concentrations. SUA was a strong predictor of 12-year mortality risk after MI.
Seismic Interferometry On Background-noise Field Data

Seismic Interferometry (SI) can construct reflection data from seismic background noise. In recent years, several authors developed the theory and applied it to synthetic data. With field data, the only success until now was the reconstruction of surface waves from coda and microseisms. Here, we attempt to reconstruct reflection events from noise data recorded in a desert area. The SI result shows inclined and horizontal coherent events. Some of the reconstructed events appear to align with reflections from an active survey. We cannot, however, exclude alternative explanations.
Twenty-First-Century Snowfall and Snowpack Changes over the Southern California Mountains

AbstractFuture snowfall and snowpack changes over the mountains of Southern California are projected using a new hybrid dynamical–statistical framework. Output from all general circulation models (GCMs) in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project archive is downscaled to 2-km resolution over the region. Variables pertaining to snow are analyzed for the middle (2041–60) and end (2081–2100) of the twenty-first century under two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios: RCP8.5 (business as usual) and RCP2.6 (mitigation). These four sets of projections are compared with a baseline reconstruction of climate from 1981 to 2000. For both future time slices and scenarios, ensemble-mean total winter snowfall loss is widespread. By the mid-twenty-first century under RCP8.5, ensemble-mean winter snowfall is about 70% of baseline, whereas the corresponding value for RCP2.6 is somewhat higher (about 80% of baseline). By the end of the century, however, the two scenarios diverge significantly. Un.
Experimental Robust Spontaneous Synchronizations in Coupled NbOx Oscillation Neurons for Unconventional Computing

In this brief, we demonstrate experimentally achieved oscillation dynamics in coupled NbOx threshold switch (TS)-based oscillation neurons (ONs). We first show the challenges in observing oscillation caused by device variability, which is further validated through HSPICE simulations. To obtain robust oscillation response, a reliable TS developed via atomic layer deposition for conformal NbOx is introduced. By developing coupled NbOx ONs using a coupling resistor (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}_{C}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), the out-of-phase synchronization is demonstrated owing to the weak connection. Moreover, we achieve a transition to in-phase synchronization as the coupling strength increases, showing an inverse relationship with the magnitude of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}_{C}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Based on these results, oscillatory neural networks, where multiple NbOx ONs are fully connected, are examined to execute pattern recognition via MATALB simulations.
Influence of tool pin profile on the mechanical strength and surface roughness of AA6061-T6 overlap joint friction stir welding

This study presents the tensile strength and surface roughness resulting from friction stir welding (FSW) on the lap joint method using AA 6061 –T6. FSW is conducted by comparing three different tool pin shapes: hexagon, thread, and square. Overlap welding using the FSW method is challenging if machine parameters, such as spindle speed and feed rate, are incompatible. The experiment was conducted using a conventional milling machine with a spindle speed of 1400 -1750 rpm and a feed rate of 20 – 30 mm/min. The results show that a spindle speed of 1750 rpm and a feed rate of 30 mm/min using a square tool pin results in 83.5088 MPa ultimate tensile strength and 0.85 µm surface roughness (Ra), which is much better than hexagon and thread type tool pins. In addition, the overall results on all three tool pin shapes show that higher processing parameters increase tensile strength and surface roughness. This study revealed the effect of parameters on AA6061 –T6 and the resulting implications of mechanical strength and surface roughness.
SIMULATION OF CONVENTIONAL AND INVERTED BRACED EXCAVATIONS USING SUBLOADING tij MODEL

Different construction sequences may be used in braced excavations. In the conventional or “ordinary method”, temporary retaining walls are initially placed and struts are used to brace them as the excavation proceeds downwards. In an “alternative method”, sometimes called “inverted excavation”, the tunnel walls are used to retain the surrounding earth, while the roof slab helps to brace the excavation. Laboratory model tests were devised to simulate these construction procedures. The tests were carried out under two-dimensional conditions, using aluminum rods to represent the soil mass. The walls were constructed with aluminum plates fully instrumented with strain gauges in both sides to measure the bending strains of the wall. Cylindrical bars with and without springs were used to brace the excavation in the ordinary method; while an instrumented aluminum block was used as the top slab in the alternative method. As excavation proceeded, all data relative to surface settlements, wall deflections and bending moments, as well as axial strut loads was carefully recorded. Later the laboratory tests were simulated with finite element analyses using the recently proposed subloading tij model (Nakai and Hinokio, 2004). The numerical results were compared with the experimental data obtained during the models tests for both construction methods. The overall recorded behavior in terms of displacements, deflection, bending moment and axial load could be reproduced with striking accuracy both qualitatively and quantitatively. This shows the capability of the model to represent the complex behavior of granular materials even under the low stress range used in the model tests. The results of model tests and numerical analyses show that the alternative method is viable and effective in controlling induced surface settlements, provided that the tunnel walls are constructed with an appropriate thickness.
The interaction of breaking solitary waves with an armored bed

This study investigates the interaction of breaking waves with a bed of loose angular material with a median grain size of 4.8 mm. It is motivated by the engineering problem of determining rock sizes for revetments used as protection for structures in the coastal zone and by the need for an understanding of the mechanics of material movement under waves. Both the effect of the bed on the velocities and accelerations in breaking and non-breaking waves, and the effect of breaking waves on the movement of bed material is measured. Velocities in breaking waves are measured at elevations approaching the bottom boundary, both for the case of a level bed of graded angular material and for a flat plate at the same location. By changing the water depth and the initial conditions of the incident wave, the relative size of the rock with respect to the breaking wave height is varied. Material movement resulting from the wave passage is measured and compared to the breaking wave height and to the turbulent shear determined near the bed. Using velocity and acceleration records near the rock bed together with observations of rock motion, the mechanics of material movement under waves are investigated. The roughness elements in the bed are found to have a large effect on both the mean and fluctuating velocities in the wave near the bottom. Evidence is shown of the existence of an inner layer where individual pieces of bed material influence the flow over the bed. A method for determining the maximum mean shear under a single wave is presented. Mean vertical velocities are measured to be not negligible near the bed and are shown to produce convective accelerations of the same order as the accelerations due to turbulent fluctuations. The movement of bed material is compared with the calculated shear on the bed and with local velocities and accelerations measured very close to the individual rocks. The mean size of the material moved in the bed is found to vary with the amount of shear on the bed. When adjusted for the mean size of the moved material, the calculated shears correspond well with the criterion for critical shear from the Shields curve used in steady flow. From the observed movement of particles during the passage of a wave and the measured velocities and accelerations in the wave, inertial forces are found to contribute to particle movement, especially in the regions before and after wave crest passage.
Application of Temperature Observation Wells During SAGD Operations in a Medium Deep Bitumen Reservoir

The steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) pilot test in the LiaoHe oilfield of China is the first SAGD project conducted in China in the deeper bitumen reservoir (650 - 800 m), using a combination of vertical injectors and horizontal producers. Temperature observation wells play an important role in the understanding of the pilot performance and optimization of the operation process. This paper will present the objectives, principles, interpretation and application of the temperature observation wells in the pilot area. A number of production problems were identified and solutions were sought to improve the SAGD performance through the use of temperature and other data obtained from the observation wells.
A 2–20-GHz 360° Variable Gain Phase Shifter MMIC With Reverse-Slope Phase Compensation

This paper presents a 2–20-GHz highly accurate vector-sum variable gain phase shifter (VGPS) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) for ultra-broadband phased-array applications. An active power splitter followed by a dual-path I/Q network is utilized for precise I/Q signals generation. A reverse-slope phase compensation technique is proposed to improve broadband I/Q phase balances. Two active single-to-differential convertors further divide the I/Q signals into four quadrature signals. The vector modulator consisting of variable gain amplifiers (VGAs), passive analog adder and differential-to-single convertor synthesizes the desired output phase with tunable gain by orthogonal modulation and summation of the four quadrature signals. The designed VGPS, fabricated in 0.25- $\mu \text{m}$ GaAs pHEMT technology, achieves 360° of full-span phase shift with tunable gain and a one-decade instantaneous bandwidth. Measurement result shows that the peak gain and input referred 1-dB compression point of the proposed VGPS are–3.1-dB and +6.5-dBm, respectively. With the aid of off-chip frequency-independent logic circuits and digital-to-analog convertor (DAC), the VGPS exhibits 6-bit phase resolution with root-mean-square (RMS) phase error of less than 2.92°over 2–20-GHz. The VGPS also results in a 4-bit gain control performance with 7.5-dB gain tuning range (RMS gain error < 0.34-dB) and a 5-bit gain control performance with 15.5-dB gain tuning range (RMS gain error < 0.62-dB). The VGPS MMIC consumes 115-mA current from a 5-V voltage supply and occupies chip area of 4.5-mm2 (excluding pads).
How genome editing changed the world of large animal research

The first genetically modified large animals were developed in 1985 by microinjection to increase the growth of agricultural livestock such as pigs. Since then, it has been a difficult trail due to the lack of genetic tools. Although methods and technologies were developed quickly for the main experimental mammal, the mouse, e.g., efficient pronuclear microinjection, gene targeting in embryonic stem cells, and omics data, most of it was—and in part still is—lacking when it comes to livestock. Over the next few decades, progress in genetic engineering of large animals was driven less by research for agriculture but more for biomedical applications, such as the production of pharmaceutical proteins in the milk of sheep, goats, or cows, xeno-organ transplantation, and modeling human diseases. Available technologies determined if a desired animal model could be realized, and efficiencies were generally low. Presented here is a short review of how genome editing tools, specifically CRISPR/Cas, have impacted the large animal field in recent years. Although there will be a focus on genome engineering of pigs for biomedical applications, the general principles and experimental approaches also apply to other livestock species or applications.
Cybersecurity Awareness on Personal Data Protection Using Game-Based Learning

The increasing digitalization in modern society has many positive effects on communication, business, education, banking, etc. However, it has also made people more vulnerable to a variety of cybersecurity risks. The rise in cyberattacks raises serious concerns about the lack of basic knowledge and awareness regarding cyber threats such as phishing, malware and password attacks. These cyber-threats can become dangerous for users as they can even cause identity theft and loss of money. The problem arises because lack of awareness of cybersecurity on personal data protection, a lack not a good understanding of how to protect the data, and a lack of knowledge to prevent cyber threats. Thus, this project proposes game-based learning to provide awareness and educate especially the youth on cybersecurity and personal data protection in a fun and effective way. The knowledge gained from the game can be applied to reduce the risks of cybercrimes. Agile methodology has been chosen for this project and has five phases which are requirement, design, development, testing, deployment and review. The enjoyment level of the game is evaluated by using an adaptation of the E-Game Flow Model including concentration, goal clarity, feedback, challenge, autonomy, immersion and knowledge improvement. Findings of enjoyment evaluation showed that the game receives an 82% level of agreeability by the game users. The game increases awareness among game users about cybersecurity. Future work for this game includes adding more levels into the game, covering other cyber threats and enhancing mobile devices.
Overnight Melatonin Concentration and Sleep Quality Are Associated with the Clinical Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Circulating melatonin is elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); whether circadian disruptions coincide with sleep disturbances in women with PCOS or their symptom severity is unclear. The objective of this observational pilot study was to determine whether altered patterns of melatonin excretion are associated with reduced sleep quality in women with versus without PCOS. Participants underwent a clinical assessment, transvaginal ultrasound, and reproductive hormone testing. Morning and evening urine samples were assayed for urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (MEL) as a proxy for melatonin production. The night (morning MEL)-to-day (evening MEL) ratio, or N:D ratio, was determined to approximate the rhythm of MEL production. Sleep quality and duration were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and wrist actigraphy. No differences were detected in overnight MEL, daytime MEL, or the N:D ratio in participants with PCOS versus controls. The PCOS group experienced reduced weekend sleep efficiency vs. controls (81% vs. 88% p < 0.05). The number of follicles per ovary (FNPO) was positively associated with overnight MEL (r = 0.359, p < 0.05). Weekend sleep time and overnight MEL concentrations were dependent on PCOS status. Therefore, diagnostic features of PCOS were associated with MEL production and sleep disturbances, suggesting that women with a more severe clinical presentation of PCOS may be more likely to experience altered MEL production or sleep disturbances.
Unravelling Novel SCN5A Mutations Linked to Brugada Syndrome: Functional, Structural, and Genetic Insights

Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a rare inherited cardiac arrhythmia causing potentially fatal ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, mainly occurring during rest or sleep in young individuals without heart structural issues. It increases the risk of sudden cardiac death, and its characteristic feature is an abnormal ST segment elevation on the ECG. While BrS has diverse genetic origins, a subset of cases can be conducted to mutations in the SCN5A gene, which encodes for the Nav1.5 sodium channel. Our study focused on three novel SCN5A mutations (p.A344S, p.N347K, and p.D349N) found in unrelated BrS families. Using patch clamp experiments, we found that these mutations disrupted sodium currents: p.A344S reduced current density, while p.N347K and p.D349N completely abolished it, leading to altered voltage dependence and inactivation kinetics when co-expressed with normal channels. We also explored the effects of mexiletine treatment, which can modulate ion channel function. Interestingly, the p.N347K and p.D349N mutations responded well to the treatment, rescuing the current density, while p.A344S showed a limited response. Structural analysis revealed these mutations were positioned in key regions of the channel, impacting its stability and function. This research deepens our understanding of BrS by uncovering the complex relationship between genetic mutations, ion channel behavior, and potential therapeutic interventions.
Study on reduced-dynamic orbit determination of low Earth orbiters

Some orbit determination methods using onboard GPS Observations were discussed firstly in this paper, especially the principle and mathematical model of reduced-dynamic Precise Orbit Determination (POD) of Low Earth Satellite (LEO) based on undifferenced spaceborne dual-frequency GPS data. Then a weeklong (from July 28, 2003 to August 3,2003) dual-frequency onboard GPS observation from CHAMP satellite was computed using reduced-dynamic POD. Compared with TUM solutions, our CHAMP orbiting results of one week using reduced dynamic POD method are within 8 centimeters, which can meet the requirements of some higher precision orbit satellite orbits. In order to obtain high precision orbiting results, the impact of different gravity models and proper interval of pseudo-stochastic-pulses on the orbit determination accuracy were analyzed as well.
Analysis of Influencing Factors for Stackable and Expandable Acoustic Metamaterial with Multiple Tortuous Channels

To reduce the noise generated by large mechanical equipment, a stackable and expandable acoustic metamaterial with multiple tortuous channels (SEAM–MTCs) was developed in this study. The proposed SEAM–MTCs consisted of odd panels, even panels, chambers, and a final closing plate, and these component parts could be fabricated separately and then assembled. The influencing factors, including the number of layers N, the thickness of panel t0, the size of square aperture a, and the depth of chamber T0 were investigated using acoustic finite element simulation. The sound absorption mechanism was exhibited by the distributions of the total acoustic energy density at the resonance frequencies. The number of resonance frequencies increased from 13 to 31 with the number of layers N increasing from 2 to 6, and the average sound absorption coefficients in [200 Hz, 6000 Hz] was improved from 0.5169 to 0.6160. The experimental validation of actual sound absorption coefficients in [200 Hz, 1600 Hz] showed excellent consistency with simulation data, which proved the accuracy of the finite element simulation model and the reliability of the analysis of influencing factors. The proposed SEAM–MTCs has great potential in the field of equipment noise reduction.
Medication complexity and COVID-19 pandemic impact on the cost burden in non-COVID elderly patients at the emergency department

Background: The global increase in the elderly population and the incidence of emergency conditions due to physiological changes pose cost challenges for emergency services. COVID-19 potentially affects the financial burden of medication in elderly patients. Objective: To analyse the impact of medication complexity on the cost burden in elderly patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted among elderly patients (aged > 60 years) who visited ED but were not hospitalised between January to April 2020. The medication complexity was measured using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) while the cost was collected from the hospital information system. Result: A total of 321 ED visits were included in this study. The results showed that the mean of the total medication was 3.89 ± 1.70, while the mean score of the MRCI was 15.20 ± 6.54. The mean medication cost required was IDR 56,342 for each ED visit. Conclusion: This study provided an overview and input to control medication costs for elderly patients in the emergency setting. Interested parties can design policies that are beneficial in economics and therapeutic outcomes.