Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Establishment of Ferroptosis-Related Key Gene Signature and Its Validation in Compression-Induced Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Rats

Cell death and functional loss of nucleus pulposus cell play essential roles in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Ferroptosis is a newly identified cell death type, and its role in IDD is still under investigation. Identifying the key genes of ferroptosis in IDD helps to identify the therapeutic targets of IDD. In this study, we downloaded the human IDD mRNA microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus and ferroptosis genes from FerrDb, then performed a series of analyses using strict bioinformatics algorithms. In general, we obtained 40 ferroptosis-related differential expression genes (FerrDEGs) and identified six ferroptosis key gene signatures, namely, ATF3, EIF2S1, AR, NQO1, TXNIP, and AKR1C3. In addition, enrichment analysis of the FerrDEGs was conducted, the protein-protein interaction network was constructed, the correlations between ferroptosis key genes and immune infiltrating cells were analyzed, and the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed. In particular, ATF3 and EIF2S1 showed the strongest correlation with immune cell function, which might lead to the development of IDD. Finally, the expressions of ferroptosis key genes were verified in the rat compression-induced IDD. In conclusion, this preliminary study analyzed and verified the mechanism of ferroptosis in IDD, laid a foundation for the follow-up study of the mechanism of ferroptosis in IDD, and provided new targets for preventing and delaying IDD.
ABUNDANCES IN STELLAR POPULATIONS AND THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM IN GALAXIES

Like ancient Gaul, abundance data relevant to the study of nucleosynthesis in the course of stellar and galactic evolution can be broadly divided into three parts: abundances of the various elements and their isotopes in the Solar System; composition peculiarities in the visible layers of individual stars, planetary nebulae, young supernova remnants, cosmic ray sources, etc. due to thermonuclear (or other) processes that have taken place in the course of the internal evolution of the stars themselves ; and the com­ position of the interstellar medium (ISM) at different places and times as judged either from direct observations of the ISM at the present time or from characteristics of the various stellar populations that are taken as being identical to those of the ISM at the time and place where the respective stars were born. The Solar System provides the richest source of data that we have, thereby giving us both a cross section through the effects of past nucleo­ synthesis in the neighborhood of the Sun and a standard to which the more limited data for other objects can be compared; while abundances in evolved stars, planetary nebulae, and young supernova remnants (SNR) provide direct information on nuclear and mixing processes in stellar evolution that are believed to be responsible for continuing enrichment of
Study of conduction and switching mechanisms in Al/AlOx/WOx/W resistive switching memory for multilevel applications

In this letter, the conduction and switching mechanisms of Al/AlOx/WOx/W bilayer resistive random access memory devices are investigated. Five stable resistance states were achieved through current compliance control. For each resistance state, I-V characteristics at different temperatures were measured. Conduction mechanisms are found to vary with resistance states. At low resistance levels, devices show ohmic conduction with metallic behavior. Conduction at medium resistance levels is due to electron hopping. The carrier transport at high resistance levels is governed by Schottky emission. Based on the resistance-dependent transport characteristics, an oxygen migration model is proposed to explain the switching mechanism between different resistance states.
OUTER APPROXIMATION ALGORITHMS FOR LOWER RANK BILINEAR PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS

Two outer approximation algorithms for lower rank bilinear programming problems are devel­ oped. The first algorithm can generate an {-optimal solution rather efficiently when the rank of the objective function is less than five. The second algorithm is exact and finitely convergent, yet with slower convergent property, compared to t.he first.
Tropical Forest Top Height by GEDI: From Sparse Coverage to Continuous Data

Estimating consistent large-scale tropical forest height using remote sensing is essential for understanding forest-related carbon cycles. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) instrument employed on the International Space Station has collected unique vegetation structure data since April 2019. Our study shows the potential value of using remote-sensing (RS) data (i.e., optical Sentinel-2, radar Sentinel-1, and radar PALSAR-2) to extrapolate GEDI footprint-level forest canopy height model (CHM) measurements. We show that selected RS features can estimate vegetation heights with high precision by analyzing RS data, spaceborne GEDI LiDAR, and airborne LiDAR at four tropical forest sites in South America and Africa. We found that the GEDI relative height (RH) metric is the best at 98% (RH98), filtered by full-power shots with a sensitivity greater than 98%. We found that the optical Sentinel-2 indices are dominant with respect to radar from 77 possible features. We proposed the nine essential optical Sentinel-2 and the radar cross-polarization HV PALSAR-2 features in CHM estimation. Using only ten optimal indices for the regression problems can avoid unimportant features and reduce the computational effort. The predicted CHM was compared to the available airborne LiDAR data, resulting in an error of around 5 m. Finally, we tested cross-validation error values between South America and Africa, including around 40% from validation data in training to obtain a similar performance. We recommend that GEDI data be extracted from all continents to maintain consistent performance on a global scale. Combining GEDI and RS data is a promising method to advance our capability in mapping CHM values.
Contest between surface resonances and surface states at 3d ferromagnets

The surface electronic structure of band ferromagnets in the vicinity of the Fermi level is strongly influenced by the magnetic d bands. A comparative study of the closed-packed surfaces of Ni, Co, and Fe shows that surface resonances dominate over surface states with increasing d-band influence. Our theoretical analysis distinguishes between surface states and resonances thereby providing a systematics of surface-related spectral features at ferromagnets. This solves the long-standing surface-state puzzle in the literature of sometimes contradicting (inverse) photoemission results.
Consistent coupling of beam and shell models for thermo‐elastic analysis

In this paper, the finite element formulation of a transition element for consistent coupling between shell and beam finite element models of thin‐walled beam‐like structures in thermo‐elastic problems is presented. Thin‐walled beam‐like structures modelled only with beam elements cannot be used to study local stress concentrations or to provide local mechanical or thermal boundary conditions. For this purpose, the structure has to be modelled using shell elements. However, computations using shell elements are a lot more expensive as compared to beam elements. The finite element model can be more efficient when the shell elements are used only in regions where the local effects are to be studied or local boundary conditions have to be provided. The remaining part of the structure can be modelled with beam elements. To couple these two models (i.e. shell and beam models) at transitional cross‐sections, transition elements are derived here for thermo‐elastic problems. The formulation encloses large displacement and rotational behaviour, which is important in case of thin‐walled beam‐like structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Underlying structures in orographic flow: An analysis of measurements made on the Isle of Arran

In a recent field experiment on the Isle of Arran, Scotland, measurements of surface pressure and near‐surface wind fields were made along a roughly west–east transect on the hill Tighvein. A principal components analysis of these measurements has been made to determine any significant atmospheric modes of variability, and this (objective) method successfully identifies several physically meaningful flows. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Data-Driven Model-Based Control Strategies to Improve the Cooling Performance of Commercial and Institutional Buildings

The increasing amount of operational data in buildings opens up new methods for improving building performance through advanced controls. Although predictive control has been widely investigated in the literature, field demonstrations still remain rare. Alternatively, model-based controls can provide similar improvement while being easier to implement in real buildings. This paper investigates three data-driven model-based control strategies to improve the cooling performance of commercial and institutional buildings: (a) chiller sequencing, (b) free cooling, and (c) supply air temperature reset. These energy efficiency measures are applied to an existing commercial building in Canada with data from summer 2020 and 2021. The impact of each measure is individually assessed, as well as their combined effects. The results show that all three of the measures together reduce building cooling energy by 12% and cooling system electric energy by 33%.
Brain space image reconstruction of functional near-infrared spectroscopy using a Bayesian adaptive fused sparse overlapping group lasso model

Abstract. Significance: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive technology that uses low levels of nonionizing light in the range of red and near-infrared to record changes in the optical absorption and scattering of the underlying tissue that can be used to infer blood flow and oxygen changes during brain activity. The challenges and difficulties of reconstructing spatial images of hemoglobin changes from fNIRS data are mainly caused by the illposed nature of the optical inverse model. Aim: We describe a Bayesian approach combining several lasso-based regularizations to apply anatomy-prior information to solving the inverse model. Approach: We built a Bayesian hierarchical model to solve the Bayesian adaptive fused sparse overlapping group lasso (Ba-FSOGL) model. The method is evaluated and validated using simulation and experimental datasets. Results: We apply this approach to the simulation and experimental datasets to reconstruct a known brain activity. The reconstructed images and statistical plots are shown. Conclusion: We discuss the adaptation of this method to fNIRS data and demonstrate that this approach provides accurate image reconstruction with a low false-positive rate, through numerical simulations and application to experimental data collected during motor and sensory tasks.
Markov zero-inflated Poisson regression models for a time series of counts with excess zeros

This paper discusses a class of Markov zero-inflated Poisson regression models for a time series of counts with the presence of excess zero relative to a Poisson distribution, in which the frequency distribution changes according to an underlying two-state Markov chain. Features of the proposed model, estimation method based on the EM and quasi-Newton algorithms, and other implementation issues are discussed. A Monte Carlo study shows that the estimation method is accurate and reliable as long as the sample size is reasonably large, and the choice of starting probabilities for the Markov process has little impact on the parameter estimates. The methodology is illustrated using daily numbers of phone calls reporting faults for a mainframe computer system.
Analysis of the Interaction between DNA Aptamers and Cytochrome C on the Surface of Lipid Films and on the MUA Monolayer: A QCM-D Study

We analyzed the possibility of the detection of cytochrome c (cyt c) being physically adsorbed on lipid films or covalently bounded to 11-mercapto-1-undecanoic acid (MUA) chemisorbed on the gold layer using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The negatively charged lipid film composed of a mixture of zwitterionic DMPC and negatively charged DMPG phospholipids at a molar ratio of 1:1 allowed the formation of a stable cyt c layer. Addition of DNA aptamers specific to cyt c, however, resulted in removal of cyt c from the surface. The interaction of cyt c with the lipid film and its removal by DNA aptamers were accompanied by changes in viscoelastic properties evaluated using the Kelvin–Voigt model. Cyt c covalently bound to MUA also provided a stable protein layer already at its relatively low concentrations (0.5 μM). A decrease in the resonant frequency following the addition of gold nanowires (AuNWs) modified by DNA aptamers was observed. The interaction of aptamers with cyt c on the surface can be a combination of specific and non-specific interactions due to electrostatic forces between negatively charged DNA aptamers and positively charged cyt c.
Effect of scintillator crystal geometry and surface finishing on depth of interaction resolution in PET detectors: Monte Carlo simulation and experimental results using silicon photomultipliers

Resolution of positron emission tomography (PET) systems benefits from information about depth of interaction (DOI) within scintillation crystals, particularly in small bore scanners or parallel plate detectors. In this investigation, the ability of the dual-ended readout detector module configuration to resolve DOI and crystal index was evaluated for a variety of detector pitches and light guide thicknesses to validate the dual-ended readout method. Experimental results with oneto- one coupling between saw-cut 2mm pitch LYSO scintillation crystals and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) achieved 2.1 mm DOI resolution. Monte Carlo simulations were used to investigate the effect of larger detector pitches and varied light guide thickness on the crystal index identification accuracy and DOI resolution for a pixilated crystal array in dual-ended readout configuration. It is reported that the accuracy in identifying a 2 mm scintillation crystal was >80% for detector pitches < 6 mm and that DOI resolution was < 2 mm for all detector pitches and light guide thicknesses.
Numerical Analysis of the Primary Breakup Applying the Embedded DNS Approach to a Generic Prefilming Airblast Atomizer

An improved understanding of the breakup processes of two-phase flows is essential to effectively control the fuel atomization for future aircraft engines. A detailed insight into the phenomena of primary breakup is a major limitation in gaining this knowledge. Aircraft engines use airblast atomizers to provide the fuel atomization. The geometries of airblast atomizers are complex, the operating conditions are characterized by high Reynolds- and Weber numbers. Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of liquid breakup under realistic conditions and geometries are hardly possible. The embedded DNS (eDNS) concept aims to fill this gap. The concept consists of three steps: a geometry simplification, the generation of realistic boundary conditions for the DNS and the DNS of the breakup region. The realistic annular airblast atomizer geometry is simplified to a planar geometry. Inside this domain the eDNS is located. The eDNS domain requires the generation of boundary conditions. A zonal Large Eddy Simulation (LES) .
MITF Downregulation Induces Death in Human Mast Cell Leukemia Cells and Impairs IgE-Dependent Degranulation

Activating mutations in KIT (CD117) have been associated with several diseases, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors and mastocytosis. Rapidly progressing pathologies or drug resistance highlight the need for alternative treatment strategies. Previously, we reported that the adaptor molecule SH3 binding protein 2 (SH3BP2 or 3BP2) regulates KIT expression at the transcriptional level and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression at the post-transcriptional level in human mast cells and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cell lines. Lately, we have found that the SH3BP2 pathway regulates MITF through miR-1246 and miR-5100 in GIST. In this study, miR-1246 and miR-5100 were validated by qPCR in the SH3BP2-silenced human mast cell leukemia cell line (HMC-1). MiRNA overexpression reduces MITF and MITF-dependent target expression in HMC-1. The same pattern was observed after MITF silencing. In addition, MITF inhibitor ML329 treatment reduces MITF expression and affects the viability and cell cycle progression in HMC-1. We also examine whether MITF downregulation affected IgE-dependent mast cell degranulation. MiRNA overexpression, MITF silencing, and ML329 treatment reduced IgE-dependent degranulation in LAD2- and CD34+-derived mast cells. These findings suggest MITF may be a potential therapeutic target for allergic reactions and deregulated KIT mast-cell-mediated disorders.
LMI approach to delay-dependent robust stability and stabilization of uncertain linear delay systems

This paper considers the problems of robust stability analysis and robust control design for a class of uncertain linear systems with a constant time-delay. The uncertainty is assumed to be norm-bounded and appears in all the matrices of the state space model. We develop methods for robust stability analysis and robust stabilization. The proposed methods are dependent on the size of the delay and are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities.
Hemostatic spray (TC-325) vs. standard endoscopic therapy for non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background and study aims Hemospray (TC-325) is a mineral powder with adsorptive properties designed for use in various gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) scenarios. We conducted a systematic review & meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TC-325 to standard endoscopic therapy (SET) for non-variceal GIB (NVGIB). Methods Multiple databases were searched through October 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to determine pooled relative risk (RR) and proportions with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for primary hemostasis, hemostasis failure, 30-day rebleeding, length of stay (LOS), and need for rescue interventions. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 %. Results Five RCTs with 362 patients (TC-325 178, SET 184) – 123 females and 239 males with a mean age 65 ± 16 years). The most common etiologies were peptic ulcer disease (48 %), malignancies (35 %), and others (17 %). Bleeding was characterized as Forrest IA (7 %), IB (73 %), IIA (3 %), and IIB (1 %). SET included epinephrine injection, electrocautery, hemoclips, or a combination. No statistical difference in primary hemostasis between TC-325 compared to SET, RR 1.09 (CI 0.95–1.25; I 2 43), P = 0.2, including patients with oozing/spurting hemorrhage, RR 1.13 (CI 0.98–1.3; I 2 35), P = 0.08. Failure to achieve hemostasis was higher in SET compared to TC-325, RR 0.30 (CI 0.12–0.77, I 2 0), P = 0.01, including patients with oozing/spurting hemorrhage, RR 0.24 (CI 0.09 – 0.63, I 2 0), P = 0.004. We found no difference between the two interventions in terms of rebleeding, RR 1.13 (CI 0.62–2.07, I 2 26), P = 0.8 and LOS, standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.27 (CI, –0.20–0.74; I 2 62), P = 0.3. Finally, pooled rate of rescue interventions (angiography) was statistically higher in SET compared to TC-325, RR 0.68 (CI 0.5–0.94; I 2 0), P = 0.02. Conclusions Our analysis shows that for acute NV GIB, including oozing/spurting hemorrhage, TC-325 does not result in higher rates of primary hemostasis compared to SET. However, lower rates of failures were seen with TC-325 than SET. In addition, there was no difference in the two modalities when comparing rates of rebleeding and LOS.
Does Aging Affect Vitamin C Status Relative to Intake? Findings from NHANES 2017–2018

The aging population is growing and fueling a global increase in chronic diseases and healthcare expenditure. In this study, we examine vitamin C dose–concentration relationships based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 to identify a possible age-dependent change in intake vs. concentration relationship among non-supplemented individuals (n = 2828). The vitamin C intake was similar between the younger (18–36 years), middle (37–58 years) and older (59–80+ years) age groups; however, circulating vitamin C concentrations were significantly lower in the middle and older age groups (p < 0.001). For intakes above 75 mg/day, no significant difference in the intake vs. serum concentration relationship was identified between younger and older individuals. However, for intakes below 75 mg/day, we found significantly lower serum concentrations relative to intake for the older compared to younger individuals, despite smoking being more prevalent in the younger compared to older adults (p < 0.001). This effect persisted among non-smokers and was further exacerbated by smoking in older people. Collectively, the present study suggests that healthy aging in non-institutionalized individuals does not increase requirements for vitamin C. In contrast, the lower serum concentrations relative to intake observed in older individuals at intakes < 75 mg/day may suggest that older individuals are more sensitive to a low vitamin C intake, perhaps due to the increased impact of long-term smoking and increased chronic disease prevalence in older adults. This finding may have implications for future intake guidelines in countries with low RDAs and for WHO/FAO, but requires further investigation.
Polarization-sensitive low-coherence reflectometer for birefringence characterization and ranging

We present a polarization-sensitive optical coherence-domain reflectometer capable of characterizing the phase retardation between orthogonal linear polarization modes at each reflection point in a birefringent sample. The device is insensitive to the rotation of the sample in the plane perpendicular to ranging. Phase measurement accuracy is ±0.86°, but the reflectometer can distinguish local variations in birefringence as small as 0.05° with a distance resolution of 10.8 μm and a dynamic range of 90 dB. Birefringence-sensitive ranging in a wave plate, an electro-optic modulator, and a calf coronary artery is demonstrated.
The orbit averaged particle source from neutral beam injection in tokamaks

Methods are developed for evaluation of the drift orbit averaged particle source, ⟨S⟩, in realistic neutral beam injection scenarios. Finite Larmor radius (FLR) and finite orbit width effects are included providing an accurate treatment of beam injection geometries in both standard and spherical tokamaks. With the knowledge of ⟨S⟩ the full beam distribution is readily obtained using well-known Fokker–Planck modelling schemes in constant of motion variables. For the considered ITER beam injection scenarios the analysis provides distributions which are in good agreement with equivalent distributions calculated by the TRANSP analysis code. The inclusion of FLR effects is important for fusion devices with relatively small values of the magnetic field; this is illustrated by considering the beam injection scenario of a spherical tokamak.