Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Matrices of minimum norm satisfying certain prescribed band and spectral restrictions -- an extremal characterization of the discrete periodic Laplacian

This paper has been motivated by the curiosity that the circulant matrix Circ(1/2,−1/4,0,.,0,−1/4) is the n × n positive semidefinite, tridiagonal matrix A of smallest Euclidean norm having the property that Ae = 0 and Af = f, where e and f are, respectively, the vector of all 1s and the vector of alternating 1 and −1s. It then raises the following question (minimization problem): What should be the matrix A if the tridiagonal restriction is replaced by a general bandwidth 2r + 1 (1 ≤ r ≤ n 2 − 1)? It is first easily shown that the solution of this problem must still be a circulant matrix. Then the determination of the first row of this circulant matrix con- sists in solving a least-squares problem having n − 1 nonnegative variables (Nonnegative Orthant) subject to n − r linear equations. Alternatively, this problem can be viewed as the minimization of the norm of an even function vanishing at the points |i| > r of the set � − n 2 + 1,. ,−1,0,1,. , n 2 � , and whose Fourier-transform is nonnegative, vanishes at zero, and assumes the value one at n . Ex- plicit solutions are given for the special cases of r = n 2 , r = n 2 − 1, and r = 2. The solution for the particular case of r = 2 can be physically interpreted as the vibrational mode of a ring-like chain of masses and springs in which the springs link both the nearest neighbors (with positive stiffness) and the next-nearest neighbors (with negative stiffness). The paper ends with a numerical illustration of the six cases (1 ≤ r ≤ 6) corresponding to n = 12.
A 2-D ECG Compression Algorithm Based on Wavelet Transform and Vector Quantization

In this paper,we investigated the compression problem of electrocardiogram(ECG) signal and proposed a new two-dimensional(2-D) wavelet-based ECG data compression algorithm.A 1-D ECG data were first sliced and aligned to a 2D data array.And then 2-D wavelet transform was applied to the constructed 2-D ECG data array.A modified vector quantization(VQ) was employed to the wavelet coefficients.This modified VQ algorithm constructed a new tree vector(TV) that well utilized the characteristics of the wavelet coefficients.Records selected from the MIT/BIH arrhythmia database were tested contrastively using the proposed algorithm.The results was compared with that obtained by other 2-D ECG compression algorithms.The experimental results show that the proposed method is suitable for various morphologies of ECG data,and achieves higher compression ratio with the characteristic features well preserved.The proposed algorithm is promising for practical use.
Maintained Spatial Learning and Memory Functions in Middle-Aged α9 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit Knock-Out Mice

Age-related hearing loss is linked to cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms that relate to these conditions remain unclear. Evidence shows that the activation of medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons delays cochlear aging and hearing loss. Consequently, the loss of MOC function may be related to cognitive impairment. The α9/α10 nicotinic receptor is the main target of cholinergic synapses between the MOC neurons and cochlear outer hair cells. Here, we explored spatial learning and memory performance in middle-aged wild-type (WT) and α9-nAChR subunit knock-out (KO) mice using the Barnes maze and measured auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and the number of cochlear hair cells as a proxy of cochlear aging. Our results show non-significant spatial learning differences between WT and KO mice, but KO mice had a trend of increased latency to enter the escape box and freezing time. To test a possible reactivity to the escape box, we evaluated the novelty-induced behavior using an open field and found a tendency towards more freezing time in KO mice. There were no differences in memory, ABR threshold, or the number of cochlear hair cells. We suggest that the lack of α9-nAChR subunit alters novelty-induced behavior, but not spatial learning in middle-aged mice, by a non-cochlear mechanism.
The Role of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in Gender-Specific Risk Factors for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control and is a common condition found more often in women. Incontinence can present in several ways. The various forms of incontinence include urgency urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence (a combination of both stress urinary incontinence and urgency urinary incontinence). Studies have been conflicting on the prevalence of UI in obese women compared to non-obese women. The subtypes of incontinence may play a role in the discrepancy currently found in research. In addition to the discrepancy seen between subtypes, there may be a reason to believe there is a difference in incontinence presentation and treatment across genders. Our research strives to understand the influences of gender, obesity, and waist circumference on different types of incontinence. Methodology Data were gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset. Questionnaire data from March 2017 through March 2020 categorized as “Kidney Conditions - Urology” and “Weight History” were collected. Binary logistic regressions were performed to examine the association between variables associated with obesity including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and if the participant had a urine leak during physical activities. Covariates such as waist circumference, gender, age, race, educational level, and marital status were controlled for. Results We found that stress incontinence was positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, and age in men with regression coefficients of 0.038, 0.014, and 0.027, respectively, with a p-value <0.05. In women, stress incontinence was also associated with BMI, waist circumference, and age in addition to being white and being married. Linear regression coefficients were 0.036, 0.019, 0.015, -0.473, and -0.285, respectively, with p-values <0.05. Conclusions Our results suggest that BMI, waist circumference, and age are positively correlated with stress incontinence in both men and women. This is consistent with previous literature yet novel in evaluating stress incontinence in men. This would indicate that stress incontinence is similar among men and women which would indicate that weight loss is a therapeutic target for the treatment of stress incontinence in men. However, our findings additionally highlight the correlation between stress incontinence in women and race, a relationship not seen in men. This identifies a possible difference in the pathophysiology of stress incontinence across genders and would require further investigation into therapeutic treatments in men.
Investigation of Real-Time Diagnostic Ultrasound as a Means of Biofeedback Training in Transversus Abdominus Re-Education of Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background: It is believed that ultrasound-guided imaging of activation/contraction of the deep abdominal muscles (such as transervsus abdominis) is useful for assisting deep muscle re-education, which is often dysfunctional in non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Thus, this pilot study aimed to evaluate the use of real-time ultrasound (US) as a feedback device for transverse abdominis (TrA) activation/contraction during an exercise program in chronic NSLBP patients. Methods: Twenty-three chronic NSLBP patients were recruited and randomly assigned to a US-guided (n = 12, 8 women, 47.6 ± 2.55 years) or control group (n = 11, 9 women, 46.9 ± 4.29 years). The same motor control-based exercise program was applied to both groups. All patients received physiotherapy twice per week for seven weeks. Outcome measures, tested at baseline and post-intervention, included Numeric Pain Rating Scale, TrA activation level (measured through a pressure biofeedback unit-based developed protocol), seven established motor control tests, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: For each group, all outcome variables yielded statistical differences post-intervention (p < 0.05), indicating significant improvements. However, there were no significant group x time interactions for any of the outcomes (p > 0.05), thus, indicating no superiority of the US-guided group over the control. Conclusions: The addition of US as a visual feedback device for TrA re-education during a motor control exercise program was not proven superior to traditional physiotherapy.
Changes in the VOC of Fruits at Different Refrigeration Stages of ‘Ruixue’ and the Participation of Carboxylesterase MdCXE20 in the Catabolism of Volatile Esters

Aroma is a crucial quality attribute of apple fruit, which significantly impacts its commercial value and consumer choice. Despite its importance the volatile aroma substances produced by the new variety ‘Ruixue’ after harvest remain unclear. In this study, we utilized headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to investigate the changes in volatile substances, fruit hardness, crispness, and related aroma synthase activity of commercially mature ‘Ruixue’ apples during cold storage. Our findings revealed a gradual decline in fruit firmness and brittleness of ‘Ruixue’ apples during cold storage, with hexyl acetate, hexyl caproate, and hexyl thiocyanate being the main hexyl esters detected. To gain a better understanding of the metabolic pathway of esters, we identified 42 MdCXE gene members that are associated with ester degradation. Through RT-qPCR analysis, we discovered that carboxylesterase MdCXE20 exhibited higher expression levels compared to other MdCXE genes during cold storage. To confirm the role of MdCXE20, we conducted a transient injection of apple fruits and observed that overexpression of MdCXE20 led to the degradation of esters such as hexyl hexanoate, butyl hexanoate, butyl 2-methylbutyrate, hexyl butyrate, and hexyl 2-methylbutyrate. The results of the study showed that the virus-induced gene silencing of MdCXE20 found the opposite results. Additionally, the esters of OE-MdCXE20 callus showed a lower content of ester VOC than the control callus, according to the homologous stable transformation of ‘Wanglin’ callus. Overall, these findings suggest that the MdCXE20 gene plays a crucial role in the decrease of esters in ‘Ruixue’ apples, which ultimately affects their flavor.
A Parallel Computational Model for Three-Dimensional, Thermo-Mechanical Stokes Flow Simulations of Glaciers and Ice Sheets

This paper focuses on the development of an efficient, three-dimensional, thermo-mechanical, nonlinear-Stokes flow computational model for ice sheet simulation. The model is based on the parallel finite element model developed in [14] which features high-order accurate finite element discretizations on variable resolution grids. Here, we add an improved iterative solution method for treating the nonlinearity of the Stokes problem, a new high-order accurate finite element solver for the temperature equation, and a new conservative finite volume solver for handling mass conservation. The result is an accurate and efficient numerical model for thermo-mechanical glacier and ice-sheet simulations. We demonstrate the improved efficiency of the Stokes solver using the ISMIP-HOM Benchmark experiments and a realistic test case for the Greenland ice-sheet. We also apply our model to the EISMINT-II benchmark experiments and demonstrate stable thermo-mechanical ice sheet evolution on both structured and unstructured meshes. Notably, we find no evidence for the “cold spoke” instabilities observed for these same experiments when using finite difference, shallow-ice approximation models on structured grids. AMS subject classifications: 86A40, 65N30, 65M08
Analysis of Stray Light in Space Optical System

The sources of stray light in space optical systems and the effect of stray light on infrared optical systems are presented. The physical models for analyzing stray light are constructed.Mento-Carlo method and light tracing method for computing stray light are introduced. Concrete prototypes for stray lights analyzing and computing are given. According to this paper, we have a basic knowledge of computing stray lights with stray light software.
Interaction and potential mechanisms between atorvastatin and voriconazole, agents used to treat dyslipidemia and fungal infections

Purpose: Voriconazole (VOR) is combined with atorvastatin (ATO) to treat fungal infections in patients with dyslipidemia in clinical practice. However, the pharmacokinetic interactions and potential mechanisms between them are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic interactions and potential mechanisms between ATO and VOR. Patients and methods: We collected plasma samples from three patients using ATO and VOR. Rats were administered either VOR or normal saline for 6 days, followed by a single dose of 2 mg/kg ATO, and then plasma samples were collected at different time points. The incubation models of human liver microsomes or HepG2 cells were constructed in vitro. A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) system was developed to determine the concentration of ATO, 2-hydroxy-ATO, 4-hydroxy-ATO, and VOR. Results: In patients, VOR significantly reduced the metabolism of ATO and slowed the formation of 2-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxy-ATO. In rats pretreated with orally administered VOR for 6 days or normal saline given a single dose of 2 mg/kg ATO administered orally on Day 6, the t1/2 of ATO was significantly prolonged from 3.61 to 6.43 h, and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0–24h) values of ATO increased from 53.86 to 176.84 h μg. L−1. However, the pharmacokinetic parameters of VOR (20 mg/kg) with or without pretreatment with ATO (2 mg/kg) only slightly changed. In vitro studies indicated that VOR inhibited the metabolism of ATO and testosterone, and the IC50 values were 45.94 and 49.81 μM. However, no significant change in transporter behaviors of ATO was observed when VOR or transporter inhibitors were co-administered. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that VOR has significant interactions with ATO, probably due to VOR’s inhibition of the CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of ATO. Based on the clinical cases and potential interactions, the basic data obtained in our study are expected to help adjust the dose of ATO and promote the design of rational dosage regimens for pharmacotherapy for fungal infections in patients with dyslipidemia.
Bone Marrow Adipocytes Contribute to Tumor Microenvironment-Driven Chemoresistance via Sequestration of Doxorubicin

Simple Summary Despite substantial progress and effort, the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy remains suboptimal due to chemoresistance, which is partly attributed to adipocytes in the tumor microenvironment. Adipocytes, major stromal cells in the bone marrow, are known to uptake lipophilic molecules. As many chemotherapeutics are hydrophobic, bone marrow adipocytes may contribute to the development of chemoresistance. However, detailed investigation has been challenging due to the limited accessibility and heterogeneity of the bone marrow microenvironment. To address these barriers, we have established 2D and 3D in vitro culture models of human bone marrow adipocytes. Our models provide compelling evidence that bone marrow adipocytes sequester doxorubicin in lipid droplets, resulting in a reduction in its cytotoxicity. These findings reveal an orthogonal mechanism for bone marrow tumor microenvironment-driven chemoresistance. Abstract Chemoresistance is a significant problem in the effective treatment of bone metastasis. Adipocytes are a major stromal cell type in the bone marrow and may play a crucial role in developing microenvironment-driven chemoresistance. However, detailed investigation remains challenging due to the anatomical inaccessibility and intrinsic tissue complexity of the bone marrow microenvironment. In this study, we developed 2D and 3D in vitro models of bone marrow adipocytes to examine the mechanisms underlying adipocyte-induced chemoresistance. We first established a protocol for the rapid and robust differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) into mature adipocytes in 2D tissue culture plastic using rosiglitazone (10 μM), a PPARγ agonist. Next, we created a 3D adipocyte culture model by inducing aggregation of hBMSCs and adipogenesis to create adipocyte spheroids in porous hydrogel scaffolds that mimic bone marrow sinusoids. Simulated chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin (2.5 μM) demonstrated that mature adipocytes sequester doxorubicin in lipid droplets, resulting in reduced cytotoxicity. Lastly, we performed direct coculture of human multiple myeloma cells (MM1.S) with the established 3D adipocyte model in the presence of doxorubicin. This resulted in significantly accelerated multiple myeloma proliferation following doxorubicin treatment. Our findings suggest that the sequestration of hydrophobic chemotherapeutics by mature adipocytes represents a potent mechanism of bone marrow microenvironment-driven chemoresistance.
Predictors of Prostate Cancer at Fusion Biopsy: The Role of Positive Family History, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Body Mass Index

Background: PSA density and an elevated PI-RADS score are among the strongest predictors of prostate cancer (PCa) in a fusion biopsy. Positive family history, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have also been associated with the risk of developing PCa. We aim to identify predictors of the prostate cancer detection rate (CDR) in a series of patients undergoing a fusion biopsy. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 736 consecutive patients who underwent an elastic fusion biopsy from 2020 to 2022. Targeted biopsies (2–4 cores per MRI target) were followed by systematic mapping (10–12 cores). Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as ISUP score ≥ 2. Uni- and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of CDR among age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, positive family history, PSA, a positive digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA density ≥ 0.15, previous negative biopsy status, PI-RADS score, and size of MRI lesion. Results: The median patients’ age was 71 years, and median PSA was 6.6 ng/mL. A total of 20% of patients had a positive digital rectal examination. Suspicious lesions in mpMRI were scored as 3, 4, and 5 in 14.9%, 55.0%, and 17.5% of cases, respectively. The CDR was 63.2% for all cancers and 58.7% for csPCa. Only age (OR 1.04, p < 0.001), a positive DRE (OR 1.75, p = 0.04), PSA density (OR 2.68, p < 0.001), and elevated PI-RADS score (OR 4.02, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of the CDR in the multivariable analysis for overall PCa. The same associations were found for csPCa. The size of an MRI lesion was associated with the CDR only in uni-variable analysis (OR 1.07, p < 0.001). BMI, hypertension, diabetes, and a positive family history were not predictors of PCa. Conclusions: In a series of patients selected for a fusion biopsy, positive family history, hypertension, diabetes, or BMI are not predictors of PCa detection. PSA-density and PI-RADS score are confirmed to be strong predictors of the CDR.
Cost-effectiveness of a telemonitoring program in patients with cardiovascular diseases compared to standard of care

Objectives: The main aim of this work was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of an integrated care concept (NICC) that combines telemonitoring with the support of a care center in addition to guideline therapy for patients. Secondary aims were to compare health utility and health-related quality of life (QoL) between NICC and standard of care (SoC). Methods: The randomized controlled CardioCare MV trial compared NICC and SoC in patients from Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (Germany) with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or treatment-resistant hypertension. QoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year follow-up. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), EQ5D utility scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and VAS adjusted life-years (VAS-AL) were calculated. Cost data were obtained from health insurance companies, and the payer perspective was taken in health economic analyses. Quantile regression was used with adjustments for stratification variables. Results: The net benefit of NICC (QALY) was 0.031 (95%CI: 0.012 - 0.050; p=0.001) in this trial involving 957 patients. EQ5D index values, VAS-ALs and VAS were larger for NICC compared to SoC at 1 year follow-up (all p[≤]0.004). Direct cost per patient and year were {euro}323 (CI: {euro}157 - 489) lower in the NICC group. When 2000 patients are served by the care center, NICC is cost-effective if one is willing to pay {euro}10,652 per QALY per year. Conclusion: NICC was associated with higher QoL and health utility. The program is cost-effective if one is willing to pay approximately {euro}11,000 per QALY per year.
An assessment of a parallel, finite element method for three‐dimensional, moving‐boundary flows driven by capillarity for simulation of viscous sintering

A parallel, finite element method is presented for the computation of three‐dimensional, free‐surface flows where surface tension effects are significant. The method employs an unstructured tetrahedral mesh, a front‐tracking arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation, and fully implicit time integration. Interior mesh motion is accomplished via pseudo‐solid mesh deformation. Surface tension effects are incorporated directly into the momentum equation boundary conditions using surface identities that circumvent the need to compute second derivatives of the surface shape, resulting in a robust representation of capillary phenomena. Sample results are shown for the viscous sintering of glassy ceramic particles. The most serious performance issue is error arising from mesh distortion when boundary motion is significant. This effect can be severe enough to stop the calculations; some simple strategies for improving performance are tested. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Projecting the potential impact of an Omicron XBB.1.5 wave in Shanghai, China

China experienced a major nationwide wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in December 2022, immediately after lifting strict interventions, despite the majority of the population having already received inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. Due to the rapid waning of protection and the emergence of Omicron XBB.1. 5, the risk of another COVID-19 wave remains high. It is still unclear whether the health care system will be able to manage the demand during this potential XBB.1. 5 wave and if the number of associated deaths can be reduced to a level comparable to that of seasonal influenza. Thus, we developed a mathematical model of XBB.1. 5 transmission using Shanghai as a case study. We found that a potential XBB.1. 5 wave is less likely to overwhelm the health care system and would result in a death toll comparable to that of seasonal influenza, albeit still larger, especially among elderly individuals. Our analyses show that a combination of vaccines and antiviral drugs can effectively mitigate an XBB.1. 5 epidemic, with a projected number of deaths of 2.08 per 10,000 individuals. This figure corresponds to a 70-80% decrease compared to the previous Omicron wave and is comparable to the level of seasonal influenza. The peak prevalence of hospital admissions and ICU admissions are projected at 28.89 and 2.28 per 10,000 individuals, respectively, suggesting the need for a moderate increase in the capacity of the health care system. Our findings emphasize the importance of improving vaccination coverage, particularly among the older population, and the use of antiviral treatments.