Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of wall suction on the organized motion in a turbulent boundary layer

The effect of wall suction on the organized motion of a tubulent boundary layer is examined experimentally both in a wind tunnel and in a water tunnel. In the windtunnel boundary layer, which developed over a slighly heated surface, temperature fluctuations were simultaneously obtained at several points, aligned in either the x (streamwise) or y (normal to the wall) direction. The temperature traces reveal the existence of two spatially coherent events, characterized either by a sudden decrease (cooling) or by a sudden increase (heating) of temperature. Estimates are presented for the average convection velocity, and average frequency of these events. The average convection velocity of ‘coolings’ is about 15% larger than that of ‘heatings’, the velocity of both events exhibiting an important local maximum in the buffer region. Near the wall, the convection velocity of both events is increased slightly by suction while their average frequency is reduced by suction. Away from the wall, the average inclination of ‘coolings’ and ‘heatings’ is about 40° without suction; suction does not alter the inclination of ‘coolings’ but increases that of ‘heatings’ to about 50°. Visualizations in the water tunnel indicate that suction increases the stability and the longitudinal coherence of low-speed streaks. They also show that suction reduces the average frequency of dye ejections into the outer layer.
Effects of five years conservation tillage for hedging against drought, stabilizing maize yield, and improving soil environment in the drylands of northern China

Continuous tillage cultivation positioning trials can provide the basis for maintaining soil health, improving resource utilization efficiency and crop productivity, and achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this study, changes in soil stability and water–holding capacity characteristics were measured under different tillage cultivations from a multi–year microscopic perspective and analyzed to evaluate selected key indicators. Continuous monitoring of rainfall utilization efficiency and yield was carried out for five years. Here, we discuss the role of conservation tillage in buffering and stabilizing rainfall precipitation pattern on the fluctuation and uncertainty of soil water retention and water supply capacity and soil quality. The study was carried out on dryland areas of the Loess Plateau in northern China with eight tillage systems established in 2016: no–tillage (NT); no–tillage and straw (NTS); subsoiling (SU); subsoiling and straw (SUS); rotary tillage (RT); rotary tillage and straw (RTS); conventional tillage (CT); and conventional tillage and straw (CTS). All treatments were applied in conjunction with continuous cropping for five years. The evaluated soil parameters were mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), >0.25 mm aggregate content (R0.25) of water–stable aggregates (WSAs), soil moisture characteristic curve (SMCC), specific soil water capacity (Cθ), soil organic matter (SOM), rainfall utilization efficiency (RUE), and maize yields for five consecutive years. The MWD, GMD, and R0.25 of SUS were 27.38%, 17.57%, and 7.68% more than CTS (control), respectively. Overall, SOM, average annual RUE, and average annual yields increased by 14.64%, 11.89%, and 9.59%, respectively, compared with 2016. Our results strongly suggest that conservation tillage can considerably improve these characterization indicators. SUS was more effective than CTS in the 0–40 cm soil layer at hedging against drought in the area, stabilizing crop production, and achieving sustainable agricultural development.
External counterpulsation stimulation combined with acupuncture for vascular endothelial function in patients with hypertension: A randomized pilot trial

ABSTRACT Objective Endothelial function may improve with enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) or acupuncture. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of acupoint stimulation combined with EECP (acupoint-EECP) for endothelial cell function in patients with essential hypertension. Methods Thirty essential hypertensive patients were, randomly divided into two groups, with 15 patients in the acupoint-EECP group, and 15 patients in the control group, of which 3 cases were lost by week 6. Both groups were treated with continued medicine. The participants in the acupoint-EECP group received acupoint stimulation combined with EECP therapy, 45 min for each time, 5 times weekly for 6 weeks for a total of 22.5 hours. The selected acupoints are Zusanli (ST36), Fenglong (ST40) and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The curative effects of the two groups were compared. Results The acupoint-EECP group (n=15) showed significant improvement in endothelial function [nitric oxide (NO) ，endothelin-1 (ET-1) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), respectively] values compared to the control group (n=12). Multiple imputation (n = 20 imputations) was performed to account for potential bias due to missing data. In stratified analyses, SBP and DBP values decreased when the baseline SBP was ≥120 mmHg and DBP was ≥80 mmHg. Conclusions These findings suggest the feasibility of acupoint-EECP in improving endothelial function and treating hypertension. (The Chinese clinical trial registration number is ChiCTR2100053795.)
A method for calibrating force transducers against oscillation force

A method for evaluating the dynamic response of force transducers against an oscillation force is proposed. In the method, a force transducer is connected to a mass by a spring, which generates the oscillating force after the mass is manually hit using a hammer. A pneumatic linear bearing is used to realize linear motion with sufficiently small friction acting on the mass, which is the moving part of the bearing. The inertial force acting on the mass is determined highly accurately by measuring the velocity of the mass using an optical interferometer.
Near-Complete Whole-Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus sp. nov. Strain J5C2022, a Sucretolerant and Endospore-Forming Bacterium Isolated from Highly Concentrated Sugar Brine

Here, we present a 7.62-Mbp genome sequence of Paenibacillus sp. nov. strain J5C2022, a Gram-positive facultatively anaerobic bacterium that was isolated from 4-month-old fruit pickle brine and sequenced using the Illumina platform. ABSTRACT Here, we present a 7.62-Mbp genome sequence of Paenibacillus sp. nov. strain J5C2022, a Gram-positive facultatively anaerobic bacterium that was isolated from 4-month-old fruit pickle brine and sequenced using the Illumina platform.
Robustness analysis of nonlinear feedback systems: an input-output approach

We summarize a framework for robustness analysis of nonlinear systems. The notion of model uncertainty is based on the closeness of input-output trajectories, and is not tied to a particular uncertainty representation, such as additive, parametric, structured, etc. The basic viewpoint is to regard systems as operators on signal spaces. We outline a global theory and a local approach (over bounded signal sets) which applies to systems with potential for finite escape. Several examples are presented, as well as a generalization of the framework to the case where uncertainty occurs in several subsystems in an arbitrary interconnection.
Thermal conduction by massive particles

Une discussion de l'equation collisionnelle de Boltzmann est presentee en specifiant les approximations physiques et les hypotheses de symetrie correspondantes qui conduisent ensuite a une solution formelle. Pour le cas des interactions a sphere dure applicable a de nombreux candidats cosmions qui ont ete proposes pour resoudre le probleme des neutrinos solaires, de nouveaux resultats explicites sont etablis par des techniques analytiques et numeriques
Don't Stop Me Now: Neural Underpinnings of Increased Impulsivity to Temporally Predictable Events

Abstract Although the benefit of temporal predictability for behavior is long-established, recent studies provide evidence that knowing when an important event will occur comes at the cost of greater impulsivity. Here, we investigated the neural basis of inhibiting actions to temporally predictable targets using an EEG–EMG method. In our temporally cued version of the stop-signal paradigm (two-choice task), participants used temporal information delivered by a symbolic cue to speed their responses to the target. In a quarter of the trials, an auditory signal indicated that participants had to inhibit their actions. Behavioral results showed that although temporal cues speeded RTs, they also impaired the ability to stop actions as indexed by longer stop-signal reaction time. In line with behavioral benefits of temporal predictability, EEG data demonstrated that acting at temporally predictable moments facilitated response selection at the cortical level (reduced frontocentral negativity just before the response). Likewise, activity of the motor cortex involved in suppression of incorrect response hand was stronger for temporally predictable events. Thus, by keeping an incorrect response in check, temporal predictability likely enabled faster implementation of the correct response. Importantly, there was no effect of temporal cues on the EMG-derived index of online, within-trial inhibition of subthreshold impulses. This result shows that although participants were more prone to execute a fast response to temporally predictable targets, their inhibitory control was, in fact, unaffected by temporal cues. Altogether, our results demonstrate that greater impulsivity when responding to temporally predictable events is paralleled by enhanced neural motor processes involved in response selection and implementation rather than impaired inhibitory control.
Radiation effects on hydromagnetic free convective and mass transfer flow of a gas past a circular cylinder with uniform heat and mass flux

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the effect of combined heat and mass transfer characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free convection flow of an electrically conducting Newtonian fluid on circular cylinder with uniform heat/mass flux, taking into consideration the effects of uniform transverse magnetic field and thermal radiation.Design/methodology/approach – An analysis is performed to study the momentum, combined heat and mass transfer characteristics of MHD free convection flow past a circular cylinder surface under the effect of thermal radiation with uniform heat and mass flux. By using Lie group method, the infinitesimal generators of governing equations are calculated. Using the resulting generators for the boundary value problem, the equations are transformed into an ordinary differential system. Numerical solutions of the outcoming non‐linear differential equations are found by using a combination of a Runge–Kutta algorithm and shooting technique.Findings – Application of.
New Insights into the Spread of MRS‐Based Water T2 Values Observed in Highly Fatty Replaced Muscles

The reference standard for assessing water T2 (T2,H2O) at high fat fraction (FF) is 1H MRS. T2,H2O (T2,H2O,MRS) dependence on FF (FFMRS) has recently been demonstrated in muscle at high FF (i.e. ≥60%).
Bidirectional Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves from Rough Surfaces

A general bidirectional expression is derived from the Stratton‐Chu‐Silver integral for the scattering of electromagnetic waves from rough surfaces. This expression is then expanded in a power series of surface slope terms for the special case of scattering in the plane of incidence. The results of this expansion are then compared with other models and closed‐form solutions are obtained for comparison with experiment.
Sleep Quality in the Advanced Heart Failure ICU

In this study, we evaluated sleep quality changes in persons with advanced heart failure (HF) who were admitted to the intensive care unit. Sleep quality was assessed at admission, during hospitalization, and post-discharge. Statistical tests compared within subject mean sleep quality over time (n = 22). Poor quality sleep was reported by 96% of participants at admission, 96% during hospitalization, and 86% post-discharge. Significant differences were found between timepoints in global sleep quality, subject sleep quality, sleep duration, and habitual sleep efficiency. A greater proportion of these participants had poor global sleep quality during hospitalization than previously reported. Participants reported better sleep post-discharge than admission and during hospitalization. Interventions enhancing hospital sleep, along with home sleep self-management education, would improve HF outcomes. Implementation science methods are warranted to integrate efficacious interventions in this population.
Extracellular Vesicles from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Relieve Extremity Lymphedema in Mouse Models

Background: Transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) has been reported to improve the severity of chronic lymphedema. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells have been reported to exert effects such as the promotion of angiogenesis, suppression of inflammation, and regeneration of damaged organs. In this study, the authors show that lymphangiogenesis was induced by EVs derived from ADSCs and reveal the therapeutic potential of these EVs for the treatment of lymphedema. Methods: The authors examined the in vitro effects of ADSC-EVs to lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Next, they conducted an in vivo analysis of ADSC-EVs to mouse lymphedema models. Bioinformatics analysis was also performed to evaluate the implications of the altered microRNA expression. Results: The authors showed that ADSC-EVs promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of LECs, and the gene expression of lymphatic markers was elevated in the ADSC-EV–treated group. Notably, a mouse lymphedema model revealed that legs treated with ADSC-EVs had markedly improved edema, with increased numbers of capillary vessels and lymphatic channels. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that ADSC-EV–associated microRNAs, such as miR-199a-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-377-3p, miR-100-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-495-3p, and miR-29c-3p, targeted mouse double minute 2 homolog, which contributed to the stability of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and resulted in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in LECs. Conclusions: The present study showed lymphangiogenic effects of ADSC-EVs, which will lead to new treatment options for chronic lymphedema. Cell-free therapy with EVs has fewer potential risks, such as poor engraftment efficiency and potential tumor formation, than stem cell transplantation and could be a promising tool for patients with lymphedema. Clinical Relevance Statement: This study may open up new possibilities for novel therapies for lymphedema.
Estimating the Herfindahl Index from Concentration Ratio Data

Abstract High concentration ratio (C)—Herfindahl (H) index correlations found in United States studies may be biased upward by using estimated H. For New Zealand data, correlations between C and actual H are lower; the H—C relationship appears to be nonlinear. Guided by income distribution studies, a new family of H estimators—derived from H's upper and lower bounds rather than generalized assumptions about firm size distributions—is proposed. The methodology for calculating the bounds from concentration ratio data is described, and the efficacy of various estimators is tested.
Short-term risk of periprocedural stroke relative to radial vs. femoral access: systematic review, meta-analysis, study sequential analysis and meta-regression of 2,188,047 real-world cardiac catheterizations

ABSTRACT Objectives To verify whether transradial (TRA) compared to transfemoral (TFA) cardiac catheterization reduces the risk of periprocedural stroke (PS). Methods We reviewed (CRD42021277918) published real-world cohorts reporting the incidence of PS within 3 days following diagnostic or interventional catheterization. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions of odds ratios (OR) performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method were checked for publication bias (Egger test) and adjusted for false-positive results (study sequential analysis SSA). Results The pooled incidence of PS from 2,188,047 catheterizations (14 cohorts), was 193 (105 to 355) per 100,000. Meta-analyses of adjusted estimates (OR = 0.66 (0.49 to 0.89); p = 0.007; I2 = 90%), unadjusted estimates (OR = 0.63 (0.51 to 0.77; I2 = 74%; p = 0.000)), and a sub-group of prospective cohorts (OR = 0.67 (0.48 to 0.94; p = 0.022; I2 = 16%)) had a lower risk of PS in TRA (without indication of publication bias). SSA confirmed the pooled sample size was sufficient to support these conclusions. Meta-regression decreased the unexplained heterogeneity but did not identify any independent predictor of PS nor any effect modifier. Conclusion Periprocedural stroke remains a rare and hard-to-predict adverse event associated with cardiac catheterization. TRA is associated with a 20% to 30% lower risk of PS in real-world/common practice settings. Future studies are unlikely to change our conclusion.
Gastroparesis syndromes: emerging drug targets and potential therapeutic opportunities

ABSTRACT Introduction Gastroparesis (Gp) and related disorders such as chronic unexplained nausea and vomiting and functional dyspepsia, known as gastropareis syndromes (GpS), have large unmet needs. Mainstays of GpS treatments are diet and drugs. Areas Covered The purpose of this review is to explore potential new medications and other therapies for gastroparesis. Before discussing possible new drugs, the currently used drugs are discussed. These include dopamine receptor antagonists, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists and antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists and other anti-emetics. The article also considers future drugs that may be used for Gp, based on currently known pathophysiology. Expert opinion Gaps in knowledge about the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and related syndromes are critical to developing therapeutic agents that will be successful. Recent major developments in the gastroparesis arena are related to microscopic anatomy, cellular function, and pathophysiology. The major challenges moving forward will be to develop the genetic and biochemical correlates of these major developments in gastroparesis research.
Acid–base imbalance as a risk factor for mortality among COVID-19 hospitalized patients

Abstract Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection can lead to extensive lung infiltrate, a significant increase in the respiratory rate, and respiratory failure, which can affect the acid–base balance. No research in the Middle East has previously examined acid–base imbalance in COVID-19 patients. The present study aimed to describe the acid–base imbalance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, determine its causes, and assess its impact on mortality in a Jordanian hospital. The study divided patients into 11 groups based on arterial blood gas data. Patients in normal group were defined as having a pH of 7.35–7.45, PaCO2 of 35–45 mmHg, and HCO3− of 21–27 mEq/L. Other patients were divided into 10 additional groups: mixed acidosis and alkalosis, respiratory and metabolic acidosis with or without compensation, and respiratory and metabolic alkalosis with or without compensation. This is the first study to categorize patients in this way. The results showed that acid–base imbalance was a significant risk factor for mortality (P<0.0001). Mixed acidosis nearly quadruples the risk of death when compared with those with normal levels (OR = 3.61, P=0.05). Furthermore, the risk of death was twice as high (OR = 2) for metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation (P=0.002), respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation (P=0.002), or respiratory acidosis with no compensation (P=0.002). In conclusion, acid–base abnormalities, particularly mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis, were associated with increased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Clinicians should be aware of the significance of these abnormalities and address their underlying causes.
Nanoscale photothermal and photoacoustic transients probed with extreme ultraviolet radiation

We demonstrate the use of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light for time-resolved measurements of the photothermal and photoacoustic response of materials. By using wavelengths that are 20× shorter than visible light, we demonstrate the potential for dramatically increased sensitivity and signal levels, in some cases by almost two orders of magnitude compared with visible light. This approach will enable probing of surface acoustic dynamics on nano-scale spatial dimensions of 50nm and below, using a small scale coherent EUV sources employing high-harmonic generation.
A Novel Tracker for a Class of Sampled-data Nonlinear Systems

In this paper, a novel observer/Kalman filter identification (OKID) based iterative learning control (ILC) for a class sample-data nonlinear system is proposed and supplies a good tracking performance in both the transient and steady-state phase. The proposed observer-based digital redesign tracker can suppress the uncertainties and the nonlinear perturbations. First, even without resetting the identical initial condition the optimal linear model of the analog nonlinear system is constructed at the operating point. The operating point is generated due to the analog observer updated by the well-designed analog OKID-ILC nonlinear system. Thereafter, the linear quadratic regulator design technique with a high-gain property is applied to design an analog observer-based tracker of the optimal linear model. Finally, the proposed approach for the analog system is then extended to the case for a class of sampled-data nonlinear systems.
A mixed methods assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to aflatoxin contamination and exposure among caregivers of children under 5 years in western Kenya

Abstract Objective: Identifying factors that may influence aflatoxin exposure in children under 5 years of age living in farming households in western Kenya. Design: We used a mixed methods design. The quantitative component entailed serial cross-sectional interviews in 250 farming households to examine crop processing and conservation practices, household food storage and consumption and local understandings of aflatoxins. Qualitative data collection included focus group discussions (N 7) and key informant interviews (N 13) to explore explanations of harvesting and post-harvesting techniques and perceptions of crop spoilage. Setting: The study was carried out in Asembo, a rural community where high rates of child stunting exist. Participants: A total of 250 female primary caregivers of children under 5 years of age and thirteen experts in farming and food management participated. Results: Study results showed that from a young age, children routinely ate maize-based dishes. Economic constraints and changing environmental patterns guided the application of sub-optimal crop practices involving early harvest, poor drying, mixing spoiled with good cereals and storing cereals in polypropylene bags in confined quarters occupied by humans and livestock and raising risks of aflatoxin contamination. Most (80 %) smallholder farmers were unaware of aflatoxins and their harmful economic and health consequences. Conclusions: Young children living in subsistence farming households may be at risk of exposure to aflatoxins and consequent ill health and stunting. Sustained efforts to increase awareness of the risks of aflatoxins and control measures among subsistence farmers could help to mitigate practices that raise exposure.