Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanometric three-dimensional tracking of individual quantum dots in cells

Wide-field single-molecule fluorescence microscopy has become an established tool for the study of dynamic biological processes which occur in the plane of a cellular membrane. In the current study we have extended this technique to the three-dimensional analysis of molecular mobility. Introduction of a cylindrical lens into the emission path of a microscope produced some astigmatism which was used to obtain the full three-dimensional position information. The localization accuracy of fluorescent objects was calculated theoretically and subsequently confirmed by simulations and by experiments. For further validation individual quantum dots were followed when passively diffusing and actively transported within life cells.
Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea in post‐treatment cancer patients

For cancer patients, comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses additional risk to their surgical/anaesthetic outcomes, quality of life, and survival. However, OSA screening is not well‐established in oncology settings. We tested two screening tools (STOP‐Bang questionnaire [SBQ] and the at‐home monitoring device, ApneaLink™Air), for predicting polysomnography (PSG) confirmed OSA in post‐treatment cancer patients.
Comparison of particle sampling results from tape lifts and solvent rinses

Historical experience and previously published papers have shown that contamination sampling techniques influence the cleanliness results of spaceflight hardware. Programs rely on this data to show that derived or contractual requirements are met at delivery. Particle sampling using tape lifts and rinses was performed on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Primary Mirror Segment Assemblies (PMSAs) hardware. Sampling was performed on identical hardware with both sampling techniques. The hardware was sampled at comparable stages of assembly which provided hardware with similar levels of particulate contamination. Results from the two sampling techniques are compared. In one technique, sampling was performed by rinsing (with a hand-squeeze bottle with low pressure) followed by a tape lift; the other technique used a tape lift only. The relationship of particle size distribution, types of particles, level of particle contamination, and particle removal rate by sampling technique are examined. Comparison of the particle sampling results provides a basis for interpreting results depending on sampling techniques. Improving the contamination engineer’s ability to interpret results is particularly useful when hardware configuration or surface finish dictate which sampling technique can be used. When one can choose the sampling technique, the results of this study can provide guidance on which technique is more appropriate depending on the circumstances. Results show that tape lifts remove more particles than low pressure rinses; furthermore that tape lift only is better than the combined operation of a rinse closely followed by a tape lift. Results also indicate that further work should be performed on different surface finishes, rinsing techniques, and particulate contamination levels.
Pressure dependence of the resistivity of single-wall carbon nanotube ropes

We have performed dc transport measurements on purified thick films of single-walled carbon nanotubes under hydrostatic pressures up to 2 GPa in the temperature range 4\char21{}300 K. At room temperature we have found nonmonotonic variation of the resistance with applied pressure. The resistance first drops with increasing pressure, but in the range where hexagonal deformation of the tubes is evidenced by the Raman experiments of Venkateswaran et al. [Phys. Rev. B 59, 10 928 (1999)], we see a fast increase in sample resistivity acompanied by very long time-scale relaxations. The temperature dependence of the resistivity does not change much with pressure, and we find an $\mathrm{exp}[{(T}_{0}{/T)}^{1/4}]$ temperature dependence indicating hoppinglike conduction.
Modeling of Laminar Flows in Rough-Wall Microchannels

Numerical modeling and analytical approach were used to compute laminar flows in rough-wall microchannels. Both models considered the same arrangements of rectangular prism rough elements in periodical arrays. The numerical results confirmed that the flow is independent of the Reynolds number in the range 1-200. The analytical model needs only one constant for most geometrical arrangements. It compares well with the numerical results. Moreover, both models are consistent with experimental data. They show that the rough elements drag is mainly responsible for the pressure drop across the channel in the upper part of the relative roughness range.
Mechanics of doublet firings in motor unit pools

Motor unit double discharges, or doublet firings, have been described as two consecutive motor unit discharges that occur with short interspike intervals. By the use of electrical stimulation protocols, short interspike intervals inserted at the beginning of a stimulation train have been shown to increase both the peak force and the rate of rise of force production [S.J. Garland and L. Griffin, Motor unit double discharges: statistical anomaly or functional entity? Can. J. Appl. Physiol. 24 (1999), pp. 113–130]. The aim of this article is to estimate possible mechanical effects of simulated motor unit doublets in selected motor unit pools (MUPs) during the initial isometric contractions. Five different MUPs with varying ranges were simulated considering important nonlinearities in the force response to pairs of stimuli according to Thomas et al. [C.K. Thomas, R.S. Johansson, and B. Bigland-Ritchie, Pattern of pulses that maximize force output from single human thenar motor units. J. Neurophysiol. 82 (1999), pp. 3188–3195]. The results support the hypothesis that double discharges represent a functional entity: expected increases depend on the properties of the MUP as a whole. Relative timing of the doublet discharges occurs, but has only little effect.
On stochastic equation describing the one-sided moving average process and minimax estimation problem

Αζ= f •/o of a stationary stochastic process £(t) with values in a Hubert space from observations f(t) as t ^ 0 is considered. The minimax spectral characteristics of the optimal estimate of the transformation Αζ and the least favourable spectral densities for the various classes of densities are found. Denote by X a separable Hubert space with inner product (x,y) and an orthonormal basis {ek: k = 1,2,. }. A stochastic process £(t) with values in X is stationary, if its components £* = (f(£),ejt) are square-mean continuous and satisfy the conditions from [1, 2]: 00 Efc(i) = 0, E|K(t)|& = V E|fc(t)| < oo,
Fabrication and coupling to planar high-Q silica disk microcavities

Using standard lithographic techniques, we demonstrate fabrication of silica disk microcavities, which exhibit whispering-gallery-type modes having quality factors (Q) in excess of 1 million. Efficient coupling (high extinction at critical coupling and low, nonresonant insertion loss) to and from the disk structure is achieved by the use of tapered optical fibers. The observed high Q is attributed to the wedged-shaped edge of the disk microcavity, which is believed to isolate modes from the disk perimeter and thereby reduce scattering loss. The mode spectrum is measured and the influence of planar confinement on the mode structure is investigated. We analyze the use of these resonators for very low loss devices, such as add/drop filters.
Classical analysis of variance methods and nonparametric counterparts.

The present investigation is concerned with the use of classical and nonparametric techniques in the analysis of experiments. Occasionally biometricians are confronted with results arising from an experiment with data which do not necessarily satisfy the assumption of Normality, the basis of the classical analysis of variance methods. Sometimes the biometrician handles such a situation by transformation of the observations and applying the classical techniques. Although this attack may lead to a satisfactory analysis, the results may be questionable in a number of cases. In analyzing continuous data without the Normality assumption nonparametric methods provide realistic alternatives. In this paper a number of problems will be discussed with and without the Normality assumption resulting in the well-known classical analysis and its nonparametric counterparts. Most of the nonparametric procedures to be discussed are based on ranks.
Is the intercloud medium pervasive

We consider the pervasiveness of the ''not strongly absorbing'' (NSA) H I gas, which is the intercloud medium in steady state theories of the interstellar medium. We study the question by analyzing wide emission components in nearby gas, and the absence of absorption components in distant gas. We conclude that the NSA material is deficient in the immediately local solar vicinity. In nearby regions it contains 38% of the interstellar H I; it is generally pervasive and often has internal motions which greatly increase its velocity dispersion above the 5 km s/sup -1/ minimum value. It contains large holes, perhaps ranging up to 400 pc diameter, which probably occupy 10--20% of the volume. In distant regions the NSA material seems to be pervasive outside 8 kpc galactic radius. For galactic radii between 8 and 10 kpc its thickness agrees with previous determinations of 370 pc for nearby regions. Outside 10 kpc the thickness increases dramatically. Inside 8 kpc there are no data.
Infrared spectroscopy of symbiotic stars and the nature of their cool components.

We present low-resolution 2--4 . mu.m spectroscopy of a small sample of symbiotic stars, in an effort to determine if the giant components of these systems fill their Roche Lobes. A (2.35)-(2.2) color index measures the strength of the CO absorption band and provides a useful discriminant of luminosity class among single M-type giants which separates normal giants from supergiants at the same spectral type. Although interpretation of symbiotic spectra is complicated somewhat by their binary nature, our results suggest the late-type components in these systems range from normal red giants to bright asymptotic giants. The possible presence of non-Roche Lobe filling, low-luminosity giants in some symbiotic stars cannot be understood within the framework of existing theories for these interesting objects, and thus may provide important information for understanding mass transfer in binary systems.
“Why do they do it?”: The short‐story task for measuring fiction‐based mentalizing in autistic and non‐autistic individuals

This study aimed to validate the short‐story‐task (SST) based on Dodell‐Feder et al. as an instrument to quantify the ability of mentalizing and to differentiate between non‐autistic adults and autistic adults, who may have acquired rules to interpret the actions of non‐autistic individuals. Autistic (N = 32) and non‐autistic (N = 32) adult participants were asked to read “The End of Something” by Ernest Hemingway and to answer implicit and explicit mentalizing questions, and comprehension questions. Furthermore, verbal and nonverbal IQ was measured and participants were asked how much fiction they read each month. Mentalizing performance was normally distributed for autistic and non‐autistic participants with autistic participants scoring in the lower third of the distribution. ROC (receiver operator curve) analysis revealed the task to be an excellent discriminator between autistic and non‐autistic participants. A linear regression analysis identified number of books read, years of education and group as significant predictors. Overall, the SST is a promising measure of mentalizing. On the one hand, it differentiates among non‐autistic individuals and on the other hand it is sensitive towards performance differences in mentalizing among autistic adults. Implications for interventions are discussed.
Metamemory Mediates the Effects of Age on Episodic and Working Memory across the Adult Lifespan

ABSTRACT Background Previous studies have examined the direct relationship between metamemory and memory performance in young and older adults, but the results of these studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we examined whether metamemory mediates the effects of age on memory performance. Methods We examined episodic memory and working memory through computerized tasks performed by a lifespan sample of 1554 healthy adults. Seven metamemory traits were measured with the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire. Separate structural equation modeling analyses were conducted to investigate potential metamemory mediators that intervened between age and the accuracy and speed of accessing information from episodic and working memory. Results The use of internal or external strategies mediated the effects of age on episodic memory and spatial working memory performance. The perception of one’s own memory capacity and the experience of anxiety when using memory functions mediated the effects of age on working memory performance in both domains. Conclusions Metamemory traits have the power to strengthen or weaken the course of episodic and working memory decline throughout adulthood.
High‐voltage 6H‐SiC p‐n junction diodes

A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process has been used to produce device structures of n‐and p‐type 6H‐SiC epitaxial layers on commercially produced single‐crystal 6H‐SiC wafers. Mesa‐style p‐n junction diodes were successfully fabricated from these device structures using reactive ion etching, oxide passivation, and electrical contact metallization techniques. When tested in air, the 6H‐SiC diodes displayed excellent rectification characteristics up to the highest temperature tested, 600 °C. To observe avalanche breakdown of the p‐n junction diodes, testing under a high‐electrical‐strength liquid was necessary. The avalanche breakdown voltage was 1000 V representing the highest reverse breakdown voltage to be reported for any CVD‐grown SiC diode.
Edge dislocations of colloidal chains suspended in a nematic liquid crystal

We report on the formation of edge dislocations in two-dimensional crystals of colloidal chains of particles suspended in a nematic solvent. The systems are obtained from a phase separation of a binary mixture composed of a polymer and a liquid crystal. The colloidal structures are governed by elastic interactions mediated by the nematic matrix. Since the latter one breaks the rotational invariance symmetry, distortions around dislocations cannot be appropriately described by existing theories. We develop a simple elastic model which accounts for this symmetry breaking to gain information on factors governing the chains interaction. We find that rotation and compression/dilatation moduli of the chains are of the same order of magnitude. We also calculate the energies of single and pairs of dislocations. The results should be relevant for other layered systems such as smectics, cholesterics and surfactant lamellar phases in the presence of an external field.
The quality of life and depression in primary caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is affected by patient-related and culture-specific conditions

Abstract Objective: To analyze the quality of life (QoL) and frequency of depression in primary caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in two neighboring European countries. Methods: a cross-sectional study performed in 164 dyads of ALS patients and caregivers followed at clinical ALS centers in Poland and Germany between 2015 and 2018. The quality of life (Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment - ACSA, Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness - Family Carer Version - QOLLTI-F) and depression (ALS-Depression-Inventory 12-Items - ADI-12) of the caregivers was assessed and correlated with caregivers- and patient-related factors. Patient’s clinical status was assessed by ALS Functional Rating Scale – revised and the Behavioral Score of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen. Results: the caregivers reported a positive QoL associated with functional and behavioral status of the patient, disease duration and caregivers’s depression The most impaired domains of the QoL differed depending on the country of provenance, cultural background and/or social support of the caregivers. Depression was present in 1/3 of the caregivers and was significantly more frequent in the Polish group. It positively correlated with female gender, disease duration, sleep disturbances and functional decline. Both QoL and mood were significantly lower in the caregivers more burdened with the functional care of the patients. Conclusions: the wellbeing of caregivers of ALS patients is affected by patient-related and culture-specific conditions. Understanding the needs and background of psychological adaptation of the caregivers from various countries may translate into better QoL and local patient care.
Fractional and Time-Scales Differential Equations

and Applied Analysis Volume 2014, Article ID 365250, 2 pages http://dx.doi. org/10.1155/2014/365250 2 Abstract and Applied Analysis our special issue. Another part of contributionswas focussing on two efficient generalized Laguerre spectral algorithms for some fractional initial value problems, the approximation of eigenvalues of Sturm-Liouville problems by using Hermite interpolation and the presentation of the numerical solutions of fractional Fokker-Planck equations by using the iterative Laplace transform method. Dumitru Baleanu Ali H. Bhrawy Delfim F. M. Torres Soheil Salahshour
Some aspects of fully developed turbulent flow in non-circular ducts

An experimental study of fully developed uniform-density turbulent flow in a circular pipe containing one or two rods located off-centre is described. The friction factor in both cases was found to be approximately 5 % higher than the simple pipe friction factor. The shear stress distribution on the rod surface was determined using calibrated boundary-layer fences. The normalized shear stress distributions were independent of Reynolds number in the range 3·7 × 104 to 2·15 × 105. Mean-velocity measurements were obtained to check the validity of the universal law of the wall near the rod surface. Secondary-flow velocities were measured by a hot-wire anemometer and integrated to yield the secondary-flow stream function. Secondary-flow velocities of the order of 1 % of the mean velocity were observed. In the gap between the two pins, however, the secondary-flow velocities were only ½% of the mean velocity. It is demonstrated that the secondary flow cannot be neglected if a force balance is used to determine the shear stress distribution on the rod surface.
Derivation of the free‐jet Mach‐disk location using the entropy‐balance principle

The molar‐entropy change of a gas expansion in a free jet is analyzed. Relating the entropy change along the expansion process to the entropy change evaluated using the thermodynamic properties of the initial and final states, one finds that the Mach‐disk location is proportional to the square root of the pressure ratio p0/p∞ in agreement with the empirical expression given by Ashkenas and Sherman. The analysis shows further that the Mach‐disk location is independent of the temperature ratio T0/T∞, and is only a weak function of the specific heat ratio γ.
Desorption of Ammonia Adsorbed on Prussian Blue Analogs by Washing with Saturated Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate Solution

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) have been reported as promising ammonia (NH3) adsorbents with a high capacity compared to activated carbon, zeolite, and ion exchange resins. The adsorbed NH3 was desorbed by heating and washing with water or acid. Recently, we demonstrated that desorption was also possible by washing with a saturated ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution (sat. NH4HCO3 aq) and recovered NH3 as an NH4HCO3 solid by introducing CO2 into the washing liquid after desorption. However, this has only been proven for copper ferrocyanide and the relationship between the adsorption/desorption behavior and metal ions in PBAs has not been identified. In this study, we investigated the adsorption/desorption behavior of PBAs that are complexes of first row transition metals with hexacyanometalate anions. Six types of PBAs were tested in this study and copper ferricyanide exhibited the highest desorption/adsorption ratio. X-ray diffraction results revealed high structural stability for cobalt hexacyanocobaltate (CoHCC) and nickel ferricyanide (NiHCF). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the NH3 adsorbed on the vacancy sites tended to desorb compared to the NH3 adsorbed on the interstitial sites as ammonium ions. Interestingly, the desorption/adsorption ratio exhibited the Irving-Williams order.
Cytokines as prognostic biomarkers in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background Risk stratification and assessment of disease progression in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are challenged by the lack of accurate disease-specific and prognostic biomarkers. To date, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and/or its N-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP) are the only markers for right ventricular dysfunction used in clinical practice, in association with echocardiographic and invasive haemodynamic variables to predict outcome in patients with PAH. Methods This study was designed to identify an easily measurable biomarker panel in the serum of 80 well-phenotyped PAH patients with idiopathic, heritable or drug-induced PAH at baseline and at first follow-up. The prognostic value of identified cytokines of interest was secondly analysed in an external validation cohort of 125 PAH patients. Results Among the 20 biomarkers studied with the multiplex Ella platform, we identified a three-biomarker panel composed of β-NGF, CXCL9 and TRAIL that were independently associated with prognosis both at the time of PAH diagnosis and at the first follow-up after initiation of PAH therapy. β-NGF and CXCL9 were predictors of death or transplantation, whereas high levels of TRAIL were associated with a better prognosis. Furthermore, the prognostic value of the three cytokines was more powerful for predicting survival than usual non-invasive variables (New York Heart Association Functional Class, 6-min walk distance and BNP/NT-proBNP). The results were validated in a fully independent external validation cohort. Conclusion The monitoring of β-NGF, CXCL9 and TRAIL levels in serum should be considered in the management and treatment of patients with PAH to objectively guide therapeutic options. β-NGF, CXCL9 and TRAIL are independently associated with PAH prognosis at baseline and at follow-up. Prognostic value of the 3 cytokines is more powerful for predicting transplant-free survival than usual non-invasive variables (NYHA FC, 6MWD and BNP). http://bit.ly/3gnF0Vb
Le vocabulaire des fluctuations dans le discours èconomique; synonymie et combinatoire

L'auteur soumet neuf couples de mots - qui permettent de qualifier les fluctuations de notions economiques et que les dictionnaires presentent comme synonymes -, a une analyse de leur combinatoire dans un important corpus de textes economiques, scientifiques et de vulgarisation (francais et belges). L'ensemble des informations recueillies oblige a conclure que la synonymie des mots etudies n'est que partielle. Les apprenants de francais langue etrangere et les traducteurs qui desirent encoder un message ont donc besoin de davantage d'informations que celles donnees dans les dictionnaires classiques. L'auteur propose des lors un traitement dictionnairique qui tend a integrer les resultats de son etude.