Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-mode-locking in quantum cascade lasers

A self-mode-locking (SML) mid-infrared (5 and 8 µm) quantum cascade laser is formed that comprises both a relatively thin dielectric insulating layer (18) (i.e., less than one-half micron in thickness) overlaid with an optically highly lossy (i.e., absorbing) layer (20), with a relatively long (approximately 3.5 mm) optical waveguide. Evidence of mode-locking is obtained from the measured optical spectra and corresponding interferograms, as well as from the rf spectra of the photocurrent detected with a fast quantum-well infrared photodetector. An estimate for the pulse width of approximately 3 psec is inferred from these data.
Evaluation of Statistical Models for Analysis of Insect, Disease and Weed Abundance and Incidence Data

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been a fundamental method used for analysis of abundance and incidence data. However, abundance and incidence data often violate the assumptions of ANOVA. Researchers often ignore ANOVA assumptions, transform the data using arbitrarily chosen functions and then fail to evaluate whether or not the transformation actually corrected the problem. The statistical power of the tests used is also seldom reported. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to demonstrate (1) implications of using arbitrarily chosen transformations and ANOVA to the validity of statistical inference on pest abundance and incidence and (2) the application of LMMs and GLMs for efficient analysis of such data. Abundance data were analyzed assuming normal, Poisson and negative binomial error distributions. Incidence data were analyzed assuming normal and binomial error distributions. Among the data transformation functions, logarithmic transformation gave better description of abundance data compared with square root. Working logits were better than angular or square root transformation of incidence data. The study has also demonstrated that the choice of transformation can influence the statistical significance and power of test. Transformation of either abundance or incidence data did not necessarily ensure normality or variance homogeneity. According to the Akaike information criterion (AIC), a GLM assuming negative binomial error distribution was better for description of most abundance datasets compared with a GLM assuming Poisson error distribution or LMM. LMM based on working logits also gave a better description of the data than a GLM assuming binomial distribution. It is concluded that LMMs and GLMs simultaneously consider the effect of treatments and heterogeneity of variance and hence are more appropriate for analysis of abundance and incidence data than ordinary ANOVA. Keywords : Mixed Models; Generalized Linear Models; Statistical Power East African Journal of Sciences Vol. 1 (1) 2007: pp. 1-9
Development of Engineered CAR T Cells Targeting Tumor-Associated Glycoforms of MUC1 for the Treatment of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a common malignancy arising from the liver with limited 5-year survival. Thus, there is an urgency to explore new treatment methods. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy is a very promising cancer treatment. Though, several groups have investigated CAR T cells targeting MUC1 in solid cancer models, Tn-MUC1-targeted CAR T cells have not yet to be reported in ICC. In this study, we confirmed Tn-MUC1 as a potential therapeutic target for ICC and demonstrated that its expression level was positively correlated with the poor prognosis of ICC patients. More importantly, we successfully developed effective CAR T cells to target Tn-MUC1-positive ICC tumors and explored their antitumor activities. Our results suggest the CAR T cells could specifically eliminate Tn-MUC1-positive ICC cells, but not Tn-MUC1-negative ICC cells, in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, our study is expected to provide new therapeutic strategies and ideas for the treatment of ICC.
Retrieval of Cloud Microphysical Properties from Thermal Infrared Observations by a Fast Iterative Radiance Fitting Method

Abstract An algorithm is presented for inferring the IR optical depth, effective radius, and liquid water path of clouds from multispectral observations of emitted thermal radiation, which takes advantage of the larger number of spectral channels of future satellite IR sounders. The proposed technique consists of fitting the measured radiances with theoretical results obtained from full radiative transfer simulations, to allow the correct description of vertically inhomogeneous cloud layers. The retrieval is made efficiently treatable by using a fast multiple scattering infrared radiative transfer model and a fast iterative fitting procedure. The theoretical basis of both parts of the algorithm is given in detail, together with the underlying equations. The sensitivity of the method to measurement and modeling errors is investigated systematically from synthetic spectra covering the range of variability of observations of moderately thick, low-water clouds. Instrument absolute calibration errors, as well .
Global linear and nonlinear stability of viscous confined plane wakes with co-flow

The global stability of confined uniform density wakes is studied numerically, using two-dimensional linear global modes and nonlinear direct numerical simulations. The wake inflow velocity is varied between different amounts of co-flow (base bleed). In accordance with previous studies, we find that the frequencies of both the most unstable linear and the saturated nonlinear global mode increase with confinement. For wake Reynolds number Re = 100 we find the confinement to be stabilising, decreasing the growth rate of the linear and the saturation amplitude of the nonlinear modes. The dampening effect is connected to the streamwise development of the base flow, and decreases for more parallel flows at higher Re. The linear analysis reveals that the critical wake velocities are almost identical for unconfined and confined wakes at Re ≈ 400. Further, the results are compared with literature data for an inviscid parallel wake. The confined wake is found to be more stable than its inviscid counterpart, whereas the unconfined wake is more unstable than the inviscid wake. The main reason for both is the base flow development. A detailed comparison of the linear and nonlinear results reveals that the most unstable linear global mode gives in all cases an excellent prediction of the initial nonlinear behaviour and therefore the stability boundary. However, the nonlinear saturated state is different, mainly for higher Re. For Re = 100, the saturated frequency differs less than 5% from the linear frequency, and trends regarding confinement observed in the linear analysis are confirmed.
Effect of Intranasal Ketamine on Pain Intensity after Cesarean Section: A Single-Center, Double Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Although intravenous or intramuscular opioids are widely used for managing postoperative pain after cesarean section (CS), their side effects are bothering and limit their use. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intranasal ketamine on pain intensity after CS. Methods In a single-center, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, a total of 120 patients who were scheduled for elective CS were randomly assigned into two groups. After birth, 1 mg of midazolam was administered to all patients. In addition, 1 mg/kg intranasal ketamine was administered to patients in the intervention group. For patients in control group, normal saline was administered intranasally as a placebo. The severity of pain and nausea in the two groups was evaluated after 15, 30 and 60 minutes, as well as 2, 6 and 12 hours after the initial administration of the medications. Results The trend of changes in pain intensity was decreasing and these changes were statistically significant (time effect; P<0.001). The pain intensity in the placebo group was higher than the intervention and the observed difference was statistically significant, regardless of the time studied (group effect; P<0.001). In addition, it was shown that regardless of the study group, the trend of changes in nausea severity was decreasing and these changes were statistically significant (time effect; P<0.001). Regardless of the time studied, the severity of nausea in the placebo group was higher than the intervention group (group effect; P<0.001). Conclusions According to the results of this study, it seems that the using of intranasal ketamine (1 mg/kg), can be considered as an effective, well tolerated and safe method in reducing pain intensity as well as the need for postoperative opioid consumption after CS.
Biofilm expression and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Streptococcus uberis isolated from milk samples of dairy cows in South Africa

Abstract The research described in this Research Communication addresses the hypothesis that intramammary infections with Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) are associated with biofilm formation, which limits antibiotic efficacy. This retrospective study investigated biofilm expression and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of 172 S. uberis infections. Isolates were recovered from milk samples of subclinical, clinical, and intramammary infection cases on 30 commercial dairy herds. We determined the presence and intensity of biofilm expression of S. uberis isolates in vitro in three somatic cell count categories to recognise their AMR patterns. An automated minimum inhibitory concentration system with a commercially available panel of 23 antimicrobial agents evaluated AMR, while biofilm determination was conducted using a microplate method. The study established that all the S. uberis isolates assessed expressed biofilm with the following varying degrees of intensities: 30 (17.8%) strong, 59 (34.9%) medium and 80 (47.3%) weak biofilms. The newly registered UBAC mastitis vaccine containing biofilm adhesion components may, therefore, be a viable option for proactive mastitis management under field conditions. No differences were identified between biofilm intensity and the three somatic cell count groups. Most S. uberis isolates indicated a high-level sensitivity to the antimicrobial agents tested. Resistances were present in 8.7, 8.1 and 7.0% cases to rifampin, minocycline and tetracycline, respectively. Multidrug resistance was observed in 6.4%, emphasising AMR to antibiotics used in human medicine only. The low overall resistance suggests that farmers adhere to the prudent use of antimicrobials in the dairy industry.
A Local Material Basis Solution Approach to Reconstructing the Three-Dimensional Displacement of Rod-Like Structures From Strain Measurements

This paper presents a new approach for determining three-dimensional global displacement (for arbitrarily sized deformation) of thin rod or tetherlike structures from a limited set of scalar strain measurements. The approach is rooted in Cosserat rod theory with a material-adapted reference frame and a localized linearization approach that facilitates an exact local basis function set for the displacement along with the material frame. The solution set is shown to be robust to potential singularities from vanishing bending and twisting angle derivatives and from vanishing measured strain. Validation of the approach is performed through a comparison with both finite element simulations and an experiment, with average root mean square reconstruction error of 0.01%‐1% of the total length, for reasonable sensor counts. An analysis of error due to extraneous noise sources and boundary condition uncertainty shows how the error scales with those effects. The algorithm involves relatively simple operations, the most complex of which is square matrix inversion, lending itself to potential low-power embeddable solutions for applications requiring shape reconstruction. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4023023]
Long-Term Exposure to Nitrate and Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water and Prostate Cancer: A Multicase–Control Study in Spain (MCC-Spain)

Background: Nitrate and trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water are widespread and are potential human carcinogens. Objective: We evaluated the association between drinking-water exposure to nitrate and THMs and prostate cancer. Methods: During the period 2008–2013, 697 hospital-based incident prostate cancer cases (97 aggressive tumors) and 927 population-based controls were recruited in Spain, providing information on residential histories and type of water consumed. Average nitrate and THMs levels in drinking water were linked with lifetime water consumption to calculate waterborne ingestion. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using mixed models with recruitment area as random effect. Effect modification by tumor grade (Gleason score), age, education, lifestyle, and dietary factors was explored. Results: Mean (±standard deviation) adult lifetime waterborne ingested nitrate (milligrams per day), brominated (Br)-THMs (micrograms per day), and chloroform (micrograms per day) were 11.5 (±9.0), 20.7 (±32.4), and 15.1 (±14.7) in controls. Waterborne ingested nitrate >13.8 vs. <5.5mg/d was associated with an OR of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.19, 2.54) overall, and 2.78 (95% CI: 1.23, 6.27) for tumors with Gleason scores ≥8. Associations were higher in the youngest and those with lower intakes of fiber, fruit/vegetables, and vitamin C. Waterborne ingested THMs were not associated with prostate cancer. Residential tap water levels of Br-THMs and chloroform showed, respectively, inverse and positive associations with prostate cancer. Conclusions: Findings suggest long-term waterborne ingested nitrate could be a risk factor of prostate cancer, particularly for aggressive tumors. High intakes of fiber, fruit/vegetables and vitamin C may lower this risk. Association with residential levels but not ingested chloroform/Br-THM may suggest inhalation and dermal routes could be relevant for prostate cancer. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11391
Evaluation of cortical bone density using clinical computed tomography images: Detection of cortical porosity areas or transitional zones in human femoral diaphyses

Age‐related changes in human trabecular bone and cortical bone are known to vary. Although the porosity of cortical bone has been suggested to increase the risk of bone fracture, most of the currently available instruments for osteoporosis testing target trabecular bone. In this study, we evaluated cortical bone density using clinical computed tomography (CT) and compared the reliability of the cortical bone density index (CDI) with that of a polished male femoral bone from the same region. CDI images revealed that the porous area of cortical bone was extended in low CDI values. Moreover, this method was used to semi‐quantitatively evaluate the cortical bones of the diaphysis of male femur specimens (n = 46). We found that there was a significant relationship (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) between the value of the cortical index (the ratio of cortical bone area to the cross‐sectional area of the femoral diaphysis) and the average of CDI in the low signal area. Our findings suggest that the smaller the cortical bone occupancy, the more areas of consequential bone density loss were present. This may be the first step toward using clinical CT to assess cortical bone density.
Effect of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies on hepatitis C virus replication in chronically infected patients with multiple myeloma: a prospective series

Chia-Yu Chiu , Khalis Mustafayev, Hans C. Lee, Elisabet E. Manasanch, Eduardo Yepez Guevara and Harrys A. Torres Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
Predictability and the relationship between subseasonal and interannual variability during the Asian summer monsoon

The relationship between subseasonal and interannual variability of the Asian summer monsoon has been investigated through analysis of the dominant modes of variability in the 40‐year NCEP/NCAR Re‐analysis, with complementary satellite and surface‐based precipitation data. The hypothesis that the characteristics of monsoon subseasonal variability (i.e. weather regimes) are modulated on interannual time‐scales in a systematic and therefore predictable manner has been tested. The null hypothesis is that predictability of the seasonal mean monsoon behaviour requires that the effects of the slowly varying components of the climate system be correctly simulated.
Risk assessment of methanol storage tank fire accident using hybrid FTA-SPA

Fire accidents in storage tanks are of great importance due to the difficulty in extinguishing and ease of spread to nearby products. This study aimed to introduce a framework based on FTA-based Set Pair Analysis (SPA) established via experts’ elicitation to identify and assess the risk of storage tank fire. In the quantitative FTA of a system, sufficient data are only sometimes available to calculate the failure probability of the system appertains to study. Thus, the obtained result of the SPA added new value to the Basic Events (BEs) and estimated top event. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach, a fault tree of the methanol storage tank fire is performed and analyzed BEs. According to the obtained results, the fire accident was computed by 48 BEs, and the occurrence probability value of the top event was estimated 2.58E-1/year. In addition, the most crucial paths that led to the fire accident are listed in this study. The proposed approach established in the present study can assist decision-makers in determining where to take preventative or appropriate action on the storage tank system. Moreover, it can be adjusted for various systems with limited manipulation.
FERN-LIKE STRUCTURES IN THE WILD SET OF THE STANDARD AND SEMISTANDARD MAPS IN C2

The standard and semistandard maps are considered in C2 and the behavior of the iterates on complex invariant manifolds of them is studied. This is an attempt to understand complicated real dynamics by looking at the enlarged complex dynamics. Expansions of the manifolds are given as well as criteria for escaping points and hyperbolicity. Some numerical explorations suggest the presence of fractal structures of fern type. Several conjectures suggested by these preliminary explorations are stated.
The basic structures of Voronoi and generalized Voronoi polygons

For each particle in an aggregate of point particles in the plane, the set of points having it as closest particle is a convex polygon, and the aggregate V of such Voronoi polygons tessellates the plane. The geometric and stochastic structure of a random Voronoi polygon relative to a homogeneous Poisson process is specified. Similarly, those points of the plane possessing the same n nearest particles constitute a convex polygon cell in the generalized Voronoi tessellation 𝒱 (n = 2, 3, ·· ·). In fact, 𝒱 = 𝒱1, but to ease exposition n always takes the values 2, 3, ···. A key geometrical lemma elucidates the geometric structure of members of 𝒱 n , showing it to be simpler in one important respect than that of members of 𝒱; in that, for each such N-gon of given ‘type', there is a uniquely determined set of N generating particles. The corresponding jacobian is given, and used to derive the basic ergodic structure of 𝒱 n relative to a homogeneous Poisson process. Unlike 𝒱 no 𝒱 n contains any triangles. As n →∞, the vertices of the quadrangles of 𝒱 n tend to circularity, so that the sums of their opposite interior angles tend to π.
Noise and transient ischaemic attacks – A challenge?

Consistency in medical decision-making is ideally expected. This includes consistency between different clinicians so that the same patient will receive the same diagnosis regardless of the assessing clinician. It also encompasses reliability as an individual clinician meaning at any given time or context, we apply the same process and principles to ensure the decisions we make do not deviate significantly from our peers or indeed our own past decisions. However, consistency in decision-making can be challenged when working within a busy healthcare system. We discuss the concept of ‘noise’ and explore how it affects decision-making in acute presentations of transient neurology where doctors can differ in terms of their diagnostic decisions.
Continuous distributions of dislocations: a new application of the methods of non-Riemannian geometry

When describing a crystal containing an arbitrary distribution of dislocation lines it is often convenient to treat the distribution as continuous, and to specify the state of dislocation as a function of position. Formally, however, there is then no ‘good crystal’ anywhere, and difficulties arise in defining Burgers circuits and the dislocation tensor. The dislocated state may be defined precisely by relating the local basis at each point to that of a reference lattice. The dislocation density may then be defined; it is important to distinguish this from the local dislocation density. The geometry of the continuously dislocated crystal is most conveniently analyzed by treating the manifold of lattice points in the final state as a non-Riemannian one with a single asymmetric connexion. The coefficients of connexion may be expressed in terms of the generating deformations relating the dislocated crystal to the reference lattice. The tensor defining the local dislocation density is then the torsion tensor associated with the asymmetric connexion. Some properties of the connexion are briefly discussed and it is shown that it possesses that of distant parallelism, in conformity with the requirement that the dislocated lattice be everywhere unique.
Sepsis-Related Outcomes of Patients with Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Abstract We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to study the sepsis-related outcomes in patients with Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). A total of 82,087 patients were included, most had essential thrombocytosis (83.7%), followed by polycythemia vera (13.7%), and primary myelofibrosis (2.6%). Sepsis was diagnosed in 15,789 (19.2%) patients and their mortality rate was higher than nonseptic patients (7.5% vs 1.8%; p < .001). Sepsis was the most significant risk factor of mortality (aOR, 3.84; 95% CI, 3.51–4.21), others included liver disease (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.11–2.78), pulmonary embolism (aOR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.83–2.80), cerebrovascular disease (aOR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.81–2.33), and myocardial infarction (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.52–1.96).