Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality-Adjusted Survival Estimation with Periodic Observations: A Multistate Survival Analysis Approach

Abstract Quality-adjusted survival is a composite measure that combines quality-of-life and survival data. Analyzing quality-adjusted survival with data collected at periodic intervals can be difficult because of incomplete information resulting from dropouts or missing visits. Dropouts could be purely random or caused by treatments or the illness itself. In a multistate model, dropout information can be incorporated into analysis by including the “dropout” state as a state of the patient's health. Under a Markovian assumption on patients' health status, we applied a multistate survival analysis approach that extends Chen and Sen's study [Chen, P.-L. , Sen, P. K. (2001). Quality adjusted survival estimation with periodic observation. Biometrics 57:868–874] which estimated the mean quality-adjusted survival where the transition probability between health states and patients' expected survival time can be estimated simultaneously. Here we show that the estimator is asymptotically normal with simple variance calculation. We conducted a simulation study to investigate the behavior of the estimator, and used a long-term contraceptive study to illustrate the use of the estimator.
Covariant descriptions of bianisotropic media

It is suggested that a medium it which the field vectors D and H depend on both E and B but are parallel to neither be described as bianisotropic. A moving medium, even if it is isotropic it its rest frame, then appears bianisotropic to the laboratory observer. This paper gives the transformation formulas for the constitutive relations of a bianisotropic medium between inertial frames in relative motion. It circumvents the necessity of knowing the constitutive relations of the medium in its rest frame. As an application of the general formulation, the dispersion relations for plane waves in a bianisotropic medium are derived.
Target matching based on multi-view tracking

A feature matching method is proposed based on Maximally Stable Extremal Regions (MSER) and Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) to solve the problem of the same target matching in multiple cameras. Target foreground is extracted by using frame difference twice and bounding box which is regarded as target regions is calculated. Extremal regions are got by MSER. After fitted into elliptical regions, those regions will be normalized into unity circles and represented with SIFT descriptors. Initial matching is obtained from the ratio of the closest distance to second distance less than some threshold and outlier points are eliminated in terms of RANSAC. Experimental results indicate the method can reduce computational complexity effectively and is also adapt to affine transformation, rotation, scale and illumination.
Nonnegative solutions for a class of radially symmetric nonpositone problems

We consider the existence of radially symmetric non-negative solu- tions for the boundary value problem -Au(x) = lf{u(x)) IMI 2) u(x) = 0 ||*|| = 1 where X > 0, f(0) 0 and / is superlinear. We establish existence of non-negative solutions for A small which extends some work of our previous paper on non-positone problems, where we considered the case N = \ . Our work also proves a recent conjecture by Joel Smoller and
On multigrid methods for the solution of least-squares finite element models for viscous flows

There is a vast literature on least-squares finite element models (LSFEM) applied to fluid dynamics problems. The hp version of the least-squares models is computationally expensive, which necessitates the usage of elegant methods for solving resulting systems of equations. Amongst some of the schemes used for solving large systems of equations is the element-by-element (EBE) solution technique, which has found widespread use in least-squares applications. However, the use of EBE techniques with Jacobi preconditioning leads to very little performance gains as compared to solving a non-preconditioned system. Because of such considerations, the hp version LSFEM solutions are computationally intensive. In this study, we propose to solve the LSFEM systems using the multigrid method, which offers superior convergence rates compared to the EBE–JCG. We demonstrate the superior convergence of the Multigrid solver compared to Jacobi preconditioning for the wall-driven cavity and backward facing step problems using the full Navier–Stokes equations. Load balancing issues encountered with multigrid solvers in a parallel environment are resolved elegantly with an element-by-element solution of the coarse grid problem with Jacobi preconditioning.
Multilayered graphene used as anode of organic light emitting devices

In this report, we find multilayered graphene, which has good transparency, conductivity and suitable work function, can be used as the anode for the organic light emitting device. Our device structure is Al/glass/multilayered graphene/V2O5/NPB/CBP:(ppy)2Ir(acac)/Bphen/Bphen:Cs2CO3/Sm/Au. The maximum luminance efficiency and maximum power efficiency reach 0.75 cd/A and 0.38 lm/W, respectively. We believe that by optimizing the hole density and uniforming the thickness of the multilayered graphene anode, the device efficiency can be remarkably increased in the future.
Photometry of groups of galaxies. II. The NGC 972 group

A nearby group of galaxies, centered at the spiral galaxy NGC 972 and conspicuously rich in faint dwarf spheroidal galaxies, has been investigated photometrically on the B and V plates, obtained with the Tautenburg 2m Schmidt telescope. For ten certain and probable group members the equivalent B and V brightness profiles have been extracted. Integrated magnitudes and mean colours of faint group members have been estimated. Typically, the dwarfs show a “subexponential” (i.e. a convex curvature over the linear radius) surface brightness profile and often a central excess. Their equivalent profiles are reasonably well fitted by modified isothermal (King) models.
The roles of BST‐2 in murine B cell development and on virus propagation

The bone marrow (BM) stromal cell antigen‐2 (BST‐2), also known as tetherin, CD317, PDCA‐1, or HM1.24, is a membrane protein overexpressed in several types of tumors and may act as a promising target for cancer treatment via antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity. BST‐2 is also expressed in human BM stromal cells (BMSC), which support B cell development. While the activity of BST‐2 as an antiviral factor has been demonstrated, the expression patterns and the role of BST‐2 on B‐cell development and activation have not been investigated, especially in vivo. In this study, Bst2 knockout (Bst2−/−) mice were generated to assess the role of BST‐2 on B cell development and activation. It was observed that BST‐2 was not expressed in BMSC or all B cell progenitors even in wild‐type mice and does not play a significant role in B cell development. In addition, the loss of BST‐2 had no effect on B cell activation. Furthermore and in contrast to the well‐known antiviral role of BST‐2, infection of vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus to the BM cells collected from the Bst2−/− mice produced less infectious virus compared with that from the WT mice. These results suggest that murine BST‐2 is different from human BST‐2 in the expression pattern, physiological function, in vivo, and might possess positive role on VSV replication.
Effect of a molasses-based liquid supplement on gastrointestinal tract barrier function, inflammation, and performance of newly received feedlot cattle before and after a transport stress.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a dry versus a molasses-based liquid supplement on ruminal butyrate concentration, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) barrier function, inflammatory status, and performance of newly received feedlot cattle. In experiment 1, 60 mixed breed steers (234 ± 2.1 kg) were weaned, held overnight at a sale barn, then transported 14 h to Purdue University. After arrival, steers were weighed, blocked by body weight, and allotted within block to treatments (six pens per treatment and five steers per pen). Diets consisted of 45% roughage and 55% concentrate (dry matter basis). Treatments differed in the supplement source as follows: DRY: 10% dry supplement or LIQUID: 10% liquid molasses-based supplement. Feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and gain:feed were determined for the three 21-d periods and overall. In experiment 2, 16 crossbred heifers (246 ± 7.5 kg) were used (8 heifers per treatment). Diets were the same as in experiment 1 and were fed for 60 d. On d 56 ruminal fluid samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 h after feeding. To mimic a stress event, heifers were transported for 4 h on d 61, rested overnight, and transported 12 h on d 62. Blood was collected from heifers immediately prior to transport and immediately upon their return. Gut barrier function using a Cr-EDTA marker was determined after transportation. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Steers fed the liquid supplement had greater (P ≤ 0.03) ADG through d 42 and overall compared to steers fed the dry supplement. Feed intake did not differ (P = 0.25) between treatments from d 0 to d 21. However, steers fed the liquid supplement showed greater (P < 0.001) dry matter intake after d 21 and overall compared to those fed the dry supplement. Steers fed the liquid supplement tended (P < 0.09) to have reduced serum haptoglobin and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) compared to those fed the dry supplement. Heifers fed the liquid supplement had greater (P = 0.02) Cr in urine and tended (P = 0.07) to have lower serum LBP after transport compared to those fed the dry supplement. Heifers fed the liquid supplement had 72% lower serum haptoglobin before, but only a 19% lower serum haptoglobin after transport compared to animals fed the dry supplement (treatment × time; P = 0.07). Therefore, the liquid supplement altered GIT barrier function, and improved inflammatory status, resulting in increased growth of receiving cattle.
Changes in Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Teflon-Coated Arch Wires After Clinical Use.

OBJECTIVE Peeling of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)-coated esthetic arch wires results in rough surfaces that may cause plaque accumulation, and the exposed core material may not meet the esthetic expectations of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vivo surface roughness, Streptococcus mutans colonization, and color stability of Teflon-coated arch wires from 3 different manufacturers. METHODS Surface roughness and color data of 0.016-inch and 0.016 × 0.022-inch Teflon-coated arch wires from 3 different manufacturers were recorded as they were received (T0) and after 28 days of clinical exposure (retrieved) (T1) using an atomic force microscope and a spectrophotometer. The amount of S. mutans was assessed in terms of colony-forming units on the as-received and retrieved wires. RESULTS The surface roughness increased significantly, and a clinically noticeable color change was observed in all groups after clinical use (P < .005). There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of S. mutans adhesion for most of the wires. No significant correlation was found between the amount of S. mutans adhesion and the surface roughness. CONCLUSION All the arch wires showed increased surface roughness and clinically noticeable color change. The surface roughness values were not found to be correlated with the amount of S. mutans adhesion.
Mode Conversion in Acoustically Modulated Confined Jets

This paper is concerned with the response of confined low-Reynolds-number jets to external modulations of large amplitudes. The jet formed inside a duct by an orifice plate is submitted to flow perturbations impinging on the constriction from the upstream side. Vortices are generated in the downstream region, giving rise to conversion from acoustic oscillation to convective modes. Experiments and simulations are carried out to characterize this important mode conversion process. It is shown that the convective perturbation phase is a linear function of the distance from the orifice plate and of the operating frequency. Data can be collapsed into a single curve with some scatter providing a scaling rule for the phase. Numerical simulations are carried out and a method is developed to decompose the local velocity perturbations into acoustic and convective components. This is used to determine the amplitudes of upstream and downstream acoustic velocities and of the convective perturbations on the downstream side of the orifice. It is shown that the acoustic velocity approximated by a bulk oscillation in the orifice vicinity is reduced at the constriction and that this is simultaneously compensated by the generation of convective perturbations. The conversion efficiency of this process is characterized. Results obtained can be used to design flow control devices; they provide insight into the generation of vortices in orifice plate systems submitted to large pressure oscillations and could be useful to the analysis of vortex instabilities in segmented solid rocket engines.
The efficacy and safety of Shenfu injection in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Shenfu injection is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation that alleviates ischemia–reperfusion injury through multiple pharmacologic effects. However, there is lack of evidence regarding its efficacy in myocardial infarction. We performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shenfu injection for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: This review has been reported following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocol. A literature search was performed in November 2022 without restriction to regions, publication types, or languages. The primary sources were the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical database. Risk of bias will be assessed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data analysis was performed using Reviewer Manager 5.4. Results: The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion: This systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether Shenfu injection is effective and safe in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Viral Tracing Confirms Paranigral Ventral Tegmental Area Dopaminergic Inputs to the Interpeduncular Nucleus Where Dopamine Release Encodes Motivated Exploration

Abstract Midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are engaged by rewarding stimuli and encode reward prediction error to update goal-directed learning. However, recent data indicate that VTA DAergic neurons are functionally heterogeneous with emerging roles in aversive signaling, salience, and novelty, based in part on anatomic location and projection, highlighting a need to functionally characterize the repertoire of VTA DAergic efferents in motivated behavior. Previous work identifying a mesointerpeduncular circuit consisting of VTA DAergic neurons projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), a midbrain area implicated in aversion, anxiety-like behavior, and familiarity, has recently come into question. To verify the existence of this circuit, we combined presynaptic targeted and retrograde viral tracing in the dopamine transporter-Cre mouse line. Consistent with previous reports, synaptic tracing revealed that axon terminals from the VTA innervate the caudal IPN; whereas, retrograde tracing revealed DAergic VTA neurons, predominantly in the paranigral region, project to the nucleus accumbens shell, as well as the IPN. To test whether functional DAergic neurotransmission exists in the IPN, we expressed the genetically encoded DA sensor, dLight 1.2, in the IPN of C57BL/6J mice and measured IPN DA signals in vivo during social and anxiety-like behavior using fiber photometry. We observed an increase in IPN DA signal during social investigation of a novel but not familiar conspecific and during exploration of the anxiogenic open arms of the elevated plus maze. Together, these data confirm VTA DAergic neuron projections to the IPN and implicate this circuit in encoding motivated exploration.
On the deformations of certain moduli spaces of vector bundles

Introduction. Let X be a smooth projective curve of genus g > 2 and Md(n, L) the moduli space of semi-stable bundles E of rank n and degree d, with det(E) z L. When (n, d) = 1 the variety Md(n, L) is smooth projective. For these varieties a theorem of Narasimhan and Ramanan [NR2] states that the number of moduli of Md(n, L) is the same as that of the curve X. The purpose of this paper is to prove this statement for the smooth compactification N, constructed by Seshadri in [S2], of Mo(2, Ox)s, (the moduli space of stable bundles, over a curve X of genus g > 5). More precisely, we prove the following
Corneal stem cells niche and homeostasis impacts in regenerative medicine; concise review

The limbal stem cells niche (LSCN) is an optimal microenvironment that provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbing the LSCN homeostasis can lead to limbal stem cell dysfunction (LSCD) and subsequent ocular surface aberrations, such as corneal stromal inflammation, persistent epithelial defects, corneal neovascularisation, lymphangiogenesis, corneal opacification, and conjunctivalization. As ocular surface disorders are considered the second main cause of blindness, it becomes crucial to explore different therapeutic strategies for restoring the functions of the LSCN. A major limitation of corneal transplantation is the current shortage of donor tissue to meet the requirements worldwide. In this context, it becomes mandatory to find an alternative regenerative medicine, such as using cultured limbal epithelial/stromal stem cells, inducing the production of corneal like cells by using other sources of stem cells, and using tissue engineering methods aiming to produce the three-dimensional (3D) printed cornea. Limbal epithelial stem cells have been considered the magic potion for eye treatment. Epithelial and stromal stem cells in the limbal niche hold the responsibility of replenishing the corneal epithelium. These stem cells are being used for transplantation to maintain corneal epithelial integrity and ultimately sustain optimal vision. In this review, we summarised the characteristics of the LSCN and their current and future roles in restoring corneal homeostasis in eyes with LSCD.
Thermoluminescence from natural calcites

Thermoluminescence (TL) as well as absorption and EPR spectra of X-irradiated natural calcites have been obtained. Irradiation produces UV absorption bands and a decrease of the Mn2+ EPR spectrum. A correlation of each TL peak with the bleaching steps of UV absorption bands and the recovering in intensity of the Mn2+ EPR spectrum has been found. These experimental results support a new model for the radiation damage and thermoluminescence process in calcites. The main point in this model is that holes become trapped at impurities, and the electrons are trapped at dislocations in the form of CO33-.
Molecular Classification, Treatment, and Genetic Biomarkers in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Review

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Triple-negative breast cancers do not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and have a higher recurrence rate, greater metastatic potential, and lower overall survival rate than those of other breast cancers. Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer is challenging; molecular-targeted therapies are largely ineffective and there is no standard treatment. In this review, we evaluate current attempts to classify triple-negative breast cancers based on their molecular features. We also describe promising treatment methods with different advantages and discuss genetic biomarkers and other prediction tools. Accurate molecular classification of triple-negative breast cancers is critical for patient risk categorization, treatment decisions, and surveillance. This review offers new ideas for more effective treatment of triple-negative breast cancer and identifies novel targets for drug development.
Effect of nano‐curcumin on various diseases: A comprehensive review of clinical trials

The antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of curcumin have made it a valuable herbal product for improving various disorders, such as COVID‐19, cancer, depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis, migraine, and diabetes. Recent research has demonstrated that encapsulating curcumin in nanoparticles might improve its therapeutic effects and bioavailability. To our knowledge, the efficacy of nano‐curcumin on different aspects of health and disease has not been summarized in a study. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate nano‐curcumin's efficacy in various diseases based on the findings of clinical trials. In order to review publications focusing on nanocurcumin's impact on various diseases, four databases were searched, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This review highlights the potential benefits of nano‐curcumin in improving a wide range of human diseases including COVID‐19, neurological disorders, chronic disease, oral diseases, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases, especially as an adjunct to standard therapy and a healthy lifestyle.
Radial Velocities of Late-Type Field Subgiant Stars

High-dispersion coudé spectra were observed and measured for 43 field subgiants of the G and K spectral types, with the intent of searching for hitherto undiscovered spectroscopic binaries. Statistical analysis of the measurements revealed no definite but two possible new binaries. We present the data and discuss the statistical analysis used to test for new binaries. Additionally, we discuss the techniques for high precision of radial-velocity measurement, and the systematic errors that interfere with that goal.