Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model-Free Evaluation of Equating and Scaling

Standardized tests are equated and scaled in or der that scores on different tests can be compared. If one test yields higher expected scaled scores than another, the scale is biased against those who take the latter test. The amount of bias, defined as the difference between expected values, depends on ability. This paper presents two methods for esti mating this relationship and the bias in the scale, using a predictor as the measure of ability. The re sulting evaluation is absolute in the sense that the scale is judged according to its own properties and not by comparison with an arbitrarily designated criterion scale. Moreover, there is no need to as sume a particular theoretical model to be correct. An application of the methods showed that the Rasch model is not suitable for vertical equating of multiple-choice tests.
Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis: A Case Report Written With the Assistance of the Large Language Model ChatGPT

This case report was written with the assistance of the large language model known as ChatGPT, a form of generative artificial intelligence that can write grammatically correct and semantically meaningful prose on a multitude of topics. Here, it has assisted us in presenting a case of anesthetic management for a case of Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis (JHF), an extremely rare genetic disorder that is part of a spectrum of diseases presently characterized as Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome (HFS), which also includes a more severe variant presenting in infancy. HFS is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the ANTXR2 (anthrax toxin receptor cell adhesion molecule 2) gene, which binds collagen IV and laminin, suggesting that it may be involved in extracellular matrix adhesion. Defects in this molecule lead to abnormal deposition of hyaline material in perivascular areas, presenting as cutaneous lesions, joint contractures, and in some cases internal organ dysfunction. Anesthetic management of patients with JHF may present difficulties with patient positioning and airway management. Most reports of anesthetic management concern children with severe disease and adult reports are uncommon. We present a case of JHF in a 39-year-old woman managed for resection of a lower extremity cutaneous lesion. The anesthetic management of this relatively minor case was uneventful, but the process of drafting this report with the assistance of the new software tool ChatGPT was informative of both its strengths and limitations.
Acanthamoeba castellanii Genotype T4: Inhibition of Proteases Activity and Cytopathic Effect by Bovine Apo-Lactoferrin

Acanthamoeba castellanii genotype T4 is a clinically significant free-living amoeba that causes granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and amoebic keratitis in human beings. During the initial stages of infection, trophozoites interact with various host immune responses, such as lactoferrin (Lf), in the corneal epithelium, nasal mucosa, and blood. Lf plays an important role in the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, and evasion of the innate immune response is crucial in the colonization process. In this study, we describe the resistance of A. castellanii to the microbicidal effect of bovine apo-lactoferrin (apo-bLf) at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 500 µM). Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites incubated with apo-bLf at 500 µM for 12 h maintained 98% viability. Interestingly, despite this lack of effect on viability, our results showed that the apo-bLf inhibited the cytopathic effect of A. castellanii in MDCK cells culture, and analysis of amoebic proteases by zymography showed significant inhibition of cysteine and serine proteases by interaction with the apo-bLf. From these results, we conclude that bovine apo-Lf influences the activity of A. castellanii secretion proteases, which in turn decreases amoebic cytopathic activity.
NONSTOICHIOMETRY AND DOPANTS RELATED PHENOMENA IN LOW TEMPERATURE GAAS GROWN BY MOLECULAR BEAM EPITAXY

The growth of GaAs at low temperatures (LT GaAs) at or below 250 °C, under standard molecular beam epitaxy growth conditions usually results in a massive incorporation of excess As in the lattice which then totally dominates the electrical and optical characteristics of the as grown material resulting in almost electrically and optically inactive material (or at least defects controlled). We report on new phenomena associated with the growth of GaAs at 250 °C and we show data on highly electrically active doped material. The electro‐optical properties of this material are literally undistinguishable from material grown at 580 °C. By careful control of the growth conditions, material in which total defect concentrations of less than 1017 cm−3, well below the huge 1020 cm−3 that is normally obtained in LT GaAs, can be achieved therefore demonstrating that high quality GaAs can in effect be grown at extremely low temperatures. The implications for such material are far reaching and these will be discussed in.
The Association between Plant-Based Diet Indices and Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Adults: Longitudinal Analyses from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Objectives: To investigate the association between a plant-based diet and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the data from the 2004–2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey and the corresponding edition of China Food Composition, we calculated the healthy plant-based diet indices (hPDI) and unhealthy plant-based diet indices (uPDI). The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MetS. Mediation analysis was further conducted to explore the mediator role of Body Mass Index (BMI) in the association between hPDI and MetS. Results: We included 10,013 participants, and over a median follow-up of 5 years, 961 patients (9.60%) developed MetS. Compared to those in the lowest quintile of hPDI score, we found that those in the highest quintile of hPDI score had a 28% lower ([HR]: 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.93, Ptrend = 0.021) risk of developing MetS and had a 20% lower (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.92, Ptrend = 0.004) risk of developing abdominal obesity. No significant associations were observed between uPDI and the MetS, but those in the highest quintile of uPDI score had a 36% higher (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.36, 95% CI 1.20–1.64, Ptrend < 0.001) risk of developing abdominal obesity, compared to those in the lowest quintile of uPDI score. In exploratory analysis, we observed that BMI at baseline mediated 27.8% of the association between hPDI and incident MetS, and BMI at baseline mediated 29.7% of the association between hPDI and abdominal obesity. Conclusion: The current findings reveal a possible causal relationship between a healthy plant-based diet and a reduced risk of MetS, especially abdominal obesity. It is observed that BMI may mediate the relationship between hPDI score and MetS. Controlling early dietary patterns and BMI may help reduce the risk of MetS.
Neutron diffraction study of the lattice distortion related to charge ordering in Sr 14 Cu 24 O 41

Using elastic neutron scattering on a triple axis spectrometer we have studied the temperature dependence of the crystal structure in ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{14}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{24}{\mathrm{O}}_{41}$ across the range where charge ordering phenomena are expected. Several superstructure reflections are observed at low temperature which fully disappear above $\ensuremath{\sim}200\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. Most of these reflections can be explained by a modulation of both the chain and the ladder-lattices due to the charge ordering. However, the peak position as well as some weaker reflections point to a close connection between the charge ordering and the modulations of the incommensurate composite structure.
Quantum Fact and Fiction

The fact is that, beside the two quantum rules for energy and angular momentum, there is a third analogous rule for the linear momentum, established by W. Duane in 1923. Though this rule is generally accepted, there is no trace of recognition in the literature that it yields a consistent unitary particle explanation of all those phenomena of diffraction and coherence, e.g., of the two-slit experiment, which allegedly can be accounted for only by the fiction of a dual nature of matter, with transmutation of particles into waves and back into particles again. The usual method of solving this dilemma has admittedly been that of “refining the language of physics,” beginning with replacing the physical idea of a forth and back transformation by the term “dual manifestation,” thereby shunning any “real” constitution of matter, which then requires a specially adjusted philosophy of knowledge. In contrast, the quantum rule for the linear momentum solves the apparent contradictions in a physical manner without alternating manifestations. It introduces a great simplification which should also influence the method of teaching the theory. The purpose of the present article is to give due credit to the American pioneer of quantum mechanics, W. Duane, whose contribution to solving the duality paradox is a shining example of the scientific method, in contrast to the purely semantic approach in vogue for more than a generation.
Specificity Proteins (Sp) and Cancer

The specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Sp4 exhibit structural and functional similarities in cancer cells and extensive studies of Sp1 show that it is a negative prognostic factor for patients with multiple tumor types. In this review, the role of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in the development of cancer and their regulation of pro-oncogenic factors and pathways is reviewed. In addition, interactions with non-coding RNAs and the development of agents that target Sp transcription factors are also discussed. Studies on normal cell transformation into cancer cell lines show that this transformation process is accompanied by increased levels of Sp1 in most cell models, and in the transformation of muscle cells into rhabdomyosarcoma, both Sp1 and Sp3, but not Sp4, are increased. The pro-oncogenic functions of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in cancer cell lines were studied in knockdown studies where silencing of each individual Sp TF decreased cancer growth, invasion and induced apoptosis. Silencing of an individual Sp TF was not compensated for by the other two and it was concluded that Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are examples of non-oncogene addicted genes. This conclusion was strengthened by the results of Sp TF interactions with non-coding microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs where Sp1 contributed to pro-oncogenic functions of Sp/non-coding RNAs. There are now many examples of anticancer agents and pharmaceuticals that induce downregulation/degradation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4, yet clinical applications of drugs specifically targeting Sp TFs are not being used. The application of agents targeting Sp TFs in combination therapies should be considered for their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and decrease toxic side effects.
The Helium Abundances of ω Centauri

Recent Hubble Space Telescope color magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of ω Centauri, which clearly show three sequences in the region of the main-sequence turnoff together with a double lower main sequence, are explained in terms of three populations having canonical heavy-element abundances ([Fe/H] = -1.7, -1.2, and -0.6), reasonable proportions and ages, but with surprising helium abundances. In particular, the CMD morphology of the second population ([Fe/H] = -1.2) is very well represented with a helium abundance much larger, by ΔY ~ 0.12, than that of the first ([Fe/H] = -1.7), which may hold the key to an understanding of the double lower main sequence.
Electron-phonon interaction and superconductivity in Tl-Pb-Bi alloys from first principles: Importance of spin-orbit coupling

The importance of spin-orbit coupling for lattice dynamics, electron-phonon coupling, and superconducting properties of face-centered cubic Tl-Pb-Bi alloys is investigated from first principles based on density-functional perturbation theory and a mixed-basis pseudopotential method. The alloys are modeled by the virtual crystal approximation. Electron-phonon coupling and superconducting properties are analyzed within the framework of the strong-coupling Eliashberg theory. A large increase of the coupling constant $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ for Bi doping can be traced back to a progressive softening of the phonon spectrum, signaling an incipient lattice instability. Performing calculations with and without spin-orbit interaction, we found a profound influence of this relativistic correction on the coupling strength, enhancing in most cases the coupling constant $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ by as much as 50$%$, but reducing it for Tl-rich alloys. For the whole alloy series, spin-orbit interaction impressively improves the agreement with both experimental phonon spectra as well as with superconducting quantities obtained from tunneling spectroscopy measurements, which at the same time demonstrates the applicability of the virtual crystal approximation.
A novel receiving system based on optical taper applied to wireless optical communication

A novel optical receiver in wireless optical communication system is presented. The receiving method is demonstrated based on an optical taper. The taper is mounted near the focus spot of the receiving lens along the principal axis. The larger-area end of the taper receives the converging beam and the smaller-area end transmits optical power to detector or optical fiber. In this way, the immunity to light beam deviation in wireless optical communication system can be enhanced evidently. The theoretical and experimental results show that the system has a perfect performance and realizes a low loss of 4dB for the range of field of view within 1mrad.
Investigation of nanocrystalline iron materials by Mössbauer spectroscopy

Nanocrystalline materials, which have been proposed to represent a new solid state structure, are investigated by Mossbauer spectroscopy. Nanocrystalline materials are polycrystals with a crystal size of typically 1–10 nm. These materials consist of two components of comparable volume fractions: a crystalline component and an interfacial component, formed by the atoms located either in the crystals or in the interfacial regions between them. As the atomic configurations of both components are different, two kinds of Mossbauer spectra are expected. Iron nanocrystalline material is found to exhibit a two‐component Mossbauer spectrum, consisting of a crystalline component and a second one with different Mossbauer parameters. The Mossbauer parameters of the second subspectrum are consistent with the model of the interfacial component of a nanocrystalline material.
Predator-Prey Reward Based Q-Learning Coverage Path Planning for Mobile Robot

Coverage Path Planning (CPP in short) is a basic problem for mobile robot when facing a variety of applications. <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Learning based coverage path planning algorithms are beginning to be explored recently. To overcome the problem of traditional <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Learning of easily falling into local optimum, in this paper, the new-type reward functions originating from Predator-Prey model are introduced into traditional <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Learning based CPP solution, which introduces a comprehensive reward function that incorporates three rewards including Predation Avoidance Reward Function, Smoothness Reward Function and Boundary Reward Function. In addition, the influence of weighting parameters on the total reward function is discussed. Extensive simulation results and practical experiments verify that the proposed Predator-Prey reward based <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Learning Coverage Path Planning (PP-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Learning based CPP in short) has better performance than traditional BCD and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Learning based CPP in terms of repetition ratio and turns number.
Localization of flow structures using $\infty $ -norm optimization

Abstract Stability theory based on a variational principle and finite-time direct-adjoint optimization commonly relies on the kinetic perturbation energy density ${E}_{1} (t)= (1/ {V}_{\Omega } )\int \nolimits _{\Omega } e(\boldsymbol{x}, t)\hspace{0.167em} \mathrm{d} \Omega $ (where $e(\boldsymbol{x}, t)= \vert \boldsymbol{u}{\vert }^{2} / 2$ ) as a measure of disturbance size. This type of optimization typically yields optimal perturbations that are global in the fluid domain $\Omega $ of volume ${V}_{\Omega } $ . This paper explores the use of $p$ -norms in determining optimal perturbations for ‘energy’ growth over prescribed time intervals of length $T$ . For $p= 1$ the traditional energy-based stability analysis is recovered, while for large $p\gg 1$ , localization of the optimal perturbations is observed which identifies confined regions, or ‘hotspots’, in the domain where significant energy growth can be expected. In addition, the $p$ -norm optimization yields insight into the role and significance of various regions of the flow regarding the overall energy dynamics. As a canonical example, we choose to solve the $\infty $ -norm optimal perturbation problem for the simple case of two-dimensional channel flow. For such a configuration, several solutions branches emerge, each of them identifying a different energy production zone in the flow: either the centre or the walls of the domain. We study several scenarios (involving centre or wall perturbations) leading to localized energy production for different optimization time intervals. Our investigation reveals that even for this simple two-dimensional channel flow, the mechanism for the production of a highly energetic and localized perturbation is not unique in time. We show that wall perturbations are optimal (with respect to the $\infty $ -norm) for relatively short and long times, while the centre perturbations are preferred for very short and intermediate times. The developed $p$ -norm framework is intended to facilitate worst-case analysis of shear flows and to identify localized regions supporting dominant energy growth.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Biomass Growth, Mineral Content, and Antioxidant Activity in Tomato Plants under Drought Stress

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotically associated with crops. They increase biomass production, nutritional elements, and antioxidant activities in food and vegetable crops grown in soil under stress conditions. The present study focused on the effects of AMF (Acaulospora morrowiae, Paraglomus occultum, Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus clarus, and Rhizophagus intraradices) on biomass growth and yield, contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids, activities of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe) in Unnayan, LT896, and Minto super tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties grown in soil under drought stress (<10% moisture). The results showed that root length and shoot mass in plants treated with R. clarus and P. occultum were significantly higher than those of the control (non-AMF) in Minto super tomato. Compared to the control, the shoot’s dry weight and yield were enhanced by 28% and 20% with AMF-treated tomatoes. The CAT activity in P. occultum-treated plants was statistically higher than that of the control in Unnayan tomatoes. H2O2 content was detected higher in the control than R. clarus-treated LT896 tomatoes. In plants treated with A. morrowiae and R. clarus, APX activity was significantly higher than that of the control in the Unnayan tomatoes. CAT and APX activity increased by 42% and 66% in AMF-treated leaves of tomatoes compared to non-AMF. Treatment with AMF reduced the content of MDA and H2O2 (ROS) in the leaves of tomato plants by 50% and 2% compared to the control, respectively. Potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) of tomato fruits increased by 2%, 13%, 24%, and 37% with AMF treatment compared to the control. These results suggested that biomass growth, yield, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activity, and mineral contents could be enhanced by AMF in food crops grown under drought stress. It is concluded that AMF might be used for the development of AMF-enriched biofertilizers that will improve the nutritional quality of food crops grown under stress conditions.
Anoxic spreading depolarization in the neonatal rat cortex in vitro

Anoxic spreading depolarization (aSD) is a hallmark of ischemic injury in the cerebral cortex. In adults, aSD is associated with rapid and nearly complete neuronal depolarization and loss of neuronal functions. While ischemia also evokes aSD in the immature cortex, developmental aspects of neuronal behavior during aSD remain largely unknown. Here, using oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) ischemia model in slices of the postnatal rat somatosensory cortex, we found that immature neurons displayed much more complex behaviors: they initially moderately depolarized during aSD, then transiently repolarised (for up to tens of minutes), and only then passed to terminal depolarization. The ability to fire action potentials was maintained in neurons mildly depolarized during aSD without reaching the level of depolarization block, and these functions were regained in the majority of immature neurons during post-aSD transient repolarization. The amplitude of depolarization and the probability of depolarization block during aSD increased, whereas transient post-SD repolarization levels and duration, and associated recovery in neuronal firing decreased with age. By the end of the first postnatal month, aSD acquired an adult-like phenotype, where depolarization during aSD merged with terminal depolarization and the phase of transient recovery was lost. Thus, changes in neuronal function during aSD undergo remarkable developmental changes that may contribute to lower susceptibility of the immature neurons to ischemia.