Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation of nanostructured lubricant films

In this paper, we present rigorous simulation tools: a lattice-based simple reactive sphere model, an off-lattice bead-spring Monte Carlo model, and a molecular dynamics model. These tools accurately describe the static and dynamic behaviors of perfluoropolyether films consistent with experimental findings (scanning microellipsometry and surface energy measurements). These are suitable for the description of the fundamental mechanisms of film dewetting and rupture due to instability arising from nanoscale temperature and pressure inhomogeneities.
Motion magnification using the Hermite transform

We present an Eulerian motion magnification technique with a spatial decomposition based on the Hermite Transform (HT). We compare our results to the approach presented in.1 We test our method in one sequence of the breathing of a newborn baby and on an MRI left ventricle sequence. Methods are compared using quantitative and qualitative metrics after the application of the motion magnification algorithm.
A matter of availability: sharper tuning for memorized than for perceived stimulus features

Abstract Our visual environment is relatively stable over time. An optimized visual system could capitalize on this by devoting less representational resources to objects that are physically present. The vividness of subjective experience, however, suggests that externally available (perceived) information is more strongly represented in neural signals than memorized information. To distinguish between these opposing predictions, we use EEG multivariate pattern analysis to quantify the representational strength of task-relevant features in anticipation of a change-detection task. Perceptual availability was manipulated between experimental blocks by either keeping the stimulus available on the screen during a 2-s delay period (perception) or removing it shortly after its initial presentation (memory). We find that task-relevant (attended) memorized features are more strongly represented than irrelevant (unattended) features. More importantly, we find that task-relevant features evoke significantly weaker representations when they are perceptually available compared with when they are unavailable. These findings demonstrate that, contrary to what subjective experience suggests, vividly perceived stimuli elicit weaker neural representations (in terms of detectable multivariate information) than the same stimuli maintained in visual working memory. We hypothesize that an efficient visual system spends little of its limited resources on the internal representation of information that is externally available anyway.
The Vavilov-Cherenkov effect produced by an electromagnetic pulse

In this paper the Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation produced by an electromagnetic pulse propagating, unchanged in shape, inside a medium is analysed. The electromagnetic pulse induces a polarization charge which moves inside the medium with the group velocity. This polarization charge induces time-dependent elemental dipoles in the material medium. If the group velocity is greater than the phase velocity of light in such a medium there is a coherent superposition of the radiation emitted by each elemental dipole that gives rise to Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation. Two methods to obtain the energy spectrum are developed.
On Primitivity and the Unital Full Free Product of Finite Dimensional C*-algebras

On Primitivity and the Unital Full Free Product of Finite Dimensional C*-algebras. (May 2012) Francisco Javier Torres Ayala, B.S., National Autonomous University of Mexico; M.A., National Autonomous University of Mexico Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Kenneth Dykema A C∗-algebra is called primitive if it admits a ∗–representation that is both faithful and irreducible. Thus the simplest examples are matrix algebras. The main objective of this work is to classify unital full free products of finite dimensional C*algebras that are primitive. We prove that given two nontrivial finite dimensional C∗-algebras, A1 6= C, A2 6= C, the unital C∗-algebra full free product A = A1 ∗ A2 is primitive except when A1 = C = A2. Roughly speaking, we first show that, except for trivial cases and the case A1 = C = A2, there is an abundance of irreducible finite dimensional ∗–representations of A. The latter is accomplished by taking advantage of the structure of Lie group of the unitary operators in a finite dimensional Hilbert space. Later, by means of a sequence of approximations and Kaplansky’s density theorem we construct an irreducible and faithful ∗–representation of A. We want to emphasize the fact that unital full free products of C*-algebras are highly abstract objects hence finding an irreducible ∗– representation that is faithfully is an amazing fact. The dissertation is divided as follows. Chapter I gives an introduction, basic definitions and examples. Chapter II recalls some facts about ∗–automorphisms of finite dimensional C∗-algebras. Chapter III is fully devoted to prove Theorem III.6 which is about perturbing a pair of proper unital C∗-subalgebras of a matrix algebra
hnRNPA1 impedes snakehead vesiculovirus replication via competitively disrupting viral phosphoprotein-nucleoprotein interaction and degrading viral phosphoprotein

ABSTRACT Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) plays an important role in regulating the replication of many viruses. However, it remains elusive whether and how hnRNPA1 regulates fish virus replication. In this study, the effects of twelve hnRNPs on the replication of snakehead vesiculovirus (SHVV) were screened. Three hnRNPs, one of which was hnRNPA1, were identified as anti-SHVV factors. Further verification showed that knockdown of hnRNPA1 promoted, while overexpression of hnRNPA1 inhibited, SHVV replication. SHVV infection reduced the expression level of hnRNPA1 and induced the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of hnRNPA1. Besides, we found that hnRNPA1 interacted with the viral phosphoprotein (P) via its glycine-rich domain, but not with the viral nucleoprotein (N) or large protein (L). The hnRNPA1-P interaction competitively disrupted the viral P-N interaction. Moreover, we found that overexpression of hnRNPA1 enhanced the polyubiquitination of the P protein and degraded it through proteasomal and lysosomal pathways. This study will help understanding the function of hnRNPA1 in the replication of single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses and providing a novel antiviral target against fish rhabdoviruses.
Assessing the Efficacy of the S-PECS Block in Breast Augmentation Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Background: Postoperative acute and chronic pain following breast surgery is a common complication that needs resolving to allow for improved patient outcomes. Previously, thoracic epidurals and paravertebral blocks have been the accepted standard administered intraoperatively. However, more recently the introduction of the pectoral nerve block (PECS and PECS-2 blocks) has appeared promising to control the pain more effectively, but further robust analysis is required to prove its efficacy. The authors aim to study the efficacy of a new block, S-PECS, that combines a serratus anterior and a PECS-2 block. Methods: In this study, the authors performed a single-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind group trial in 30 female patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery with silicone breast implants and the S-PECS block. Divided into two groups of 15, the PECS group received local anesthetics and the no-PECS control group received a saline injection. All participants were followed up at recovery and at 4, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively. Results: The authors’ results showed that the pain score in the PECS group was significantly less than in the no-PECS group across all time points: recovery, and at 4, 6, and 12 hours. Furthermore, the patients who received the S-PEC block were 74% less likely to request pain medications compared with the no-PECS group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the modified S-PECS block is an effective, efficient, and safe method of controlling pain in patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery, with additional applications yet to be explored.
The novel metallic states of the cuprates: Fermi liquids with topological order, and strange metals

This article is based on a talk by S.S. at the Nambu Memorial Symposium at the University of Chicago. We review ideas on the nature of the metallic states of the hole-doped cuprate high temperature superconductors, with an emphasis on the connections between the Luttinger theorem for the size of the Fermi surface, topological quantum field theories (TQFTs), and critical theories involving changes in the size of the Fermi surface. We begin with the derivation of the Luttinger theorem for a Fermi liquid, using momentum balance during a process of flux-insertion in a lattice electronic model with toroidal boundary conditions. We then review the TQFT of the Z2 spin liquid, and demonstrate its compatibility with the toroidal momentum balance argument. This discussion leads naturally to a simple construction of `topological' Fermi liquid states: the fractionalized Fermi liquid (FL*) and the algebraic charge liquid (ACL). We present arguments for a description of the pseudogap metal of the cuprates using Z2-FL* or Z2-ACL states with Ising-nematic order. These pseudogap metal states are also described as Higgs phases of a SU(2) gauge theory. The Higgs field represents local antiferromagnetism, but the Higgs-condensed phase does not have long-range antiferromagnetic order: the magnitude of the Higgs field determines the pseudogap, the reconstruction of the Fermi surface, and the Ising-nematic order. Finally, we discuss the route to the large Fermi surface Fermi liquid via the critical point where the Higgs condensate and Ising nematic order vanish, and the application of Higgs criticality to the strange metal.
Strict Conservation yet Non-Essential Nature of Plasmid Gene bba40 in the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi

The key finding of this study contradicts our premise that the ubiquitous presence and strict sequence conservation of a unique gene in the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, reflect a critical role in either the murine host or tick vector in which these bacteria are maintained in nature. Instead, the outcome of this investigation illustrates the inadequate nature of the experimental infectious cycle currently employed in the laboratory to fully model the enzootic cycle of the Lyme disease spirochete. ABSTRACT The highly segmented genome of Borrelia burgdorferi, the tick-borne bacterium that causes Lyme disease, is composed of a linear chromosome and more than 20 co-existing endogenous plasmids. Many plasmid-borne genes are unique to B. burgdorferi and some have been shown to provide essential functions at discrete points of the infectious cycle between a tick vector and rodent host. In this study, we investigated the role of bba40, a highly conserved and differentially expressed gene on a ubiquitous linear plasmid of B. burgdorferi. In a prior genome-wide analysis, inactivation of bba40 by transposon insertion was linked with a noninfectious phenotype in mice, suggesting that conservation of the gene in the Lyme disease spirochete reflected a critical function of the encoded protein. To address this hypothesis, we moved the bba40::Tn allele into a similar wild-type background and compared the phenotypes of isogenic wild-type, mutant and complemented strains in vitro and throughout the in vivo mouse/tick infectious cycle. In contrast to the previous study, we identified no defect in the ability of the bba40 mutant to colonize the tick vector or murine host, or to be efficiently transmitted between them. We conclude that bba40 joins a growing list of unique, highly conserved, yet fully dispensable plasmid-borne genes of the Lyme disease spirochete. We infer that the experimental infectious cycle, while including the tick vector and murine host, lacks key selective forces imposed during the natural enzootic cycle. IMPORTANCE The key finding of this study contradicts our premise that the ubiquitous presence and strict sequence conservation of a unique gene in the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, reflect a critical role in either the murine host or tick vector in which these bacteria are maintained in nature. Instead, the outcome of this investigation illustrates the inadequate nature of the experimental infectious cycle currently employed in the laboratory to fully model the enzootic cycle of the Lyme disease spirochete. This study also highlights the importance of complementation for accurate interpretation of mutant phenotypes in genetic studies of Borrelia burgdorferi.
Adaptation of the Wound Healing Questionnaire universal-reporter outcome measure for use in global surgery trials (TALON-1 study): mixed-methods study and Rasch analysis

Abstract Background The Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire (WHQ) is a universal-reporter outcome measure developed in the UK for remote detection of surgical-site infection after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to explore cross-cultural equivalence, acceptability, and content validity of the WHQ for use across low- and middle-income countries, and to make recommendations for its adaptation. Methods This was a mixed-methods study within a trial (SWAT) embedded in an international randomized trial, conducted according to best practice guidelines, and co-produced with community and patient partners (TALON-1). Structured interviews and focus groups were used to gather data regarding cross-cultural, cross-contextual equivalence of the individual items and scale, and conduct a translatability assessment. Translation was completed into five languages in accordance with Mapi recommendations. Next, data from a prospective cohort (SWAT) were interpreted using Rasch analysis to explore scaling and measurement properties of the WHQ. Finally, qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated using a modified, exploratory, instrumental design model. Results In the qualitative phase, 10 structured interviews and six focus groups took place with a total of 47 investigators across six countries. Themes related to comprehension, response mapping, retrieval, and judgement were identified with rich cross-cultural insights. In the quantitative phase, an exploratory Rasch model was fitted to data from 537 patients (369 excluding extremes). Owing to the number of extreme (floor) values, the overall level of power was low. The single WHQ scale satisfied tests of unidimensionality, indicating validity of the ordinal total WHQ score. There was significant overall model misfit of five items (5, 9, 14, 15, 16) and local dependency in 11 item pairs. The person separation index was estimated as 0.48 suggesting weak discrimination between classes, whereas Cronbach’s α was high at 0.86. Triangulation of qualitative data with the Rasch analysis supported recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ items 1 (redness), 3 (clear fluid), 7 (deep wound opening), 10 (pain), 11 (fever), 15 (antibiotics), 16 (debridement), 18 (drainage), and 19 (reoperation). Changes to three item response categories (1, not at all; 2, a little; 3, a lot) were adopted for symptom items 1 to 10, and two categories (0, no; 1, yes) for item 11 (fever). Conclusion This study made recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ for use in global surgical research and practice, using co-produced mixed-methods data from three continents. Translations are now available for implementation into remote wound assessment pathways.
Lag‐time effects on a naturally ventilated large thermometer screen

Systematic natural ventilation effects on measured temperatures within a standard large wooden thermometer screen are investigated under summer conditions, using well‐calibrated platinum resistance thermometers. Under low ventilation (2 m wind speed u2 < 1.1 m s−1), the screen slightly underestimates daytime air temperature but overestimates air temperature nocturnally by 0.2°C. The screen's lag time L lengthens with decreasing wind speed, following an inverse power law relationship between L and u2. For u2 > 2 m s−1, L ∼ 2.5 min, increasing, when calm, to at least 15 min. Spectral response properties of the screen to air temperature fluctuations vary with wind speed because of the lag changes. Ventilation effects are particularly apparent at the higher (>25°C) temperatures, both through the lag effect and from solar heating. For sites where wind speed decreases with increasing daytime temperature, thermometer screen temperatures may consequently show larger uncertainties at the higher temperatures. Under strong direct beam solar radiation (>850 W m−2) the radiation effect is likely to be <0.4°C. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Traumatic Brain Injury Mortality and Correlates in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-Epidemiological Study

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that up to 69 million people per year experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) with the highest prevalence found in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A paucity of data suggests that the mortality rate after severe TBI is twice as high in LMICs than in high-income countries. OBJECTIVE: To analyze TBI mortality in LMICs and to evaluate what country-based socioeconomic and demographic parameters influence TBI outcomes. METHODS: Four databases were searched for the period January 1, 2002, to January 1, 2022, for studies describing TBI outcomes in LMICs. Multivariable analysis was performed using multivariable linear regression, with the outcome as the pooled mortality by country and the covariates as the adjusted parameters. RESULTS: Our search yielded 14 376 records of which 101 were included in the final analysis, totaling 59 197 patients and representing 31 LMICs. The pooled TBI-related mortality was 16.7% (95% CI: 13.7%-20.3%) without significant differences comparing pediatrics vs adults. Pooled severe TBI-related mortality was significantly higher than mild. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between TBI-related mortality and median income (P = .04), population percentage below poverty line (P = .02), primary school enrollment (P = .01), and poverty head ratio (P = .04). CONCLUSION: TBI-related mortality in LMICs is 3-fold to 4-fold higher than that reported in high-income countries. Within LMICs, parameters associated with poorer outcomes after TBI include factors recognized as social determinants of health. Addressing social determinants of health in LMICs might expedite the quest to close the care delivery gap after TBI.
Proceedings of the 2022 NHLBI and OASH state of the science in transfusion medicine symposium

State of the Science (SoS) meetings are used to define and highlight important unanswered scientific questions. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Department of Health and Human Services held a virtual SoS in transfusion medicine (TM) symposium.
The optimality equation in average cost denumerable state semi-Markov decision problems, recurrency conditions and algorithms

This paper is concerned with the optimality equation for the average costs in a denumerable state semi-Markov decision model. It will be shown that under each of a number of recurrency conditions on the transition probability matrices associated with the stationary policies, the optimality equation has a bounded solution. This solution indeed yields a stationary policy which is optimal for a strong version of the average cost optimality criterion. Besides the existence of a bounded solution to the optimality equation, we will show that both the value-iteration method and the policy-iteration method can be used to determine such a solution. For the latter method we will prove that the average costs and the relative cost functions of the policies generated converge to a solution of the optimality equation.
Lower bound limit analysis using finite elements and linear programming

This paper describes a technique for computing lower bound limit loads in soil mechanics under conditions of plane strain. In order to invoke the lower bound theorem of classical plasticity theory, a perfectly plastic soil model is assumed, which may be either purely cohesive or cohesive-frictional, together with an associated flow rule. Using a suitable linear approximation of the yield surface, the procedure computes a statically admissible stress field via finite elements and linear programming. The stress field is modelled using linear 3-noded traingles and statically admissible stress discontinuities may occur at the edges of each triangle. Imposition of the stress-boundary, equilibrium and yield conditions leads to an expression for the collapse load which is maximized subject to a set of linear constraints on the nodal stresses. Since all of the requirements for a statically admissible solution are satisfied exactly (except for small round-off errors in the optimization computations), the solution obtained is a strict lower bound on the true collapse load and is therefore ‘safe’. A major drawback of the technique, as first described by Lysmer,1 is the large amount of computer time required to solve the linear programming problem. This paper shows that this limitation may be avoided by using an active set algorithm, rather than the traditional simplex or revised simplex strategies, to solve the resulting optimization problem. This is due to the nature of the constraint matrix, which is always very sparse and typically has many more rows that columns. It also proved that the procedure can, without modification, be used to derive strict lower bounds for a purely cohesive soil which has increasing strength with depth. This important class of problem is difficult to tackle using conventional methods. A number of examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the procedure.
Cohesin-independent STAG proteins interact with RNA and R-loops and promote complex loading

Most studies of cohesin function consider the Stromalin Antigen (STAG/SA) proteins as core complex members given their ubiquitous interaction with the cohesin ring. Here, we provide functional data to support the notion that the SA subunit is not a mere passenger in this structure, but instead plays a key role in the localization of cohesin to diverse biological processes and promotes loading of the complex at these sites. We show that in cells acutely depleted for RAD21, SA proteins remain bound to chromatin, cluster in 3D and interact with CTCF, as well as with a wide range of RNA binding proteins involved in multiple RNA processing mechanisms. Accordingly, SA proteins interact with RNA, and R-loops, even in the absence of cohesin. Our results place SA1 on chromatin upstream of the cohesin ring and reveal a role for SA1 in cohesin loading which is independent of NIPBL, the canonical cohesin loader. We propose that SA1 takes advantage of structural R-loop platforms to link cohesin loading and chromatin structure with diverse functions. Since SA proteins are pan-cancer targets, and R-loops play an increasingly prevalent role in cancer biology, our results have important implications for the mechanistic understanding of SA proteins in cancer and disease.