Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assortative mating on blood type: Evidence from one million Chinese pregnancies

Significance In the human population, spousal pairs have been found to share phenotypes, which demonstrates the highly nonrandom nature of human mate choice. However, assortative mating on blood type—one of the most fundamental phenotypes in biological, medical, and psychological studies—has not been investigated. Using a unique dataset from China, we provide statistical analysis to test whether matching on blood type is nonrandom and find a set of strong evidence for assortative mating on blood type. The findings are robust after we control for the effect of other possible mechanisms, and show that the spousal concordance on blood type we observe is attributable to not only an individual’s mate opportunity but also their mate choice.
Pectinose electrochemical quantitative analysis method using functional metal materials

ABSTRACT As a soluble dietary fiber, pectin has the functions of lowering cholesterol, reducing weight and improving human immunity. However, nowadays, many studies have been reported on the extraction of pectin, but few on its quantitative analysis. In this paper, graphene modified copper foam and copper sheet were used as working electrodes, respectively. Pt electrode as counter electrode and Ag/AgCl (saturated KCl solution) electrode was used as reference electrode to build electrochemical detection system. The electrochemical responses to pectinose solution were measured by voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (i-t). The detection data were analyzed to develop pectinose quantitative analysis model. Results indicated that the proposed method could determine pectinose concentration in solution, and graphene modified copper foam presented better responses. The sensitivity was 0.68851A cm−2 mmol/L, the detection limit was 0.24825 mol/L. This method presents some advantages including fast response, easy operation, and low cost. It provides a new method for pectinose quantitative detection.
Numerical investigation on energy conversion efficiency of lead-based perovskite solar cells using different transparent conductive oxides

Perovskite solar cells have attracted tremendous attention owing to its rapid increase in power conversion efficiency. This work designed and simulated lead-based perovskite solar cells in planar structure; TCO/ TiO2/ CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au. To study the effect of various transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) on power conversion efficiency of the devices, Solar Capacitance (SCAP) simulating software was used. To achieve an optimum efficiency, the influence of thickness and band-gap energy of the absorber layer were varied and investigated. The optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) is achieved using MoO3/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au architecture with PCE of 22.44 % and Voc, Jsc, and FF of 1.0842 V, 25.57 mA/cm2 and 80.94 % respectively. The numerical simulation shows the potential of substituting the conventional FTO and ITO used in perovskite solar cells with MoO3 as a promising transparent conductive oxide layer.
Incorporating historical information to improve dose optimization design with toxicity and efficacy endpoints: iBOIN‐ET

In modern oncology drug development, adaptive designs have been proposed to identify the recommended phase 2 dose. The conventional dose finding designs focus on the identification of maximum tolerated dose (MTD). However, designs ignoring efficacy could put patients under risk by pushing to the MTD. Especially in immuno‐oncology and cell therapy, the complex dose‐toxicity and dose‐efficacy relationships make such MTD driven designs more questionable. Additionally, it is not uncommon to have data available from other studies that target on similar mechanism of action and patient population. Due to the high variability from phase I trial, it is beneficial to borrow historical study information into the design when available. This will help to increase the model efficiency and accuracy and provide dose specific recommendation rules to avoid toxic dose level and increase the chance of patient allocation at potential efficacious dose levels. In this paper, we propose iBOIN‐ET design that uses prior distribution extracted from historical studies to minimize the probability of decision error. The proposed design utilizes the concept of skeleton from both toxicity and efficacy data, coupled with prior effective sample size to control the amount of historical information to be incorporated. Extensive simulation studies across a variety of realistic settings are reported including a comparison of iBOIN‐ET design to other model based and assisted approaches. The proposed novel design demonstrates the superior performances in percentage of selecting the correct optimal dose (OD), average number of patients allocated to the correct OD, and overdosing control during dose escalation process.
Trophoblast Migration with Different Oxygen Levels in a Gel-Patterned Microfluidic System

In the placenta, substances such as nutrients, oxygen, and by-products are exchanged between the mother and the fetus, and the proper formation of the placenta determines the success of pregnancy, including the growth of the fetus. Preeclampsia is an obstetric disease in which the incomplete formation of the placenta occurs, which is known to occur when there is an abnormality in the invasion of trophoblast cells. The invasion of trophoblast cells is controlled by oxygen concentration, and HIF-1α changes according to oxygen concentration, showing a difference in cell mobility. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are observed to be high in the endometrium involved in trophoblast invasion, and the expression is regulated according to the oxygen concentration. In this experiment, cell culture was conducted using a gel-patterned system with a hypoxic chamber. Before the chip experiment, the difference in the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 according to the oxygen concentration was confirmed using a hypoxia chamber. After that, trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo) and endothelial cells (HUVECs) were separated and cultured through a physical barrier through a hydrogel on a microfluidic chip. Cells were cultured in a hypoxic chamber under controlled oxygen levels. It was confirmed that the mobility of trophoblast cells in culture on the chip was upregulated in a hypoxic environment through oxygen control. This suggests that the formation of a hypoxic environment in the endometrium where the invasion of trophoblast cells occurs plays a role in increasing cell mobility.
SURFRAD—A National Surface Radiation Budget Network for Atmospheric Research

Abstract A surface radiation budget observing network (SURFRAD) has been established for the United States to support satellite retrieval validation, modeling, and climate, hydrology, and weather research. The primary measurements are the downwelling and upwelling components of broadband solar and thermal infrared irradiance. A hallmark of the network is the measurement and computation of ancillary parameters important to the transmission of radiation. SURFRAD commenced operation in 1995. Presently, it is made up of six stations in diverse climates, including the moist subtropical environment of the U.S. southeast, the cool and dry northern plains, and the hot and arid desert southwest. Network operation involves a rigorous regimen of frequent calibration, quality assurance, and data quality control. An efficient supporting infrastructure has been created to gather, check, and disseminate the basic data expeditiously. Quality controlled daily processed data files from each station are usually available vi.
Modification of North Atlantic Deep Water by Pacific/Upper Circumpolar Deep Water in the Argentine Basin

Much of the salty, high oxygen North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) leaving the Atlantic flows through the Argentine Basin, where it is diluted by fresher, low oxygen Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW). This mixing of deep water masses is often overlooked in the zonally averaged description of the overturning circulation. Here, we show that intense mixing occurs along the western boundary: (a) extreme, isolated oxygen/temperature anomalies recorded by three autonomous biogeochemical floats suggest that subsurface eddies can inject relatively unmodified CDW far into the northwestern Argentine Basin, and (b) moderate, numerous temperature/salinity anomalies indicate a mixing zone from Rio Grande Rise to the Malvinas Current. This western eddy pathway shortcuts the gyre‐scale cyclonic route for CDW inferred from most previous studies. Significantly, CDW dilution of NADW affects the properties of deep waters that upwell in the Southern Ocean, and hence the connection between Northern and Southern Hemisphere polar climates.
An all-optical frequency up-conversion solution implementing microwave photonic filter in a radio-over-fiber system

A novel all-optical frequency up-conversion method implementing microwave photonic filter in a radio-over-fiber (RoF) link is proposed and demonstrated. The electrooptical phase modulator, electrooptic intensity modulator in combination with 75-km single-mode fiber (SMF) is used to form the microwave photonic filter and fulfill the frequency upconversion function at the same time. The technique requires large modulation index at the phase modulator, which simultaneously increases the efficiency of the frequency conversion. The proposed approach has been demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally.
Violet photoluminescence from shell layer of Zn∕ZnO core-shell nanoparticles induced by laser ablation

A strong violet photoluminescence (PL) band at 425nm (2.92eV) was observed from the ZnO shell layer of the Zn∕ZnO core-shell nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in liquid media. Such violet PL decreases with increase of the shell thickness or annealing temperature, showing good controllability. Based on the electron paramagnetic resonance measurements, the violet emission is attributed to the electronic transition from the defect level, corresponding to high-concentration zinc interstitials, to the valence band. This study is in favor to clarify the defect-related emissions and to extend the optical and electronic applications of nanostructured ZnO.
Validation of an Interoperability Framework for Linking mHealth Apps to Electronic Record Systems in Botswana: Expert Survey Study

Background Electronic record (eRecord) systems and mobile health (mHealth) apps have documented potential to improve health service delivery, resulting in increased global uptake. However, their interoperability remains a global challenge hindering diagnosis, monitoring of health conditions, and data access irrespective of geographic location. Given the widespread use of mobile devices by patients and health care providers, linking mHealth apps and eRecord systems could result in a comprehensive and seamless data exchange within a health care community. The Botswana National eHealth Strategy recognizes interoperability as an issue and mHealth as a potential solution for some health care needs but is silent on how to make mHealth apps interoperable with existing eRecord systems. A literature review and analysis of existing mHealth interoperability frameworks found none suitable for Botswana. As such, it was critical to conceptualize, design, and develop an mHealth-eRecord Interoperability Framework (mHeRIF) to enhance the interoperability pillar of the Botswana National eHealth Strategy and leverage the full benefits of linking mHealth apps with other health information systems. Objective This study aimed to validate the developed mHeRIF and determine whether it requires further refinement before consideration towards enhancing the National eHealth Strategy. Methods Published framework validation approaches guided the development of a survey administered to 12 purposively selected local and international eHealth experts. In total, 25% (3/12) of the experts were drawn from Botswana, 25% (3/12) were drawn from low- and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, 25% (3/12) were drawn from low- and middle-income countries outside Africa, and 25% (3/12) were drawn from high-income countries. Quantitative responses were collated in a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp) spreadsheet for descriptive analysis, and the NVivo software (version 11; QSR International) was used to aid the thematic analysis of the qualitative open-ended questions. Results The analysis of responses showed overall support for the content and format of the proposed mHeRIF. However, some experts’ suggestions led to 4 modest revisions of the mHeRIF. Conclusions Overall, the experts’ reviews showed that the mHeRIF could contribute to the National eHealth Strategy by guiding the linking of mHealth apps to existing eRecord systems in Botswana. Similarly, the experts validated an architectural model derived from the mHeRIF in support of the first mobile telemedicine initiative considered for national rollout in Botswana. The mHeRIF helps identify key components to consider before and after linking mHealth apps to eRecord systems and is being considered for use as the foundation of such interoperability in Botswana.
Surgical Management of the Metastatic Spine Disease: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Algorithm

Study Design Narrative Review. The spine remains the most common site for bony metastasis. It is estimated that up to 70% of cancer patients harbor secondary spinal disease. And up to 10% will develop a clinically significant lesion. The last two decades have seen a substantial leap forward in the advancements of the management of spinal metastases. What once was a death sentence is now a manageable, even potentially treatable condition. With marked advancements in the surgical treatment and post-operative radiotherapy, a standardized approach to stratify and manage these patients is both prudent and now feasible. Objectives This article looks to examine the best available evidence in the stratification and surgical management of patients with spinal metastases. So the aim of this review is to offer a standardized approach for surgical management and surgical planning of patients with spinal metastases.
A 3-D Chimera Grid Embedding Technique

A three-dimensional (3-D) chimera grid-embedding technique is described. The technique simplifies the construction of computational grids about complex geometries. The method subdivides the physical domain into regions which can accommodate easily generated grids. Communication among the grids is accomplished by interpolation of the dependent variables at grid boundaries. The procedures for constructing the composite mesh and the associated data structures are described. The method is demonstrated by solution of the Euler equations for the transonic flow about a wing/body, wing/body/tail, and a configuration of three ellipsoidal bodies.
Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli from Poultry and Wild Birds (Sparrow) in Djelfa (Algeria), with Frequent Detection of CTX-M-14 in Sparrow

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat that is spreading more and more in both human and animal niches. This study investigates the antimicrobial resistance and virulence threats of Escherichia coli isolates recovered from intestinal and fecal samples of 100 chickens, 60 turkeys, and 30 sparrows. Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli isolates were recovered in 12 of the animals tested, selecting one isolate per positive animal: sparrow (eight isolates, 26.7%), turkey (three isolates, 5%), and chicken (one isolate, 1%). The E. coli isolates were ascribed to B1 and D phylogenetic groups. The blaCTX-M-14 gene was detected in all ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from sparrow. The blaCTX-M-15 (two isolates) and blaCTX-M-14 genes (one isolate) were detected in the isolates of turkey, and the blaCTX-M-1 gene in one isolate from broiler. Three lineages were revealed among the tested isolates (ST/phylogenetic group/type of ESBL/origin): ST117/D/CTX-M-1/broiler, ST4492 (CC405)/D/CTX-M-15/turkey, and ST602/B1/CTX-M-14/sparrow. All isolates were negative for stx1, sxt2, and eae virulence genes. Our findings provide evidence that the sparrow could be a vector in the dissemination of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates to other environments. This study also reports, to our knowledge, the first detection of blaCTX-M-14 from sparrow at a global level and in turkey in Algeria.
Genome-Wide Association Study Revealed SNP Alleles Associated with Seed Size Traits in African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms)

Seed size is an important yield and quality-determining trait in higher plants and is also crucial to their evolutionary fitness. In African yam bean (AYB), seed size varies widely among different accessions. However, the genetic basis of such variation has not been adequately documented. A genome-wide marker-trait association study was conducted to identify genomic regions associated with four seed size traits (seed length, seed width, seed thickness, and 100-seed weight) in a panel of 195 AYB accessions. A total of 5416 SNP markers were generated from the diversity array technology sequence (DArTseq) genotype-by-sequencing (GBS)- approach, in which 2491 SNPs were retained after SNP quality control and used for marker-trait association analysis. Significant phenotypic variation was observed for the traits. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 50.0% (seed width) to 66.4% (seed length). The relationships among the traits were positive and significant. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the general linear model (GLM) and the mixed linear model (MLM) approaches identified 12 SNP markers significantly associated with seed size traits across the six test environments. The 12 makers explained 6.5–10.8% of the phenotypic variation. Two markers (29420334|F|0-52:C>G-52:C>G and 29420736|F|0-57:G>T-57:G>T) with pleiotropic effects associated with seed width and seed thickness were found. A candidate gene search identified five significant markers (100026424|F|0-37:C>T-37:C>T, 100041049|F|0-42:G>C-42:G>C, 100034480|F|0-31:C>A-31:C>A, 29420365|F|0-55:C>G-55:C>G, and 29420736|F|0-57:G>T-57:G>T) located close to 43 putative genes whose encoding protein products are known to regulate seed size traits. This study revealed significant makers not previously reported for seed size in AYB and could provide useful information for genomic-assisted breeding in AYB.
Velocity Distributions for Low Pressure Turbines

A parametric set of velocity distributions has been investigated using a flat plate experiment. Three different diffusion factors and peak velocity locations were tested. These were designed to mimic the suction surfaces of Low Pressure (LP) turbine blades. Unsteady wakes, inherent in real turbomachinery flows, were generated using a moving bar mechanism. A turbulence grid generated a freestream turbulence level that is believed to be typical of LP turbines. Measurements were taken across a Reynolds number range of 50,000-220,000 at three reduced frequencies (0.314, 0.628, 0.942). Boundary layer traverses were performed at the nominal trailing edge using a Laser Doppler Anemometry system and hot-films were used to examine the boundary layer behaviour along the surface. For every velocity distribution tested, the boundary layer separated in the diffusing flow downstream of the peak velocity. The loss production is dominated by the mixing in the reattachment process, mixing in the turbulent boundary layer downstream of reattachment and the effects of the unsteady interaction between the wakes and the boundary layer. A sensitive balance governs the optimal location of peak velocity on the surface. Moving the velocity peak forwards on the blade was found to be increasingly beneficial when bubblegenerated losses are high, i.e. at low Reynolds number, at low reduced frequency and at high levels of diffusion. Copyright © 2008 by ASME.
Manipulating the retrieval of stored light pulses

We consider storage and retrieval of light based on electromagnetically induced transparency in an atomic medium using nonadiabatic switching of a control field. We derive various conditions for writing (and reading) the light information to (and from) the atomic coherence. We obtain an analytical solution for the retrieval of the stored pulse that is in excellent agreement with the full numerical results. We identify the origin of distortion at the output and derive a condition to correct the distortions by manipulating the retrieval process.
Influence of cross-flow on nonlinear Tollmien–Schlichting/vortex interaction

The transition of an incompressible three-dimensional boundary layer with strong cross-flow is considered theoretically and computationally in the context of vortex/wave interactions. Specifically the work centres on two lower-branch Tollmien–Schlichting waves which mutually interact nonlinearly to induce a longitudinal vortex flow. The vortex motion in turn gives rise to significant wave modulation via wall-shear forcing. The characteristic Reynolds number is large and, as a consequence, the waves’ and the vortex motion are governed primarily by triple-deck theory. The nonlinear interaction is captured by a viscous partial-differential system for the vortex coupled with a pair of amplitude equations for each wave pressure. Following analysis and computation over a wide range of parameters, three distinct responses are found to emerge in the nonlinear behaviour of the flow solution downstream: an algebraic finite-distance singularity, far-downstream saturation or far-downstream wave decay leaving pure vortex flow. These depend on the input conditions, the wave angles and the size of the cross flow.
Stellar occultation probes of the Uranian rings at 0.1 and 2.2 microns - A comparison of Voyager UVS and earth-based results

A comparison between Voyager 2 UV spectrometer data for stellar occultations of the Uranian ring system obtained at 0.11 microns and 2.2-micron earth-based occultation data reveals the anticipated factor-of-two reduction in observed optical depths relative to those observed from earth. This is due to Voyager's proximity to the rings, which allows light diffracted out of the direct beam by ring particles to be replaced by light diffracted into the direct beam light from other particles, and further permits the placing of firm lower limits on typical particle sizes of 0.3 and 1 cm for the epsilon and delta rings, respectively. As a function of true anomaly, the epsilon ring profile is noted to remain very similar in shape and essentially constant in equivalent depth, even very near periapse.
Fat Quality Impacts the Effect of a High-Fat Diet on the Fatty Acid Profile, Life History Traits and Gene Expression in Drosophila melanogaster

Feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) has been shown to alter phenotypic and metabolic parameters in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the impact of fat quantity and quality remains uncertain. We first used butterfat (BF) as an example to investigate the effects of increasing dietary fat content (3–12%) on male and female fruit flies. Although body weight and body composition were not altered by any BF concentration, health parameters, such as lifespan, fecundity and larval development, were negatively affected in a dose-dependent manner. When fruit flies were fed various 12% HFDs (BF, sunflower oil, olive oil, linseed oil, fish oil), their fatty acid profiles shifted according to the dietary fat qualities. Moreover, fat quality was found to determine the effect size of the response to an HFD for traits, such as lifespan, climbing activity, or fertility. Consistently, we also found a highly fat quality-specific transcriptional response to three exemplary HFD qualities with a small overlap of only 30 differentially expressed genes associated with the immune/stress response and fatty acid metabolism. In conclusion, our data indicate that not only the fat content but also the fat quality is a crucial factor in terms of life-history traits when applying an HFD in D. melanogaster.