Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Origin of reduced polarizations in short-period BaTiO3/SrTiO3 ferroelectric superlattices

We present an analysis of the polarization properties of BaTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices using an effective Hamiltonian derived from first-principles calculations based on density-functional theory. We show that the hardening and modification of local soft modes at the interface environment is responsible for (a) the deviation of the interface structure from the bulk one and (b) the suppression of polarization in the short-period superlattices. The effect of this interfacial coupling is shown to be enhanced as the epitaxial strain becomes tensile.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Diabetic Foot

Background and Objectives: Diabetic foot (DF) development is driven by complex interactions of hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress (OS). We aimed to investigate OS and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with DF and their potential to improve early diagnosis and management of DF. Materials and Methods: The prooxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total oxidative status (TOS), total sulfhydryl groups (SHG), routine biochemical parameters, and complete blood count were determined in 42 patients with type-2 DM, of which 23 patients had DF, while 19 patients were without DF complications. The neutrophils-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was evaluated as a biomarker of inflammation. Results: Patients with DF had significantly higher (p < 0.05) PAB levels (170 ± 33.9 U/L) compared to those without DF complications (142 ± 31.3 U/L). In addition, patients with DF had significantly reduced SOD activities (p < 0.01). NLR values were significantly higher in the DF group (median: 2.8; interquartile range: 2.0–4.3) than in the group without DF (median: 1.4; interquartile range: 1.4–2.1; p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between the PAB and NLR index (r = 0.449; p < 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of both PAB (AUC = 0.741; p < 0.01) and NLR (AUC = 0.760; p < 0.01) was estimated as acceptable. Conclusions: In conclusion, the development of DF is associated with enhanced OS and inflammation processes. PAB and NLR could be useful non-invasive biomarkers of DF development.
Multiscale Cascaded Attention Network for Saliency Detection Based on ResNet

Saliency detection is a key research topic in the field of computer vision. Humans can be accurately and quickly mesmerized by an area of interest in complex and changing scenes through the visual perception area of the brain. Although existing saliency-detection methods can achieve competent performance, they have deficiencies such as unclear margins of salient objects and the interference of background information on the saliency map. In this study, to improve the defects during saliency detection, a multiscale cascaded attention network was designed based on ResNet34. Different from the typical U-shaped encoding–decoding architecture, we devised a contextual feature extraction module to enhance the advanced semantic feature extraction. Specifically, a multiscale cascade block (MCB) and a lightweight channel attention (CA) module were added between the encoding and decoding networks for optimization. To address the blur edge issue, which is neglected by many previous approaches, we adopted the edge thinning module to carry out a deeper edge-thinning process on the output layer image. The experimental results illustrate that this method can achieve competitive saliency-detection performance, and the accuracy and recall rate are improved compared with those of other representative methods.
Formation of CO and CO2 Molecules by Ion Irradiation of Water Ice-covered Hydrogenated Carbon Grains

We present the results of experiments aimed at studying the influence of the type of grain on the chemical composition of the ice mantles during energetic processing under simulated dense medium conditions. Formation of CO and CO2 molecules occurs when hydrogenated carbon grains with a water ice cap are irradiated with 30 keV He+ ions at low temperature. The fraction of carbon in the grains converted to CO and CO2 by ions is at least 0.03 and 0.02, respectively. An estimation of the formation cross section of these molecules by 30 keV He+ ions has been derived from the intensity increase of their infrared stretching bands as a function of the ion fluence. On the basis of the laboratory results, it has been possible to evaluate the contribution of CO and CO2 produced on carbon grain by cosmic rays to the observed column densities of these molecules for dense clouds whose visual extinction is known. The mechanism we have studied does not dominate other CO2 formation processes; however, its contribution is in addition to other processes occurring on ice mantles. The spectral profile and the contribution to the observed column densities make solid CO formed by cosmic-ray irradiation of ice-layered carbon grains a good candidate for the red component of the interstellar CO stretching feature, which is generally attributed to CO mixed in with water ice. As a consequence of the formation of CO and CO2 molecules on carbon grains, a slow chemical erosion of the particles takes place.
Environmental and ecological controls of the spatial distribution of microbial populations in aggregates

In microbial communities, the ecological interactions between species of different populations are responsible for the spatial distributions observed in aggregates (granules, biofilms or flocs). To explore the underlying mechanisms that control these processes, we have developed a mathematical modelling framework able to describe, label and quantify defined spatial structures that arise from microbial and environmental interactions in communities. An artificial system of three populations collaborating or competing in an aggregate is simulated using individual-based modelling under different environmental conditions. In this study, neutralism, competition, commensalism and concurrence of commensalism and competition have been considered. We were able to identify interspecific segregation of communities that appears in competitive environments (columned stratification), and a layered distribution of populations that emerges in commensal (layered stratification). When different ecological interactions were considered in the same aggregate, the resultant spatial distribution was identified as the one controlled by the most limiting substrate. A theoretical modulus was defined, with which we were able to quantify the effect of environmental conditions and ecological interactions to predict the most probable spatial distribution. The specific microbial patterns observed in our results allowed us to identify the optimal spatial organizations for bacteria to thrive when building a microbial community and how this permitted co-existence of populations at different growth rates. Our model reveals that although ecological relationships between different species dictate the distribution of bacteria, the environment controls the final spatial distribution of the community.
Telemedicine to Support Heart Failure Patients during Social Distancing: A Systematic Review

Background: Heart failure (HF) has been described as an emerging pandemic as its prevalence continues to rise with a growing and aging population. HF patients are more vulnerable to infections with higher risk of hospitalisation, morbidity, and mortality. During this COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has emerged as an alternative to usual out-patient care. This study aimed to systematically review available literature regarding the effect of telemedicine on mortality, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and hospitalisation rate of HF patients. Method: A literature search was conducted on five databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Cochrane Central Database) up to 21st May 2022. Data from studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were collected and extracted. Included studies were critically appraised using suitable tools and extracted data were synthesized qualitatively. Results: A total of 27 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis with a total of 21,006 patients and sufficient level of bias. Reduction in the mortality rate, HF-related hospitalisation rate, and improvement in the HR-QoL were shown in most of the studies, although only some were statistically significant. Conclusions: The use of telemedicine is a promising and beneficial method for HF patients to acquire adequate health care services. Further studies in this field are needed, especially in developing countries and with standardized method, to provide better services and protections for HF patients. Telemonitoring and patient-centred partnership via interactive communication between healthcare team and patients is central to successful telemedicine implementation. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42021271540.
Multivariate modelling of the autoregressive random variance process

The autoregressive random variance (ARV) model proposed by Taylor (Financial returns modelled by the product of two stochastic processes, a study of daily sugar prices 1961–79. In Time Series Analysis: Theory and Practice 1 (ed. O. D. Anderson). Amsterdam: North‐Holland, 1982, pp. 203–26) is useful in modelling stochastic changes in the variance structure of a time series. In this paper we focus on a general multivariate ARV model. A traditional EM algorithm is derived as the estimation method. The proposed EM approach is simple to program, computationally efficient and numerically well behaved. The asymptotic variance‐‐covariance matrix can be easily computed as a by‐product using a well‐kno wn asymptotic result for extremum estimators. A result that is of interest in itself is that the dimension of the augmented state space form used in computing the variance–covariance matrix can be shown to be greatly reduced, resulting in greater computational efficiency . The multivariate ARV model considered here is useful in studying the lead–lag (causality) relationship of the variance structure across different time series. As an example, the leading effect of Thailand on Malaysia in terms of vari ance changes in the stock indices is demonstrated.
Aging Impact of Power MOSFETs in Charger with Different Operation Frequency

The global warming and pollution issues have reached an alarming level that requires immediate actions by all governments in the world to reduce fossil fuel vehicles, and even ban them in the foreseeable future. As a result, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining ground rapidly. Inside the EVs, especially their power train, semiconductor power devices are considered the key components. Increasing the performance, energy efficiency, and reliability of power MOSFET, therefore, is critical in the EV industry. In this work, we stress the reliability and lifetime of power MOSFET devices and propose an aging model for them. We will show the procedure to construct the efficient aging model for a power MOSFET, supported by circuit-level simulation results. The aging conditions, including high temperature and/or high voltage on the gate oxide, will result in threshold voltage shift, which in turn decreases the MOSFET's switching speed and driving capability. With the proposed aging assessment tool for power MOSFET, the device's performance under different aging conditions can be predicted. The experiment results show that aging will reduces its switching speed and driving power. Experimental results by our tool also show that the circuit efficiency, ripple voltage, switching loss, etc., are negatively affected by aging.
SYNTHESIS OF THE SYMBOLOGIES OF MULTICOLOR INTERFERENCE-RESISTANT BAR CODES ON THE BASE OF MULTI-VALUED BCH CODES

Context. The problem of constructing a set of barcode patterns for multicolor barcodes that are resistant to distortions of one or two elements within each pattern is considered. Objective. The goal of the work is ensuring the reliability of the reading of multi-color barcode images. Method. A multicolor barcode pattern has the property of interference immunity if its digital equivalent (vector) is a codeword of a multi-valued (non-binary) correcting code capable to correct errors (distortions of the pattern elements). It is shown that the construction of barcode patterns should be performed on the basis of a multi-valued correcting BCH code capable to correct two errors. A method is proposed for constructing a set of interference-resistant barcode patterns of a given capacity, which ensure reliable reproduction of data when they are read from a carrier. A procedure for encoding data with a multi-valued BCH code based on the generator matrix of the code using operations by the modulo of a prime number has been developed. A new method of constructing the check matrix of the multivalued BCH code based on the vector representation of the elements of the finite field is proposed. A generalized algorithm for generating symbologies of a multi-color barcode with the possibility of correcting double errors in barcode patterns has been developed. The method also makes it possible to build symbology of a given capacity based on shortened BCH codes. A method of reducing the generator and check matrices of a multi-valued full BCH code to obtain a shortened code of a given length is proposed. It is shown that, in addition to correction double errors, multi-valued BCH codes also make it possible to detect errors of higher multiplicity – this property is enhanced when using shortened BCH codes. The method provides for the construction of a family of multicolor noise-immune barcodes. Results. On the basis of the developed software tools, statistical data were obtained that characterize the ability of multi-valued BCH codes to detect and correct errors, and on their basis to design multi-color interference-resistant bar codes. Conclusions. The conducted experiments have confirmed the operability of the proposed algorithmic tools and allow to recommend it for use in practice for developing interference-resistant multi-color barcodes in automatic identification systems.
Transcendence of Binomial and Lucas' Formal Power Series☆

Abstract The formal power series[formula]is transcendental over Q (X) whentis an integer ≥ 2. This is due to Stanley forteven, and independently to Flajolet and to Woodcock and Sharif for the general case. While Stanley and Flajolet used analytic methods and studied the asymptotics of the coefficients of this series, Woodcock and Sharif gave a purely algebraic proof. Their basic idea is to reduce this series modulo prime numbersp, and to use thep-Lucas property: ifn = ∑nipiis the basepexpansion of the integern, then[equation]The series reduced modulopis then proved algebraic over F p(X), the field of rational functions over the Galois field F p, but its degree is not a bounded function ofp. We generalize this method to characterize all formal power series that have thep-Lucas property for “many” prime numbersp, and that are furthermore algebraic over Q (X).
The Endothelial Glycocalyx and Retinal Hemodynamics

Purpose. Previous studies suggest that the endothelial glycocalyx adds to vascular resistance, inhibits thrombosis, and is critical for regulating homogeneous blood flow and ensuring uniform red blood cell (RBC) distribution. However, these functions and consequences of the glycocalyx have not been examined in the retina. We hypothesize that the endothelial glycocalyx is a critical regulator of retinal hemodynamics and perfusion and decreases the propensity for retinal thrombus formation. Methods. Hyaluronidase and heparinase, which are endothelial glycocalyx-degrading enzymes, were infused into mice. Fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (2000 kDa) was injected to measure lumen diameter, while RBC velocity and distribution were measured using fluorescently labeled RBCs. The diameters and velocities were used to calculate retinal blood flow and shear rates. Mean circulation time was calculated by measuring the difference between arteriolar and venular mean transit times. Rose Bengal dye was infused, followed by illumination with a green light to induce thrombosis. Results. The acute infusion of hyaluronidase and heparinase led to significant increases in both arteriolar (7%) and venular (16%) diameters in the retina, with a tendency towards increased arteriolar velocity. In addition, the degradation caused a significant decrease in the venular shear rate (14%). The enzyme infusion resulted in substantial increases in total retinal blood flow (26%) and retinal microhematocrit but no changes in the mean circulation time through the retina. We also observed an enhanced propensity for retinal thrombus formation with the removal of the glycocalyx. Conclusions. Our data suggest that acute degradation of the glycocalyx can cause significant changes in retinal hemodynamics, with increases in vessel diameter, blood flow, microhematocrit, pro-thrombotic conditions, and decreases in venular shear rate.
Theory of Doubly-Shielded Coupled Lines for Directional Couplers of Various Directivity Types With Impedance Transformation

Asymmetric coupled lines (CLs) with double shielding in an inhomogeneous dielectric medium are studied. They have specific properties that allow the creation of impedance-transforming directional couplers with a given directivity type. The proposed models and synthesis techniques take into account both electric asymmetry and dielectric inhomogeneity. Numerical simulations and measurements prove the correctness of the general theory, and the possibility of creating co-, contra-, and trans-directional couplers with impedance-transforming and phase-shifting properties. The results will be useful for finding new design solutions for next-generation microwave circuits.
Nitric oxide measurements in hTERT-RPE cells and subcellular fractions exposed to low levels of red light

Cells in a tissue culture model for laser eye injury exhibit increased resistance to a lethal pulse of 2.0-μm laser radiation if the cells are first exposed to 2.88 J/cm2 of red light 24 hr prior to the lethal laser exposure. Changes in expression of various genes associated with apoptosis have been observed, but the biochemical link between light absorption and gene expression remains unknown. Cytochome c oxidase (CCOX), in the electron transport chain, is the currentlyhypothesized absorber. Absorption of the red light by CCOX is thought to facilitate displacement of nitric oxide (NO) by O2 in the active site, increasing cellular respiration and intracellular ATP. However, NO is also an important regulator and mediator of numerous physiological processes in a variety of cell and tissue types that is synthesized from l-arginine by NO synthases. In an effort to determine the relative NO contributions from these competing pathways, we measured NO levels in whole cells and subcellular fractions, with and without exposure to red light, using DAF-FM, a fluorescent dye that stoichiometrically reacts with NO. Red light induced a small, but consistently reproducible, increase in fluorescence intensity in whole cells and some subcellular fractions. Whole cells exhibited the highest overall fluorescence intensity followed by (in order) cytosolic proteins, microsomes, then nuclei and mitochondria.
Design of Robust H-infinity Flight Control for MIMO Model of Bi-copter Against Uncertainty

Flight controller design for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) plant models is challenging due to its complexity. Flight control usually uses the MIMO model because it has multiple angle rotation outputs and numerous actuator signal inputs. Bi-copter, which has two actuators, is applied to develop its experimental model from 3 Degree of Freedom (DOF) helicopter simulator. The uncertainty may occur on the use of both motors. Wind also becomes a significant disturbance to flight control. Moreover, the sensitivity of the encoder’s sensor can interfere with angle measurement results. This research aims to apply H-infinity robust control for optimizing the MIMO model of bi-copter flight control to deal with uncertainty and disturbance. From the simulation and analysis, the proposed controller’s singular values are successfully satisfied, not only robust criteria but also the H-infinity norm. The optimization controller design is robustly stable due to limited structural-parametric perturbations assessment. The robustness performance improves significantly because the proposed design has better dumping suppression also accuracy, both overshoot and errors. Moreover, the Lyapunov stability assessment on graphical method prove that the proposed controller design is asymptotically stable. Although a roll angle is an optimized target, pitch and yaw angle interestingly comply with the optimal results, minimizing the uncertainty and disturbance effect on the bi-copter flight control.
Generalized phase-matching conditions for high harmonics: The role of field-gradient forces

We present an approach to describe the phase matching of high harmonics emitted by laser driven atoms in a nonperturbative regime, for which the atomic response displays an intrinsic intensity-dependent phase. We show that the traditional phase-matching conditions involving conservation of wave vectors should be modified by taking into account the gradient of this atomic phase. We investigate various focusing geometries and interpret the numerical results of Sali`eres et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 3776 (1995)]. Within the framework of the two-step model, we demonstrate that the gradient of the intensity-dependent phase can be considered as the canonical momentum gained by the electron in the continuum due to acceleration by field-gradient forces, including in particular the ponderomotive force.
On Non-Uniqueness of the Student's t-formulation for Linear Inverse Problems

SUMMARY We review the statistical interpretation of inverse problem formulations, and the motivations for selecting non-convex penalties for robust behaviour with respect to measurement outliers or artifacts in the data. An important downside of using nonconvex formulations such as the Student’s t is the potential for non-uniqueness, and we present a simple example where the Student’s t penalty can be made to have many local minima by appropriately selecting the degrees of freedom parameter. On the other hand, the non-convexity of the Student’s t is precisely what gives it the ability to ignore artifacts in the data. We explain this idea, and present a stylized imaging experiment, where the Student’s t is able to recover a velocity perturbation from data contaminated by a very peculiar artifact — data from a different velocity perturbation. The performance of Student’s t inversion is investigated empirically for different values of the degrees of freedom parameter, and different initial conditions.
A plastic columnar discotic phase Dp

Abstract A plastic columnar discotic phase is reported for an asymmetrically substituted triphenylene. It is characterized by a three-dimensional crystal-like registry of ordered columns in a hexagonal lattice while the disc molecules within the columns are able to rotate. At the phase transition from the normal discotic hexagonal phase to the new phase only very minute changes in structure and dynamics occur.