Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technological innovation from imitation in latecomer firms: evidence from China's auto firms

Despite the significant research progress on technological innovation in developing countries, little literature has been reported concerning China's auto sector. Yet China is now the largest automotive producer and sales market in the world. Through a process from imitation to innovation among auto firms in China a hybrid model of technological innovation can be observed. China's auto firms have not followed the catching-up models adopted in other newly industrializing economies. There are critical differences between Chinese state-owned enterprises and private firms reflected in their technological efforts and achievements. Imitation plays an important role in achieving technological catching-up.
Combinations of polyphenols disaggregate Aβ1‑42 by passing through in vitro blood-brain barrier developed by endothelium, astrocyte,
and differentiated SH‑SY5Y cells

Disaggregation of amyloid βeta (Aβ) is considered as one of the promising therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease. Polyphenols are promising molecules for the disaggregation of Aβ. However, in order to find a potential therapeutic candidate, the in vitro analyses need to be performed on a model that mimics the blood‑brain barrier (BBB) as much as possible. Therefore, we aimed to establish an in vitro BBB representative transwell system by using differentiated human neuroblastoma (SH‑SY5Y), cerebral microvascular endothelial, and astrocyte cells to investigate transition and Aβ disaggregation capacity of punicalagin (PU), ellagic acid (EA), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gastrodin, and their combinations on the established system. The efficiency of the established transwell systems was evaluated by measuring the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability coefficients (Pe) values. The transition and Aβ disaggregation capacities of the polyphenols were evaluated in the established tri‑culture transwell system based on obtained TEER (50,07 Ω.cm2) and Pe (65x10‑6 cm/s) values. Our results revealed that all polyphenols can successfully pass across the BBB system and disaggregate Aβ. While Aβ disaggregation capacities of the polyphenols were in the range of 30.52–45.01%, the percentages of their combinations were higher (75% for EGCG‑PU (Com 1) and 64% for EGCG‑EA (Com 2)). Consequently, this study provides the first evidence that Com 1 and Com 2 are promising polyphenol combinations in terms of Aβ disaggregation. Besides, the developed tri‑culture transwell system, containing differentiated SH‑SY5Y cells, may provide a new tool that closely mimics the BBB for basic research and testing of candidate agents.
Existence results for the Dirichlet problem of some degenerate nonlinear elliptic equations

Abstract In this paper we are interested in the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the Dirichlet problem associated to the degenerate nonlinear elliptic equations -∑ j=1 n D j [v 2 (x)𝒜 j (x,u,∇u)]+∑ j=1 n b j (x)v 1 (x)D j u(x)+αg(x)v 3 (x)u(x)=f 0 (x)-∑ j=1 n D j f j (x)$-\sum _{j=1}^n D_j[v_2(x) {\cal A}_j(x, u, {\nabla }u)] + \sum _{j=1}^nb_j(x) v_1(x) D_ju(x) + {\alpha } g(x) v_3(x) u(x) = f_0(x) - \sum _{j=1}^nD_jf_j(x)$ on Ω in the setting of the weighted Sobolev spaces W 0 1,2 (Ω,v 1 ,v 2 )${{W}_0^{1,2}(\Omega , v_1 , v_2)}$ .
Improving low-dose cardiac CT images using 3D sparse representation based processing

Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) has been widely used in diagnoses of coronary artery diseases due to the continuously improving temporal and spatial resolution. When helical CT with a lower pitch scanning mode is used, the effective radiation dose can be significant when compared to other radiological exams. Many methods have been developed to reduce radiation dose in coronary CT exams including high pitch scans using dual source CT scanners and step-and-shot scanning mode for both single source and dual source CT scanners. Additionally, software methods have also been proposed to reduce noise in the reconstructed CT images and thus offering the opportunity to reduce radiation dose while maintaining the desired diagnostic performance of a certain imaging task. In this paper, we propose that low-dose scans should be considered in order to avoid the harm from accumulating unnecessary X-ray radiation. However, low dose CT (LDCT) images tend to be degraded by quantum noise and streak artifacts. Accordingly, in this paper, a 3D dictionary representation based image processing method is proposed to reduce CT image noise. Information on both spatial and temporal structure continuity is utilized in sparse representation to improve the performance of the image processing method. Clinical cases were used to validate the proposed method.
Interpolation theory and first‐order boundary value problems

This paper discusses the connection between Kramer analytic kernels derived from first‐order, linear, ordinary boundary value problems represented by self‐adjoint differential operators and one form of the Lagrange interpolation formula, and treats the dual formulation of the sampling process, that of interpolation. In following the kernel construction results obtained by the authors in a previous paper in 2002, the results in this successor paper complete the aimed project by showing that each of these Kramer analytic kernels has an associated analytic interpolation function to give the Lagrange interpolation series. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Secure Decentralized Event-Triggered Cooperative Localization in Multi-Robot Systems Under Cyber Attack

We study the problem of secure decentralized event-triggered cooperative localization (SDECL) for a team of mobile robots in an adversarial environment, where the objective is to perform localization in the presence of a malicious attacker. We consider a scenario in which an intruder is able to attack the communication channels between exteroceptive sensors and filter of the robot and between two robots independently. First, we design a secure decentralized event-triggered cooperative localization in the multi-robot system against random Denial of Service (DoS) and False Data Injection (FDI) attacks. Then, we provide sufficient conditions that ensure the resilience and convergence of the proposed algorithm when the attacker signal rate is bounded. Simulation results show that by properly tuning the parameters of the event-triggered mechanism and considering bounded attack rate, the proposed algorithm is resilient against cyber attacks. Also, experimental results using four e-puck2 mobile robots have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Rutin Nanocrystals with Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Preparation and Ex Vivo/In Vivo Evaluation in an Inflammatory Rat Model

Rutin is a polyphenolic flavonoid with an interestingly wide therapeutic spectrum. However, its clinical benefits are limited by its poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, rutin nanocrystals were prepared using various stabilizers including nonionic surfactants and nonionic polymers. The nanocrystals were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, morphology, colloidal stability, rutin photostability, dissolution rate, and saturation solubility. The selected nanocrystal formulation was dispersed in a hydrogel base and the drug release kinetics and permeability through mouse skin were characterized. Rutin’s anti-inflammatory efficacy was studied in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The nanocrystals had a size in the range of around 270–500 nm and a polydispersity index of around 0.3–0.5. Nanocrystals stabilized by hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) had the smallest particle size, highest drug entrapment efficiency, best colloidal stability, and highest drug photostability. Nanocrystals had around a 102- to 202-fold and 2.3- to 6.7-fold increase in the drug aqueous solubility and dissolution rate, respectively, depending on the type of stabilizer. HP-β-CD nanocrystals hydrogel had a significantly higher percent of drug released and permeated through the mouse skin compared with the free drug hydrogel. The cumulative drug amount permeated through the skin was 2.5-fold higher than that of the free drug hydrogel. In vivo studies showed that HP-β-CD-stabilized rutin nanocrystals hydrogel had significantly higher edema inhibition compared with the free drug hydrogel and commercial diclofenac sodium gel. These results highlight the potential of HP-β-CD-stabilized nanocrystals as a promising approach to enhance drug solubility, dissolution rate, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Identification of the Role of TGR5 in the Regulation of Leydig Cell Homeostasis

Understanding the regulation of the testicular endocrine function leading to testosterone production is a major objective as the alteration of endocrine function is associated with the development of many diseases such as infertility. In the last decades, it has been demonstrated that several endogenous molecules regulate the steroidogenic pathway. Among them, bile acids have recently emerged as local regulators of testicular physiology and particularly endocrine function. Bile acids act through the nuclear receptor FXRα (Farnesoid-X-receptor alpha; NR1H4) and the G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor (GPBAR-1; TGR5). While FXRα has been demonstrated to regulate testosterone synthesis within Leydig cells, no data are available regarding TGR5. Here, we investigated the potential role of TGR5 within Leydig cells using cell culture approaches combined with pharmacological exposure to the TGR5 agonist INT-777. The data show that activation of TGR5 results in a decrease in testosterone levels. TGR5 acts through the PKA pathway to regulate steroidogenesis. In addition, our data show that TGR5 activation leads to an increase in cholesterol ester levels. This suggests that altered lipid homeostasis may be a mechanism explaining the TGR5-induced decrease in testosterone levels. In conclusion, the present work highlights the impact of the TGR5 signaling pathway on testosterone production and reinforces the links between bile acid signaling pathways and the testicular endocrine function. The testicular bile acid pathways need to be further explored to increase our knowledge of pathologies associated with impaired testicular endocrine function, such as fertility disorders.
Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) in Portuguese Cancer Survivors

In 2020, around 60,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Portugal, and many of them suffered some level of Fear of Progression (FoP) of the disease. Although this FoP is realistic, and is part of the normal and appropriate response to this type of disease, there is no instrument to assess and understand whether it is exaggerated in the face of the situation. The present study aimed to translate and validate the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) for the Portuguese population. The sample consisted of 220 volunteers, aged 18 years or over and diagnosed with cancer for at least six months. Participants completed the FoP-Q-SF, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). The FoP-Q-SF demonstrated high internal reliability (α = 0.86) and the confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-dimensional structure of the FoP-Q-SF. Convergent validity was supported with significant positive correlations with psychological distress, especially anxiety (0.68). The FoP-Q-SF has been found to be a valid instrument to measure FoP in Portuguese cancer survivors.
The non-ideal group delay and reflection characteristics of chirped fiber grating dispersion compensator induced by the method for the side writing

The random deviation of the periodicity of the gratings will affect the performance of the fiber gratings. The random errors would not accumulate when the gratings were cascaded. But we found a kind of fabricating system errors induced by the method for the side writing of fiber gratings, which would accumulate when cascaded. So laser with the less pulse energy should be used to write the gratings to developing the system's performance.
Multisource remote sensing data facilitate ecohydrological simulations without runoff calibration

Observed runoff is typically the only variable applied to calibrate ecohydrological models, which can simulate runoff well but cannot guarantee reliable reproduction of other hydrological components (e.g., evapotranspiration (ET) and total terrestrial water storage change (TWSC)). This study explores the potential of estimating hydrological components (runoff, ET, TWSC, groundwater, and root‐zone water storage.) using a conceptual model driven and calibrated by multisource remote sensing data only. The performances of the model were evaluated in 13 catchments with different geological, climatic and vegetation conditions. Results show that the model was encouraging in simulating monthly runoff (median KGE, 0.71; RMSE, 19.4 mm/mon), ET (median KGE, 0.86; RMSE, 9.0 mm/mon), and TWSC (median KGE, 0.58; RMSE, 26.6 mm/mon). The good positive correlation between root‐zone water storage and gross primary productivity also indicates the effectiveness of the model in simulating root‐zone water storage. This study offers new prospects for estimating key ecohydrological components precisely, especially in catchments that are difficult to monitor (e.g., karst regions) and catchments with limited observation data (e.g., ungauged regions).
Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula as A Possible Efficient Hemodialysis Access in Elderly Patients Above 60 Years

Background: Although there is debate about the best initial vascular access for elderly patients, Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines do not take age into account when deciding the location of autogenous arteriovenous hemodialysis access. Objective: The purpose of this study was to study the outcome of the radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae in elderly patients, above 60 years of age, as regard primary failure, maturation and non-maturation. Patients and Methods: A single-center prospective cohort study of elderly patients above age of 60 years who were planned for permanent hemodialysis set for primary radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria during the period from March 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022. Results: During the study period, 83 patients (42 males and 41 females) were included who presented with chronic renal failure (CRF) and were planned for permanent vascular access for the first time. Functional maturation at 6 months was achieved in 66 patients (81.48%). They were significantly younger than those without functional maturation, and the diameter of their radial artery and cephalic veins was, 2.10 mm and 2.50 mm respectively. Also, patients with functional maturity in relation to gender and comorbidities, were not significantly different from those without functional maturity. In the patients, primary, assisted primary and secondary patencies at 6 months were 75.3%, 88.9% and 92.6% respectively. Conclusions: Age has a substantial impact on the functional maturation of radiocephalic fistula in elderly patients, according to this study. This impact should be taken into account when arranging a vascular access in incident elderly patients if they are supported by additional prospective research.
The Distribution of the Dense Clouds in the Starburst Nucleus of NGC 253

We present 2'' × 4'' resolution aperture synthesis observations of HCN J = 1 → 0 emission from the starburst galaxy NGC 253. Because of its large critical density, HCN traces dense (nH2 ≳ 104 cm-3) molecular gas. The emission lies along a central bar in several unresolved (r ≲ 30 pc) complexes. At 7'' resolution the HCN J = 1 → 0/CO J = 1 → 0 intensity ratio, a measure of density, has a maximum value of 0.2. Excitation models suggest that the HCN-emitting clouds in NGC 253 have high temperatures (≳100 K), densities (nH2 ~ 104-105 cm-3), and beam-averaged column densities (NH2 ~ 3-10 × 1022 cm-2). We find a rough association between the star-forming regions in NGC 253 (radio continuum emission) and the molecular cloud complexes. Most of the radio sources have been interpreted as supernova remnants, but several have flat spectral indices typical of thermal emission from H II regions. The radio continuum sources have up to 100 times the radio luminosity of W49, the most luminous H II region complex in the Milky Way. The high cloud temperatures we infer for NGC 253 are most likely due to intense ultraviolet radiation from massive star formation and enhanced cosmic-ray heating by supernovae. The HCN distributions in NGC 253 and the Galactic center are remarkably similar when compared on the same spatial scale. They are asymmetric with longitude, and the peaks lie 100-200 pc away from the nucleus. However, the HCN luminosity and HCN/CO intensity ratio are several times higher in NGC 253 than in the Milky Way. Therefore, the average gas densities and the mass of dense gas are larger in the starburst nucleus of NGC 253.
An efficient solution of a dense system of linear equations arising in the method‐of‐moments formulation

This Letter presents a simple and efficient approach for preconditioning a large dense system of linear equations arising in the method‐of‐moments (MoM) solution of electromagnetic (EM) problems. A two‐step process is presented in which the condition number of the matrix is first improved by equilibration, and then further enhanced by preconditioning. The convergence properties of two frequently used iterative solvers, namely, the conjugate‐gradient normal (CGNR) and the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) methods, have been studied with the use of the proposed technique, and the efficacy of the method has been compared with that of the direct LU factorization. The Letter demonstrates that the proposed technique helps improve the computational efficiency of the iterative solvers considerably, not only for MoM matrices associated with electrically large geometries, but also for poorly conditioned matrices with a relatively small rank. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 196–200, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10274
Prevalence of main quinolones and carbapenems resistance genes in clinical and veterinary Escherichia coli strains

Background and Objectives: Antibiotics-resistant Escherichia coli strains are considered one of the most important causes of human and animal infections worldwide. The aim of current study was to detect common resistance (carbapenems and quinolones) genes by PCR. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 E. coli strains isolated from human urinary tract infection and 20 isolated strains of aborted sheep embryos were collected. PCR was performed using specific primers to detect the resistance genes. Results: Overall, among the quinolones resistance genes, qnrS resistance gene had the highest frequency (48%) and among carbapenem resistance genes, imp resistance gene had the highest frequency (45%). The frequency of resistance genes, IMP (28.45%), KPC (9.5%), VIM (9.15%), NDM (7.20%) were observed in clinical and veterinary strains, respectively. According to the results, 38.6% of E. coli strains had at least one from five genes of resistance to quinolones. The lowest frequency of resistance gene was related to qnrA, which was observed in only 29 (24.2%) strains. Conclusion: Monitoring of carbapenem and quinolone resistance in pathogenic E. coli to humans and animals has an important value in revising treatment guidelines and the national public health, and plays an important role in preventing the spread of resistant strains.
Perception and practice of college students regarding seasonal influenza vaccine in central area of Saudi Arabia

Background: Influenza is a very prevalent infection all around the world. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, barriers and factors influencing influenza (Flu) vaccination uptake among college students in Saudi Arabia's central region. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional questionnaire survey was utilized to collect the data from the study participants. Results: There were a total of 1,869 valid surveys collected. The younger age group (less than 30 years) dominated the study by a significant margin (61 %). Saudi Arabians comprised more than half of the participants (69 %). Most respondents (62%) worked in healthcare, while 35% did not. Only 35% of the study participants received the vaccine. In comparison, 44% did not 46 % recognized that the influenza vaccine is safe and effective and over half of the participants knew that the seasonal influenza vaccine is freely available at every primary health care. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (n = 592) agreed that the flu-vaccine could cause influenza and around a quarter (n = 490) thought the seasonal influenza vaccine weakens the immune system and makes people more susceptible to disease. Conclusion: Vulnerable people who have high risk of getting the influenza flue should be targeted more in regards of health education about the influenza vaccine, multi approach models should be implemented at socio economic factors to increase the tendency for getting the influenza vaccine.
Evaluation of a Novel Oncolytic Adenovirus Silencing SYVN1

Oncolytic adenoviruses are promising new anticancer agents. To realize their full anticancer potential, they are being engineered to express therapeutic payloads. Tumor suppressor p53 function contributes to oncolytic adenovirus activity. Many cancer cells carry an intact TP53 gene but express p53 inhibitors that compromise p53 function. Therefore, we hypothesized that oncolytic adenoviruses could be made more effective by suppressing p53 inhibitors in selected cancer cells. To investigate this concept, we attenuated the expression of the established p53 inhibitor synoviolin (SYVN1) in A549 lung cancer cells by RNA interference. Silencing SYVN1 inhibited p53 degradation, thereby increasing p53 activity, and promoted adenovirus-induced A549 cell death. Based on these observations, we constructed a new oncolytic adenovirus that expresses a short hairpin RNA against SYVN1. This virus killed A549 cells more effectively in vitro and inhibited A549 xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Surprisingly, increased susceptibility to adenovirus-mediated cell killing by SYVN1 silencing was also observed in A549 TP53 knockout cells. Hence, while the mechanism of SYVN1-mediated inhibition of adenovirus replication is not fully understood, our results clearly show that RNA interference technology can be exploited to design more potent oncolytic adenoviruses.
A Theoretical Study of the Evolution of Mixed-Phase Cumulus Clouds

Abstract A detailed warm and cold cloud microphysical description has been incorporated into a one-dimensional time-dependent, Eulerian cumulus cloud model. The relationship of the ice phase to the development of precipitation, and interactions between cloud microphysical processes and cloud dynamics, have been examined. Ice crystals in the form of plates, columns and dendrites have been allowed to interact among themselves and with water droplets to produce graupel, unrimed and rimed ice crystals and snowflakes. The effects of possible ice multiplication have been investigated by allowing ice splinters to be produced during riming and during the freezing of isolated drops. Comparative studies with shallow, nonprecipitating maritime and continental cumulus clouds showed the importance of the drop size distribution in determining the dominant mechanism for forming graupel embryos. In the maritime cloud, graupel embryos originated on frozen drops produced after collisions with ice crystals. In the continent.