Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entropy generation in silicon thin film: Influence of film thickness on entropy generation rate

Abstract Thermodynamic irreversibility in thin silicon film is considered and entropy generation in the film is predicted. The Boltzmann equation is incorporated to formulate the phonon transport in the film due to temperature disturbance across the film edges. Frequency-dependent and frequency-independent phonon transport are introduced to compare the entropy predictions due to both cases. The study is extended to include the effect of the film thickness on the entropy generation in the film. A numerical code is developed using the discrete ordinate method and the predictions are validated with the data presented in our previous study. It is found that entropy generation is higher in the close region of the high temperature film edge. As the film thickness increases towards the cold temperature of the film edge, entropy generation rate becomes gradual. Entropy generation due to the frequency-independent case is higher than that corresponding to the frequency-dependent case. This behavior is attributed to the ballistic phonons, which do not contribute to the film resistance; therefore, they do not contribute to entropy generation in the film.
Mean dynamics of transitional boundary-layer flow

The dynamical mechanisms underlying the redistribution of mean momentum and vorticity are explored for transitional two-dimensional boundary-layer flow at nominally zero pressure gradient. The analyses primarily employ the direct numerical simulation database of Wu & Moin (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 630, 2009, p. 5), but are supplemented with verifications utilizing subsequent similar simulations. The transitional regime is taken to include both an instability stage, which effectively generates a finite Reynolds stress profile, −ρuv(y), and a nonlinear development stage, which progresses until the terms in the mean momentum equation attain the magnitude ordering of the four-layer structure revealed by Wei et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 522, 2005, p. 303). Self-consistently applied criteria reveal that the third layer of this structure forms first, followed by layers IV and then II and I. For the present flows, the four-layer structure is estimated to be first realized at a momentum thickness Reynolds number Rθ = U∞ θ/ν ≃ 780. The first-principles-based theory of Fife et al. (J. Disc. Cont. Dyn. Syst. A, vol. 24, 2009, p. 781) is used to describe the mean dynamics in the laminar, transitional and four-layer regimes. As in channel flow, the transitional regime is marked by a non-negligible influence of all three terms in the mean momentum equation at essentially all positions in the boundary layer. During the transitional regime, the action of the Reynolds stress gradient rearranges the mean viscous force and mean advection profiles. This culminates with the segregation of forces characteristic of the four-layer regime. Empirical and theoretical evidence suggests that the formation of the four-layer structure also underlies the emergence of the mean dynamical properties characteristic of the high-Reynolds-number flow. These pertain to why and where the mean velocity profile increasingly exhibits logarithmic behaviour, and how and why the Reynolds stress distribution develops such that the inner normalized position of its peak value, ym+, exhibits a Reynolds number dependence according to $y_m^+ {\,\simeq\,} 1.9 \sqrt{\delta^+}$.
On the Solutions of the Matrix Equation f(X,X *)=g(X,X *)

It is well known that the matrix identities XX *=I, X=X * and XX * = X * X, where X is a square matrix with complex elements, X* is the conjugate transpose of X and I is the identity matrix, characterize unitary, hermitian and normal matrices respectively. These identities are special cases of more general equations of the form (a)f(X, X *)=A and (b)f(Z, X *)=g(X, X *) where f(x, y) and g(x, y) are monomials of one of the following four forms: xyxy…xyxy, xyxy…xyx, yxyx…yxyx, and yxyx…yxy. In this paper all equations of the form (a) and (b) are solved completely. It may be noted a particular case of f(X, X *)=A, viz. XX'=A, where X is a real square matrix and X' is the transpose of X was solved by WeitzenbÖck [3]. The distinct equations given by (a) and (b) are enumerated and solved.
Within-Mice Comparison of Microdialysis and Fiber Photometry-Recorded Dopamine Biosensor during Amphetamine Response

A fundamental concept in neuroscience is the transmission of information between neurons via neurotransmitters, -modulators, and -peptides. For the past decades, the gold standard for measuring neurochemicals in awake animals has been microdialysis (MD). The emergence of genetically encoded fluorescence-based biosensors, as well as in vivo optical techniques such as fiber photometry (FP), has introduced technologically distinct means of measuring neurotransmission. To directly compare MD and FP, we performed concurrent within-animal recordings of extracellular dopamine (DA) in the dorsal striatum (DS) before and after administration of amphetamine in awake, freely behaving mice expressing the dopamine sensor dLight1.3b. We show that despite temporal differences, MD- and FP-based readouts of DA correlate well within mice. Down-sampling of FP data showed temporal correlation to MD data, with less variance observed using FP. We also present evidence that DA fluctuations periodically reach low levels, and naïve animals have rapid, predrug DA dynamics measured with FP that correlate to the subsequent pharmacodynamics of amphetamine as measured with MD and FP.
Comparison of Muscle Coordination During Front Crawl and Backstroke With and Without Swimmer’s Shoulder Pain

Background: Shoulder pain, known as swimmer’s shoulder, is the most common injury for swimmers. Studies that have analyzed muscle activity have focused on the shoulder joint. However, the whole-body muscle coordination of swimmers with swimmer’s shoulder is not clear, although swimming requires movements of the upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs to obtain propulsive force. This study investigated differences in muscle coordination between swimmers with and without swimmer’s shoulder during the front crawl and backstroke using muscle synergy analysis. Hypothesis: Swimmers with swimmer’s shoulder have muscle synergies differing from those without it. Study Design: Case-control study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 20 elite swimmers who regularly swam front crawl and backstroke were included (swimmer’s shoulder, n = 8; control, n = 12). Muscle synergy data were analyzed using the nonnegative matrix factorization method and compared between groups. Results: For both front crawl and backstroke, there were 2 synergies in the control group and 3 synergies in the swimmer’s shoulder group. During recovery, the control group showed coordinated triceps brachii, serratus anterior, upper trapezius, lower trapezius, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles activities; however, in the swimmer’s shoulder group, the contribution of the upper limbs decreased and only that of the trunk muscles increased. Conclusion: A comparison of muscle coordination during the front crawl and backstroke performed by swimmers with and without swimmer’s shoulder revealed that coordination differed during the recovery phase. During both front crawl and backstroke, the swimmer’s shoulder group could not maintain coordination with the upper limb when the trunk rolled, and split synergy was formed between the upper limbs and trunk. Clinical Relevance: Because coordination of the upper limbs and trunk is important during the recovery phase of front crawl and backstroke, swimmer’s shoulder rehabilitation should introduce exercises to improve their coordination between the upper limbs and the trunk.
Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Outcomes in Children: A National Analysis

Objective: Considerable variation in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) management exists in the pediatric population. This study aims to compare nationwide outcomes of children with PSP. Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016 to 2018) was used to identify patients 1 to 18 years old with PSP. Trauma, secondary pneumothoraces, and elective admissions were excluded. Demographics and complications were compared among patients undergoing initial nonoperative management (NOM; observation or percutaneous drainage) or operative resection using standard statistical tests. Results: A total of 3,890 patients were identified with PSP (median age, 16 [interquartile range 14 to 17] years). Most (78%) underwent NOM, of which 17% failed requiring operative resection. Of the intent-to-treat cohort, 28% failed NOM during index admission or required repeat percutaneous drainage or operative resection on readmission. Patients treated by NOM had higher 30-day and overall readmission rates compared with operative resection (all P < 0.001). Ipsilateral recurrent pneumothorax was higher in those receiving NOM (13% vs 3%, P < 0.001). Patients from the lowest median household income quartile more frequently received NOM compared with the highest income quartile (82% vs 76%) with more readmissions. Conclusions: Patients with PSP who underwent initial NOM experienced higher readmission rates than those receiving operative resection. Furthermore, socioeconomic status was associated with the utilization of nonoperative versus operative management. Visual abstract
Physiological and engineered tRNA aminoacylation

Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases form the protein family that controls the interpretation of the genetic code, with tRNA aminoacylation being the key chemical step during which an amino acid is assigned to a corresponding sequence of nucleic acids. In consequence, aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases have been studied in their physiological context, in disease states, and as tools for synthetic biology to enable the expansion of the genetic code. Here, we review the fundamentals of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase biology and classification, with a focus on mammalian cytoplasmic enzymes. We compile evidence that the localization of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases can be critical in health and disease. In addition, we discuss evidence from synthetic biology which made use of the importance of subcellular localization for efficient manipulation of the protein synthesis machinery.
Visual Functions of the Primate Superior Colliculus.

The superior colliculus (SC) is a subcortical brain structure that is relevant for sensation, cognition, and action. In nonhuman primates, a rich history of studies has provided unprecedented detail about this structure's role in controlling orienting behaviors; as a result, the primate SC has become primarily regarded as a motor control structure. However, as in other species, the primate SC is also a highly visual structure: A fraction of its inputs is retinal and complemented by inputs from visual cortical areas, including the primary visual cortex. Motivated by this, recent investigations are revealing the rich visual pattern analysis capabilities of the primate SC, placing this structure in an ideal position to guide orienting movements. The anatomical proximity of the primate SC to both early visual inputs and final motor control apparatuses, as well as its ascending feedback projections to the cortex, affirm an important role for this structure in active perception. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 9 is September 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Extensive search for systematic bias in supernova Ia data

The use of advanced statistical analysis tools is crucial in order to improve cosmological parameter estimates via removal of systematic errors and identification of previously unaccounted for cosmological signals. Here we demonstrate the application of a new fully-Bayesian method, the internal robustness formalism, to scan for systematics and new signals in the recent supernova Ia Union compilations. Our analysis is tailored to maximize chances of detecting the anomalous subsets by means of a variety of sorting algorithms. We analyse supernova Ia distance moduli for effects depending on angular separation, redshift, surveys and hemispherical directions. The data have proven to be robust within 2 sigma, giving an independent confirmation of successful removal of systematics-contaminated supernovae. Hints of new cosmology, as for example the anisotropies reported by Planck, do not seem to be reflected in the supernova Ia data.
Combined action of albumin and heparin regulates lipoprotein lipase oligomerization, stability, and ligand interactions

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a crucial enzyme in the intravascular hydrolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is a potential drug target for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. The activity and stability of LPL are influenced by a complex ligand network. Previous studies performed in dilute solutions suggest that LPL can appear in various oligomeric states. However, it was not known how the physiological environment, that is blood plasma, affects the action of LPL. In the current study, we demonstrate that albumin, the major protein component in blood plasma, has a significant impact on LPL stability, oligomerization, and ligand interactions. The effects induced by albumin could not solely be reproduced by the macromolecular crowding effect. Stabilization, isothermal titration calorimetry, and surface plasmon resonance studies revealed that albumin binds to LPL with affinity sufficient to form a complex in both the interstitial space and the capillaries. Negative stain transmission electron microscopy and raster image correlation spectroscopy showed that albumin, like heparin, induced reversible oligomerization of LPL. However, the albumin induced oligomers were structurally different from heparin-induced filament-like LPL oligomers. An intriguing observation was that no oligomers of either type were formed in the simultaneous presence of albumin and heparin. Our data also suggested that the oligomer formation protected LPL from the inactivation by its physiological regulator angiopoietin-like protein 4. The concentration of LPL and its environment could influence whether LPL follows irreversible inactivation and aggregation or reversible LPL oligomer formation, which might affect interactions with various ligands and drugs. In conclusion, the interplay between albumin and heparin could provide a mechanism for ensuring the dissociation of heparan sulfate-bound LPL oligomers into active LPL upon secretion into the interstitial space.
Endovascular treatment for anterior inferior cerebellar artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA-PICA) common trunk variant aneurysms: Technical note and literature review

The Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery-Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA-PICA) common trunk is a rare variant of cerebral posterior circulation in which a single vessel originating from either the basilar or vertebral arteries supplies both cerebellum and brainstem territories. We present the first case of an unruptured right AICA-PICA aneurysm treated with flow diversion using a Shield-enhanced pipeline endovascular device (PED, VANTAGE Embolization Device with Shield Technology, Medtronic, Canada). We expand on this anatomic variant and review the relevant literature. A 39-year-old man presented to our treatment center with vertigo and right hypoacusis. The initial head CT/CTA was negative, but a 4-month follow-up MRI revealed a 9 mm fusiform dissecting aneurysm of the right AICA. The patient underwent a repeat head CTA and cerebral angiogram, which demonstrated the presence of an aneurysm on the proximal portion of an AICA-PICA anatomical variant. This was treated with an endovascular approach that included flow diversion via a PED equipped with Shield Technology. The patient’s post-procedure period was uneventful, and he was discharged home after two days with an intact neurological status. The patient is still asymptomatic after a 7-month follow-up, with MR angiogram evidence of stable aneurysm obliteration and no ischemic lesions. Aneurysms of the AICA-PICA common trunk variants have a high morbidity risk due to the importance and extent of the territory vascularized by a single vessel. Endovascular treatment with flow diversion proved to be both safe and effective in obliterating unruptured cases.
Fighting polymicrobial biofilms in bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge and is often associated with other health consequences mainly in pregnant women. BV is described by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota where strictly and facultative anaerobic bacteria outgrow the lactic acid‐ and hydrogen peroxide‐producing Lactobacillus species. The species involved in BV are capable to grow and form a polymicrobial biofilm in the vaginal epithelium. The treatment of BV is usually performed using broad‐spectrum antibiotics, including metronidazole and clindamycin. However, these conventional treatments are associated with high recurrence rates. The BV polymicrobial biofilm may have an important role on the treatment outcome and is accounted as one of the factors for treatment failure. Other possible reasons for treatment failure include the presence of species resistant to antibiotics or the chance of reinfection after treatment. Therefore, novel strategies to increase the rates of treatment have been studied namely the use of probiotics and prebiotics, acidifying agents, antiseptics, plant‐based products, vaginal microbiota transplantation, and phage endolysins. Although some of them are still in an initial phase of development with very preliminary results, they show great perspectives for application. In this review, we aimed to study the role of the polymicrobial nature of BV in treatment failure and explore a few alternatives for treatment.
Comparison of ensemble‐MOS methods in the Lorenz '96 setting

A suite of methods that have been proposed for statistical post‐processing of ensemble forecasts based on historical verification data (i.e. ensemble‐MOS methods) are compared with each other, and with direct probability estimates using ensemble relative frequencies, in the idealised Lorenz '96 setting. The three most promising methods are logistic regressions predicting probabilities associated with selected quantiles, ensemble dressing (a kernel density estimation approach), and linear regressions with non‐constant prediction errors that depend on the ensemble variance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized clinical trials of physical therapy for cerebral palsy: a review of study outcomes, methodological quality, and publication merits

The study aimed to examine the main characteristics of clinical trials of motor interventions in physical therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was used to collect information on clinical trials regarding motor outcomes in physical therapy in children with CP. Two reviewers independently screened, selected the studies, and extracted data. The characteristics extracted were CP subtype; age group; gross motor function and manual motor ability; methodological quality; open access status; 2020 journal impact factor, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) endorsement; primary outcome; intervention adopted, and assessment instruments. The search strategy resulted in 313 articles from 120 different journals. Most of the clinical trials included participants with spastic bilateral subtype, aged between 6 and 12 years old, and with fewer limitations in gross and manual motor abilities. The most used primary outcomes covering the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domain of activity were gross motor function (18.8%) and upper limb and hand function (16.3%), with the Gross Motor Function Measurement being the most frequently used instrument (19.8%). Articles with better scores on the PEDro scale were published in journals with a higher impact factor, and higher rates of CONSORT endorsement, and most were not open access. Clinical trials investigating motor interventions used in physical therapy for children with CP tend to focus on patients with milder gross and manual motor function impairments and often explore the body function domain of the ICF. Furthermore, these studies have moderate methodological quality, and a substantial proportion of them fail to follow adequate reporting and methodological recommendations.
Prenatal CFAP53-related laterality defect: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Laterality defects include morphological anomalies with impaired left-right asymmetry induction, such as dextrocardia, situs inversus abdominis, situs inversus totalis and situs ambiguus. The different arrangement of major organs is called heterotaxy. We describe for the first time a fetus with situs viscerum inversus and azygos continuation of the inferior vena cava, due to previously unreported variants in compound heterozygosity in the CFAP53 gene, whose product is implied in cilial motility. Prenatal trio exome sequencing was performed with turn-around time during the pregnancy. The fetuses with laterality defects are suitable candidates for prenatal exome sequencing due to the emerging high diagnostic rate of this group of morphological anomalies. A timely molecular diagnosis plays a fundamental role in genetic counseling, regarding couple decisions on the ongoing pregnancy, providing recurrence risks, and in predicting possible respiratory complications due to ciliary dyskinesia.
One-day systemic corticosteroid administration for asthma and future “short bursts” risk in real clinical practice

Abstract Objective Systemic corticosteroid administration, also called short bursts (SB), is harmful for patients with asthma; however, the actual burden of one-day SB remains unsolved. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of patients requiring one-day SB against asthma in clinical practice. Methods Consecutive patients who regularly visited our hospital for asthma treatment between January 2019 and December 2020 were reviewed and followed for one year. SB was defined as ≥3 days of systemic corticosteroid treatment for an exacerbation. One-day SB was defined as one-day of systemic corticosteroid to treat an exacerbation. The one-day SB group included patients who received only one-day SB but no SB during the preceding year. Frequent SB was defined as that occurring ≥2 times/year. Results Data on 229 patients were analyzed. Among them, 2.6% (95% confidence interval 1.2–5.6%) were in the one-day SB group. The one-day SB group was female-dominant, obese, non-eosinophilic, and non-atopic. The median one-day SB was 1.5 times/year and almost half of one-day SB were performed by patients themselves. Independent of the low pulmonary function, high blood eosinophil count, and inhaled corticosteroid dose, one-day SB was associated with future frequent SB (adjusted odds ratio = 18.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1–288, P = 0.040, compared to the no SB group). Conclusions Although one-day SB was not frequently experienced, even one-day SB without conventional SB was associated with future frequent SB. It is important to grasp the actual condition of one-day SB and to reinforce the treatment used.