Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single‐index varying coefficient model for functional responses

Recently, massive functional data have been widely collected over space across a set of grid points in various imaging studies. It is interesting to correlate functional data with various clinical variables, such as age and gender, in order to address scientific questions of interest. The aim of this article is to develop a single‐index varying coefficient (SIVC) model for establishing a varying association between functional responses (e.g., image) and a set of covariates. It enjoys several unique features of both varying‐coefficient and single‐index models. An estimation procedure is developed to estimate varying coefficient functions, the index function, and the covariance function of individual functions. The optimal integration of information across different grid points is systematically delineated and the asymptotic properties (e.g., consistency and convergence rate) of all estimators are examined. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite‐sample performance of the proposed estimation procedure. Furthermore, our real data analysis of a white matter tract dataset obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study confirms the advantage and accuracy of SIVC model over the popular varying coefficient model.
Carbon-nanotube Reinforced Vascular Conduits

Cardiovascular diseases have remained one of the leading causes of death during the past decade, however fewer progress have been made in engineering small diameter vascular grafts. In this paper, vascular conduits were fabricated through an extrusion based bioprinting system. The generation of vascular conduits with natural polymer such as alginate needs to have improved mechanical properties in order to biomimic the natural blood vessel. Carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the best candidates for this goal because it is known as the strongest material and possesses a simple structure. In this work, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed homogenously in alginate and printed using an extrusion-based system. The effects of using MWCNT as a reinforcement agent were investigated in mechanical, swelling and degradation tests. In vitro evaluation of printed conduits encapsulated in human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs) was performed to characterize the effects of CNT reinforcement on the biological performance of the conduits. Cell viability and tissue histology studies were conducted to explore effects of MWCNT on short term biocompatibility as well as long-term tissue formation.
Esthesioneuroblastoma: A Patterns-of-Care and Outcomes Analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND The available literature to guide treatment decision making in esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is limited. OBJECTIVE To define treatment patterns and outcomes in ENB according to treatment modality using a large national cancer registry. METHODS This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of 931 patients with a diagnosis of ENB who were treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy in the United States between the years of 2004 and 2012. Log-rank statistics were used to compare overall survival by primary treatment modality. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify predictors of receipt of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine the survival benefit of PORT. Subgroup analyses identified subgroups that derived the greatest benefit of PORT. RESULTS Primary surgery was the most common treatment modality (90%) and resulted in superior survival compared to radiation (P < .01) or chemotherapy (P < .01). On multivariate analysis, PORT was associated with decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.53, P < .01). PORT showed a survival benefit in Kadish stage C (HR 0.42, P < .01) and D (HR 0.09, P = .01), but not Kadish A (HR 1.17, P = .74) and B (HR 1.37, P = .80). Patients who received chemotherapy derived greater benefit from PORT (HR 0.22, P < .01) compared with those who did not (HR 0.68, P = .13). Predictors of PORT included stage, grade, extent of resection, and chemotherapy use. CONCLUSION Best outcomes were obtained in patients undergoing primary surgery. The benefit of PORT was driven by patients with stages C and D disease, and by those also receiving chemotherapy.
Molecular speciation and tissue compartmentation of zinc in durum wheat grains with contrasting nutritional status.

Low concentration of zinc (Zn) in the endosperm of cereals is a major factor contributing to Zn deficiency in human populations. We have investigated how combined Zn and nitrogen (N) fertilization affects the speciation and localization of Zn in durum wheat (Triticum durum). Zn-binding proteins were analysed with liquid chromatography ICP-MS and Orbitrap MS(2) , respectively. Laser ablation ICP-MS with simultaneous Zn, sulphur (S) and phosphorus (P) detection was used for bioimaging of Zn and its potential ligands. Increasing the Zn and N supply had a major impact on the Zn concentration in the endosperm, reaching concentrations higher than current breeding targets. The S concentration also increased, but S was only partly co-localized with Zn. The mutual Zn and S enrichment was reflected in substantially more Zn bound to small cysteine-rich proteins (apparent size 10-30 kDa), whereas the response of larger proteins (apparent size > 50 kDa) was only modest. Most of the Zn-responsive proteins were associated with redox- and stress-related processes. This study offers a methodological platform to deepen the understanding of processes behind endosperm Zn enrichment. Novel information is provided on how the localization and speciation of Zn is modified during Zn biofortification of grains.
Genetically engineered pigs as models for human disease

ABSTRACT Genetically modified animals are vital for gaining a proper understanding of disease mechanisms. Mice have long been the mainstay of basic research into a wide variety of diseases but are not always the most suitable means of translating basic knowledge into clinical application. The shortcomings of rodent preclinical studies are widely recognised, and regulatory agencies around the world now require preclinical trial data from nonrodent species. Pigs are well suited to biomedical research, sharing many similarities with humans, including body size, anatomical features, physiology and pathophysiology, and they already play an important role in translational studies. This role is set to increase as advanced genetic techniques simplify the generation of pigs with precisely tailored modifications designed to replicate lesions responsible for human disease. This article provides an overview of the most promising and clinically relevant genetically modified porcine models of human disease for translational biomedical research, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We briefly summarise the technologies involved and consider the future impact of recent technical advances. Summary: An overview of porcine models of human disease, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We summarise the technologies involved and potential future impact of recent technical advances.
Partial State-of-Charge Duty: A Challenge but Not a Show-Stopper for Lead-Acid Batteries!

The mechanism by which conventional lead–acid batteries (both flooded and valve-regulated designs) fail when subjected to highrate partial-state-of-charge (HRPSoC) operation in hybrid electric vehicles is manifested as poor dynamic charge acceptance at the negative plate. This parameter is defined as the amount of charge that is actually delivered to the battery during regenerative braking phases of a driving cycle, divided by the amount of charge that could have been provided by the generator. The possible reasons for this mode of failure are discussed in terms of the processes that support the charge reaction and the competing secondary reactions that can take place at the plate during charge, namely: oxygen reduction (for valve-regulated designs), hydrogen evolution, and the accumulation of capacitive charge. To reach a full understanding of the processes associated with the unusual duty of HRPSoC operation, it is necessary: (i) to examine aspects of the charge reaction that, to date, have received little attention, e.g., local reaction within the pores of the plate active-material, effects of acid concentration on the local solubility of lead sulfate, nonuniformity of potential across the plate; (ii) to evaluate the ECS Transactions, 41 (13) 3-16 (2012) 10.1149/1.3691907 © The Electrochemical Society
Effect of anti IL-12/23 on body composition: results of bioelectrical impedance analysis in Caucasian psoriatic patients

ABSTRACT Background: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an inexpensive, non-invasive and fast method to assess body composition. Little is known of the interaction between anti IL 12/23 treatment and body composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate 6- and 12-month changes in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body composition assessed by BIA in psoriatic patients treated with anti-IL-12/23. Research design and methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected for each enrolled patient. Physical examination, anthropometric assessment, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) assessment and body composition by BIA (single-frequency 50 kHz), were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results: A significant decrease in body weight, compared to baseline, in BMI, Fat Mass at month 6 and a significant increase at month 12 for body cellular mass (BCM) and Phase Angle (PhA) were observed. In addition, a significant increase was found for intracellular water. Conclusion: At baseline, psoriatic patients showed a lower BCM and a lower mean PhA score. During ustekinumab treatment, the mean PhA and BCM scores increased with an improvement in psoriatic disease. Thus, ustekinumab can be an effective drug for improving not only psoriasis but also the general clinical status of patients.
The Effect of Finite Temperature on the Jamming Transition

We study the effect of finite temperatures on spring networks obtained from amorphous, jammed packings of repulsive spheres. By means of a Monte Carlo Metropolis scheme, we analyse this two-dimensional model of an amorphous solid with fixed connectivity. Those spring networks act as a general model system for the thermal behaviour of amorphous solid materials. A particularly interesting feature of the model system is that it contracts with increasing temperature and starts to collapse when crossing a certain threshold temperature. Our observables include thermal expansion, bulk and shear modulus and the localisation length of particles in response to changes in temperature, pressure and distance from the isostatic point. We find scaling relations which strongly support theoretical considerations of the model system based on the analysis of its soft modes and their non-affine contributions. Using these results we are able to construct the phase diagram for the system so that we can understand the parameters which lead to collapse. In order to complement the research on spring networks, we investigate the processes in jammed packings. One would expect that these packings expand with increasing temperature. Counterintuitively, the packings contract similarly to the spring networks in a regime of low temperatures and far away from isostaticity. Based on this evidence we conjecture that spring networks might be seen as a higher level of abstraction with regard to the corresponding sphere packings.
The outcomes and prognostic factors of acute respiratory failure in the patients 90 years old and over

This retrospective cohort study investigated the outcomes and prognostic factors in nonagenarians (patients 90 years old or older) with acute respiratory failure. Between 2006 and 2016, all nonagenarians with acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) were enrolled. Outcomes including in-hospital mortality and ventilator dependency were measured. A total of 173 nonagenarians with acute respiratory failure were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 56 patients died during the hospital stay and the rate of in-hospital mortality was 32.4%. Patients with higher APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II scores (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.91; 95 % CI, 1.55-22.45; p = 0.009, APACHE II scores ≥ 25 vs APACHE II scores < 15), use of vasoactive agent (adjust OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.12-6.37; p = 0.03) and more organ dysfunction (adjusted OR, 11.13; 95% CI, 3.38-36.36, p < 0.001; ≥ 3 organ dysfunction vs ≤ 1 organ dysfunction) were more likely to die. Among the 117 survivors, 25 (21.4%) patients became dependent on MV. Female gender (adjusted OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.16-10.76, p = 0.027) and poor consciousness level (adjusted OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.41-17.58, p = 0.013) were associated with MV dependency. In conclusion, the mortality rate of nonagenarians with acute respiratory failure was high, especially for those with higher APACHE II scores or more organ dysfunction.
The attractiveness-positivity link: Let’s contextualize it

ABSTRACT The statement “what is beautiful is good” reflects a persuasive heuristic that may be supported either by a general association of attractiveness with positivity or by a specific association with the perceived credibility of an attractive source. In one study (N = 58), we approach this question using an explicit and an implicit measure (Stroop Task) to assess whether attractiveness is more likely associated with valenced words when these are related (vs. unrelated) to credibility. Results show that this effect occurs but only for the implicit measure. When the word-face associations were made at an explicit level, we found a general association between positivity and attractiveness, unrestricted to the dimension of credibility. We discuss how these results inform about attractiveness as a shortcut to judgments of validity.
Effect of supplementation of lysine producing microbes vis-a-vis source and level of dietary protein on performance and egg quality characteristics of post-peak layers

Aim: The aim was to study the effect of supplementation of lysine producing microbes (LPM) as an in vivo source of lysine on performance and egg quality characters of post-peak layers. Materials and Methods: BIS (1992) specified diets (except crude protein [CP] and lysine) were prepared using either soybean meal (SBM) or groundnut extractions (GNE) or sunflower extractions (SFE) with 16 and 15% CP resulting in six control diets. Further, each control diet was fortified with either synthetic lysine or LPM to meet BIS (1992) specified lysine requirement resulting in the set of 12 test diets. Each of the eighteen diets was offered to quadruplets groups of 4 post-peak (52 weeks) commercial laying hens in each. The trial lasted for 119 days. Result: The results revealed that the feed consumption and body weight changes and Roche yolk color and yolk index were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different among different treatments. However, egg production, feed efficiency, egg weight, egg shape index, Haugh unit score, albumen index and shell thickness, and net returns remained non-significant (p ≤ 0.05) among different treatments. Among main factors, protein level (16% and 15% CP) made a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference in egg production (79.6 and 75.1%) and feed efficiency (2.64 and 2.81 kg feed/kg egg mass, respectively). Among protein source GNE- and SFE-based diet fed groups showed significantly (p < 0.0%) higher feed consumption and body weight gain than SBM based diets fed birds. Yolk color (7.0, 7.3 and 7.3, respectively) and yolk index (0.40, 0.38 and 0.43, respectively) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from the protein sources. CP level and Protein source interaction effects showed significant differences in albumen index and Haugh unit score. Conclusion: Optimum level of protein (16% CP) and GNE as a source of protein tended to be superior in increasing the performance and egg characteristics of post-peak layers and supplementation of lysine in either synthetic or LPM form found to be beneficial in optimizing their performance.
Clock represses preadipocytes adipogenesis via GILZ

Adiposity is a worldwide health threat that needs to be prevented. Circadian gene Clock (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput) is closely correlated to adiposity; for example, weight gain, adipocytes size expansion, and serum lipid level rise in ClockΔ19 mice compared to C57BL/6J mice. However, the precise role of Clock during adipogenic differentiation is unknown. Herein, the circadian gene Clock is shown to regulate adipogenesis mediated by GILZ. Clock‐mediated attenuation and upregulation influenced lipid synthesis and affected the levels of adipogenic transcriptional factors, C/EBP‐β, C/EBP‐α, PPAR‐γ, and FABP4, both in vivo and in vitro (primary adipose‐derived stromal cells and 3T3‐L1 cells). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, reporter gene assay, and serum shock assay found that Clock transcriptionally regulated the glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ). Furthermore, GILZ attenuation could relieve the inhibitory effect of Clock on lipid synthesis and GILZ overexpression also reduced the promotion role of Clock attenuation in adipogenesis suggesting that Clock inhibits adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes via GILZ. The current results demonstrate how circadian genes are likely to regulate adiposity, affecting the adipogenic differentiation process, as well as, increasing the fat cells number. Therefore, this study may provide novel insights into the underlying mechanism explaining the correlation between Clock mutation and adiposity.
Retrieval attempts enhance learning regardless of time spent trying to retrieve

ABSTRACT Attempting to retrieve information from memory is an engaging cognitive activity. We predicted that people would learn more when they had spent more time attempting to retrieve. In experiments 1a and 1b, participants were shown trivia questions for 0, 5, 10, or 30 seconds and then the answer was revealed. They took a final test immediately or after 48 hours. Retrieval enhanced learning, but the length of the retrieval attempt had no effect (i.e., final test performance was equivalent in the 5-, 10-, and 30-second conditions and worse in the 0-second condition). During the initial retrieval attempt, more time did increase recall, suggesting that participants continued to engage in productive retrieval activities when given more time. Showing the answer for longer (7 versus 2 seconds) increased learning in Experiments 2a and 2b. Experiment 3 examined the effect of retrieval success and Experiment 4 replicated the results using different materials. These results have direct implications for current theories of retrieval.
Immunohistochemical predictors in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the immunoexpression of Ki‐67, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C, and VEGF‐D in predicting follow‐up treatment in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue and floor of the mouth (FOM).
Defining the patient safety attitudes and influencing factors of health professionals working at maternity hospitals

AIM To determine patient safety attitudes of midwives, nurses and physicians and to examine the difference or correlation in patient safety attitudes of midwives, nurses and physicians working in maternity hospitals. BACKGROUND It has been suggested that it is necessary to define the factors affecting patient safety attitudes of health professionals working in maternity hospitals. METHODS A descriptive and correlational design was employed.The sample comprised 58 midwives, 134 nurses and 63 physicians (255) in two maternity hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. The data were collected using an 'information form' and a 'Patient Safety Attitude Questionnaire'. RESULTS The safety attitudes of participants were generally found to be negative. However, midwives had more positive patient safety attitudes and the age, unit, adequacy of patient safety training and the importance of patient safety were the most effective variables. CONCLUSIONS As health professionals working in maternity hospitals generally have negative patient safety attitudes and because patient safety training provided better attitudes among the participants, these training programmes should be developed and implemented considering the differences among age groups and units. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Health professionals have different views on the patient safety culture; therefore, training needs to involve everyone to create a shared vision for patient safety.
Immediate and Delayed Cochlear Neuropathy after Noise Exposure in Pubescent Mice

Moderate acoustic overexposure in adult rodents is known to cause acute loss of synapses on sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) and delayed degeneration of the auditory nerve, despite the completely reversible temporary threshold shift (TTS) and morphologically intact hair cells. Our objective was to determine whether a cochlear synaptopathy followed by neuropathy occurs after noise exposure in pubescence, and to define neuropathic versus non-neuropathic noise levels for pubescent mice. While exposing 6 week old CBA/CaJ mice to 8-16 kHz bandpass noise for 2 hrs, we defined 97 dB sound pressure level (SPL) as the threshold for this particular type of neuropathic exposure associated with TTS, and 94 dB SPL as the highest non-neuropathic noise level associated with TTS. Exposure to 100 dB SPL caused permanent threshold shift although exposure of 16 week old mice to the same noise is reported to cause only TTS. Amplitude of wave I of the auditory brainstem response, which reflects the summed activity of the cochlear nerve, was complemented by synaptic ribbon counts in IHCs using confocal microscopy, and by stereological counts of peripheral axons and cell bodies of the cochlear nerve from 24 hours to 16 months post exposure. Mice exposed to neuropathic noise demonstrated immediate cochlear synaptopathy by 24 hours post exposure, and delayed neurodegeneration characterized by axonal retraction at 8 months, and spiral ganglion cell loss at 8-16 months post exposure. Although the damage was initially limited to the cochlear base, it progressed to also involve the cochlear apex by 8 months post exposure. Our data demonstrate a fine line between neuropathic and non-neuropathic noise levels associated with TTS in the pubescent cochlea.
Mechanisms of Toughening Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ)

Recent discovery is announced that partially stabilized zirconia containing homogeneously nucleated precipitates of tetragonal ZrO/sub 2/ of low solute content in a cubic matrix of high solute content, the primary contribution to the toughness is associated with particles within a ''transformation zone'' adjacent to a propagating crack. These particles change to the stable monoclinic structure within the stress field of the crack. (GHT)
Study on Starved Lubrication Performance of a Cycloid Drive

ABSTRACT The lubrication performance of cycloid drives affects the dynamic characteristics, mechanical efficiency, and contact fatigue behavior. Starved lubrication performance of a cycloid gear drive is studied using a numerical thermo-starved elastohydrodynamic lubrication model. The parameter of the inlet oil film thickness is chosen to represent the starvation degree. Effects of the inlet film thickness on the central film thickness, friction coefficient, frictional power loss, starting position of the effective film thickness, and lubrication efficiency are investigated. The optimum inlet film thickness is defined and is calculated under different rolling–sliding ratios, speeds, and loads. Finally, the optimum inlet film thickness during the meshing process of a cycloid drive is calculated.