Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling and predicting low count child asthma hospital readmissions using General Additive Models

Background: Daily paediatric asthma readmissions within 28 days are a good example of a low count time series and not easily amenable to common time series methods used in studies of asthma seasonality and time trends. We sought to model and predict daily trends of childhood asthma readmissions over time inVictoria,Australia. Methods: We used a database of 75,000 childhood asthma admissions from the Department ofHealth,Victoria,Australiain 1997-2009. Daily admissions over time were modeled using a semi parametric Generalized Additive Model (GAM) and by sex and age group. Predictions were also estimated by using these models. Results: N = 2401 asthma readmissions within 28 days occurred during study period. Of these, n = 1358 (57%) were boys. Overall, seasonal peaks occurred in winter (30.5%) followed by autumn (28.6%) and then spring (24.6%) (p p
On Interference Dynamics in Matérn Networks

A thorough understanding of the temporal dynamics of interference in wireless networks is crucial for the design of communication protocols, scheduling, and interference management. This article applies stochastic geometry to investigate the interference dynamics in a network of nodes that use carrier sense multiple access (CSMA). This type of network is approximated by a Matérn hard-core point process of type II with Nakagami fading. We derive and analyze expressions for the variance, covariance, and correlation of the interference power at an arbitrary location. Results show that even though the commonly used Poisson approximation to CSMA may have the same average interference as the Matérn model, the interference dynamics behaves significantly different. In this way, this study reveals a pitfall in the modeling of wireless systems and contributes to the theory of interference calculus.
The study of fractural behavior of repaired composite

Objectives: This study evaluated microtensile bond strength (μ TBS) and short-rod fracture toughness to explain fractural behavior of repaired composite restorations according to different surface treatments. Materials and Methods: Thirty composite blocks for μ TBS test and sixty short-rod specimens for fracture toughness test were fabricated and were allocated to 3 groups according to the combination of surface treatment (none-treated, sand blasting, bur roughening). Each group was repaired immediately and 2 weeks later. Twenty-four hours later from repair, μ TBS and fracture toughness test were conducted. Mean values analyzed with two-way ANOVA / Tukey’ s B test (α= 0.05) and correlation analysis was done between μ TBS and fracture toughness. FE-SEM was employed on fractured surface to examine the crack propagation. Results: The fresh composite resin showed higher μ TBS than the aged composite resin ( p < 0.001). Mechanically treated groups showed higher bond strength than non-mechanically treated groups except none-treated fresh group in μ TBS ( p < 0.05). The fracture toughness value of mechanically treated surface was higher than that of non-mechanically treated surface (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between fracture toughness and microtensile bond strength values. Specimens having high KIC showed toughening mechanism including crack deviation, microcracks and crack bridging in FE-SEM. Conclusions: Surface treatment by mechanical interlock is more important for effective composite repair, and the fracture toughness test could be used as an appropriate tool to examine the fractural behavior of the repaired composite with microtensile bond strength. [J Kor Acad Cons Dent 2010;35(6):461-472. ]
Biomechanical simulation of eye-airbag impacts during vehicle accidents

Airbags are safety devices in vehicles effectively suppressing passengers’ injuries during accidents. Although there are still many cases of eye injuries reported due to eye-airbag impacts in recent years. Biomechanical approaches are now feasible and can considerably help experts to investigate the issue without ethical concerns. The eye-airbag impact–induced stresses/strains in various components of the eye were found to investigate the risk of injury in different conditions (impact velocity and airbag pressure). Three-dimensional geometry of the eyeball, fat and bony socket as well as the airbag were developed and meshed to develop a finite element model. Nonlinear material properties of the vitreous body and sclera were found through the in vitro tests on ovine samples and for the other components were taken from the literature. The eye collided the airbag due to the velocity field in the dynamic explicit step in Abaqus. Results of compression tests showed a nonlinear curve for vitreous body with average ultimate stress of 22 (18–25) kPa. Tensile behavior of sclera was viscoelastic nonlinear with ultimate stresses changing from 2.51 (2.3–2.7) to 4.3 (4–4.6) MPa when loading strain rate increased from 10 to 600 mm/min. Sclera, ciliary body, cornea and lens were the eye components with highest stresses (maximum stress reached up to 9.3 MPa). Cornea, retina and choroid experienced the highest strains with the maximum up to 14.1%. According to the previously reported injury criteria for cornea, it was at high risk of injury considering both stress and strains. Reduced pressure of the airbag was beneficial decreased stress of all components. Comprehensive investigations in this area can disclose biomechanical behavior of the eye during eye-airbag impact. Effective guidelines can be drawn for airbag design for instance the airbag pressure which reduces risk of eye injury.
Detection of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana in the Rhizosphere of Wound-Stressed Zea mays Plants

Entomopathogenic fungi from the genus Beauveria (Vuillemin) play an important role in controlling insect populations and have been increasingly utilized for the biological control of insect pests. Various studies have reported that Beauveria bassiana (Bals.), Vuill. also has the ability to colonize a broad range of plant hosts as endophytes without causing disease but while still maintaining the capacity to infect insects. Beauveria is often applied as an inundative spore application, but little research has considered how plant colonization may alter the ability to persist in the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate potential interactions between B. bassiana and Zea mays L. (maize) in the rhizosphere following inoculation, in order to understand the factors that may affect environmental persistence of the fungi. The hypothesis was that different isolates of B. bassiana have the ability to colonize maize roots and/or rhizosphere soil, resulting in effects to the plant microbiome. To test this hypothesis, a two-step nested PCR protocol was developed to find and amplify Beauveria in planta or in soil; based on the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (ef1α) gene. The nested protocol was also designed to enable Beauveria species differentiation by sequence analysis. The impact of three selected B. bassiana isolates applied topically to roots on the rhizosphere soil community structure and function were consequently assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and MicroRespTM techniques. The microbial community structure and function were not significantly affected by the presence of the isolates, however, retention of the inocula in the rhizosphere at 30 days after inoculation was enhanced when plants were subjected to intensive wounding of foliage to crudely simulate herbivory. The plant defense response likely changed under wound stress resulting in the apparent recruitment of Beauveria in the rhizosphere, which may be an indirect defensive strategy against herbivory and/or the result of induced systemic susceptibility in maize enabling plant colonization.
Acceptability of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Free-Living Healthy Individuals: Implications for the Use of Wearable Biosensors in Diet and Physical Activity Research

Background Wearable sensors have been increasingly used in behavioral research for real-time assessment and intervention purposes. The rapid advancement of biomedical technology typically used in clinical settings has made wearable sensors more accessible to a wider population. Yet the acceptability of this technology for nonclinical purposes has not been examined. Objective The aim was to assess the acceptability of wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device among a sample of nondiabetic individuals, and to compare the acceptability of a CGM between a mobile diet tracking app (MyFitnessPal) and an accelerometer. Methods A total of 30 nondiabetic adults went through a 7-day observational study. They wore a CGM sensor, tracked their diet and physical activity using the CGM receiver and MyFitnessPal, and wore an accelerometer on their waist. After the monitoring period, they completed a 10-item survey regarding acceptability of each of the study tools. Two-tailed paired-sample t tests were conducted to examine whether the summary acceptability scores were comparable between the CGM sensor/receiver and MyFitnessPal/accelerometer. Results More than 90% of the study participants agreed that the CGM sensor and receiver were easy to use (28/30 and 27/30, respectively), useful (28/30 and 29/30, respectively), and provided relevant information that was of interest to them (27/30 and 28/30, respectively). The summary acceptability scores (out of a 5-point Likert scale) were mean 4.06 (SD 0.55) for the CGM sensor, mean 4.05 (SD 0.58) for the CGM receiver, mean 4.10 (SD 0.68) for MyFitnessPal, and mean 3.73 (SD 0.76) for the accelerometer. Conclusions The high acceptability of using a CGM from this study suggests a great potential for using CGMs in nondiabetic adults in research settings. Although potential selection bias might contribute to the high acceptability in this study, the continued advancements in wearable sensor technology will make the barriers to tracking and collecting personal physiological data more and more minimal.
Identification of a novel tetrameric structure for human apolipoprotein-D

Apolipoprotein-D is a 25 kDa glycosylated member of the lipocalin family that folds into an eight-stranded β-barrel with a single adjacent α-helix. Apolipoprotein-D specifically binds a range of small hydrophobic ligands such as progesterone and arachidonic acid and has an antioxidant function that is in part due to the reduction of peroxidised lipids by methionine-93. Therefore, apolipoprotein-D plays multiple roles throughout the body and is protective in Alzheimer’s disease, where apolipoprotein-D overexpression reduces the amyloid-β burden in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. Oligomerisation is a common feature of lipocalins that can influence ligand binding. The native structure of apolipoprotein-D, however, has not been conclusively defined. Apolipoprotein-D is generally described as a monomeric protein, although it dimerises when reducing peroxidised lipids. Here, we investigated the native structure of apolipoprotein-D derived from plasma, breast cyst fluid (BCF) and cerebrospinal fluid. In plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, apolipoprotein-D was present in high-molecular weight complexes, potentially in association with lipoproteins. In contrast, apolipoprotein-D in BCF formed distinct oligomeric species. We assessed apolipoprotein-D oligomerisation using native apolipoprotein-D purified from BCF and a suite of complementary methods, including multi-angle laser light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation and small-angle X-ray scattering. Our analyses showed that apolipoprotein-D predominantly forms a ∽95 to ∽100 kDa tetramer. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis confirmed these findings and provided a structural model for apolipoprotein-D tetramer. These data indicate apolipoprotein-D rarely exists as a free monomer under physiological conditions and provide insights into novel native structures of apolipoprotein-D and into oligomerisation behaviour in the lipocalin family.
Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Autoimmune Diseases

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate T cells restricted by MHC-related molecule 1 (MR1). MAIT cells express semi-invariant T-cell receptors TRAV1-2-TRAJ33/12/20 in humans and TRAV1-TRAJ33 in mice. MAIT cells recognize vitamin B2 biosynthesis derivatives presented by MR1. Similar to other innate lymphocytes, MAIT cells are also activated by cytokines in the absence of exogenous antigens. MAIT cells have the capacity to produce cytokines, such as IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-17, and cytotoxic proteins, including perforin and granzyme B. MAIT cells were originally named after their preferential location in the mucosal tissue of the gut, but they are also abundant in other peripheral organs, including the liver and lungs. In humans, the frequency of MAIT cells is high in peripheral blood, and these cells constitute approximately 5% of circulating CD3+ cells. Their abundance in tissues and rapid activation following stimulation have led to great interest in their function in various types of immune diseases. In this review, first, we will briefly introduce key information of MAIT cell biology required for better understating their roles in immune responses, and then describe how MAIT cells are associated with autoimmune and other immune diseases in humans. Moreover, we will discuss their functions based on information from animal models of autoimmune and immunological diseases.
Applying Utaut to Evaluate the Acceptance of Mobile Learning in Higher Education in Iraq

Mobile learning (M-learning) has evolved in the recent years with the development of Smartphones. Studies in the field are still few. The purpose of this study to identify the factors that influence the acceptance of M-learning by students and lecturers in higher education in Iraq. Building on the literature, the study incorporated the variables of Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions along with perceived playfulness and self-management of learning as independent variables that are proposed to influence the behavioral intention to use Mlearning. The study has developed and tested empirically a model of M-learning based on (UTAUT). In addition, the study provides the decision makers with practical recommendation to enhance the acceptance of M-learning.
Effects of Three Different Additives and Two Different Bulk Densities on Maize Silage Characteristics, Temperature Profiles, CO2 and O2–Dynamics in Small Scale Silos during Aerobic Exposure

Silage quality and aerobic stability are sometimes insufficient. If management requirements are not met, or to improve silage quality, additives are often used. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of different factors on silage during aerobic conditions. Whole-crop forage maize was harvested and 24 buckets (65 L) were filled and assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) control (no treatment); (2) chemical additive (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium acetate); (3) a mixed biological inoculant containing Lactobacillus buchneri, L. plantarum, and Pediococcus acidilacti; and (4) a mixed biological inoculant containing L. buchneri, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus. An untreated variation was also ensiled. Two different densities were adjusted during ensiling. After opening, the temperature was measured for seven days and O2 and CO2 concentrations were analysed. The findings show that the chemical additive very effectively prevented silage from reheating and deteriorating. Aerobic reheating of silage was also successfully inhibited through biological additives and high density.
Paeonol attenuates isoflurane anesthesia-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity via modulation of JNK/ERK/P38MAPK pathway and regulates histone acetylation in neonatal rat

Abstract Objective: Volatile anesthetic such as isoflurane causes widespread neurodegeneration in the developing animal brains and also induces cognitive impairments. Paeonol is a plant-derived phenolic compound possessing numerous bioactive properties. The study investigates the neuroprotective effects of paeonol against isoflurane-induced neurodegeneration and cognitive disturbances in neonatal rats. Methods: Paeonol (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight/day) was given orally to separate groups of neonatal rats from postnatal day 3 (P3) to P21 and were exposed to isoflurane (0.75%; 6 h) on P7. Results: Neuroapoptosis following isoflurane exposure was remarkably reduced by paeonol. Isoflurane-induced elevated cleaved caspase-3, Bad, and Bax expression, were down-regulated on paeonol administration. Paeonol significantly enhanced expression of antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, xIAP, c-IAP-1, c-IAP-2, and survivin) and improved acetylation of HK39 and HK412. The expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs)—HDAC2 and HDAC-3 were down-regulated. Isoflurane-induced activation of JNK/p38MAPK signaling and suppressed ERK signaling and were effectively regulated by paeonol. General behavior and freezing responses of the rats were improved. Results of the Morris Water Maze tests revealed improved learning and memory retention on paeonol treatment. Conclusions: Paeonol effectively inhibited neuroapoptosis and improved isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunctions via regulating histone acetylation and JNK/ERK1/2/p38MAPK signaling pathways.
A neural network catalyzer for multi-dimensional similarity search

This paper aims at learning a function mapping input vectors to an output space in a way that improves high-dimensional similarity search. As a proxy objective, we design and train a neural network that favors uniformity in the spherical output space, while preserving the neighborhood structure after the mapping. For this purpose, we propose a new regularizer derived from the Kozachenko-Leonenko differential entropy estimator and combine it with a locality-aware triplet loss. Our method operates as a catalyzer for traditional indexing methods such as locality sensitive hashing or iterative quantization, boosting the overall recall. Additionally, the network output distribution makes it possible to leverage structured quantizers with efficient algebraic encoding, in particular spherical lattice quantizers such as the Gosset lattice E8. Our experiments show that this approach is competitive with state-of-the-art methods such as optimized product quantization.
Beginning a Career in Anesthesia: Women Entering the Anesthesiology Workforce in the 21st Century.

We have come a long way in the last 50 years in terms of gender diversity in the field of medicine. Despite this progress, the presence of women across all specialties has certainly not seen uniform growth—and perhaps the largest culprit of resistance has been the operating room setting. Although we have managed to surpass some of our surgical colleagues on the diversity front, anesthesiology remains a male-dominated profession. Virginia Apgar, conceivably the most well-known female anesthesiologist, must have understood this struggle intimately. In fact, she came to a career in anesthesiology in 1937 only after being discouraged to pursue surgery because of her gender, despite already completing her surgical residency. Nevertheless, she became a pioneer in the field, attending the first anesthesiology training program at the University of Wisconsin Medical School and going on to serve as the Director of the Division of Anesthesia at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, before it was even a recognized specialty. By the mid 1960s her work on neonatal transitional physiology and resuscitation was widely accepted, yet, at the time this photograph was taken (Fig. 1), <10% of US medical school graduates were female. In the decades following, the percentage of female medical school graduates substantially increased, and, by the turn of the century, women represented 42% of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
Pay to Play? State Laws Related to High School Sports Participation Fees

Context: Participation in high school sports can impact the physical and mental health of students and influence other positive social and economic outcomes. To maintain sports programs amidst school budget deficits, many districts are implementing sports participation fee policies. Although locally implemented, these district policies can be guided by state law. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess state laws and regulations related to high school sports participation fees. Design: Codified statutes and administrative regulations were compiled for all 50 states and the District of Columbia using subscription-based services from LexisNexis and WestlawNext. A content assessment tool was developed to identify key components of school sports participation fee laws and used for summarization. Key components identified included legislation summarization, years in effect, whether it allows fees, whether there is any fee waiver, qualifications needed for fee waiver, whether there is a tax credit, and whether there is disclosure of implementation. State information was aggregated and doubled-coded to ensure reliability. Results: As of December 31, 2016, 18 states had laws governing sports participation fees; 17 of these states' laws allowed for such fees, whereas 1 state prohibited them. Most laws give authority to local school boards to set and collect fees. The laws in 9 states have provisions for a waiver program for students who cannot pay the fees, although they do not all mandate the existence of these waivers. Other content within laws included tax credits and disclosure. Conclusion: This analysis shows that states with laws related to school sports participation fees varied in scope and content. Little is known about the implementation or impact of these laws at the local level and the effect of fees on different student population groups. This warrants future investigation.
Arterial Stiffness: A Prognostic Marker in Coronary Heart Disease. Available Methods and Clinical Application

Multiple biomarkers may predict short and long-term prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease, but their impact is limited when used in addition to established risk factors such blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, smoking as well as age and sex. Arteries are an integral part of the cardiovascular (CV) system. Arterial stiffness has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality independent of traditional risk factors. It has also been shown that increased arterial stiffness may predict cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals without overt cardiovascular disease. Measuring arterial stiffness may, therefore, identify patients at risk at an early stage. Antihypertensive treatment has been shown to reduce arterial stiffness beyond its antihypertensive effect. Arterial stiffness could, therefore, be a surrogate marker of treatment that relates to prognosis. Arterial stiffness has mostly been used in research protocols, and its use as a prognostic indicator in clinical practice is still uncommon. Several methods exist that can determine parameters related to arterial stiffness, both local and in specific artery beds such as the aorta. In this brief review we present methods to evaluate arterial stiffness, their clinical utility, limitations and the advantages of a novel method, the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index. Easier and more reproducible methods to evaluate arterial stiffness may increase the use of parameter as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in common clinical practice.