Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Success of Atropine Penalization Treatment in Amblyopia Patients Non-Responsive to Occlusion Treatment

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of atropine penalization after non-response to patch therapy in amblyopic children and investigate the factors associated with treatment success. Patients and Methods In this retrospective study, 26 children with amblyopia who were non-responders to patch therapy who were then switched to 1% atropine eye drops in the sound eye for a minimum follow-up of one year were included. All patients underwent detailed eye examinations, including optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Response to treatment was defined as a two-line improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the amblyopic eye, and patients were divided into two groups: the responder group and the non-responder group. Demographic and clinical parameters were compared between the two groups. The average central macular thickness and FAF were analyzed. Results Sixteen of 26 patients (61.5%) showed treatment response. The mean age of the patients was 10.62 ± 3.42 (5–17) years. There was no difference between the groups in age, age at start of patch therapy, sex, follow-up period, refractive errors, type of amblyopia, reason for patch therapy non-response, or mean effective patching time per day. In the responder group, the LogMAR values of pretreatment BCVA, BCVA after optical correction, and BCVA after occlusion were significantly higher, but BCVA after atropine treatment showed no difference. FAF images of all patients were normal, and the mean central macular thickness did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusions Atropine penalization can improve BCVA in children with amblyopia who are non-responders to patch therapy. Atropine penalization may be more successful in children with poor BCVA at the start of atropine penalization in the amblyopic eye. The results of FAF imaging and mean central macular thickness were not associated with treatment outcomes.
Some inverse cattering problems on star-shapped graphs : application to fault detection on electrical transmission line networks

In this thesis, having in mind applications to the fault-detection/diagnosis of electrical networks, we consider some inverse scattering problems for the Zakharov-Shabat equations and time-independent Schrodinger operators over star-shaped graphs. The first chapter is devoted to describe reflectometry methods applied to electrical networks as an inverse scattering problems on the star-shaped network. Reflectometry methods are presented and modeled by the telegrapher's equations. Reflectometry experiments can be written as inverse scattering problems for Schrodinger operator in the lossless case and for Zakharov-Shabat system for the lossy transmission network. In chapter 2 we introduce some elements of the inverse scattering theory for 1 d Schrodinger equations and the Zakharov-Shabat system. We recall the basic results for these two systems and we present the state of art of scattering theory on network. The third chapter deals with some inverse scattering for the Schrodinger operators. We prove the identifiability of the geometry of the star-shaped graph: the number of the edges and their lengths. Next, we study the potential identification problem by inverse scattering. In the last chapter we focus on the inverse scattering problems for lossy transmission star-shaped network. We prove the identifiability of some geometric informations by inverse scattering and we present a result toward the identification of the heterogeneities, showing the identifiability of the loss line factor.
Dynamic changes in protein concentrations of keratins in crop milk and related gene expression in pigeon crops during different incubation and chick rearing stages

ABSTRACT 1. The objective of this study was to examine the keratin composition of crop milk, the variation of epithelial thickness and keratin (K) gene expression in samples from young pigeon during incubation and chick rearing. 2. Crop milk was collected from 1-, 3- and 5-day-old squab crops for keratin content analysis. Results showed that K4 accounted for the highest proportion of all detected keratins. 3. In total, 42 pairs of adult pigeons were allocated to seven groups according to different stages to collect crop samples. Gene expression studies showed that the K3 gene expression was maximised at rearing Day 15 (15) and R1 in males and females, respectively. K6a gene level was the greatest at R15 in females, whereas it peaked at incubation Day 4 (I4) in males. The K12, K13, K23 and K80 gene levels were inhibited at the peak period of crop milk formation in comparison with I4. In females, K cochleal expression peaked at I10, whereas it was the greatest at R25 in males. K4 and K14 gene expression was the highest at I10 in females, while K4 and K14 were minimised at I17 and R7 in males, respectively. Gene expressions of K5, K8, K19 and K20 in males and K19 in females were maximised at R1. The K5, K20 and K75 gene levels in females peaked at R7. K75 and K8 expressions in males and females reached a maximum value at R25 and I17, respectively. 4. The epithelial thickness of male and female crops reached their greatest levels at R1 and had the highest correlation with K19. 5. These results emphasised the importance of keratinisation in crop milk formation, and different keratins probably play various roles during this period. The K19 was probably a marker for pigeon crop epithelium development. The sex of the parent pigeon affected keratin gene expression profiles.
Impact of transient decrease in mixed venous oxygen saturation on prognosis in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Background The prognostic consequences of transient hemodynamic deterioration due to cardiac displacement, which is most severe during left circumflex artery (LCX) grafting in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) < 60% during LCX grafting and the occurrence of composite of morbidity endpoints. Methods Data of patients who underwent elective OPCAB between January 2010 and December 2019 were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to detect risk factors for the composite of morbidity endpoints, defined as 30-day or in-hospital mortality, postoperative myocardial infarction, prolonged mechanical ventilation > 24 h, cerebrovascular accident, and acute kidney injury. Results Among 1,071 patients, the composite of morbidity endpoints occurred in 303 (28%) patients. SvO2 < 60% during LCX grafting was significantly associated with the composite of morbidity (OR: 2.72, 95% CI [1.60, 4.61], P < 0.001) along with advanced age, chronic kidney disease, ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity, and EuroSCORE II. Other major hemodynamic variables including the cardiac index were not associated with the outcome. Additional regression analysis revealed pre-operative anemia as a predictor of SvO2 < 60% during LCX grafting (OR: 2.09, 95% CI [1.33, 3.29], P = 0.001). Conclusions A decrease in SvO2 < 60%, albeit confined to the period of cardiac displacement, was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk of detrimental outcomes after OPCAB, implying the prognostic importance of this transient deterioration in oxygen supply-demand balance.
Nurses' knowledge and confidence in recognizing and managing patients with sepsis: A multi‐site cross‐sectional study

Abstract Aims (1) To examine registered nurses' knowledge and confidence in recognizing and managing to patients with sepsis and (2) identify nurse and workplace factors that influence their knowledge on sepsis. Design A multi‐site, cross‐sectional survey. Methods An online survey was developed and content validated. Data was collected from registered nurses working in the inpatient wards and emergency departments of three hospitals of a single healthcare cluster in Singapore during August 2021. Statistical analyses of closed‐ended responses and content analysis of open‐ended responses were undertaken. Results A total of 709 nurses completed the survey. Nurses possessed moderate levels of knowledge about sepsis (mean score = 10.56/15; SD = 2.01) and confidence in recognizing and responding to patients with sepsis (mean score = 18.46/25; SD = 2.79). However, only 369 (52.0%) could correctly define sepsis. Nurses' job grade, nursing education level and clinical work area were significant predictors of nurses' sepsis knowledge. Specifically, nurses with higher job grade, higher nursing education level or those working in acute care areas (i.e. emergency department, high dependency units or intensive care units) were more likely to obtain higher total sepsis knowledge scores. A weak positive correlation was observed between sepsis knowledge test scores and self‐confidence (r = .184). Open comments revealed that participants desired for more sepsis education and training opportunities and the implementation of sepsis screening tool and sepsis care protocol. Conclusion A stronger foundation in sepsis education and training programs and the implementation of sepsis screening tools and care bundles are needed to enhance nurses' knowledge and confidence in recognizing and managing patients with sepsis. Impact The findings of this study are beneficial to administrators, educators and researchers in designing interventions to support nurses in their role in recognizing and responding to sepsis.
The discriminatory ability of FibroScan liver stiffness measurement, controlled attenuation parameter, and FibroScan–aspartate aminotransferase to predict severity of liver disease in children

Vibration controlled transient elastography (FibroScan) is used to predict the severity of liver fibrosis and steatosis. In pediatrics, few studies have been performed directly comparing liver histologic features with FibroScan liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) and controlled attenuation parameters (CAPs). The FibroScan–aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score, which predicts liver disease severity in adult nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has not been analyzed in children. The aims of this study were to determine if LSM and CAP correlated with liver histologic fibrosis stage and steatosis grade, respectively, and to determine the predictive capacity of FAST in pediatric NAFLD. Research participants (n = 216) included those with FibroScan within 90 days of a liver biopsy. The ability of LSM, CAP, and FAST to predict severity of liver disease was analyzed by Spearman correlation, linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic and C statistic. Significant correlations were identified between LSM and Ishak fibrosis stages, with the strongest correlation occurring in the non‐NAFLD group (Spearman r = 0.47, p < 0.0001). LSM adequately predicted Ishak stages F0–2 versus F3–F6 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.73 for all; 0.77 for non‐NAFLD). CAP strongly predicted histologic steatosis grade (r = 0.84; p < 0.0001; AUROC, 0.98). FAST had acceptable discriminatory ability for significant liver disease (AUROC, 0.75). A FAST cutoff ≥0.67 had a sensitivity of 89% but a specificity of only 62% at determining significant liver disease. This study encompasses one of the largest pediatric cohorts describing the accuracy of FibroScan LSM and CAP to predict liver histologic fibrosis stage and steatosis grade, respectively. In order to determine specific LSM, CAP, and FAST cut‐off values for fibrosis stages, steatosis grades, and significant liver disease, respectively, a much larger cohort is necessary and will likely entail the need for multicentered studies.
Efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in male breast cancer compared with female breast cancer

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is standard for many females with breast cancer (FBC). The efficacy of NAC in male breast cancer (MaBC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare proportions of pathologic complete response (pCR) between MaBC and FBC by tumor subtype (TS).
c-di-AMP signaling is required for bile salt resistance, osmotolerance, and long-term host colonization by Clostridioides difficile

To colonize the host and cause disease, the human enteropathogen Clostridioides difficile must sense, respond, and adapt to the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. We showed that the production and degradation of cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) were necessary during different phases of C. difficile growth, environmental adaptation, and infection. The production of this nucleotide second messenger was essential for growth because it controlled the uptake of potassium and also contributed to biofilm formation and cell wall homeostasis, whereas its degradation was required for osmotolerance and resistance to detergents and bile salts. The c-di-AMP binding transcription factor BusR repressed the expression of genes encoding the compatible solute transporter BusAA-AB. Compared with the parental strain, a mutant lacking BusR was more resistant to hyperosmotic and bile salt stresses, whereas a mutant lacking BusAA was more susceptible. A short exposure of C. difficile cells to bile salts decreased intracellular c-di-AMP concentrations, suggesting that changes in membrane properties induce alterations in the intracellular c-di-AMP concentration. A C. difficile strain that could not degrade c-di-AMP failed to persist in a mouse gut colonization model as long as the wild-type strain did. Thus, the production and degradation of c-di-AMP in C. difficile have pleiotropic effects, including the control of osmolyte uptake to confer osmotolerance and bile salt resistance, and its degradation is important for host colonization. Description Cyclic di-AMP degradation protects Clostridioides difficile from osmotic and bile salt stresses and promotes host colonization. A c-di-AMP gut check for C. difficile Clostridioides difficile causes antibiotic-associated colitis. To colonize the gut, it must adapt to the high osmolarity of the gut lumen and resist the antibiotic actions of bile salts. Oberkampf et al. report that C. difficile produced and degraded the intracellular second messenger c-di-AMP in response to different environmental conditions. Production of c-di-AMP promoted K+ and cell wall homeostasis and biofilm formation but sensitized the cells to osmotic stress. Bile salts induced c-di-AMP degradation, which was required for the derepression of genes encoding a solute import system that protected C. difficile from hyperosmotic stress and bile salts. Mutant bacteria lacking the enzyme that degrades c-di-AMP did not colonize the guts of antibiotic-treated mice. These findings establish c-di-AMP as an important signaling molecule in C. difficile, with a role in host colonization (see Focus by Purcell).
Error estimates for an Euler implicit, mixed finite element discretization of Richards' equation : equivalence between mixed and conformal approaches

We analyse a discretization method for a class of de generate parabolic problems which includes the Richards' equa tion. This analysis applies to the pressure-based formulation and includes both variably and fully saturated regimes. As suggested in [2], to overcome the difficulties posed by the lack in regularity, we first integrate the equation in time and then prove equivalence between the conformal formulation and the mixed variational one. A regularization approach is combined with the Euler implicit scheme to achieve the time discretization. Again, equivalence be tween the two kinds of formulation is demonstrated for the semi discrete case. Mixed finite elements are employed for the dis cretization in space. Error estimates are obtained, showing that the scheme is convergent.
The experience of regret and disappointment.

Regret and disappointment have in common the fact that they are experienced when the outcome of a decision is unfavourable: They both concern “what might have been”, had things been different. However, some regret and disappointment theorists regard the differences between these emotions as important, arguing that they differ with respect to the conditions under which they are felt, and how they affect decision making. The goal of the present research was to examine whether and how these emotions also differ with respect to the way in which they are experienced. Participants were asked torecall aninstance of intense regret or disappointment andto indicate what they felt, thought, felt like doing, did, and were motivated to do during this experience (cf. Roseman, Wiest, & Swartz, 1994). Significant differences between regret and disappointment were found in every category. These differences were most pronounced for “action tendencies” (what participants felt like doing) and “emotivations” (what they were motivated to do). These results suggest that the two emotions have differential implications for future behaviour.
Retrospective future thinking: Keeping distant personal future events mentally close

By manipulating our basic mode of prospectively thinking about the future, the present study examines the effect of retrospective future thinking on future events imagined as if they had already taken place. Here, 142 young adults were randomly assigned to report five autobiographical future events either prospectively from the perspective of their current self or retrospectively, imagining events from the perspective of their 100-year-old self. Participants indicated the expected age of occurrence and assessed phenomenological characteristics for each event. Results suggest that a shift in future thinking perspective affects the content and temporal distribution of future events. Characteristics of prospective future events diminished with increasing distance, whereas retrospective future events included overall more spatial details and remained high on belief in occurrence, vividness, and rehearsal across life. Retrospective future thinking influences the psychological distance of autobiographical future events, allowing us to hold even distant future events psychologically close.
Residuals-based Tests for Cointegration: An Analytical Comparison

This paper compares five residuals-based tests for the null of no cointegration to identify which unit root test should be used when testing for cointegration. The tests are compared in terms of power and size distortions. The asymptotic distribution of the tests under the local alternative is shown to be a function of Brownian Motions and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes, depending on a single nuisance parameter, which is, determined by the correlation at frequency zero of the independent variables with the errors of the cointegration regression. It is shown that no significant improvement can be achieved by using different unit root tests than the t-test originally proposed by Engle and Granger (1987).
Educating Educators to Integrate Inclusive Design Across a 4-Year CS Degree Program

How can an entire CS faculty, who together have been teaching the ACM standard CS curricula, shift to teaching elements of inclusive design across a 4-year undergraduate CS program? And will they even want to try? To investigate these questions, we developed an educate-the-educators curriculum to support this shift. The overall goal of the educate-the-educators curriculum was to enable CS faculty to creatively engage with embedding inclusive design into their courses in “minimally invasive” ways. GenderMag, an inclusive design evaluation method, was selected for use. The curriculum targeted the following learning outcomes: to enable CS faculty: (1) to analyze the costs and benefits of integrating inclusive design into their own course(s); (2) to evaluate software using the GenderMag method, and recognize its use to identify meaningful issues in software; (3) to integrate inclusive design into existing course materials with provided resources and collaboration; and (4) to prepare to engage and guide students on learning GenderMag concepts. We conducted a field study over a spring/summer followed by end-of-fall interviews, during which we worked with 18 faculty members to integrate inclusive design into 13 courses. Ten of these faculty then taught 7 of these courses that were on the Fall 2021 schedule, across 16 sections. We present the new educate-the-educators curriculum and report on the faculty’s experiences acting upon it over the three-month field study and subsequent interviews. Our results showed that, of the 18 faculty we worked with, 83% chose to modify their courses; by Fall 2021, faculty across all four years of a CS degree program had begun teaching inclusive design concepts. When we followed up with the 10 Fall 2021 faculty, 91% of their reported outcomes indicated that their incorporations of inclusive design concepts into their courses went as well as or better than they had expected.
Asymptotic behavior of a generalized Navier-Stokes-Bardina’s model and applications to related models

We consider here a general theoretical equation on the whole three-dimensional space, which contains as a particular case some relevant equations of the ﬂuid dynamics as the Navier-Stokes-Bardina’s model, the fractional and the classical Navier-Stokes equations with an additional drag/friction term. These equations arise from ocean and atmospheric models. For the general equation, we study ﬁrst the existence and in some cases the uniqueness of ﬁnite energy solutions. Then, we use a general framework to study their long behavior with respect to the weak and the strong topology of the phase space. We thus prove the existence of a weak global attractor and in some cases the existence of a strong global attractor. Moreover, we study some suﬃcient conditions to insure the weak global attractor becomes a strong global attractor. As a bi-product, we obtain some new results on the long time description of the fractional and classical Navier-Stokes models with a damping term.
BASS. XXXVI. Constraining the Local Supermassive Black Hole–Halo Connection with BASS DR2 AGNs

We investigate the connection between supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and their host dark matter halos in the local universe using the clustering statistics and luminosity function of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the Swift/BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS DR2). By forward-modeling AGN activity into snapshot halo catalogs from N-body simulations, we test a scenario in which SMBH mass correlates with dark matter (sub)halo mass for fixed stellar mass. We compare this to a model absent of this correlation, where stellar mass alone determines the SMBH mass. We find that while both simple models are able to largely reproduce the abundance and overall clustering of AGNs, the model in which black hole mass is tightly correlated with halo mass is preferred by the data by 1. 8σ. When including an independent measurement on the black hole mass–halo mass correlation, this model is preferred by 4. 6σ. We show that the clustering trends with black hole mass can further break the degeneracies between the two scenarios and that our preferred model reproduces the measured clustering differences on one-halo scales between large and small black hole masses. These results indicate that the halo binding energy is fundamentally connected to the growth of SMBHs.
A Decomposition Approach to Multiagent Systems With Bernoulli Packet Loss

In this article, we extend the decomposable systems' framework to multiagent systems with Bernoulli-distributed packet loss with a uniform probability. The proposed sufficient analysis conditions for mean-square stability (MSS) and H2-performance—which are expressed in the form of linear matrix inequalities—scale linearly with an increased network size and, thus, allow us to analyze even very large scale multiagent systems. A numerical example demonstrates the potential of the approach by application to a first-order consensus problem.