Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
D-dimer trends elaborate the heterogeneity of risk in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A multi-national case series from different waves

Introduction Variable D-dimer trends during hospitalization reportedly result in distinct in-hospital mortality. In this multinational case series from the first and second waves, we show the universality of such D-dimer trends. Methods We reviewed 405 patients with COVID-19 during the first wave admitted to three institutions in the United States, Italy, and Colombia, and 111 patients admitted to the U.S. site during the second wave and 55 patients during the third wave. D-dimer was serially followed during hospitalization. Results During the first wave, 66 (15%) patients had a persistently-low pattern, 33 (8%) had early-peaking, 70 (16%) had mid-peaking, 94 (22%) had fluctuating, 30 (7%) had late-peaking, and 112 (26%) had a persistently-high pattern. During the second and third waves, similar patterns were observed. D-dimer patterns were significantly different in terms of in-hospital mortality similarly in all waves. Patterns were then classified into low-risk patterns (persistently-low and early-peaking), where no deaths were observed in both waves, high-risk patterns (mid-peaking and fluctuating), and malignant patterns (late-peaking and persistently-high). Overall, D-dimer trends were associated with an increased risk for in-hospital mortality in the first wave (overall: HR: 1.73) and stayed the same during the second (HR: 1.67, p < 0.001) and the third (HR: 4.4, p = 0.001) waves. Conclusion D-dimer behavior during COVID-19 hospitalization yielded universal categories with distinct mortality risks that persisted throughout all studied waves of infection. Monitoring D-dimer behavior may be useful in the management of these patients.
Time‐domain vector potential technique for the meshless radial point interpolation method

A time‐domain meshless algorithm based on vector potentials is introduced for the analysis of transient electromagnetic fields. The proposed numerical algorithm is a modification of the radial point interpolation method, where radial basis functions are used for local interpolation of the vector potentials and their derivatives. In the proposed implementation, solving the second‐order vector potential wave equation intrinsically enforces the divergence‐free property of the electric and magnetic fields. Furthermore, the computational effort associated with the generation of a dual node distribution (as required for solving the first‐order Maxwell's equations) is avoided. The proposed method is validated with several examples of 2D waveguides and filters, and the convergence is empirically demonstrated in terms of node density or size of local support domains. It is further shown that inhomogeneous node distributions can provide increased convergence rates, that is, the same accuracy with smaller number of nodes compared with a solution for homogeneous node distribution. A comparison of the magnetic vector potential technique with conventional radial point interpolation method is performed, highlighting the superiority of the divergence‐free formulation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk committee characteristics and risk disclosure in banks: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of risk committee characteristics on the risk disclosure of banking institutions in an emerging economy, Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe data are collected through a manual content analysis of 21 banks regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan over the period 2011–2020. The study utilizes the generalized least square (GLS) regression model as the method of analysis.FindingsThe study finds that risk committee size is positively associated with risk disclosure, which is in line with agency theory. However, risk committee independence and risk committee gender diversity are negatively associated with risk disclosure. This contradicts the theoretical perspective and is explained by the weak regulatory framework of Pakistan.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was carried out in a single research setting, which limits the generalizability of its findings to other developed and emerging economies.Practical implicationsThe results provide valuable insights for regulators by identifying the attributes that require regulatory focus to strengthen risk committees and enhance risk disclosure practices within the banking sector of Pakistan. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the risk committee size, call for fully independent risk committees and encourage greater representation of women in these committees.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the corporate governance literature by empirically examining the risk committee characteristics and their impact on the risk disclosure of banks in an emerging economy. Moreover, this study contributes to theory by utilizing upper echelon theory in addition to agency theory as the motivation for the study.
Interaction between a large-scale structure and near-wall structures in channel flow

Direct numerical simulation of a turbulent channel flow in a periodic domain of relatively wide spanwise extent, but minimal streamwise length, is carried out at Reynolds numbers $\Rey_\tau\,{=}\,137$ and 349. The large-scale structures previously observed in studies of turbulent channel flow using huge computational domains are also shown to exist even in the streamwise-minimal channels of the present study. Moreover, the limitation of the streamwise length of the domain enforces the interaction between large-scale structures and near-wall structures, which consequently makes it tractable to extract a simple cycle of processes sustaining the structures in the present channel flow. It is shown that the large-scale structures are generated by the collective behaviour of near-wall structures and that the generation of the latter is in turn enhanced by the large-scale structures. Hence, near-wall and large-scale structures interact in a co-supporting cycle.
Impact of Caloric Restriction and Exercise on Trimethylamine N-Oxide Metabolism in Women with Obesity

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) through partly altered central hemodynamics. We sought to examine if a low-calorie diet plus interval exercise (LCD+INT) intervention reduces TMAO more than a low-calorie diet (LCD) program alone in relation to hemodynamics, prior to clinically meaningful weight loss. Women with obesity were randomized to 2 weeks of LCD (n = 12, ~1200 kcal/d) or LCD+INT (n = 11; 60 min/d, 3 min at 90% and 50% HRpeak, respectively). A 180 min 75 g OGTT was performed to assess fasting TMAO and precursors (carnitine, choline, betaine, and trimethylamine (TMA)) as well as insulin sensitivity. Pulse wave analysis (applanation tonometry) including augmentation index (AIx75), pulse pressure amplification (PPA), forward (Pf) and backward pressure (Pb) waveforms, and reflection magnitude (RM) at 0, 60, 120, and 180 min was also analyzed. LCD and LCD+INT comparably reduced weight (p < 0.01), fasting glucose (p = 0.05), insulin tAUC180min (p < 0.01), choline (p < 0.01), and Pf (p = 0.04). Only LCD+INT increased VO2peak (p = 0.03). Despite no overall treatment effect, a high baseline TMAO was associated with decreased TMAO (r = −0.45, p = 0.03). Reduced TMAO was related to increased fasting PPA (r = −0.48, p = 0.03). Lowered TMA and carnitine correlated with higher fasting RM (r = −0.64 and r = −0.59, both p < 0.01) and reduced 120 min Pf (both, r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Overall, treatments did not lower TMAO. Yet, people with high TMAO pre-treatment reduced TMAO after LCD, with and without INT, in relation to aortic waveforms.
Correlation between Babesia Species Affecting Dogs in Taiwan and the Local Distribution of the Vector Ticks

Simple Summary Regional differences in infection rates of Babesia parasites affecting dogs in Taiwan were correlated with the presence of the local tick population. A positive correlation was found between pathogenic Babesia gibsoni infections in dogs and the tick Haemaphysalis hystricis in northern Taiwan. A second, less pathogenic species, Babesia vogeli, was more equally distributed, coinciding with the occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus, a tick that is present throughout Taiwan. These findings provide the basis for advice for owners regarding outdoor activities with their dogs and local veterinarians with a regional diagnosis of babesiosis in Taiwan. Abstract The objective of our study was to survey Babesia infection rates by PCR and tick species on stray dogs to correlate the distribution of Babesia with the distribution of ticks infesting dogs in Taiwan. Three hundred eighty-eight blood samples and 3037 ticks were collected from 388 roaming, and free-ranging owned dogs at residential sites in Taiwan between January 2015 and December 2017. The prevalence of B. gibsoni and B. vogeli was 15.7% (61/388) and 9.5% (37/388), respectively. Most positive B. gibsoni dogs were found in the northern part of the country 56/61 (91.8%), whereas a few were found in the middle 5/61 (8.2%). Babesia vogeli infection rates were 10%, 3.6%, and 18.2% in the northern, central, and southern regions, respectively. Five species of ticks were found: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (throughout Taiwan), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (in the north), Haemaphysalis hystricis (in the north and middle of Taiwan), and Amblyomma testidunarium and Ixodes ovatus (both in the north). None of the dogs in the south were infected with B gibsoni, which correlated with the absence of H. hystricis, a tick recently identified as the local vector for B gibsoni. Babesia vogeli was more equally distributed, coinciding with R. sanguineus, a tick that is present throughout Taiwan. Anaemia was detected in 86.9% of infected dogs; among these dogs, approximately 19.7% showed severe anaemia (HCT < 20). These findings provide useful advice for owners regarding outdoor activities with their dogs and local veterinarians with a regional differential diagnosis of babesiosis in Taiwan.
Iturin A Strongly Inhibits the Growth and T-2 Toxin Synthesis of Fusarium oxysporum: A Morphological, Cellular, and Transcriptomics Study

Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) is a common contaminant of dried fish, and the T-2 synthesis by this organism in dried fish products poses a serious public health risk. In this study, we investigated the effects of iturin A, a cyclic lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis, on the growth and synthesis of the T-2 toxin of F. oxysporum, and transcriptomics was conducted. Results showed that the inhibitory effect of iturin A on F. oxysporum was significantly enhanced with an increase in iturin A concentrations. More specifically, compared with the control group, all indexes in the iturin A treatment group with 50 μg/mL were decreased to 24.84 mm, 0.33 × 106 cfu/mL, and 5.86 ng/mL for the colony diameter, number of spores, and concentration of T-2 toxin, respectively. Furthermore, iturin A was proven to destroy the integrity of cell membranes and cause a significant increase in ROS at 25 μg/mL or 50 μg/mL. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that with the treatment of iturin A, the genes of the oxidation-reduction process were up-regulated, while the gene expression of mycelial growth, cell integrity, transmembrane transport, energy metabolism, and others were down-regulated. More importantly, the Tri5 gene cluster was significantly inhibited. This study provided new insights into the mechanism for the inhibitory effect of iturin A on the growth and T-2 toxin synthesis of F. oxysporum and theoretical guidance for the application of iturin A in the preservation of dried aquatic products.
Parameter Estimation of the Nonlinear Muskingum Model Using Parameter-Setting-Free Harmony Search

Although phenomenon-mimicking algorithms, such as genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and harmony search, have overcome the disadvantages of mathematical algorithms, such as the nonlinear least-squares method, segmented least-squares method, Lagrange multiplier method, a hybrid of pattern search and local search, and the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno technique, the algorithms have an inherent shortcoming. They require a tedious and skillful parameter-setting process for the algorithm parameters, such as the crossover rate, mutation rate, acceleration coefficients, harmony memory considering rate, and pitch-adjusting rate. Thus, this study proposes a novel parameter-setting-free technique interfaced with a harmony search algorithm and applies it to the parameter estimation of the nonlinear Muskingum model, which is an optimization problem with continuous decision variables. Results show that the proposed technique found good model parameter values while outperforming a classical harmony sea.
Conjugative plasmids inhibit extracellular electron transfer in Geobacter sulfurreducens

Geobacter sulfurreducens is part of a specialized group of microbes with the unique ability to exchange electrons with insoluble materials, such as iron oxides and electrodes. Therefore, G. sulfurreducens plays an essential role in the biogeochemical iron cycle and microbial electrochemical systems. In G. sulfurreducens this ability is primarily dependent on electrically conductive nanowires that link internal electron flow from metabolism to solid electron acceptors in the extracellular environment. Here we show that when carrying conjugative plasmids, which are self-transmissible plasmids that are ubiquitous in environmental bacteria, G. sulfurreducens reduces insoluble iron oxides at much slower rates. This was the case for all three conjugative plasmids tested (pKJK5, RP4 and pB10). Growth with electron acceptors that do not require expression of nanowires was, on the other hand, unaffected. Furthermore, iron oxide reduction was also inhibited in Geobacter chapellei, but not in Shewanella oneidensis where electron export is nanowire-independent. As determined by transcriptomics, presence of pKJK5 reduces transcription of several genes that have been shown to be implicated in extracellular electron transfer in G. sulfurreducens, including pilA and omcE. These results suggest that conjugative plasmids can in fact be very disadvantageous for the bacterial host by imposing specific phenotypic changes, and that these plasmids may contribute to shaping the microbial composition in electrode-respiring biofilms in microbial electrochemical reactors.
Blood Coagulation Simulations using a Viscoelastic Model

This paper presents numerical results based on a macroscopic blood coagulation model coupled with a non-linear viscoelastic model for blood flow. The system of governing equations is solved using a central finite-volume scheme for space discretization and an explicit Runge-Kutta time-integration. An artificial compressibility method is used to resolve pressure and a non-linear TVD filter is applied for stabilization. A simple test case of flowing blood over a clotting surface in a straight 3D vessel is solved. This work presents a significant extension of the previous studies [10] and [9].
The Contribution of Local and Remote Transpiration, Ground Evaporation, and Canopy Evaporation to Precipitation Across North America

Land surface evapotranspiration (ET) is a major source of moisture for the global hydrologic cycle. Though the influence of the land surface is well documented, moisture tracking analyses aimed at quantifying the contribution of the land surface to precipitation have often relied on offline tracking approaches that require simplifying assumptions and can bias results. Additionally, the contribution of the ET components (transpiration (T), canopy evaporation (C), and ground evaporation (E)) individually to precipitation is not well understood, inhibiting our understanding of moisture teleconnections in both the current and future climate. Here, we use the Community Earth System Model version 1.2 with online numerical water tracers to examine the contribution of local and remote land surface ET, including the contribution from each individual ET component, to precipitation across North America. Much of northern and northeastern North America receives up to 80% of summertime precipitation from land surface ET, and over 50% of that moisture originates from transpiration alone. Local moisture recycling constitutes an essential source of precipitation across much of the southern and western regions of North America, suggesting precipitation across the region is sensitive to local land surface conditions, including soil moisture and vegetation state. The reliance on locally recycled moisture is far less pronounced across northern and eastern North America, where remotely sourced moisture, particularly from transpiration, dominates precipitation contributions. The results highlight regions that are especially sensitive to land cover and hydrologic changes in local and upwind areas, providing key insights for drought prediction and water resource management.
Traction-related complications in hip arthroscopy for 26 years. A systematic review

ABSTRACT The primary aim of the study is to determine the rate of traction-related complications in hip arthroscopy (HA) including perineal compression and distraction injuries, and the secondary objective is to report the incidence of complications in HA found on the studies selected by a systematic review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for data extraction from the PubMed and Cochrane databases obtained in February 2022. Reviewers extracted the title, author, date of publication, number of hips treated and number of complications describing the affected area, nerve and soft tissue injury related to traction. Studies on postless HA and HA combined with other procedures were excluded. Twenty-six years of HA literature was found in the search that included 35 studies and 8126 hips (89% Level IV) that reported the complications found during the procedure and described complications related to traction. A total of 623 hips (7.7%) had some sort of complications during HA, and complications related to traction were in 227 hips (36%). Injuries caused specifically by the perineal compression were in 144 hips (23%) that included the pudendal nerve and soft tissue injury of the groin area. Complications caused by the distraction were in 83 hips (13%) that included sciatic and peroneal nerve injury, numbness or pain of ankle and foot. HA complications occurred in 7.7% of hips treated, which is found in this systematic review. One-third of the complications are related to traction, 23% are caused by perineal compression and 13% are caused by distraction.
Attachment and Maladjustment: The Role of Effortful Control Development During Middle Childhood

Latent growth curve modeling was used to investigate the longitudinal link between attachment, effortful control (EC), and maladaptive development during middle childhood. In a community sample, children (Time 1: n = 157; Mage = 10.91) and their mothers were examined three times over a two-year period. Attachment was operationalized at a more strategic (self-reported trust in maternal support) and more automatic level (secure base script knowledge). Mothers reported about children’s EC and maladjustment. Secure attachment was associated with higher EC, but EC development was only linked with baseline self-reported trust. Also, EC indirectly linked baseline self-reported trust with change in externalizing and internalizing problems over time. In addition, self-reported trust was indirectly linked with change in externalizing problems over time through EC development. EC, and, less robustly, EC development were linked with attachment and change in emotional and behavioral problems.
Teacher Shortages and Turnover in Rural Schools in the US: An Organizational Analysis

Purpose: The objective of this study is to provide an overall national portrait of elementary and secondary teacher shortages and teacher turnover in rural schools, comparing rural schools to suburban and urban schools. This study utilizes an organizational theoretical perspective focusing on the role of school organization and leadership in the causes of, and solutions to, teacher shortages and staffing problems. Data/Methods: The study entailed secondary statistical analyses of the nationally representative Schools and Staffing Survey, its successor the National Teacher Principal Survey, and their supplement the Teacher Follow-Up Survey, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics. Findings: The analyses document that, contrast to urban and suburban schools, the student population and teaching force in rural schools has dramatically shrunk in recent decades, that despite this decrease in students, and demand for teachers, rural schools have faced serious difficulties filling their teaching positions, and that these teacher staffing problems are driven by high levels of preretirement teacher turnover. Moreover, the data document that teacher turnover varies greatly between different kinds of schools, is especially high in high-poverty rural schools, and is closely tied to the organizational characteristics and working conditions of rural schools. Implications: Research and reform on teacher shortages and turnover have focused on urban environments because of an assumption that schools in those settings suffer from the most serious staffing problems. This study shows that teacher shortages and teacher turnover in rural schools, while relatively neglected, have been as significant a problem as in other schools.
Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Arnica montana Planta Tota versus Flower Extracts: Analytical, In Vitro and In Vivo Mouse Paw Oedema Model Studies

Arnica montana is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. While the anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica flowers (Arnicae flos) has been extensively studied, that of the whole plant (Arnicae planta tota) is less characterized. We compared the ability of Arnicae planta tota and Arnicae flos extracts to inhibit the pro-inflammatory NF-κB—eicosanoid pathway, using several in vitro and in vivo assays. We showed that Arnicae planta tota inhibited NF-κB reporter activation, with an IC50 of 15.4 μg/mL (vs. 52.5 μg/mL for Arnicae flos). Arnicae planta tota also inhibited LPS-induced expression of ALOX5 and PTGS2 genes in human differentiated macrophages. ALOX5 and PTGS2 encode the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes that initialize the conversion of arachidonic acid into leukotrienes and prostaglandins, respectively. Arnicae planta tota inhibited 5-LO and COX-2 enzymatic activity in vitro and in human primary peripheral blood cells, with lower IC50 compared to Arnicae flos. Finally, Arnicae planta tota applied topically reduced carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema more efficiently than Arnicae flos. Altogether, Arnicae planta tota displayed a superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to Arnicae flos, suggesting that Arnicae-planta-tota-containing products might be more effective in alleviating the manifestations of acute inflammation than those based on Arnicae flos alone.