Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light-tailed asymptotics of stationary probability vectors of Markov chains of GI/G/1 type

In this paper, we consider the asymptotic behavior of stationary probability vectors of Markov chains of GI/G/1 type. The generating function of the stationary probability vector is explicitly expressed by the R-measure. This expression of the generating function is more convenient for the asymptotic analysis than those in the literature. The RG-factorization of both the repeating row and the Wiener-Hopf equations for the boundary row are used to provide necessary spectral properties. The stationary probability vector of a Markov chain of GI/G/1 type is shown to be light tailed if the blocks of the repeating row and the blocks of the boundary row are light tailed. We derive two classes of explicit expression for the asymptotic behavior, the geometric tail, and the semigeometric tail, based on the repeating row, the boundary row, or the minimal positive solution of a crucial equation involved in the generating function, and discuss the singularity classes of the stationary probability vector.
Being Underweight Is Associated with Increased Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in People with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause various atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease including sudden cardiac death (SCD). The impact of being underweight on the risk of SCD in people with DM remains to be revealed. We aimed to evaluate the risk of SCD according to body-mass index (BMI; kg/m2) level in DM population. Methods: We used a nationwide healthcare insurance database to conduct this study. We identified people with DM among those who underwent nationwide health screening during 2009 to 2012. Medical follow-up data was available until December 2018. Results: A total of 2,602,577 people with DM with a 17,851,797 person*year follow-up were analyzed. The underweight group (BMI < 18.5) showed 2.4-fold increased risk of SCD during follow-up (adjusted-hazard ratio [HR] = 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.26–2.56; p < 0.001). When normal-BMI group (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23) was set as a reference, underweight group (adjusted-HR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.88–2.14) showed even higher risk of SCD compared with the obesity group (BMI ≥ 30; adjusted-HR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.84–0.94). When BMI was stratified by one unit, BMI and SCD risk showed a U-curve association with the highest risk observed at low BMI levels. The lowest risk was observed in 27 ≤ BMI < 28 group. The association between being underweight and increased SCD risk in DM people was maintained throughout various subgroups. Conclusions: Being underweight is significantly associated with an increased risk of SCD in the DM population. A steep rise in the risk of SCD was observed as the BMI level decreased below 23. The lowest risk of SCD was observed in 27 ≤ BMI < 28 group.
Assessment of child health services under Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent (RMNCH+A) strategy at primary health care level in Doiwala block of Dehradun District, Uttarakhand, India - A cross – sectional study

Background: The reproductive, maternal, newborn, child + adolescent health (RMNCH+A) strategy was launched by the Indian government in the year 2013 to remain in the lead of the global war against child and maternal mortality and morbidity. Under RMNCH+A program in Uttarakhand state, according to the State public health policy, various provisions are needed to be done for maintenance of downtrend in infant mortality rate (IMR). There are various thrust areas under the child health program. The purpose of our study is to monitor the program implementation in terms of Input and Process indicators and to identify if there are any gaps in the child health services provided by RMNCH+A in the PHCs and subcentres of Doiwala block of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Aim: To evaluate Input and the process indicators of child health services under RMNCH+A strategy at Primary health care level in Doiwala block of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Methods: This Cross-sectional study was carried out in Doiwala Block of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand in 3 randomly selected Primary health centres (PHCs) and their 6 subcentres using a validated standard checklist for PHCs and subcentres. Results: In PHCs, mean obtained score for Input indicators was 56% and for Process indicators was 35%. The mean obtained score in subcentres for Input indicators and Process indicators was 53% and 51%, respectively. Conclusions: Both the input and the process indicators for child health services in PHCs and subcentres of Dehradun district were inadequate. Most indicators scored less than 50% at both the PHCs and subcentres.
Long-Term Follow-Up Results of Granulomatous Lymphadenitis Diagnosed by Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy

Introduction Endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EBUS-FNAB) is a minimally invasive method used to obtain cytological or histological specimens of masses and lymphadenopathies (LAP) adjacent to the trachea and bronchi. Granulomas, which represent a chronic inflammatory response and occur for a variety of reasons, like a 'sarcoid-like reaction', cause LAPs. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the long-term follow-up results of granulomatous lymphadenitis diagnosed with EBUS-FNAB and to investigate whether granulomatous lymphadenopathies were precursors of malignancies that occurred during the follow-up period. Material and methods The medical records of 123 patients who underwent EBUS-FNAB and were diagnosed with granulomatous lymphadenitis were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, acid-fast bacilli (ARB) staining, tuberculosis culture and tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) culture results were examined by FNAB, and the procedure indications of all patients diagnosed with granulomatous lymphadenitis were recorded. The long-term health records of 52 patients could not be accessed. Data were collected from 71 patients. The progression, regression or stable conditions of LAPs in the long-term radiological follow-up of at least two years and the treatment conditions of diagnosis after biopsy were examined. Results One hundred twenty-three patients were included in the study. Rapid onset evaluation (ROSE) was performed in 93 (75.6%) patients. In 62 (66.6%) of the 93 patients, the smear results were consistent with granulomatous reaction at baseline. Malignancy was present in seven patients (5.6%) at the time of the procedure. In two patients (1.62%), tuberculous lymphadenitis was diagnosed by a positive tuberculosis culture. The long-term follow-up results were not obtained in 52 (42.7%) patients included in the study. At the long-term follow-up of six patients' LAPs with known malignancies, three of them regressed, one of them progressed, and two of them remained stable after chemoradiotherapy. Methylprednisolone treatment was started in eight patients with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. While LAP remained stable in five patients, regression was observed in three patients. Idiopathic LAPs remained stable in 24 of 55 patients who received no treatment and regressed spontaneously in 31 of them. One of the patients was diagnosed with lymphoma, and the other patient was diagnosed with primary lung cancer in the long-term follow-up. Conclusion In cases where tuberculosis is suspected, not only cytomorphology but also microbiological confirmation is important. Granulomatous lymphadenitis can be detected both in the disease course of patients with a history of malignancy and as a precursor to undiagnosed malignancy. So the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis is a clinicopathological diagnosis that must be followed up in patients without symptoms or other findings.
50 GHz Operation of RSFQ Arithmetic Logic Unit Designed Using the Advanced Design Flow and the Dual RSFQ/ERSFQ Cell Library

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is an integral part of digital signal processing applications and computing systems. We used ALU, based on Kogge-Stone adder, as a reference circuit to experimentally validate the advanced design flow and the dual RSFQ/ERSFQ standard cell library. Using the advanced design flow, the ALU sub-blocks were optimized across multiple process corners using Monte-Carlo simulations incorporating statistical variations in the process parameters. The correct operation of ALU was verified in the digital HDL simulation using static timing analysis pre-fabrication. We designed the RSFQ 1-bit and 4-bit ALU using the standard cell library approach for MIT-LL 100 µA/µm2 SFQ5ee fab node. For the ERSFQ 1-bit ALU, the bias current overhead for the feeding JTLs was designed to be 100% of the ERSFQ DUT bias current. The RSFQ 1-bit ALU, designed for low frequency functional testing, demonstrated greater than ±15% bias margins. We demonstrated successful operation of the RSFQ 4-bit ALU with greater than ±6% bias margins at 20 GHz, greater than ±5% bias margins at 40 GHz, and greater than ±4% bias margins at 50 GHz clock frequency with BER less than 10−12. The ERSFQ 1-bit ALU worked up to 30.72 GHz clock frequency with BER less than 10−12. In addition, we analyzed the model-to-hardware correlation for the INIT sub-block of the ALU. The simulations accounted for critical current density (Jc) and sheet resistance (Rs) process parameters. We noted the discrepancy in simulated and measured margins and studied that a 15% higher Jc in simulations results in better model-to-hardware correlation for the INIT sub-block.
Effect of Ending the Nationwide Free School Fruit Scheme on the Intake of Fruits, Vegetables, and Unhealthy Snacks in Norwegian School Children Aged 10–12 Years

The Norwegian authorities started a nationwide free school fruit program in 2007, implemented in all secondary schools (grades 8–10) and combined schools (grades 1–10) in Norway. The program ended in 2014. This study evaluates the effect of ending the nationwide free school fruit program on the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and unhealthy snacks among Norwegian sixth and seventh graders. The study sample consists of pupils at 18 schools that participated in all data collections in the Fruits and Vegetables Make the Marks project (FVMM), initiated in 2001, with new data collections in 2008 and 2018. Four of the schools were combined schools, therefore children in sixth and seventh grade at these schools received free fruit in 2008 (intervention schools), and fourteen schools did not (control schools). Between 2008 and 2018, pupils at the intervention schools ate a lower proportion of fruits and vegetables per school week, and the consumption of unhealthy snacks increased compared to the control schools. Completion of the free fruit program was not significantly different for boys and girls, or low and high parental education. The results indicate that the end of the free school fruit program resulted in less healthy eating habits among children.
Predicting CTS Diagnosis and Prognosis Based on Machine Learning Techniques

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a clinical disease that occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The determination of the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome is essential to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions. Machine learning (ML)-based modeling can be used to classify diseases, make decisions, and create new therapeutic interventions. It is also used in medical research to implement predictive models. However, despite the growth in medical research based on ML and Deep Learning (DL), CTS research is still relatively scarce. While a few studies have developed models to predict diagnosis of CTS, no ML model has been presented to classify the severity of CTS based on comprehensive clinical data. Therefore, this study developed new classification models for determining CTS severity using ML algorithms. This study included 80 patients with other diseases that have an overlap in symptoms with CTS, such as cervical radiculopathysasas, de quervian tendinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy, and 80 CTS patients who underwent ultrasonography (US)-guided median nerve hydrodissection. CTS severity was classified into mild, moderate, and severe grades. In our study, we aggregated the data from CTS patients and patients with other diseases that have an overlap in symptoms with CTS, such as cervical radiculopathysasas, de quervian tendinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The dataset was randomly split into training and test data, at 70% and 30%, respectively. The proposed model achieved promising results of 0.955%, 0.963%, and 0.919% in terms of classification accuracy, precision, and recall, respectively. In addition, we developed a machine learning model that predicts the probability of a patient improving after the hydro-dissection injection process based on the aggregated data after three different months (one, three, and six). The proposed model achieved accuracy after six months of 0.912%, after three months of 0.901%, and after one month 0.877%. The overall performance for predicting the prognosis after six months outperforms the prediction after one and three months. We utilized statistics tests (significance test, Spearman’s correlation test, and two-way ANOVA test) to determine the effect of injection process in CTS treatment. Our data-driven decision support tools can be used to help determine which patients to operate on in order to avoid the associated risks and expenses of surgery.
Colonisation theory and invasive biota: the Great Fish River case history, 35 years later

Using the Great Fish River, South Africa, Laurenson and Hocutt (1986) proposed a colonisation theory outlining the characteristics of successful invaders and the properties of aquatic habitats that facilitate successful fish invasions. The Great Fish River has modified flow due to an inter-basin water transfer (IBWT). The present study evaluated the current state of invasions and probable mechanisms facilitating establishment of non-native fishes within this river. We used historical literature on the non-native fishes and associated this information with the recent distribution records of these fishes within this system. We hypothesised that non-native fishes would reflect life-history traits and environmental associations that were consistent with adaptability to flow-modified disturbance. Of the 11 non-native fish species recorded within this system, seven have established, three have failed to establish and one is uncertain. The Orange–Fish IBWT and angling were the main vectors of invasions, accounting for 36% and 46% of the non-native species, respectively. Life-history traits, such as large size, greater longevity and wide habitat tolerance, appear to have facilitated establishment of most species. Our findings indicate that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors may explain the invasions of non-native fishes within the Great Fish River and possibly other similarly disturbed systems.
Loss of Heterozygosity in the Circulating Tumor DNA and CD138+ Bone Marrow Cells in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by heterogeneity of tumor cells. The study of tumor cells from blood, bone marrow, plasmacytoma, etc., allows us to identify similarities and differences in tumor lesions of various anatomical localizations. The aim of this study was to compare the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) by tumor cells by assessing STR profiles of different MM lesions. We examined paired samples of plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and CD138+ bone marrow cells in MM patients. For patients with plasmacytomas (66% of 38 patients included), the STR profile of plasmacytomas was also studied when biopsy samples were available. Diverse patterns of LOH were found in lesions of different localization for most patients. LOH in plasma ctDNA, bone marrow, and plasmacytoma samples was found for 55%, 71%, and 100% of patients, respectively. One could expect a greater variety of STR profiles in aberrant loci for patients with plasmacytomas. This hypothesis was not confirmed—no difference in the frequency of LOH in MM patients with or without plasmacytomas was found. This indicates the genetic diversity of tumor clones in MM, regardless of the presence of extramedullar lesions. Therefore, we conclude that risk stratification based on molecular tests performed solely on bone marrow samples may not be sufficient for all MM patients, including those without plasmacytomas. Due to genetic heterogeneity of MM tumor cells from various lesions, the high diagnostic value of liquid biopsy approaches becomes obvious.
Two Different Bifurcation Scenarios in Neural Firing Rhythms Discovered in Biological Experiments by Adjusting Two Parameters

Two different bifurcation scenarios, one is novel and the other is relatively simpler, in the transition procedures of neural firing patterns are studied in biological experiments on a neural pacemaker by adjusting two parameters. The experimental observations are simulated with a relevant theoretical model neuron. The deterministic non-periodic firing pattern lying within the novel bifurcation scenario is suggested to be a new case of chaos, which has not been observed in previous neurodynamical experiments.
A Combined Approach for Detection of Ovine Small Ruminant Retrovirus Co-Infections

Jaagsiekte retrovirus (JSRV)-induced ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is an important ovine respiratory disease in Switzerland. Furthermore, ovine lungs with OPA frequently exhibited lesions suggestive of maedi-visna virus (MVV) or caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) infection, indicating that co-morbidities might occur. Lungs and pulmonary lymph nodes were sampled from suspected OPA cases, inflammatory lung lesions and control lungs (total of 110 cases). Tissues were (a) processed for histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and (b) underwent DNA extraction and real-time PCR for JSRV, MVV and CAEV. Peptide sequences were used to generate virus-specific customized polyclonal antibodies. PCR-positive OPA cases and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded MVV- and CAEV-infected synovial cell pellets served as positive controls. Fifty-two lungs were histologically diagnosed with OPA. Histological evidence of MVV/CAEV infection was detected in 25 lungs. JSRV was detected by PCR in 84% of the suspected OPA cases; six were co-infected with MVV and one with CAEV. MVV was detected by PCR in 14 cases, and four lungs were positive for CAEV. Three lungs had MVV/CAEV co-infection. In IHC, JSRV was detected in 91% of the PCR-positive cases, whereas MVV and CAEV immunoreactivity was seen in all PCR-positive lungs. Although PCR showed a higher sensitivity compared to IHC, the combined approach allows for investigations on viral cell tropism and pathogenic processes in co-morbidities, including their potential interdependency. Furthermore, an immunohistochemical tool for specific differentiation of MVV and/or CAEV infection was implemented.
A Critical Point About Early Childhood Assessments: Validity and Reliability Issues in Teachers’ Formative Assessment

In the current study, Turkish early childhood teachers’ self-reported beliefs and practices on ensuring reliability and validity on their formative assessment implementations were investigated. A total of 17 female early childhood teachers participated in this study. The data for this phenomenological study was collected through semi-structured interviews. The researchers developed some themes and categories based on participant teachers’ responses about validity and reliability through constant-comparative data analysis method. The finding of the study revealed that the teachers who took part believe that obtaining valid and reliable information is critical for their assessment. Their self-reported practices, on the other hand, revealed that they have some difficulty using multiple assessment procedures with one another due to crowded classrooms and other excessive paper shuffling. The findings once again underline the importance of practical teacher training in understanding that assessment is an evidence-based process.
On the rate of convergence of normal extremes

Let Yn denote the largest of n independent N(0, 1) variables. It is shown that if the constants an and bn are chosen in an optimal way then the rate of convergence of (Yn – bn )/an to the extreme value distribution exp(–e–x ), as measured by the supremum metric or the Lévy metric, is proportional to 1/log n.
The deformation of steep surface waves on water ll. Growth of normal-mode instabilities

Studies of the normal-mode perturbations of steep gravity waves (Longuet-Higgins 1978 b, c) have suggested two distinct types of instability: at low wave steepnesses we find subharmonic instabilities with fairly low rates of growth, and at higher wave steepnesses there are apparently local (‘superharmonic’) instabilities leading directly to wave breaking. Between these two types of instability is an intermediate range of wave steepnesses where the unperturbed wave train is neutrally stable. In the present paper we employ the time-stepping method of an earlier paper (Longuet-Higgins & Cokelet 1976) to test the rate of growth of each type of instability. For the initial linear stages of each instability, the computed rates of growth are accurately confirmed, and it is verified that the local instability does indeed lead to breaking. The later nonlinear stages of the subharmonic instabilities are further investigated. In the two examples so far computed it is found that the gradual rates of growth of the subharmonic instabilities are maintained, and that ultimately every alternate crest develops a fast-growing local instability which quickly leads to breaking.
Absolute Continuity of Hamiltonian Operators with Repulsive Potentials

for some positive constants a and e, then H= — A + V is absolutely continuous for 7i = l, 3. Our aim is to extend his results in two directions: One is to remove the restriction on the dimension n of the space, and the other is to remove the assumption (2). This will be accomplished except for the cases n = l and 2, where we must impose an assumption somewhat weaker than (2). Our method is that of Lavine []3] which is based on an abstract theory of Putnam ^4] on commutators of pairs of selfadjoint operators.
Nuclear PTEN’s Functions in Suppressing Tumorigenesis: Implications for Rare Cancers

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) encodes a tumor-suppressive phosphatase with both lipid and protein phosphatase activity. The tumor-suppressive functions of PTEN are lost through a variety of mechanisms across a wide spectrum of human malignancies, including several rare cancers that affect pediatric and adult populations. Originally discovered and characterized as a negative regulator of the cytoplasmic, pro-oncogenic phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, PTEN is also localized to the nucleus where it can exert tumor-suppressive functions in a PI3K pathway-independent manner. Cancers can usurp the tumor-suppressive functions of PTEN to promote oncogenesis by disrupting homeostatic subcellular PTEN localization. The objective of this review is to describe the changes seen in PTEN subcellular localization during tumorigenesis, how PTEN enters the nucleus, and the spectrum of impacts and consequences arising from disrupted PTEN nuclear localization on tumor promotion. This review will highlight the immediate need in understanding not only the cytoplasmic but also the nuclear functions of PTEN to gain more complete insights into how important PTEN is in preventing human cancers.