Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression: Logic in the Logit

Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) has emerged as a clinical prognostic marker for clinical and research purposes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, tools for predicting disease progression are still underdeveloped. The aim of this study was to mathematically model ALS progression to provide a reliable and personalized approach to the prognosis for ALS patients. Also, it aimed to provide a reliable prediction tool for the current and newly diagnosed patients. Methods Twenty patients from the South-East England Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis register (SEALS) database were included in the analysis. A non-linear logistic regression model was used to describe disease progression from baseline health to the theoretical maximum disease. The reliability of predicted variables and correlation between model parameters were assessed separately for each subject. Results The logistic regression model best described the disease progression in patients with a high progression rate. Most notably, the model fitted better when a patient has progressed enough to approximately the midpoint of the functional rating scale. The model failed to characterize the disease course in patients defined as slow progressors. Furthermore, the linear relationship between the rate of progression and time since onset at ALFRS-R score of 24 was evident in 65% of patients. Conclusion These results indicate that the rate of disease progression and time when ALSFRS-R declines to half the maximum score are correlated with functional outcomes. Nonetheless, the logistic model failed to describe disease course in patients with slow progression rates. Different rates of progression can be attributed to the genetic heterogeneity of ALS. Thus, clinicians and patients can benefit from adding a gene factor to the equation. With the outlined limitations, the model can provide a good prognostic tool.
Correlation of Chest X-Ray Scores in SARS-CoV-2 Patients With the Clinical Severity Classification and the Quick COVID-19 Severity Index

Objectives This study aimed to assess the role of chest X-ray (CXR) scoring methods and their correlations with the clinical severity categories and the Quick COVID-19 Severity Index (qCSI). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 159 COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed and treated at the University Medical Center between July and September 2021. Chest X-ray findings were evaluated, and severity scores were calculated using the modified CXR (mCXR), Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE), and Brixia scoring systems. The three scores were then compared to the clinical severity categories and the qCSI using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results Overall, 159 patients (63 males and 96 females) (mean age: 58.3 ± 15.7 years) were included. The correlation coefficients between the mCXR score and the Brixia and RALE scores were 0.9438 and 0.9450, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the RALE and Brixia scores was marginally higher, at 0.9625. The correlation coefficients between the qCSI and the Brixia, RALE, and mCXR scores were 0.7298, 0.7408, and 0.7156, respectively. The significant difference in the mean values of the three CXR scores between asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical groups was also noted. Conclusions There were strong correlations between the three CXR scores and the clinical severity classification and the qCSI.
Evaluation of fungal biomass developed from cocoa by-product as a substrate with corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel

Abstract The fungal biomass of cocoa bean shell (FBCS) obtained by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Penicillium roqueforti was used as a natural corrosion inhibitor of carbon steel in an acidic solution with 0.5 mol.L−1 HCl. The evaluation of the corrosive process was carried out using gravimetric, electrochemical, and surface analysis techniques. The gravimetric test data were used to calculate the corrosion rate, current density, and efficiency. Electrochemical measurements provided the polarization curves and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Finally, the surface analysis was performed using an optical microscope. From Tafel's extrapolation, the largest deviation was noticed at 69.9 mV, confirming that FBCS acted as a partially cathodic inhibitor. Inhibitor molecules were physically adsorbed on the carbon steel surface and the adsorption mechanism followed the Langmuir isotherm model. The results of the EIS confirmed the gravimetric results. FBCS inhibited the acid corrosion of carbon steel AISI 1008 at a concentration range from 0.44 g.L−1 to 1.77 g.L−1, and the higher the concentration, the higher the inhibition rate. The maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency was 93%. The EIS by time results showed that the FBCS should not be applied for very long periods of immersion in the electrolyte. The maximum inhibition efficiency was verified within 12 hours of immersion (95.96%). Therefore, this study encourages the use of FBCS as inhibitor due to good inhibit efficiency and to be environmental friendly, as well as the use of others news materials, such as biomass resulting from the fermentation of other residues, proposed in an unprecedented way in this work.
Age of the late Holocene Bonneville landslide and submerged forest of the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon and Washington, USA, by radiocarbon dating

Abstract The late Holocene Bonneville landslide, a 15.5 km2 rockslide-debris avalanche, descended 1000 m from the north side of the Columbia River Gorge and dammed the Columbia River where it bisects the Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington, USA. The landslide, inundation, and overtopping created persistent geomorphic, ecologic, and cultural consequences to the river corridor, reported by Indigenous narratives and explorer accounts, as well as scientists and engineers. From new dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating of three trees killed by the landslide, one entrained and buried by the landslide and two killed by rising water in the impounded Columbia River upstream of the blockage, we find (1) the two drowned trees and the buried tree died the same year, and (2) the age of tree death, and hence the landslide (determined by combined results of nine radiocarbon analyses of samples from the three trees), falls within AD 1421–1455 (3σ confidence interval). This result provides temporal context for the tremendous physical, ecological, and cultural effects of the landslide, as well as possible triggering mechanisms. The age precludes the last Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake of AD 1700 as a landslide trigger, but not earlier subduction zone or local crustal earthquakes.
Interspinous fusion device: A systematic review of clinical and biomechanical evidence

To assess the biomechanical and clinical evidence available in use and efficacy of interspinous fusion devices and to explore indications for their application. MEDLINE search and Google Scholar were employed to find the relevant papers through the following key words: interspinous fusion, interspinous fixation, and posterior instrumentation. Based on their fixation modes and fused sites, the related classification for interspinous fusion devices will be established, and a systematic review of clinical and biomechanical studies was made. The results revealed that a total of 13 kinds of interspinous fusion devices were obtained, and they were classified into two main categories: (1) “interspinous fixation without situ fusion” type (or rigid interspinous fusion device) and (2) “interspinous fixation with situ fusion” type (or fused interspinous fusion device). Furthermore, a summary on its biomechanical and clinical study was given, which showed that interspinous fusion device could provide excellent biomechanical efficiency and promising clinical success. In conclusion, interspinous fusion device construct is a new potential fixation technique. However, further high-quality studies are still needed to clarify their long-term efficacy and indications for their use.
Sex Differences in Fearful Personality Traits Are Mediated by Physical Strength

Across cultures, women reliably exhibit higher levels of Neuroticism than men. Recent work shows that this sex difference, particularly in Neuroticism’s anxiety facet, is partly mediated by the sex difference in physical strength. We build on this finding by testing pre-registered predictions of mediation by physical strength of the sex differences in HEXACO Emotionality and its Anxiety and Fearfulness facets (HEXACO stands for the factors of honesty–humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience). Facultative calibration models predict that levels of these two facets, but not necessarily Emotionality’s other facets, will be adaptively adjusted during ontogeny to a person’s relative physical formidability. Results from five samples of U.S. undergraduates (total N = 1,399) showed that strength mediated the sex difference (women > men) in Emotionality and all its facets, but that the mediation effect was strongest for Fearfulness and weakest for Sentimentality. Overall, findings are consistent with the hypothesis that physical strength explains sex differences found in fearful and anxious personality traits.
Introduction Of An Improved Axial Compressor Profile Shape Modelling Approach For Increased Flexibility In Transonic Profile Design

With the goal to reduce carbon emissions of future aircraft engines the concept of shape adaptive rotor blading for transonic fan and compressor applications is researched within the Excellence Cluster SE2A. As the aerodynamic design point is shifted by the morphing of the blade shape, the transonic profile design plays a major role in keeping the respective operation point efficiency close to the initial design point efficiency. To increase flexibility and accuracy in transonic profile design, an improved profile modelling approach is presented. To keep the number of modelling parameters to a minimum, a superposition of a generalized parabolic arc camber with a CSM (Class Function / Shape Function) thickness distribution is applied. As the CSM methodology offers an extension of the modelling parameters, the number of parameters is successively increased within this research to enable a better representation of transonic profile shapes. Additionally, the impact of leading edge design and suction side curvature on the blade-shock interaction is explored by specifically manipulating the CSM thickness distribution in the leading edge area. The proposed modelling approach is then applied to a redesign of the tip area of the NASA rotor 67 and evaluated through Q3D RANS simulations in Ansys CFX.
Distributed Optimal Voltage Control Considering Latency and Asynchronous Communication for Three Phase Unbalanced Distribution Systems

Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) helps realize sustainability and reduce carbon footprint, but may cause voltage control issues in the distribution power system. The impact is mainly driven by the intermittency and variability of DERs typically connected at the edge. Traditional centralized optimal voltage control lacks scalability, and local voltage controls are not optimal. Distributed algorithms are scalable, robust to failures, and possibly require less communication resources compared to centralized. This paper presents a new online distributed voltage control algorithm with primal-dual updates and auxiliary variables for three-phase unbalanced distribution systems. The phase-specific active and reactive power of participating voltage control agents is regulated considering the power converter operational limits. The algorithm is validated to regulate voltage for both static and dynamic loading conditions for three-phase unbalanced IEEE 13 and 123 bus systems modeled in the OpenDSS. The robustness of the algorithm is validated for delayed asynchronous communication, modeling errors, and measurement noises. Simulation results and convergence analysis show the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
Comparative metabolic profiling of root, leaf, fruit, and stem tissues of Panax notoginseng

ABSTRACT Panax notoginseng is highly used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its root is valued for ginsenoside contents. However, evidence suggests that other plant parts such as fruit, leaves, and stem are also potential sources of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study aimed at providing insight into the differential accumulation of metabolites in fruit, leaf, root, and stem tissues collected from P. notoginseng. A total of 808 metabolites from 11 major metabolite classes were identified. Furthermore, 32 Ginsenosides with six conserved Ginsenosides Rg1, Rf, St-3, R1, Ro, Rc, and five conserved notoginsenosides R1, K, M, E, Rb1, were identified with differential accumulation in fruit, leaf, stem, and root tissues. Several other metabolites known for their potential roles in human health were also identified as differentially accumulated in the tissues. Furthermore, the accumulation pattern of ginsenosides in different tissues is highly suggestive of utilizing fruit, leaf, and stem tissues along with roots for value addition of P. notoginseng.
Recent Advances in the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of gp120-Mediated Neurotoxicity

Axonal degeneration and loss of synapses are often seen in different brain areas of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Nevertheless, the underlying causes of the pathological alterations observed in these individuals are poorly comprehended, considering that HIV does not infect neurons. Experimental data have shown that viral proteins, including the envelope protein gp120, cause synaptic pathology followed by neuronal cell death. These neurotoxic effects on synapses could be the result of a variety of mechanisms that decrease synaptic plasticity. In this paper, we will briefly present new emerging concepts connected with the ability of gp120 to promote the degeneration of synapses by either directly damaging the axonal cytoskeleton and/or the indirect activation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor death domain in dendrites.
PENERAPAN KOMUNIKASI TERAPEUTIK DALAM PELAYANAN KESEHATAN (STUDI KOMUNIKASI TERAPEUTIK DOKTER SPESIALIS OBSTETRI DAN GINEKOLOGI DENGAN PASIEN IBU HAMIL PADA PRAKTIK DOKTER BERSAMA DI APOTEL AL-KHAIR BENGKULU)

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan penerapan komunikasi terapeutik yang terjadi antaradokter spesialis Obstetri dan Ginekologi dengan pasien ibu hamil di Apotek Al-Khair Bengkulu.denganpendekatan kualitatif yang bersifat deskriptif. Objek penelitian ini adalah bentuk komunikasi terapeutikdalam pelayann kesehatan Apotek Al-Khair Bengkulu. Sumber data penelitian ini adalah Dokter SpesialisObgyn di Apotek Al-Khair Bengkulu, dengan model analisis interaktif (interactive models of analysis). Hasil peneltian menunjukan bahwa: (1) Komunikasi terapeutik diperlukan selama proses interaksi dananamnesis (2) Dari 16 teknik komunikasi terapeutik yang ada, dokter Obgyn telah melakukan 11 teknikkomunikasi terapeutik. (3) Komunikasi terapeutik, sangat penting diterapkan pada saat berinteraksidengan pasien, (4) Komunikasi terapeutik yang diterapkan Dokter Spesialis Obgyn bersifat konsultasidan monitor kondisi janin/bayi.
Barriers to adoption of campus green building policies

Purpose The focus of this paper is on environmental protection, specifically within the context of green building at institutions of higher education (IHEs). One major reason why many IHEs are not undertaking sustainable building policies is the barriers to adoption. The lack of efficiency caused by these barriers to adoption of campus green building will be examined. The purpose of this paper is to identify the common barriers to adoption of green building initiatives at IHEs from multiple stakeholder perspectives and propose possible solutions. Design/methodology/approach The manuscript provides a general review of the lack of efficiency caused by the barriers to adoption of sustainable building policies at tertiary education institutions. Findings Campus sustainable building policies face various barriers to adoption of green building policies. Campus sustainable building policies face various barriers to adoption. These include lack of awareness among many stakeholders, incentives, champions, understanding of financial considerations, and occupant satisfaction. These barriers can be addressed through review of student perceptions, encouraging knowledge gains at larger wealthier IHEs, campus planning, offering financial motivations, employing a campus sustainability officer, and marketing green campus building initiatives. However, every stakeholder needs to be part of the collaboration and incentivized in order to reduce these barriers. Practical implications This manuscript should be helpful to campus community members as they are involved in crafting, implementing, and managing green building policies. As green building development is a contemporary issue among the higher education sector, this research should prove helpful to decision makers as it identifies barriers and solutions to these barriers. Furthermore, this research can assist practitioners when attempting to implement green building policies at their respective IHEs by helping them understand the barriers as well as potential solutions for these barriers to campus green building. Originality/value This general review uncovers barriers to green building in the higher education sector; a sector which historically is dearth on green building research. Furthermore, solutions are offered to address and overcome these barriers from multiple stakeholder perspectives within this sector.
Emulsion-based synthesis and characterization of biphasic Janus particles for dual drug delivery

OF THE DISSERTATION . ii DEDICATION . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF FIGURES . xiii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background and Motivation . 1 1.2 Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems . 2 1.3 Current Approaches to Combination Therapy Using Nanotechnology . 3 1.4 Advantages of Janus Particles in Drug Delivery . 4 1.5 Role of Particle Shape in Drug Delivery . 5 1.6 Janus Particle Synthesis . 6 1.6. 1 Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers . 7 1.6. 2 Masking . 8 1.6. 3 Droplet-Based Phase Separation . 10 1.6. 4 Seeded Polymerization . 12 1.6. 5 Emulsion Solvent Evaporation Method . 13 1.7 Dissertation Objectives and Organization . 14 CHAPTER 2: EMULSION-BASED SYNTHESIS OF BIOEDGRADABLE JANUS PARTICLES . 17 2.
Health Anxiety and Its Relationship to Thyroid-Hormone-Suppression Therapy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Simple Summary Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis; however, patients often need lifelong follow up and face potentially chronic psychiatric problems, such as health anxiety. We investigated the relationship between health anxiety and TSH-suppression treatment, which many patients receive lifelong. The health anxiety was assessed by using the 14-item Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI-14), which is scored 0–42; higher values indicate more health anxiety. Out of 146 patients with DTC, 24 (16%) had clinically significant health anxiety. Patients with TSH levels of 0.1–0.5 (mE/L) scored, on average, 3.28 points more (p-value 0.01) on the SHAI-14 compared to patients with TSH levels > 0.5. We found that health anxiety appears to be slightly more common among DTC patients compared to the general population, but this was not clearly connected to the TSH-suppression treatment. Abstract Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis; however, patients often need lifelong follow up, and they face potential side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate health anxiety among DTC patients and its relationship to TSH suppression. In 2020, patients from a previous cohort who were from Stockholm completed the 14-item Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI-14; 0–42; 18 being the threshold for clinical significance) and a study-specific questionnaire. Clinical information was also retrieved from medical records. Linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the TSH levels and the SHAI-14, while adjusting for potential confounders. In total, 146 (73%) patients were included. A total of 24 respondents (16%) scored 18 or more on the SHAI-14, and the mean score was 11.3. Patients with TSH levels of 0.1–0.5 (mE/L) scored, on average, 3.28 points more (p-value 0.01) on the SHAI-14 compared to patients with TSH levels > 0.5. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with TSH levels < 0.1 and TSH levels > 0.5. Thus, we found no linear relationship between the TSH values and health anxiety. Clinically significant levels of health anxiety are slightly higher than those in the general population, but do not appear to be a major psychiatric comorbidity among patients with DTC.
DNS of Compressible Reacting Turbulent Shear Layer

This work is supported by the National Center for Hypersonic Combined Cycle Propulsion sponsored by AFOSR and NASA under Grant FA-9550-09-1-0611, and by donors of the Petroleum Research Fund administrated by the American Chemical Society (ACS) under Grant 51834-ND9. Computational resources are provided by the Center for Computational Research (CCR) at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Wound-Related Complication in Growth-Friendly Spinal Surgeries for Early-Onset Scoliosis—Literature Review

Background: The treatment for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is one of the most challenging for pediatric orthopedics. Surgical treatment is often necessary, and wound problems and surgical site infections (SSIs) are common, with potentially severe complications in these patients. The aim of the study was to review current literature according to this complication. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were systematically searched for relevant articles by two independent reviewers in January 2022. Every step of the review was done according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 3579 articles were found. Twenty four articles were included in this systematic review after applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria. EOS surgery has a varying but high rate of wound-related problems (on average, 15.5%). Conclusion: The literature concerning the definitions, collection, and interpretation of data regarding EOS wound-related complications is often difficult to interpret. This causes problems in the comparison and analysis. Additionally, this observation indicates that data on the incidence of SSI may be underestimated. Awareness of the high rate of SSI of EOS surgery is crucial, and an optimal strategy for prevention should become a priority.
Treatment of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies with Somatic Cell Therapy Medicinal Product: A Review

Inherited retinal dystrophies and retinal degenerations related to more common diseases (i.e., age-related macular dystrophy) are a major issue and one of the main causes of low vision in pediatric and elderly age groups. Advancement and understanding in molecular biology and the possibilities raised by gene-editing techniques opened a new era for clinicians and patients due to feasible possibilities of treating disabling diseases and the reduction in their complications burden. The scope of this review is to focus on the state-of-the-art in somatic cell therapy medicinal products as the basis of new insights and possibilities to use this approach to treat rare eye diseases.