Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical approaches to identifying significant differences in predictive performance between machine learning and classical statistical models for survival data

Research that seeks to compare two predictive models requires a thorough statistical approach to draw valid inferences about comparisons between the performance of the two models. Researchers present estimates of model performance with little evidence on whether they reflect true differences in model performance. In this study, we apply two statistical tests, that is, the 5 × 2-fold cv paired t-test, and the combined 5 × 2-fold cv F-test to provide statistical evidence on differences in predictive performance between the Fine-Gray (FG) and random survival forest (RSF) models for competing risks. These models are trained on different scenarios of low-dimensional simulated survival data to determine whether the differences in their predictive performance that exist are indeed significant. Each simulation was repeated one hundred times on ten different seeds. The results indicate that the RSF model is superior in predictive performance in the presence of complex relationships (quadratic and interactions) between the outcome and its predictors. The two statistical tests show that the differences in performance are significant in quadratic simulation but not significant in interaction simulations. The study has also revealed that the FG model is superior in predictive performance in linear simulations and its differences in predictive performance compared to the RSF model are significant. The combined 5 × 2-fold cv F-test has lower type I error rates compared to the 5 × 2-fold cv paired t-test.
Occurrence of late-apoptotic symptoms in porcine preimplantation embryos upon exposure of oocytes to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) under in vitro meiotic maturation

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of perfluoroalkyl substances on early embryonic development and apoptosis in blastocysts using a porcine in vitro model. Porcine oocytes (N = 855) collected from abattoir ovaries were subjected to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) (0.1 μg/ml) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) (40 μg/ml) during in vitro maturation (IVM) for 45 h. The gametes were then fertilized and cultured in vitro, and developmental parameters were recorded. After 6 days of culture, resulting blastocysts (N = 146) were stained using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and imaged as stacks using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Proportion of apoptotic cells as well as total numbers of nuclei in each blastocyst were analyzed using objective image analysis. The experiment was run in 9 replicates, always with a control present. Effects on developmental parameters were analyzed using logistic regression, and effects on apoptosis and total numbers of nuclei were analyzed using linear regression. Higher cell count was associated with lower proportion of apoptotic cells, i.e., larger blastocysts contained less apoptotic cells. Upon PFAS exposure during IVM, PFHxS tended to result in higher blastocyst rates on day 5 post fertilization (p = 0.07) and on day 6 post fertilization (p = 0.05) as well as in higher apoptosis rates in blastocysts (p = 0.06). PFHxS resulted in higher total cell counts in blastocysts (p = 0.002). No effects attributable to the concentration of PFOS used here was seen. These findings add to the evidence that some perfluoroalkyl substances may affect female reproduction. More studies are needed to better understand potential implications for continued development as well as for human health.
A multicenter prospective study of the treatment and outcome of patients with gastroduodenal peptic ulcer bleeding in Japan

Gastroduodenal peptic ulcers are the main cause of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We believe that recent advances in endoscopic techniques and devices for diagnosing upper gastrointestinal tract tumors have advanced hemostasis for UGIB. However, few prospective multicenter studies have examined how these changes affect the prognosis. This prospective study included 246 patients with gastroduodenal peptic ulcers treated at 14 participating facilities. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality within 4 weeks, and the secondary endpoints required intervention and refractory bleeding. Subsequently, risk factors affecting these outcomes were examined using various clinical items. Furthermore, the usefulness of the risk stratification using the Glasgow-Blatchford score, rockall score and AIMS65 based on data from the day of the first urgent endoscopy were examined in 205 cases in which all items were complete there are two periods. Thirteen (5%) patients died within 4 weeks; and only 2 died from bleeding. Significant risk factors for poor outcomes were older age and severe comorbidities. Hemostasis was required in 177 (72%) cases, with 20 cases of refractory bleeding (2 due to unsuccessful endoscopic treatment and 18 due to rebleeding). Soft coagulation was the first choice for endoscopic hemostasis in 57% of the cases and was selected in more than 70% of the cases where combined use was required. Rockall score and AIMS65 predicted mortality equally, and Glasgow-Blatchford score was the most useful in predicting the requirement for intervention. All scores predicted refractory bleeding similarly. Although endoscopic hemostasis for UGIB due to peptic ulcer had a favorable outcome, old age and severe comorbidities were risk factors for poor prognosis. We recommend that patients with UGIB should undergo early risk stratification using a risk scoring system.
Association of urinary caffeine and caffeine metabolites with bone mineral density in children and adolescents

In epidemiological research, the link between coffee consumption and bone mineral density (BMD) is still debated. Moreover, there hasn’t been any research on the relationship between urine caffeine and caffeine metabolites and BMD. This study aimed to investigate if there was a connection between urine caffeine and its metabolites and BMD in people between the ages of 8 and 19. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2014, multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the association between urinary caffeine and caffeine metabolites and total BMD. Fitted smoothing curves and generalized additive models were also used. A total of 1235 adolescents were included in this analysis, after controlling for various variables, we found that the association between urinary theophylline and total BMD was negative, whereas the association between urinary paraxanthine, theobromine and caffeine and total BMD was positive. In our study, an inverted U-shaped association between urinary paraxanthine and urinary caffeine was found with BMD in women. In this cross-sectional study, the correlation between urinary caffeine and its metabolites and total BMD differed by sex and race. More studies are needed to confirm the results of this study and to investigate the underlying causes.
Wireless communication capability of a reconfigurable plasma antenna

A 30 cm long plasma column is excited by a surface wave, which acts as a plasma antenna. Using plasma properties (pattern formation/striations in plasmas) single plasma antenna can be transformed into array, helical, and spiral plasma antenna. Experiments are carried out to study the power patterns, directivity, and half power beam width of such different plasma antennas. Moreover, field properties of plasma and copper antenna are studied. Further, wireless communication and jamming capability of plasma antenna are tested. Findings of this study suggest that directivity and communication range can be increased by converting single plasma antenna in to array/helical/spiral plasma antenna. Field frequencies of plasma antenna determine the communication and jamming of radio frequency waves. Therefore, this study invokes applications of pattern formation or striations of plasmas in plasma antenna technology.
Identification of a new potential plasmatic biomarker panel for the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor strongly associated with asbestos exposure and characterized by poor prognosis. Currently, diagnosis is based on invasive techniques; thus, there is a need to identify non-invasive biomarkers to detect the disease. In the present study, we measured the plasmatic concentrations of Mesothelin, Fibulin-3, and HMGB1 protein biomarkers and of hsa-miR-30e-3p and hsa-miR-103a-3p Extracellular-Vesicles- embedded micro RNAs (EV-miRNAs). We tested the ability of these biomarkers to discriminate between MPM and PAE subjects alone and in combination. Methods: The study was conducted on a population of 26 patients with MPM and 54 healthy subjects with previous asbestos exposure (PAE). Mesothelin, Fibulin-3, and HMGB1 protein biomarkers were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique; the levels of hsa-miR-30e-3p and hsa-miR-103a-3p EV-miRNAs was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results: The most discriminating single biomarker resulted to be Fibulin-3 (AUC 0.94 CI 95% 0.88-1.0; Sensitivity 88%; Specificity 87%). After investigating the possible combinations, the best performance was obtained by the three protein biomarkers Mesothelin, Fibulin-3, and HMGB1 (AUC 0.99 CI 95% 0.97-1.0; Sensitivity 96%; Specificity 93%). Conclusions: The results obtained contribute to identifying new potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing MPM. Further studies are needed to validate the evidence obtained to assess the reliability of the proposed biomarker panel.
The upper thermal limit of epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is conserved across three life history stages, sex and body size

Abstract Owing to climate change, most notably the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves and long-term ocean warming, better elucidating the upper thermal limits of marine fishes is important for predicting the future of species and populations. The critical thermal maximum (CTmax), or the highest temperature a species can tolerate, is a physiological metric that is used to establish upper thermal limits. Among marine organisms, this metric is commonly assessed in bony fishes but less so in other taxonomic groups, such as elasmobranchs (subclass of sharks, rays and skates), where only thermal acclimation effects on CTmax have been assessed. Herein, we tested whether three life history stages, sex and body size affected CTmax in a tropical elasmobranch, the epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), collected from the reef flats surrounding Heron Island, Australia. Overall, we found no difference in CTmax between life history stages, sexes or across a range of body sizes. Findings from this research suggest that the energetically costly processes (i.e. growth, maturation and reproduction) associated with the life history stages occupying these tropical reef flats do not change overall acute thermal tolerance. However, it is important to note that neither embryos developing in ovo, neonates, nor females actively encapsulating egg cases were observed in or collected from the reef flats. Overall, our findings provide the first evidence in an elasmobranch that upper thermal tolerance is not impacted by life history stage or size. This information will help to improve our understanding of how anthropogenic climate change may (or may not) disproportionally affect particular life stages and, as such, where additional conservation and management actions may be required.
Risk factors for new vertebral compression fracture after kyphoplasty and efficacy of osteoporosis treatment: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study

Kyphoplasty (KP) has been widely used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). However, the issue of new VCFs after KP remains controversial. Identification of risk factors for new VCF after KP may help prevent their occurrence in patients. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the major risk factors for new VCF after KP, including those associated with osteoporosis drugs used after kyphoplasty. We reviewed 117 patients who underwent single-level KP. During the follow-up period of 1 year after KP, the demographic data of these patients were compared by dividing them into two groups: those with new fractures (n = 19) and those without new fractures (n = 98). We investigated the age, sex, fracture location, medical history, steroid use history, bone mineral density (BMD), type of osteoporosis treatment, period from fracture to KP, KP method (unilateral or bilateral), bone cement dose, intradiscal cement leakage, preoperative and postoperative compression ratio, kyphotic angle (KA), and lowest vertebral body height in the fractured vertebrae. Based on these data, the factors related to new VCFs after KP were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. We also investigated whether there were differences in new VCFs according to the type of osteoporosis treatment. During the 1-year follow-up period after KP, the rate of new VCFs was 16.2%. Factors related to new VCFs were BMD, intradiscal cement leakage, KA recovery rate after 1 day, and baseline height in the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The group treated with zoledronate after KP tended to show a lower frequency of developing new VCFs than the groups treated with alendronate (P = .07), calcium (P = .05), selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (P = .15), and risendronate (P = .02). This study showed that for patients with new VCFs after KP, lower BMD, greater intradiscal cement leakage, greater KA recovery rate, and lower baseline vertebral height were likely risk factors for the development of new VCFs. Additionally, among the drugs used for the treatment of osteoporosis after KP, zoledronate tends to reduce the development of new VCFs compared with other bisphosphonates, SERMs, or calcium.
A method for the risk assessment of biomechanical overload in hospital physiotherapists

Background: In physiotherapists, biomechanical overload risk assessment (RA) is particularly complex due to the tasks’ variability. The present study aims to propose a new methodology, named Whole Body RA Musculoskeletal Biomechanical Overload (WB-RAMBO), to assess the risk in the activities performed by physiotherapists. Methods: Each type of intervention was broken down into elementary operations. The risk factors (force, repetitiveness, and incongruous postures) were recorded and evaluated for each of these. For each task, the risk level was obtained by integrating the results of multiple ergonomic methods among those proposed by the international literature. To verify and validate the obtained results, we reviewed the medical records of health surveillance carried out on physiotherapists. Results: From the ergonomic point of view, RA shows a situation of acceptability. The observed slight dysergonomies are diluted in the work shift and allow an optimal functional recovery of the musculoskeletal system. Conclusions: This method proposes a RA for each operation performed. A work plan subjected to such a peculiar RA can be redesigned and adapted to the company’s and the hypersusceptible worker’s organizational needs.
Heating and melting of single-crystal germanium by nanosecond laser pulses

The optical probe method was used in a study of melting of single-crystal germanium by nanosecond ruby laser pulses. A numerical simulation of the investigated thermal processes was carried out. The results of such simulation were compared with the experimental data. The characteristics of the behavior of the reflectivity of the liquid phase during heating by laser radiation were determined.
A Survey of Reeves' Turtle (Mauremys reevesii) in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China

Abstract. Reeves' turtle (Mauremys reevesii) originated in China and was once one of the most widely distributed and abundant hard-shelled turtles in China; however, overharvesting has led to a sharp decline in its wild populations. A survey of Reeves' turtle was conducted from July 2021 to March 2022 in Qichun County, Hubei Province, China. A total of 74 individuals were caught in 26 ponds (1078 trap-days), indicating a catch effort population density of 0.07 individuals/trap-day. The 840 similar ponds in the field-surveyed towns indicate a population number of 2391 individuals and density of 4 individuals/km2. Our preliminary results suggest that Reeves' turtle populations face serious threats from human hunting activities, habitat destruction, and artificial release and urgently require an aggressive conservation program to ensure their survival.
Two new species of Anaptychia (Physciaceae) from western North America, with notes on the other species of section Protoanaptychia

Abstract. Two new species belonging to the lichen genus Anaptychia are described from western North America. Anaptychia nevadensis is superficially similar to the Eurasian A. desertorum but is distinguished by having longer ascospores, in producing scant pruina only near the lobe tips, and in regularly producing variolaric acid. Anaptychia roemerioides is described to accommodate North American material which has previously been called A. ulotrichoides. It is macro-morphologically identical to the Asian species A. roemeri but differs in having longer ascospores and conidia. Both new species are strongly supported by phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences. We also call attention to the existence of a further undescribed but possibly cryptic species within A. elbursiana. Variolaric acid is newly reported to occur occasionally in A. desertorum and A. elbursiana. A global key to the desert species of Anaptychia is provided.
Reproductive Phenology and Output in Florida Box Turtles (Terrapene bauri) in Southwestern Florida

Abstract. Box turtle (Terrapene spp.) reproduction has been relatively well studied in northern populations inhabiting more seasonal climates but is much less understood in the subtropics. We assessed female reproduction of T. bauri in southwestern Florida by quantifying courtship, mating, seasonal timing of nesting, clutch frequency, and clutch size. Box turtles were observed courting or mating in 10 out of 12 mo. Radiographs revealed oviducal eggs from January to August. To our knowledge, this is the earliest recorded detection of eggs in wild box turtles. Individual turtles produced 2–4 clutches of 1–5 eggs in a nesting season. This study provides further evidence that turtle populations at warmer climates exhibit extended reproductive seasons compared with similar populations in cooler climates.
Cerebral small vessel disease: Recent advances and future directions

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) causes lacunar stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, and is the most common pathology underlying vascular cognitive impairment. Increasingly, the importance of other clinical features of SVD is being recognized including motor impairment, (vascular) parkinsonism, impaired balance, falls, and behavioral symptoms, such as depression, apathy, and personality change. Epidemiological data show a high prevalence of the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of white matter hyperintensities and lacunar infarcts in community studies, and recent data suggest that it is also a major health burden in low- and middle-income countries. In this review, we cover advances in diagnosis, imaging, clinical presentations, pathogenesis, and treatment. The two most common pathologies underlying SVD are arteriolosclerosis caused by aging, hypertension, and other conventional vascular risk factors, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) caused by vascular deposition of β-amyloid. We discuss the revised Boston criteria of CAA based on MRI features, which have been recently validated. Imaging is providing important insights into pathogenesis, including improved detection of tissue damage using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) leading to its use to monitor progression and surrogate endpoints in clinical trials. Advanced MRI techniques can demonstrate functional or dynamic abnormalities of the blood vessels, while the high spatial resolution provided by ultrahigh field MRI at 7 T allows imaging of individual perforating arteries for the first time, and the measurement of flow velocity and pulsatility within these arteries. DTI and structural network analysis have highlighted the importance of network disruption in mediating the effect of different SVD pathologies in causing a number of symptoms, including cognitive impairment, apathy, and gait disturbance. Despite the public health importance of SVD, there are few proven treatments. We review the evidence for primary prevention, and recent data showing how intensive blood pressure lowering reduces white matter hyperintensities (WMH) progression and delays the onset of cognitive impairment. There are few treatments for secondary prevention, but a number of trials are currently evaluating novel treatment approaches. Recent advances have implicated molecular processes related to endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide synthesis, blood–brain barrier integrity, maintenance and repair of the extracellular matrix, and inflammation. Novel treatment approaches are being developed to a number of these targets. Finally, we highlight the importance of large International collaborative initiatives in SVD to address important research questions and cover a number which have recently been established.
Conflict and Corporate Social Responsibility in Duopoly

Abstract Background: Recent scientific research explains corporate social responsibility as an economic activity. This paper interprets social responsibility as a means of power to increase firms’ market share in a duopoly. Objectives: This paper analyses the duopoly model in which firms decide on optimal social investments and production in two phases. The basic research question is how the significance of the conflict affects social investments, market shares, production quantities, profits, and social welfare. Methods / Approach: Conflict technology is described by contest success functions determining market shares. Game theory, optimization, and comparative statics are used in the analysis. Results: The conditions of equilibrium existence and its characteristics are described. Conflict adversely affects the profit of the inefficient firm while it favourably affects social welfare. Conflict’s impact on an efficient firm’s profit depends on the marginal cost difference. Conclusions: If there is no significant cost difference, it is more favourable for firms not to invest in socially responsible activities by agreement, which hurts social welfare. When marginal cost difference is significant, corporate social responsibility increases an efficient firm’s profit, positively impacting social welfare.