Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
function better when I know there’s a beginning and an end time”: Autistic adolescents’ experiences of lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. Autism and Developmental Language Impairments

Background and Aims: Survey research indicates that autistic children and young people experienced high levels of anxiety and isolation during lockdowns in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Meanwhile, qualitative studies suggest that there may have been some bene ﬁ ts in the switch to home learning for this population. However, the majority of evidence to date comes from parent reports; the current study aimed to triangulate the perspectives of autistic youth and their parents in order to more fully understand the impact of periods of lockdown on education, relationships, and wellbeing. Methods: Thirteen semistructured interviews were conducted (six with adolescents, seven with parents) to explore the experiences of a group of autistic youth aged 13 – 14 years (Year 9 of mainstream education in England) during a period of intermittent lockdown. Data were analysed using re ﬂ exive thematic analysis. Results: Two broad themes capturing commonality and diversity in the adolescents ’ experiences of lockdown were developed. (1) “ Different stress, not less stress ” encapsulates the ﬁ nding that, despite the enforced removal from the school environment providing short-term relief, new stressors contributed to consistently high levels of anxiety for the young people throughout lockdown periods. Stressors included managing home-school within the family unit, navigating time without boundaries, and anxiety about the virus. (2) “ A shrunken world ” re ﬂ ects the heightened impact of losing access to meaningful social relationships, extracurricular pursuits, and health-promoting activities for autistic youth. Discussion: The early stages of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic caused serious disruption to education for many children and young people globally,;our ﬁ ndings provide further evidence that the impact was particularly salient for autistic youth in terms of social isolation, lost learning, and heightened anxiety. Implications:: These ﬁ ndings underscore the necessity of long-term support for the education, social needs, and mental health of autistic young people in the aftermath of lockdowns in response to COVID-19.
A Matter of Timing: A Genome-Wide Investigation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging

We surveyed 16 published and unpublished data sets to determine whether a consistent pattern of transcriptional deregulation in aging murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) exists. Despite substantial heterogeneity between individual studies, we uncovered a core and robust HSC aging signature. We detected increased transcriptional activation in aged HSCs, further confirmed by chromatin accessibility analysis. Unexpectedly, using two independent computational approaches, we established that deregulated aging genes consist largely of membrane-associated transcripts, including many cell surface molecules previously not associated with HSC biology. We show that Selp , the most consistent deregulated gene, is not merely a marker for aged HSCs but is associated with HSC functional decline. Additionally, single-cell transcriptomics analysis revealed increased heterogeneity of the aged HSC pool. We identify the presence of transcriptionally “young-like” HSCs in aged bone marrow. We share our results as an online resource and demonstrate its utility by confirming that exposure to sympathomimetics, and deletion of Dnmt3a/b, molecularly resembles HSC rejuvenation or aging, respectively.
Destruction of Volatile Organic Compounds by the Optimal Multivariable Control of a Catalytic Reverse Flow Reactor

"Destruction of volatile organic compounds by the optimal multivariable control of a catalytic reverse flow reactor", Summary This paper aims to compare 2 optimal control laws for a catalytic reverse flow reactor (RFR), which topic has not often been tackled. The RFR aims to destruct volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are noxious products and are the source of a lot of problems: pollution, acid rains, woods wasting, green house effect and health hazards. Due to the public regulations, the VOCs discharge in the atmosphere becomes therefore more and more limited. The RFR is characterized by a periodic cycle of treatment of the VOC flow, allowing trapping the heat of reaction inside the core of the RFR. This allows using the RFR in an autothermal mode. The control problem tackled here is to maintain the RFR is this mode, such that the RFR extinction is avoided, and such that the catalyst elements are not destroyed. Effects of the influencing stochastic variations of the inlet pollutant concentration (the input disturbance) have to be accounted for by the optimal constrained tuning of the dilution rate and the internal electric heating. Optimal closed-loop performances of a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and a model predictive controller (MPC) are compared through simulations.
Association between body mass index and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults

Background The association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of cognitive impairment remains uncertain. Relatively few studies have analyzed the dose–response relationship between BMI and cognitive impairment. This article utilized nationally representative longitudinal data to assess the association between BMI and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults. Objective The present study aimed to analyze the association between BMI and cognitive impairment in Chinese older people, including an investigation of gender differences and the dose–response relationship. Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study database in 2015 and 2018. The present study used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between baseline BMI and cognitive impairment, and adopted a restricted cubic spline model to plot dose–response curves for baseline BMI and prevalence of risk of cognitive impairment. Results The mean BMI of the survey population was 23.48 ± 3.66 kg/m2, and the detection rate of cognitive impairment was 34.2%. Compared to the normal weight group (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23.9 kg/m2), the odds ratio (OR) for cognitive impairment was 1.473 (95% CI: 1.189–1.823) in the underweight group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), whereas the corresponding OR was 0.874 (95% CI: 0.776–0.985) for the overweight or obese group (BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2) after adjusting for confounders. Gender subgroup analysis showed that overweight or obese older women were less likely to develop cognitive impairment (OR = 0.843; 95% CI: 0.720–0.987). The results of the restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a curvilinear L-shaped relationship between BMI and the risk of cognitive impairment (P non-linearity <0.05). In particular, the risk of cognitive impairment was higher at a lower baseline BMI. In contrast, BMI in the range of 23.2–27.8 kg/m2 was associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment. Conclusion BMI is a dose-dependent related factor for cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults. Being underweight is a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment, while being overweight or obese is less likely to have cognitive impairment, particularly in female older people. Keeping BMI ranging from 23.2–27.8 kg/m2 in older adults can help maintain cognitive function.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF 0.25% BUPIVACAINE AND 0.25% ROPIVACAINE FOR CAUDAL BLOCK IN PAEDIATRIC AGE GROUP FOR INFRAUMBILICAL SURGERIES

Background: There is limited data comparing ropivacaine and bupivacaine in paediatric patients. This study evaluated the caudal effectiveness of all two drugs in paediatric patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries and associated complications with these drugs. Materials and Methods: Patients were randomly allocated to 1 of the two groups (n = 29) by using a random number table to receive caudal block with either Inj Bupivacaine (0.25%) 1ml/kg (Group I) or Inj. Ropivacaine (0.25%) 1ml/kg (Group II). In the postoperative period, the caudal block was assessed using FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) pain score, duration of absolute analgesia, time for first rescue analgesia and motor blockage. Result: The mean age, weight, gender distribution and surgery duration were comparable in both groups. The hemodynamic parameters were also reported to be comparable in both groups. The mean motor blockage was statistically significant (p<0.05) in group 1 compared to group 2. The mean FLACC score between the two groups in various time intervals in the postoperative period was comparable. The mean duration of absolute analgesia in group 1 was 237 ± 40.7, and in group 2 was 232 ± 43.72. Two patients in both Groups had nausea and vomiting, and one patient in both Groups had urinary retention. Conclusion: We conclude that ropivacaine
IDENTIFICATION OF CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS TO PREDICT DIFFICULT LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. But there is no clear consensus among the laparoscopic surgeons regarding the parameters predicting the difficult dissection and conversion to open cholecystectomy. The aim is to identify pre-operative clinical and radiological factors that may predict the chances of a difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: 503 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who presented to the Dep. Of General Surgery, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were studied prospectively for presence or absence of preoperative risk factors as predictors of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative risk factors studied were Age, sex, Diabetes mellitus, No. of attacks, Duration of attack, H/o Fever during pain, H/o Jaundice, H/o upper abdominal surgeries, Murphy's sign at the time of presentation. Size of gallbladder, Gallbladder wall thickness, calculus size, number of calculi. The data obtained was analysed using Chi-square tests of significance. Result: Multiple calculi was statistically significant (p=0.001); 3.79 times increased risk of having difficult during surgery (Odds ratio= 3.794). Large calculus (≥ 1cm) was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conversion rate in our study was 1.2% (6 out of 503 patients). Statistical analysis of conversion however was not very relevant due to small sample size and single centre experience. Conclusion: Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy was found to be significantly associated with increased postoperative stay in hospital.
COMPARISON OF ANNEROTH’S AND BRODER’S GRADING SYSTEMS IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA – A STUDY AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN HARYANA

Background: Oral cavity is becoming a pressing problem in the world. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a commonly occurring head and neck cancer due to many etiological factors, but smoking and alcohol remain the most common risk factors. OSCC develops as a result of certain genetic and epigenetic variations in the squamous epithelium, which in turn leads to a series of consequences leading to the definitive stage of invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Broder’s grading system for OSCC was based on degree of differentiation only; whereas Anneroth’s multifactorial grading system was used for evaluation of prognosis and prediction of survival period for OSCC patients and includes many other parameters apart from differentiation. The objective is to Compare Anneroth’s and Broder’s grading systems in oral squamous cell carcinoma and to evaluate the Anneroth’s grading as a standard in comparison to Broder’s grading system over a period of last three years in SGT Hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was done on total 120 biopsies of head and neck region reported from May 2021 to June 2023 in SGT Hospital (Haryana) as squamous cell carcinoma. The data was collected from histopathology lab, Department of Pathology, SGT Hospital, Haryana. The previous reports were given according to Broder’s system which is based on only differentiation of cells. All the cases were reexamined and reclassified according to Anneroth’s system that gives detailed information about degree of keratinization, nuclear pleomorphism, number of mitosis/hpf, pattern of invasion, stage of invasion and lympho-plasmocytic infiltration. Result: In this study, the majority of the cases were males (76.6%) and were above 50 years of age (63.4%), according to Border’s grading system out of 120 cases, 23.4% cases were grade I, 62.5% cases were grade II and 14.1% cases were grade III while according to Anneroth’s grading system 13.4% were grade I, 45% were grade II, 40% were grade III and 1.6% were grade IV. Conclusion: Even though Broder’s system is the most commonly used grading system in OSSC, the Anneroth’s system of grading is more informative and gives better result regarding prognosis, action taking time and prediction of survival period than Broder’s System.
The Effect of Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) Seed Source on Quality, Yield and Yield Component in Tigray, Ethiopia

: The objective of this study was to illustrate the performance of different seed qualities of barley varieties for yield and related traits. It was conducted in four locations of southern, southeastern and eastern zone of Tigray during 2018 meher (June-October) main cropping season at farmers’ field. Three farmers sourced and three C1 improved varieties of barley were tested in randomized complete block design using four replications. The barley seeds with C1 class were obtained from seed producing cooperatives and farmer source were collected from surrounding farmers. The presence of significant variations among the tested varieties for most plant characters indicated that there is variability among the tested varieties. Significant variation in plant height and spike length was observed among varieties in the study locations and taller was recorded with both Felamit and Fetina and the shortest in HB1307 whereas the taller spike length was observed with Fetina and Felamit. Mean value of total tillers and spikelet per spike showed significant different due to main effect of varietyand maximumwas recorded inFetina and HB1307 for tillers but maximum spikelet was recorded in Felamit. Significant different in mean thousand seed weight, economic and biomass yield was observed and maximum economic yield was recorded in HB1307. The higher mean thousand seed weight was recorded across all locations except at Hagereselam. Mean significant different was observed with straw yield and harvest index and statistical on par straw yield was observed among varieties in all locations whereas maximum harvest index was seen with HB1307 in study location. No variation was detected statistically on barley yield due to main effect of seed quality. This study indicated that prevailed of favorable growing conditions during the experimental season has contributed for equivalent performance of growing varieties across all locations regardless of seed quality. The result indicated that additional minimum improvement should be essential for barley yield and related traits. Therefore, attention should be given for further exploitation of genetic variability for varietal improvement to enhance better yield and ensured food security.
A High-Order Localized Artiﬁcial Diffusivity Scheme for Discontinuity Capturing on 1D Drift-Flux Models for Gas-Liquid Flows

A computational code is developed for the numerical solution of one-dimensional transient gas-liquid ﬂows using drift-ﬂux models, in isothermal and also with phase change situations. For these two-phase models, classical upwind schemes such as Roe-and Godunov-type schemes are generally difﬁcult to derive and expensive to use, since there are no treatable analytic expressions for the Jacobian matrix, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system of equations. On the other hand, the high-order compact ﬁnite difference scheme becomes an attractive alternative on these occasions, as it does not make use of any wave propagation information from the system of equations. The present paper extends the localized artiﬁcial diffusivity method for high-order compact ﬁnite difference schemes to solve two-phase ﬂows with discontinuities. The numerical method has simple formulation, straightforward implementation, low computational cost and, most importantly, high-accuracy. The numerical methodology proposed is validated by solving several numerical examples given in the literature. The simulations are sixth-order accurate and it is shown that the proposed numerical method provides accurate approximations of shock waves and contact discontinuities. This is an essential property for simulations of realistic mass transport problems relevant to operations in the petroleum industry.
MIT Open Access Articles Robust Fluid Processing Networks

—Fluid models provide a tractable and useful approach in approximating multiclass processing networks. However, they ignore the inherent stochasticity in arrival and service processes. To address this shortcoming, we develop a robust ﬂuid approach to the control of processing networks. We provide insights into the mathematical structure, modeling power, tractability, and performance of the resulting model. Speciﬁcally, we show that the robust ﬂuid model preserves the computational tractability of the classical ﬂuid problem and retains its original structure. From the robust ﬂuid model, we derive a (scheduling) policy that regulates how ﬂuid from various classes is processed at the servers of the network. We present simulation results to compare the performance of our policies to several commonly used traditional methods. The results demonstrate that our robust ﬂuid policies are near-optimal (when the optimal can be computed) and outperform policies obtained directly from the ﬂuid model and heuristic alternatives (when it is computationally intractable to compute the optimal).
Distinct roles of cyclones and anticyclones in setting the midwinter 1 minimum of the North Pacific eddy activity. Part II: Eulerian eddy statistics energetics

The characteristics and dynamics of midlatitude storm-tracks have been long investigated. Nevertheless, our understandings of the storm-tracks, especially the midwinter minimum of the North Pacific storm-track activity, are still limited, partly because Eulerian eddy statistics 18 are incapable of separating cyclonic and anticyclonic contributions. Here we investigate the 19 detailed seasonal evolution of the contributions from cyclonic and anticyclonic vortices, 20 identified with local wind curvature, to the Eulerian eddy statistics, eddy feedback forcing 21 onto the climatological-mean westerly jet, and the energetics associated with the North 22 Pacific storm-track. We demonstrate that the midwinter minimum of the net energy 23 conversion/generation rate normalized by the eddy total energy over the entire North Pacific 24 is more distinct for anticyclonic vortices than for cyclonic vortices, to which the midwinter 25 minimum of the probability of anticyclonic vortices contributes. The main factors include the 26 reduction of the baroclinic energy conversion into midwinter and the reduction of the net 27 energy outflux into spring. To long-term modulations of the MWM of the NP storm-track 28 activity, both cyclonic and anticyclonic vortices contribute constructively. Together with our 29 companion paper, the present study reveals the primal importance of migratory anticyclones 30 for the midwinter minimum of the North Pacific storm-track activity. We posit a viewpoint of 31 considering roles of both migratory cyclones and anticyclones for the storm-track dynamics, 32 the latter of which has been long disregarded unconsciously. 33
STUDY OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a potentially fatal condition in the first trimester of pregnancy. Immediate intervention is required to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality due to EP. The study investigated ectopic pregnancy's prevalence, clinical manifestation, risk factors, parity, gestational age, acute morbidity related, and management (medical and surgical). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 125 women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy who attended Tirunelveli medical college hospital between December 2019-September 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather the information. After data collection, a physical examination was conducted, paying particular attention to vital signs, the abdomen, the vagina, the cervical excitation test, and, if necessary, the culdocentesis. Results: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 0.82%, and most (30%) patients were aged 25 to 29. The most common complaint was stomach discomfort (56.80%) and bleeding (55%). Most patients (43.2%) have moderate levels of anaemia. Stage three hypovolemic shock was present in about one-third of the patients, while cervical motion pain was 75%. Primiparous and multiparous participants reported 37.6% and 30.4%, and 25% had a history of prior abortion, followed by prior tubal ligations, failed sterilisations, and prior ectopic pregnancies. The ectopic pregnancy and diseases, including renal failure, ovarian cyst, thrombocytopenia, and COVID, were not significantly associated. Conclusion: A strong suspicion is required for the early identification of ectopic pregnancy due to the range of clinical manifestations and unusual presentations. The key to lowering maternal morbidity and maintaining future fertility is early diagnosis and referral.
Identification of Bioactive Compounds of the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus egypticus-HT166S Inhibiting the Activity of Pancreatic αα -Amylase

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide increasing problem, associated with development of hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. Decreasing of glucose absorption by inhibition of α -amylase is one of the therapeutic approaches to retard diabetes type 2. Pancreatic α -amylase (PA) inhibition widely studied mechanism for determination of potential of natural compounds as antidiabetic agents. The aim of this work was identification of inhibitory secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus egypticus , isolated from Helianthus tuberosus . Materials and Methods: The PA inhibitory activity of the secondary metabolites determined using iodometric method. Isolation of inhibitory compounds was carried out by column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Results: It was found that the inhibitory concentration of a compound, K-10 (R f : 0.74), isolated from metanolic extract of A. egypticus was 4.82 mg/ mL. LC-MS/MS analysis of K-10 showed polymethoxylated flavones (PMF). Conclusion: The fungal endophyte A. egypticus -HT166S can be considered a source of PMF as potential agents for developing new PA inhibitors.
Symbiotic Ocean Modeling Using Physics‐Controlled Echo State Networks

We introduce a “symbiotic” ocean modeling strategy that leverages data‐driven and machine learning methods to allow high‐ and low‐resolution dynamical models to mutually benefit from each other. In this work we mainly focus on how a low‐resolution model can be enhanced within a symbiotic model configuration. The broader aim is to enhance the representation of unresolved processes in low‐resolution models, while simultaneously improving the efficiency of high‐resolution models. To achieve this, we use a grid‐switching approach together with hybrid modeling techniques that combine linear regression‐based methods with nonlinear echo state networks. The approach is applied to both the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation and a single‐layer quasi‐geostrophic ocean model, and shown to simulate short‐term and long‐term behavior better than either purely data‐based methods or low‐resolution models. By maintaining key flow characteristics, the hybrid modeling techniques are also able to provide higher quality initial conditions for high‐resolution models, thereby improving their efficiency.