Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coordinatewise Gaussianization: Theories and Applications

Abstract In statistical analysis, researchers often perform coordinatewise Gaussianization such that each variable is marginally normal. The normal score transformation is a method for coordinatewise Gaussianization and is widely used in statistics, econometrics, genetics and other areas. However, few studies exist on the theoretical properties of the normal score transformation, especially in high-dimensional problems where the dimension p diverges with the sample size n. In this article, we show that the normal score transformation uniformly converges to its population counterpart even when log p=o(n/ log n). Our result can justify the normal score transformation prior to any downstream statistical method to which the theoretical normal transformation is beneficial. The same results are established for the Winsorized normal transformation, another popular choice for coordinatewise Gaussianization. We demonstrate the benefits of coordinatewise Gaussianization by studying its applications to the Gaussian copula model, the nearest shrunken centroids classifier and distance correlation. The benefits are clearly shown in theory and supported by numerical studies. Moreover, we also point out scenarios where coordinatewise Gaussinization does not help and even causes damages. We offer a general recommendation on how to use coordinatewise Gaussianization in applications. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Eating Disorders (EDs) and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study on the Impact of Phase II of the Lockdown

Background: Recent studies have highlighted the relationship between EDs and COVID-19 and have shown how the change in daily dynamics and lifestyle together with the forced isolation regime have worked as psychopathological risk factors. Prolonged isolation, as an effect of the lockdown, has generated anxieties and fears related to the loss of control, increasing food restrictions. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on symptoms, body image and the relationship between the onset of symptoms and the second block of the pandemic period. Methods: A total of 14 female patients (mean age = 18.71; SD = 5.59) with anorexia nervosa in treatment before the COVID-19 outbreak contributed to this study. The evaluation included the EDI-3, BUT and Disgust Scale-R questionnaires for general psychopathology, personality and ED severity indexes. Results: A total of 30% of patients reported increased symptoms during lockdown, and 88.2% passed the clinical cut-off on the general psychological maladaptation scale (EDI-3–GPMC > 26p), showing widespread dissatisfaction with body image and increased diet-related stress. Conclusions: Preliminary data on these specific vulnerability factors combined with stressful situations—in our case, the isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic—can help in the design of personalized preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Unsplinted Attachment Systems and Peri-implant Outcomes in Two-implant-retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

AIM The purpose of this review is to compare randomized clinical trials evaluating the peri-implant tissue outcomes using different unsplinted attachment systems in two implant-retained mandibular overdentures. BACKGROUND Literature lacks information on various unsplinted attachment systems and their effect on peri-implant tissue health. A focus question (as per PICOS) was set as follows: Does one particular unsplinted attachment system (I) compared with another (C) results in better peri-implant outcomes (O) in two implant-retained mandibular overdentures (P) using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (S)? The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases between January 2011 and December 2021. The keywords used were "denture, overlay," "denture," "overlay" AND "dental prosthesis, implant supported," "dental implants," "dental implant abutment design" AND "jaw, edentulous," "mouth, edentulous" AND "mandible. " Only RCTs on two implant-retained mandibular overdentures using unsplinted attachment systems measuring peri-implant tissue outcomes with minimum 1-year follow-up were selected. In total, 224 studies were identified in initial search, and 25 were shortlisted for full-text evaluation. Four studies were included for systematic review upon considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2.0). REVIEW RESULTS A total of 41 patients received ball attachments (in 3 studies), 36 patients received low-profile attachments (in 3 studies), 16 patients received magnet attachments (in 1 study), and 13 patients received telescopic attachments (in 1 study). All four studies used standard sized implants, however, differed in implant manufacturers. Two studies which compared ball attachments low-profile attachments revealed-similar peri-implant tissue health parameters but differed in crestal bone-level changes. One study compared ball with telescopic attachments and revealed similar results in crestal bone-level changes and all four peri-implant tissue health parameters. Single study compared magnets with low-profile attachments and shown lesser bone loss with magnet attachments. Single study was judged to have low risk of bias, single with some concerns, and remaining two to have high risk of bias. CONCLUSION Gingival index and bleeding index of the patients were not influenced by any of the unsplinted overdenture attachment (stud, magnet, telescopic) system. Inconclusive results found among the studies evaluated comparing crestal bone loss and plaque index. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This review manuscript has simplified comparative analysis of different unsplinted attachment systems used in two implant mandibular overdentures to help clinicians choose correct system in such situation.
Heat-Induced Spalling of Concrete: A Review of the Influencing Factors and Their Importance to the Phenomenon

Heat-induced spalling in concrete is a problem that has been the subject of intense debate. The research community has, despite all the effort invested in this problem, few certain and definitive answers regarding the causes of and the way in which spalling happens. A major reason for this difficulty is the lack of a unified method for testing, which makes comparing data from various studies against each other a difficult task. Many studies have been performed that show the positive effects of using synthetic micro-fibres, such as polypropylene (PP). The mechanism with which PP fibres improve heat-induced spalling resistance in concrete, however, remains a subject of debate. This paper, therefore, looks at the work that has been performed in the field of spalling (particularly spalling of self-compacting concrete (SCC)). Influencing factors are identified and their links to each other (as reported) are discussed. A particular emphasis is put on discussing the role of PP fibres and how they improve the behaviour of high-performance concrete (HPC) at elevated temperatures. A brief summary of the reviewed papers are provided for each of the influencing factors to help the reader navigate with ease through the references. An introduction to heat-induced spalling and the common causes (as reported in the literature) is also included to highlight the wide range of theories trying to explain the spalling phenomenon.
Genetic Aspects and Molecular Causes of Seed Longevity in Plants—A Review

Seed longevity is the most important trait related to the management of gene banks because it governs the regeneration cycle of seeds. Thus, seed longevity is a quantitative trait. Prior to the discovery of molecular markers, classical genetic studies have been performed to identify the genetic determinants of this trait. Post-2000 saw the use of DNA-based molecular markers and modern biotechnological tools, including RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis, to understand the genetic factors determining seed longevity. This review summarizes the most important and relevant genetic studies performed in Arabidopsis (24 reports), rice (25 reports), barley (4 reports), wheat (9 reports), maize (8 reports), soybean (10 reports), tobacco (2 reports), lettuce (1 report) and tomato (3 reports), in chronological order, after discussing some classical studies. The major genes identified and their probable roles, where available, are debated in each case. We conclude by providing information about many different collections of various crops available worldwide for advanced research on seed longevity. Finally, the use of new emerging technologies, including RNA-seq, in seed longevity research is emphasized by providing relevant examples.
Facing Food Risk Perception: Influences of Confinement by SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Young Population

A new food safety level of trust in food risk perception has been noticed, as a consequence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The pandemic made-up to review nutritional recommendations for the population, mainly for the young population. Here, the results of a designed survey for the young population, from the University of Valencia, Spain, belonging to grades in the health branch of knowledge, and in charge of carrying out the shopping task for their household, are reported. The study reports three different scenarios and years, as defined by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: before the pandemic (period January–December 2019), during the pandemic lockdown (period March 2020–August 2020), and after the pandemic lockdown (September 2020–June 2021). The survey was designed with questions, profiling responses using the best–worst elicitation (BWE) format. Results reported that trust and evaluation of information differed in all three scenarios. In the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there was (i) a high increase in trust in the information provided inside (by) the shopping place, while there were no changes for the outside (kept in medium score); (ii) trust in cooperative stakeholders went from a medium-low to medium-high score, while, for individual stakeholders, it was maintained as a medium score, and (iii) trust in information on food products was kept in high score. Regarding the evaluation of the information provided by stakeholders, a tendency in medium score was maintained, while that from the channels of distribution went from medium-low to medium-high for buying on-site. A uniform tendency was observed for online/other distribution channels for all three years and descriptors studied: “Internet”, “Farmer on-demand”, and “Cooperative consumers” (<50%). This research provides findings of implications that contribute to changing the perception of food risk, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e., the adaptation of the young population, trust in safety and quality, and importance of coordination from all communication points to avoid negative or strongest consequences, in case of future lockdowns or health crisis.
Coming Out Strategies on Social Media among Young Gay Men in Malaysia

Social media have afforded many young gay men the opportunity to explore their identities and practice coming out. The ease of use and the anonymity that can be assumed online has enabled young gay men to come up with different strategies of self-disclosure in social media. The present study seeks to examine these strategies among young gay men in Malaysia, given the limited data on the social media experiences of gay men in the country. In-depth interviews were conducted with six young, gay-identified men to find out the strategies they employed in disclosing their sexual identity online. The analysis of the interview data revealed that the coming-out strategies among the participants mostly resembled those employed by gay men in Western societies, including being out and proud, being out and discreet, and being closeted on social media. The analysis also revealed that the participants held different views regarding the role of social media in the coming out process for gay men in Malaysia. These findings have implications that are relevant to the issues of identity formation among gay men in contexts where homosexuality is still subject to social, legal, and religious condemnation.
Concept mapping in computer-supported learning environments: a bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT Concept mapping (CM) is widely used in educational settings as a teaching/learning or assessment tool. We conducted a bibliometric analysis and systematic review to provide an updated review on CM research in computer-supported learning environments. A total of 356 selected studies published from 1990 to 2020 were analyzed from the Web of Science database. The findings revealed an increasing and continuous focus on CM research. The leading journal for publishing CM research was Computers & Education, and the United States was the country with the most published studies. The most frequently used keywords were categorized into four clusters to represent the four main themes of CM research. Subsequent analysis showed that the most applied learning subject was environmental science or natural science; traditional computers/devices were the most used devices/hardware; higher education students were the most used samples; quantitative methods were the most used research methods; computers as mindtools were the most adopted learning strategy; and concept mapping assessment was the most used measurement tool in the CM research. These findings reveal the trends of CM research and provide future research directions and applications of practical education for researchers and educators.
Random Telegraph Noise Intensification After High-Temperature Phases in 3-D NAND Flash Arrays

In this letter, we present clear experimental evidence proving that a high-temperature idle/data-retention phase gives rise to a permanent intensification of random telegraph noise (RTN) in 3-D NAND Flash arrays. The magnitude of RTN intensification is shown to be strongly dependent on the threshold-voltage level on which cells spent the high-temperature phase and to be independent of the backpattern of the NAND string. The effect is explained in terms of depassivation of some traps at the grain boundaries of the polysilicon channel of the memory cells during the high-temperature phase, leading to stronger nonuniformities in channel inversion and to a higher number of defects active in the RTN process. The reported phenomenology represents an addition idle/data-retention issue and another constraint to the noise margins of 3-D NAND Flash arrays.
Atelectasis after pre-oxygenation with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen confirmed by electrical impedance tomography

It is well-known that high-concentration oxygen can cause atelectasis, but pre-oxygenation with 100% oxygen before endotracheal intubation is recommended by the Difficult Airway Society (DAS) guidelines. [1] Does pre-oxygenation with 100% oxygen cause atelectasis? We introduce a case of atelectasis after pre-oxygenation using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy confirmed by electrical impedance tomography (EIT).
NIR spectroscopy – What a wonderful world!

Abstract This review article for the Karl Norris Award Special Issue consists of four parts. First, the unique history of NIR spectroscopy is described briefly. Then, I discuss the main topic, “what a wonderful world – uniqueness and versatility of NIR spectroscopy. ” Next, I introduce our NIR studies for the last 35 years – When did serendipity work in our minds? – a long way of NIR research in the Ozaki group. The investigations on spectral analysis, applications of NIR spectroscopy to physical chemistry, those to life science and NIR imaging studies are reported. Finally, the perspective of NIR spectroscopy is discussed briefly. Through this review, I emphasize on the importance of serendipity in the research.
Understanding University Industry Technology Transfer: Relationship Management Approaches of Leading Universities in Europe And USA

The importance of university technology transfer has widely been brought to the center of attention over the last decades. Research and practice thereby often concentrate on issues related to patenting and licensing or entrepreneurship but abstract away from relationship- and network-focused initiatives. In this paper, we argue that efforts to systematically develop close, long-term collaboration partnerships - although complex and resource intensive - are likely to be more beneficial for both universities and industry in the long run. Drawing on data derived from interviews with technology transfer executives of 22 leading European and U.S. universities, we analyze and discuss well-established practices of network and relationship management and their possible impact on technology transfer success. Our findings indicate that dedicated relationship management approaches can yield a sustainable competitive advantage for universities. We thereby shift the focus away from transaction-orientation towards more forward-looking relationship-centric approaches and discuss their institutionalization in great detail.
Delivering Bad News: Self-Assessment and Educational Preferences of Medical Students

Background: Numerous reports indicate the educational deficiencies of medical students in delivering bad-news-related skills. Evaluation of the performance of training programs in this area should be one of the key components of the educational process. The purpose of this study was to analyze medical students’ preferences and educational needs regarding DBN (delivering bad news). The effect of clinical experience on the self-assessment of skills was analyzed. Methods: The quantitative survey was conducted using the CAWI technique. The study involved 321 fifth- and sixth-year medical students from 14 medical universities in Poland. Pearson’s χ2 test was used for statistical analysis. The profile of respondents for categorical variables was determined by KMeans analysis. Results: As many as 75.1% of students revealed that they did not feel sufficiently prepared for DBN. Only 18.7% reported having adequate competence in this area. More than half of the inquired students (63.6%) witnessed a situation during their clinical practice in which a physician provided a patient with information about an unfavorable diagnosis. These students were less likely to declare that they could not deliver BN (43.4%) than students who had no such experience (58.2%). As many as 86.3% of the respondents reported the need for more time in DBN skills training. Students mostly preferred active teaching methods. Conclusions: Understanding students’ learning needs and preferences can help medical schools optimize their education programs to develop DBN-related competencies.
Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship of Thioacetamide-Triazoles against Escherichia coli

Infections due to Gram-negative bacteria are increasingly dangerous due to the spread of multi-drug resistant strains, emphasizing the urgent need for new antibiotics with alternative modes of action. We have previously identified a novel class of antibacterial agents, thioacetamide-triazoles, using an antifolate targeted screen and determined their mode of action which is dependent on activation by cysteine synthase A. Herein, we report a detailed examination of the anti-E. coli structure–activity relationship of the thioacetamide-triazoles. Analogs of the initial hit compounds were synthesized to study the contribution of the aryl, thioacetamide, and triazole sections. A clear structure–activity relationship was observed generating compounds with excellent inhibition values. Substitutions to the aryl ring were generally best tolerated, including the introduction of thiazole and pyridine heteroaryl systems. Substitutions to the central thioacetamide linker section were more nuanced; the introduction of a methyl branch to the thioacetamide linker substantially decreased antibacterial activity, but the isomeric propionamide and N-benzamide systems retained activity. Changes to the triazole portion of the molecule dramatically decreased the antibacterial activity, further indicating that 1,2,3-triazole is critical for potency. From these studies, we have identified new lead compounds with desirable in-vitro ADME properties and in-vivo pharmacokinetic properties.
Dysprosium Substituted Ce:YIG Thin Films for Temperature Insensitive Integrated Optical Isolator Applications

Magneto-optical isolators are key components in photonic systems. Despite the progress of silicon-integrated optical isolators, the Faraday rotation of silicon-integrated magneto-optical materials, such as cerium-doped yttrium iron garnet (Ce:YIG), show a strong temperature dependence, limiting the temperature range for integrated nonreciprocal photonic device applications. In this work, we report dysprosium substituted Ce:YIG thin films (Dy2Ce1Fe5O12, Dy:CeIG) showing a low temperature coefficient of Faraday rotation. A temperature insensitive range of the Faraday rotation is observed in between 25 °C to 70 °C for this material, compared to 20% variation of the Faraday rotation in Ce:YIG thin films. A Dy:CeIG based temperature insensitive silicon-integrated optical isolator operating in the temperature range of 23 °C to 70 °C is experimentally demonstrated.
Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses to Understand the Effects of Hydrogen Water on the Roots of Ficus hirta Vahl

Wuzhimaotao (Ficus hirta Vahl) is an important medicinal and edible plant in China. The extract from the roots of Ficus hirta Vahl contains phenylpropanoid compounds, such as coumarins and flavonoids, which are the main active components of this Chinese herbal medicine. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomic and metabolomic data of the hydrogen-water-treated roots of Ficus hirta Vahl and a control group. The results showed that many genes and metabolites were regulated in the roots of Ficus hirta Vahl that were treated with hydrogen water. Compared with the control group, 173 genes were downregulated and 138 genes were upregulated in the hydrogen-rich water treatment group. Differential metabolite analysis through LC-MS showed that 168 and 109 metabolites had significant differences in positive and negative ion mode, respectively. In the upregulated metabolites, the main active components of Wuzhimaotao, such as the phenylpropane compounds naringin, bergaptol, hesperidin, and benzofuran, were found. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic data analysis showed that four and one of the most relevant pathways were over enriched in positive and negative ion mode, respectively. In the relationship between metabolites and DEGs, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism play an important role. This indicates that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism may be the main metabolic pathways regulated by hydrogen water. Our transcriptome analysis showed that most of the DEGs with |log2FC| ≥ 1 are transcription factor genes, and most of them are related to plant hormone signal transduction, stress resistance, and secondary metabolism, mainly phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and metabolism. This study provides important evidence and clues for revealing the botanical effect mechanism of hydrogen and a theoretical basis for the application of hydrogen agriculture in the cultivation of Chinese herbal medicine.