Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delay-Aware Satellite-Terrestrial Backhauling for Heterogeneous Small Cell Networks

This paper investigates a satellite-terrestrial backhaul framework to enhance efficient data offloading for heterogeneous terminals, including delay-sensitive and delay-tolerant users. In the considered architecture, ground terminals in satellite-terrestrial small cells can access different services via the satellite-terrestrial station (STS) in each cell. The satellite offloads the requested services to corresponding STSs, and each STS provides services to terrestrial terminals via an OFDM-based downlink system. We aim to maximize the sum throughput of all small cells while integrating joint satellite backhaul power allocation and STS downlink resource allocation. The problem is firstly decomposed into two types of subproblems by decoupling the optimization of satellite backhaul capacity and downlink capacity in small cells. Then, to satisfy users’ delay requirements, the downlink STS throughput is maximized over multiple slots, and we propose a two-step algorithm to schedule users during these slots. By taking advantage of a delay-violation parameter, the algorithm iteratively approaches the optimal power and subchannel solution, while guaranteeing the delay requirements. Moreover, to reduce the computational complexity, we propose a greedy-based sub-optimal scheduling algorithm where delay requirements are guaranteed by users’ self-search for favorable resources, aiming at sacrificing the minimum throughput in exchange for the delay performance. Simulation results show our algorithms effectively improve the throughput performance while ensuring the delay constraints, maintaining a well-performed balance between throughput and delay performance.
Estimation of SARS-CoV-2 infection fatality rate by real-time antibody screening of blood donors.

BACKGROUND The pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has tremendous consequences for our societies. Knowledge of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 is needed to accurately monitor the spread of the epidemic and to calculate the infection fatality rate (IFR). These measures may help the authorities to make informed decisions and adjust the current societal interventions. The objective was to perform nationwide real-time seroprevalence surveying among blood donors as a tool to estimate previous SARS-CoV-2 infections and the population based IFR. METHODS Danish blood donors aged 17-69 years giving blood April 6 to May 3 were tested for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M and G antibodies using a commercial lateral flow test. Antibody status was compared between geographical areas and an estimate of the IFR was calculated. The seroprevalence was adjusted for assay sensitivity and specificity taking the uncertainties of the test validation into account when reporting the 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS The first 20,640 blood donors were tested and a combined adjusted seroprevalence of 1.9% (CI: 0.8-2.3) was calculated. The seroprevalence differed across areas. Using available data on fatalities and population numbers a combined IFR in patients younger than 70 is estimated at 89 per 100,000 (CI: 72-211) infections. CONCLUSIONS The IFR was estimated to be slightly lower than previously reported from other countries not using seroprevalence data. The IFR is likely several fold lower than the current estimate. We have initiated real-time nationwide anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveying of blood donations as a tool in monitoring the epidemic.
Efficacy and Safety of Ursodeoxycholic Acid for the Prevention of Gallstone Formation After Gastrectomy in Patients With Gastric Cancer

Key Points Question Can ursodeoxycholic acid administration prevent gallstone formation after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer? Findings In this randomized clinical trial of 521 adults, the use of 300 mg or 600 mg of ursodeoxycholic acid, compared with placebo, resulted in a significantly decreased proportion of patients developing gallstones within 12 months after gastrectomy (5.3% in the 300-mg group, 4.3% in the 600-mg group, and 16.7% in the placebo group). Meaning Ursodeoxycholic acid administration may prevent gallstone formation after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.
PRELIMINARY PHYTO-CHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF METHANOLIC ROOTS EXTRACT OF CLERODENDRUM SERRATUM: ANTIULCER ACTIVITY AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF STOMACH MUCOSA OF WISTAR RATS IN ETHANOL INDUCED ULCER

Different parts of plant contain different constituents, which vary in activity, concentration or purity. The therapeutic potential of Clerodendrum serratum especially antiulcer activity is documented in traditional books and literature. As till date there is no scientific data on antiulcer activity of roots of Clerodendrum serratum. Therefore, the present research work is aimed at evaluating antiulcer potential of the plant data and establish scientific basis for the same. Successive extraction was carried out on the roots of Clerodendrum serratum . Percentage yield of successive extraction were found as 1.65 and 44.27 for petroleum ether and methanol solvent respectively. The phytoconstituents were identified by chemical tests, which showed the presence of various phytoconstituents (carbohydrate, tannin, terpenoid) in methanolic roots extract of Clerodendrum serratum . In ethanol induced model methanolic root extract of Clerodendrum serratum at a dose of (200 mg/kg, p.o) has produced signiﬁcant inhibition of ulcerative lesion by 53.2% as compared to the control group. Rabeprazole significantly decreased number of ulcer, ulcer score and ulcer index as compared to the control value. It showed also significant (p≤0.01) decrease in number of ulcers, ulcer score and ulcer index in ethanol induced ulcer. Ethanol produced reactive species which are responsible for mucosal injury and lipid peroxidation, a free radical mediated process that ultimately destroys lipid membrane. The methanol extract of Clerodendrum serratum roots possess significant antiulcer property in a dose dependent manner by improving gastric mucosal defense mechanism.
Tick infestation (Ixodes) on feral mink (Neovison vison) in central Germany.

Four species of ticks (I. hexagonus, I. rugicollis, I. canisuga, I. ricinus) were found to infest feral American mink (Neovison vison) in central Germany. About 45 % of all investigated mink were infested. The most common tick species on mink was I. hexagonus. The prevalence = infestation extensity (proportion of infested animals) with I. hexagonus was 43.8 %, which is approximately in accordance with the infestation extensity in England and Wales (40 %). The average infestation intensity (number of ticks per infested animal) is 11.0 ticks per infested mink. Two species of ticks were found on 10.9 % of the infested minks. The highest infestation intensity of I. hexagonus found on one mink was 43 larvae plus 7 nymphs. The average infestation intensity of the stages of I. hexagonus was 4.42 females, 5.91 nymphs and 8.26 larvae per mink. In the investigation areas in central Germany the mink is proved to be a frequent host for I. hexagonus. The frequent common wood tick I. ricinus parasitised only rarely on mink.
Scalar Properties in Human Timing: Conformity and Violations

Data from studies of timing in human participants were reviewed with respect to their conformity to the two scalar properties of timing: mean accuracy and the scalar property of variance. Results reviewed were taken from studies of temporal generalization, temporal bisection, discrimination methods, and “classical” timing tasks such as the reproduction, production, and verbal estimation of duration. Evidence for one or both scalar properties was found in many studies, including those using children and elderly participants, but systematic violations were sometimes noted. These violations occurred (a) when very short durations (<100 ms) were timed, (b) in situations in which timing tasks varying in difficulty were compared, (c) when classical timing tasks were employed, and (d) in situations where highly practised observers exhibited unusual patterns of variance. A later section attempted to reconcile some of these violations with an underlying scalar-consistent timing mechanism.
Health and Healthcare Utilization among Asylum-Seekers from Berlin’s LGBTIQ Shelter: Preliminary Results of a Survey

Background: LGBTIQ asylum-seekers face multiple health risks. Yet, little is known about their healthcare needs. In 2016, Berlin opened the only major shelter for LGBTIQ asylum-seekers in Germany. This preliminary study describes health and healthcare utilization by asylum-seekers living in Berlin’s LGBTIQ shelter. To identify particular healthcare needs, we compared our results to asylum-seekers from other shelters. Methods: We surveyed residents of the LGBTIQ shelter and 21 randomly selected shelters in Berlin, using a validated questionnaire in nine languages (n = 309 respondents, including 32 respondents from the LGBTIQ shelter). Bivariate tests and generalized linear mixed models were applied to examine differences in health and healthcare utilization between the two groups. Results: Residents of the LGBTIQ shelter show high rates of chronic and mental illness. They use ambulatory and mental health services more frequently than asylum-seekers from other shelters, including a significantly higher chance of obtaining psychotherapy/psychiatric care in case of need. Emergency room utilization is also higher in the LGBTIQ group. Conclusions: Asylum-seekers from the LGBTIQ shelter face high chronic and mental health burdens. Tailored services in the LGBTIQ shelter help obtain adequate healthcare; they should be scaled up to maximize their potential. Yet, unmet needs remain and warrant further research.
Study of the Functional Brain Connectivity and Lower-Limb Motor Imagery Performance After Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

The use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been related to the improvement of motor and learning tasks. The current research studies the effects of an asymmetric tDCS setup over brain connectivity, when the subject is performing a motor imagery (MI) task during five consecutive days. A brain-computer interface (BCI) based on electroencephalography is simulated in offline analysis to study the effect that tDCS has over different electrode configurations for the BCI. This way, the BCI performance is used as a validation index of the effect of the tDCS setup by the analysis of the classifier accuracy of the experimental sessions. In addition, the relationship between the brain connectivity and the BCI accuracy performance is analyzed. Results indicate that tDCS group, in comparison to the placebo sham group, shows a higher significant number of connectivity interactions in the motor electrodes during MI tasks and an increasing BCI accuracy over the days. However, the asymmetric tDCS setup does not improve the BCI performance of the electrodes in the intended hemisphere.
Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Rich Extract from the Microalga Nannochloropsis Decreases Cholesterol in Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Three-Month Supplementation Study

The aim of this trial is to assess the effect of Almega®PL on improving the Omega-3 Index, cardio-metabolic parameters, and other biomarkers in generally healthy individuals. The benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health are primarily built upon mixtures of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA). Highly purified EPA therapy has proven to be particularly effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but less is known about the benefits of EPA-only supplementation for the general healthy population. Almega®PL is a polar rich oil (>15%) derived from the microalga Nannochloropsis that contains EPA (>25%) with no DHA. Participants (n = 120) were given a capsule of 1 g/day of either Almega®PL or placebo for 12 weeks. Differences in the Omega-3 Index, cardiometabolic markers, and other general health indicators were measured at the baseline, six, and 12 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, Almega®PL supplementation significantly increased the Omega-3 Index and EPA concentration from 4.96 ± 0.90 and 0.82 ± 0.37% at the baseline to 5.75 ± 0.90 and 1.27 ± 0.36 at week 12, respectively. Very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) decreased by 25%, which resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol compared to the placebo. Interestingly, the decrease in VLDL was not associated with an increase in LDL, which seems to be a benefit associated with EPA-only based formulations. Collectively, these results show that Almega®PL provides a natural EPA-only option to increase EPA and manage cholesterol levels in the general population.
A New Cascaded 35-Level Inverter with Reduced Switch Count

This paper proposes a new topology for cascaded 35-level inverters. Higher number of produced levels (35 levels in this paper) improves the quality of output voltage and reduces its Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). For producing 35 levels, the suggested configuration employs less switches than similar structures. This means that the share of each switch in suggested configuration on generating voltage steps is more than that of similar structures. Reduction in switch count leads to reduced driver circuits and finally reduces the complexity, volume, weight and expense of suggested configuration. The fundamental frequency strategy has been applied for switching of proposed topology. The suggested configuration can be employed on supplying low/medium power factor (R-L) loads. The simulation results approve correct operation of suggested configuration.
Size and Fidelity of Home Ranges of Male White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Southern Texas

Abstract We studied size and fidelity of home ranges of adult (≥3.5 years) male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during 2 years in southern Texas. Size of core areas, determined using the 50% fixed-kernel method, averaged 86 ± 14 ha, whereas size of home ranges, determined using the 95% fixed-kernel method, averaged 403 ± 61 ha. Deer shifted centroids of home ranges 363 ± 45 m from year 1 to year 2. Overlap in home ranges averaged 66 ± 2% between years. These data provide additional support that home ranges of adult male white-tailed deer in southern Texas are relatively small and stable. However, the majority of home ranges are larger than most landholdings. Therefore, development of cooperatives among neighboring landowners may be necessary to effectively manage age structure of males.
Factors involved in the stability of isolated β‐sheets: Turn sequence, β‐sheet twisting, and hydrophobic surface burial

We have recently reported on the design of a 20‐residue peptide able to form a significant population of a three‐stranded up‐and‐down antiparallel β‐sheet in aqueous solution. To improve our β‐sheet model in terms of the folded population, we have modified the sequences of the two 2‐residue turns by introducing the segment DPro‐Gly, a sequence shown to lead to more rigid type II′ β‐turns. The analysis of several NMR parameters, NOE data, as well as ΔδCαH, ΔδCβ, and ΔδCβ values, demonstrates that the new peptide forms a β‐sheet structure in aqueous solution more stable than the original one, whereas the substitution of the DPro residues by LPro leads to a random coil peptide. This agrees with previous results on β‐hairpin‐forming peptides showing the essential role of the turn sequence for β‐hairpin folding. The well‐defined β‐sheet motif calculated for the new designed peptide (pair‐wise RMSD for backbone atoms is 0.5 ± 0.1 Å) displays a high degree of twist. This twist likely contributes to stability, as a more hydrophobic surface is buried in the twisted β‐sheet than in a flatter one. The twist observed in the up‐and‐down antiparallel β‐sheet motifs of most proteins is less pronounced than in our designed peptide, except for the WW domains. The additional hydrophobic surface burial provided by β‐sheet twisting relative to a “flat” β‐sheet is probably more important for structure stability in peptides and small proteins like the WW domains than in larger proteins for which there exists a significant contribution to stability arising from their extensive hydrophobic cores.
Interpersonal vs. Non-Interpersonal Cumulative Traumas and Psychiatric Symptoms in Treatment-Seeking Incarcerated Women

ABSTRACT Incarcerated women are at elevated risk of lifetime trauma exposure. Prevalence rates of trauma exposure and how these events relate to specific domains of psychiatric symptomology among this group are lacking. This study hypothesized a greater range of diverse cumulative trauma experiences (CTEs) would be positively associated with psychiatric symptoms in general (depression, PTSD, distress tolerance), but that interpersonal CTEs in particular would be uniquely associated with greater symptoms of guilt and shame. A total of 112 women (87% White, Mage = 34 years) seeking treatment for a history of sexual violence victimization participated in the study. Women incarcerated for nonviolent offenses at two minimum-security prisons completed self-report measures of exposure to diverse traumatic events and internalizing symptoms. On average, participants reported a history of experiencing 5.46 traumatic event types. Total CTEs was significantly associated with all psychiatric variables in the expected direction. While both interpersonal and non-interpersonal CTEs were positively associated with levels of PTSD, depression, and distress intolerance, only interpersonal CTEs were significantly associated with guilt and shame. Traumatic experiences that are interpersonal in nature may confer specific risk for psychiatric symptoms in victims.
COVID-19 Is an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Ischemic Stroke

COVID-19 infection is significantly associated with imaging confirmation of acute ischemic stroke, and patients with COVID-19 should undergo more aggressive monitoring for stroke. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an active worldwide pandemic with diverse complications. Stroke as a presentation has not been strongly associated with COVID-19. The authors aimed to retrospectively review a link between COVID-19 and acute stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of 41 cases and 82 control subjects matched by age, sex, and risk factors. Cases were patients who underwent stroke alert imaging with confirmed acute stroke on imaging between March 16 and April 5, 2020, at 6 hospitals across New York City. Control subjects were those who underwent stroke alertimaging during the same timeframe without imaging evidence of acute infarction. Data pertaining to diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, patient demographics, and risk factors were collected. A univariate analysis was performed to assess the covariate effect of risk factors and COVID-19 status on stroke imaging with positive findings. RESULTS: The mean age for cases and controls was 65.5 ± 15.3 years and 68.8 ± 13.2 years, respectively. Of patients with acute ischemic stroke, 46.3% had COVID-19 infection compared with 18.3% of controls (P = .001). After adjusting for age, sex, and risk factors, COVID-19 infection had a significant independent association with acute ischemic stroke compared with control subjects (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.7–8.9; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that COVID-19 infection is significantly associated with imaging confirmation of acute ischemic stroke, and patients with COVID-19 should undergo more aggressive monitoring for stroke.
Upper Limb’s Injuries in Agriculture: A Systematic Review

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous economic sectors, and it accounts for many accidents and occupational diseases every year. In Italy, about one-third of injuries involve the upper extremity, with long-term consequences for the workers and economic damage for agricultural companies and farms. This systematic review describes upper limb injuries among farmworkers, especially hand injuries, and highlights the main dangerous risk factors. Literature review included articles published in the major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus), using a combination of some relevant keywords. This online search yielded 951 references; after selection, the authors analyzed 53 articles (3 narrative reviews and 50 original articles). From this analysis, it appears that younger male farmers are mostly involved, especially in the harvesting season. The upper limb and hand are often the body parts that sustain most damage as these are mostly involved in driving tractors or tools. The most frequent type of lesions are open wounds, lacerations, fractures, strains, and overexertion lesions. Sometimes, a distracting element (such as mobile phone use, quarrels, working hours load) is present; poor use of protective devices and lack of safety design in tools can also increase the risk of accidents. For these reasons, in the agricultural sector, a system of health promotion and good practices is needed to promote workers’ awareness of the sources of risk, highlight more dangerous situations and apply organizational behavioral measures.
The involvement of achlorophylic algae in the etiopathogenesis of bovine mastitis in a Transylvania area

The algae from Prototheca genus are unicellular achlorophylic microorganisms, demonstrated pathogens for humans and animals. Besides their involvement in the ethiopathogenesis of bovine mastitis, as it is widely accepted (P. zopfii, P. wicherhami, P. moriformis, P. trispora), there are already sufficient arguments about the occurrence of several forms of Prototheca infections in different animal species (skin, eye, enteric, renal and systemic in dog, systemic in rabbits, mice, rats, pigs and deer, cutaneous and systemic in humans). Normal (n=440) and mastitic (n=524) milk samples were collected from 10 farms with lactating cows, situated in the central area of Transylvania. Milk samples were subjected to specific microbiologic investigations. It was isolated a complex microflora, including achlorophylic algae, bacteria and fungi. The algae rapidly developed on agar and Sabouraud medium, at 20-37°C, forming rich gray-white colonies. Microscopic morphological features of certain taxonomic value for Prototheca have been identified, such as the presence of large sporangia (10-30 µm) containing 4-8 daughter cells. Prototheca spp was isolated in 1.36% (X/440) normal milk sample from 3 farms (1.21 to 5.25%) and in 5.15% (X/524) mastitic milk sample from 2 farms (9.65% and 9.37%). In farms with mastitis cases, it was noticed an increase resistance to antibiotic therapy.
Systematic summarization of the expression profiles and prognostic roles of the dishevelled gene family in hepatocellular carcinoma

Dishevelled (DVL) family members are crucial to Wnt‐induced signaling transduction, and their expression is highly correlated with the progression of multiple malignant cancers. However, the expression profiles and exact prognostic values of DVLs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been explored until now.