Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prph2 mutant knock-in mice recapitulate all features of human central areolar choroidal dystrophy and reveals an aberrant synaptic remodelling and microglial activation

Purpose Central areolar choroidal dystrophy is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive choriocapillaris atrophy and retinal degeneration, usually associated with mutations in the PRPH2 gene. We aimed to generate and characterize a mouse model with the p.Arg195Leu mutation previously described in patients. Methods Heterozygous (Prph2 WT/KI ) and homozygous (Prph2 KI/KI ) mice have been generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce the Arg195Leu mutation. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography and optomotor test at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 20 months of age. The structural integrity of the retinas was evaluated at the same ages using optical coherence tomography. Immuno�uorescence and transmission electron microscope images of the retina were also analyzed.
T he C omputational C omplexity C olumn

In the world of space-bounded complexity, there is a strain of results showing that space can, somewhat paradoxically, be used for multiple purposes at once. Touchstone results include Barrington’s Theorem and the recent line of work on catalytic computing. We refer to such techniques, in contrast to the usual notion of reclaiming space, as reusing space . In this survey we will dip our toes into the world of reusing space. We do so in part by studying techniques, viewed through the lens of a few highlight results, but our main focus will be the wide variety of open problems in the field. In addition to the broader and more challenging questions, we aim to provide a number of questions that are fairly simple to state, have clear practical and theoretical implications, and, most importantly, that a new-comer with little background experience can still sit down and play with for a while.
Comparison and Uncertainty Assessment of CFD Codes for Hypersonic Flow Modeling

: The process of selecting a code for hypersonic simulations is a nontrivial one, especially given the range of CFD software options currently available. In this paper, we give an overview of and compare the codes US3D, SANS, and BuBL to establish their usefulness, limitations, and accuracy. We evaluate state-of-the-art codes that span a range of fidelities, turbulence models, chemistry models, and computational implementations to assess the performance of the codes and the uncertainty associated with their heat flux predictions. A sample transitional, flat plate, experimental case is used for analysis and comparison. Uncertainty metrics for each code are found to be similar for both the laminar and turbulent regions. However, greater uncertainty is found for the turbulent region. Further code considerations including runtime and required expertise are discussed as well. In general, this paper serves as a framework for code comparisons by setting quantitative methodologies for experimental and numerical uncertainty assessments.
Modeling Management-Relevant Urban Forest Stand Characteristics to Optimize Carbon Storage and Sequestration

Urban forests are an essential part of adaptation and mitigation solutions for climate change. To understand the relationship between carbon storage, sequestration, and stand density in the most heavily-managed aspect of the urban forest—street trees—we modified the parameters and algorithms of a rural forest dynamics model, the perfect plasticity approximation (PPA), to reflect urban street tree conditions. The main changes in the new street tree PPA are the maintenance of a prescribed stand density via management of recruitment, the possibility of crown-roof overlap, and increased mortality rates. Using the street tree PPA, we explored overall productivity, crown allometry relative to stem diameter, and mortality rate to test each mechanism’s impact on urban street tree carbon storage and sequestration across a gradient of prescribed stand density, with the goal of finding conditions in which street tree carbon storage and sequestration are optimized. We compared the qualitative trends in storage from the street tree PPA to those found in the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban Forest Inventory Analysis data. We found that carbon storage and sequestration increase with prescribed density up to a point where carbon storage and sequestration saturate. Optimized carbon storage and sequestration result from a stand with high productivity, maximized crown allometry relative to stem diameter, and a low mortality rate. These insights can be used to inform urban street tree maintenance strategies that effectively increase carbon storage and sequestration within a given city, such as focusing afforestation campaigns on adequate areas with the lowest street tree densities.
Assessing the Protective Role of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) against Water-Pipe Smoke-Induced Toxicity: A Comparative Study on Gene Expression and Histopathology

Exposure to water-pipe smoking, whether flavored or unflavored, has been shown to instigate inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. This consequently results in alterations in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes. This study aimed to scrutinize the impact of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—a key active component of green tea—on inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice exposed to water-pipe smoke. The experimental setup included a control group, a flavored water-pipe smoke (FWP) group, an unflavored water-pipe smoke (UFWP) group, and EGCG-treated flavored and unflavored groups (FWP + EGCG and UFWP + EGCG). Expression levels of IL-6, IL1B, TNF-α, CAT, GPXI, MT−I, MT−II, SOD−I, SOD−II, and SOD-III were evaluated in lung, liver, and kidney tissues. Histopathological changes were also assessed. The findings revealed that the EGCG-treated groups manifested a significant decline in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes compared to the FWP and UFWP groups. This insinuates that EGCG holds the capacity to alleviate the damaging effects of water-pipe smoke-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, enhancements in histopathological features were observed in the EGCG-treated groups, signifying a protective effect against tissue damage induced by water-pipe smoking. These results underscore the potential of EGCG as a protective agent against the adverse effects of water-pipe smoking. By curbing inflammation and oxidative stress, EGCG may aid in the prevention or mitigation of smoking-associated diseases.
Prediction of Flux and Rejection Coefficients in the Removal of Emerging Pollutants Using a Nanofiltration Membrane

The removal of three emerging pollutants: carbamazepine, ketoprofen, and bisphenol A, has been studied using the nanofiltration flat sheet membrane NF99HF. The removal efficiencies of the membrane have been evaluated by two system characteristic parameters: permeate flux and rejection coefficient. The influence of two operating variables has been analysed: operating pressure and feed concentration. Before and after the tests with emerging pollutants, the membrane has been characterized by determining its water permeability coefficient and its magnesium chloride rejection coefficient to find out if the removal of emerging pollutants causes membrane fouling. The results show that operating pressure has significant separation effects, obtaining the highest efficiencies at a pressure of 20 bar for pollutant concentrations between 5 and 25 mg/L. Moreover, rejection of ketoprofen was found to be dependent on electrostatic repulsion, while rejection of bisphenol A was significantly affected by adsorption onto the membrane. Finally, the experimental data have been fitted to the solution diffusion model and to the simplified model of Spiegler-Kedem-Katchalsky to predict the behaviour of the nanofiltration membrane in the removal of the tested pollutants. Good agreement between the experimental and predicted carbamazepine and bisphenol A data has been obtained with each model, respectively.
Identification and Profiling Analysis of microRNAs in Guava Fruit (Psidium guajava L.) and Their Role during Ripening

The guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a climacteric fruit with an accelerated post-harvest overripening. miRNAs are small RNA sequences that function as gene regulators in eukaryotes and are essential for their survival and development. In this study, miRNA libraries were constructed, sequenced and analyzed from the breaker and ripe stages of guava fruit cv. Siglo XXI. One hundred and seventy-four mature miRNA sequences from 28 miRNA families were identified. The taxonomic distribution of the guava miRNAs showed a high level of conservation among the dicotyledonous plants. Most of the predicted miRNA target genes were transcription factors and genes involved in the metabolism of phytohormones such as abscisic acid, auxins, and ethylene, as revealed through an ontology enrichment analysis. The miRNA families miR168, miR169, miR396, miR397, and miR482 were classified as being directly associated with maturation, whereas the miRNA families miR160, miR165, miR167, miR3930, miR395, miR398, and miR535 were classified as being indirectly associated. With this study, we intended to increase our knowledge and understanding of the regulatory process involved in the ripening process, thereby providing valuable information for future research on the ripening of guava fruit.
Appraisal hereditary variety and relationship of sago palm ( Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) in Indonesia dependent on explicit articulation quality (Wx qualities) markers

Starch production of sago palm based on physical and chemical properties were observed in a large variation in the previous study. The important gene markers used for the assessment of the genetic variation and relationships which is related to the starch production is wx gene markers. The generating data based on the Wx gene markers were described in 8 alleles and 14 genotypes on sago palm in Indonesia. The sizes of alleles range from 100 to 700 bp. Many vernacular names were given by local people where the population is located. However it has different names, but it is genetically the same. The vernacular names do not accurately describe the types of the sago palm. The genetic relationships of sago palm were observed in a higher variation in the level of individual sampling stages, then followed by the populations sampling and the islands sampling stages. Sago palm samples were clustered into four groups in the level of individuals, three groups in the level of populations, and two groups in the level of islands. The existence of the specific genotypes in both population, Serui in the Papua islands and Palopo in the Sulawesi islands are considered to be germplasm resources. The Papua islands have the largest genotype; therefore, it is proposed to be the center of genetic diversity of sago palm in Indonesia.
European Journal of Educational Research

: The significance of speaking English has been emphasized in Malaysia education. However, speaking problems such as lack of enthusiasm and poor speaking performance emerge among ESL pupils. To resolve this, an online board g ame “Flippity” is implemented in online speaking lessons. This paper aims to explore the usefulness of the online board game “Flippity” to impr ove speaking skills among elementary pupils who are in Year 5 as well as to inv estigate pupils’ perceptions towar ds the use of the online board game “Flippity”. The study employed a quasi -experimental mixed method design to collect data from thirty Year 5 pupils from a Chinese primary school. Data was collected through speaking pre-test and post-test, semi-structured interview and questionnaire. The results indicated a significant improvement in pupils’ speaking skills in terms of accuracy, fluency, range, interaction and coherence. Pupils also displayed preferences and positive attitude in learning to speak while pla ying “Flippity”. Further studies are recommended to be done on how “Flippity” could be exploited when learning other language skills such as listening, reading, w riting and grammar.
Experimental Investigation on Dowel Laminated Timber Made of Uruguayan Fast-Grown Species

This study aims to evaluate the structural behaviour of dowel laminated timber (DLT) made of fast-growing pine and eucalyptus lamellae and different dowel diameters. Shear tests on dowelled connections and four-point bending tests on structural size panels were performed, and the slip modulus and bending properties, respectively, were obtained. The bending stiffness and strength of pine panels fastened with guatambú (5.05 and 20.05 kN/mm2) or eucalyptus dowels (5.29 and 17.13 kN/mm2), suggesting that dowel species had no influence on the panel’s bending properties. The analysis of the bending stiffness and strength of eucalyptus panels fastened with 18 mm (11.04 and 44.29 kN/mm2) or with 15 mm dowel diameter (11.06 and 51.50 kN/mm2) indicated that dowel diameter had no substantial influence on the bending properties. Furthermore, the stiffness values of the panels were similar to those of their constitutive individual lamellas, which, in turn, did not comply with the structural requirements of the Uruguayan Standard. Additional analytical results of the effective stiffness using the slip modulus were close to those found in the experimental bending tests. The results from this study are useful in understanding the mechanical behaviour of DLT panels and provide the basis for the improvement of Uruguayan mass timber products.
Constrains encountered by farmers in the production and marketing of tilapia

Tilapia has become one of the major species of aquatic products in close link with both domestic and international markets. Nowadays, the demand for fish and fisheries product has being exacerbated by the continued increase in human population the world over. This was due to the fact that global captured fishery was declining following the increased human exploitation for the commercially important fishes. Aquaculture or fish farming has become one of the solutions to maintaining the continuous supply of fish to commercial markets. China was by far the largest producer and exporter of tilapia products irrespective of some constraints such as soaring production costs, price and weather fluctuations. In the country, tilapia production was mostly carried out in the southern and southeastern coastal areas where subtropical conditions favored the growth and reproduction of the species. This paper reports on production and marketing systems of tilapia in China. Tilapia products produced in China had to pass through different channels before reaching their final consumers. Major international markets for tilapia products produced in China included among others, the United State, European
Brief Report Impact of high baseline Aspergillus -specific IgG levels on weight and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of quantitative baseline Aspergillus -specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum levels on weight changes of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) under antifungal treatment. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients diagnosed with CPA between April 2015 and March 2018 at the National Aspergillosis Centre (Manchester, UK). All patients were on continued antifungal treat-ment for 12 months. Data on Aspergillus -specific IgG levels, St George’s quality of life (SGQoL) variables and weight at baseline, 6 months and 12 months were extracted. We defined a high serum Aspergillus -specific IgG as ≥ 200 mg/l (Group A) and low level < 200 mg/l (Group B). Forty-nine patients (37 male; 12 female), median age 65 years (range: 29–86) were studied. Overall, 33% ( n = 16) of the patients were in Group A. The baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 4 (range: 0–5) and 3 (range: 0–9) for Group A and Group B, respectively ( P = .543). There was a sustained decline in median Aspergillus IgG levels from baseline, through 6 month to 12 months of continues therapy from 170 (range: 20–1110) to 121 (range: 20–1126), and finally 107 (15–937) mg/l, respectively ( P < .001). Group A patients gained more weight at 6 months (9/15 [60%] vs. 7/33 [21%], P = .012) and at 12 months of treatment (9/15 [60%] vs. 7/33 [22%]), and more patients in Group B lost weight ((13/33 [41%] vs. 1/15 [7%]), P = . 015). However, there was no difference in QoL outcomes across groups at 6 ( P = .3) and 12 ( P = .7) months. A very high Aspergillus IgG may confer a higher likelihood of weight gain as a key, objective marker of clinical response, if patients can tolerate 12 months of antifungal therapy.
Teacher Perspectives on Information Sharing and Parent Knowledge of Special Education

: Policy and professional standards shape the way that special education teachers partner with parents. Such partnership is key to engaging parents in the process of special education and can serve as the foundation for collaboration and information sharing. Although the literature describes recommendations for how teachers can provide information to parents, few studies examine what information teachers provide. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate how teachers perceive school information sharing and parents’ knowledge relative to special education. To understand these perspectives, we developed and piloted the Parent Knowledge and Resources in Special Education – Teacher Version survey, with a group of 142 special education teachers. Results indicated that 67.6% of teachers perceived parents to be satisfied or very satisfied with the special education information received from schools. However, teachers had varied perspectives on how well parents understand special education, and the majority (56%) did not feel resources and supports to help parents better understand special education exist. Teachers perceived that schools most frequently encouraged parents to access information through conversations with teachers (75.9%), conversations with school administrators (44.4%), and paper handouts provided by the school (41.9%). Teachers also reported that how well school districts provided information varied by special education topic. We also identify implications of the study results and areas for future research.
Non-Traumatic Abdominal Surgical Emergencies in the Field of HIV: A Series of 22 Cases in the Visceral and Digestive Surgery Department of the Siguiri Prefectural Hospital

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological-clinical and therapeutic aspects of abdominal surgical emergencies on the ground of HIV in the department of visceral and digestive surgery of the prefectural hospital of Siguiri. Method: This was a descriptive prospective study which concerned patients operated on for abdominal surgical emergencies in the field of HIV, carried out in the visceral and digestive surgery department of the Siguiri prefectural hospital. Results: Out of a total of 88 cases of abdominal surgical emergencies operated on during our study, we collected 22 cases on HIV ground, i.e. 25%. The female sex dominated, including 14 women against 8 men, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.6 with an average age of 35 years. Miners were the most affected socio-professional layer, i.e. 31.80%, followed by traders and housewives, i.e. 27.30% each. HIV type I affected 77.27% against 22.73%. There were 41% of our patients who knew their serological status among which 66.66% were on ARV treatment and 33.33% were not on ARV treatment. The symptomatology was dominated by abdominal pain in 100% followed by fever in 77.27%. Appendicitis accounted for 40.09% followed by generalized acute peritonitis in 31.82%. The management was medico-surgical with pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative resuscitation. The average length of hospitalization was 7 days. The postoperative course was favorable in 45.45%, we recorded 36.36% parietal suppuration and the mortality rate was 13.64%. Conclusion: Abdominal surgical emergencies in the field of HIV remain a major health problem in terms of care. The clinical pictures are dominated by acute appendicitis and generalized acute peritonitis.
A Scoping Review of Nursing and Midwifery Activism in the United States

It is often said that modern-day nursing and midwifery was founded on the spirit of activism. Yet, historically, the link between nursing and activism has been inconsistent. Nursing Now USA was created in response to a global campaign launched in 2020 by the World Health Organization to mark the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. A goal of this initiative is education about how contemporary nurses serve as leaders in healthcare in the United States. This article describes the methods and results of a scoping review that sought to explore the current state of the science, key concepts, and operationalization of activism in nursing. The general consensus in the literature is that the profession of nursing has deep roots in activism, but a lack of a clear definition of activism and operationalization in policy, practice, research, and academic settings likely limits active engagement by many nurses. The current state of nurse activism is more subtle, often unseen, and non-confrontational compared to the participation and contribution of nurses from the 1900s to the 1980s. We identified barriers and facilitators to activism in nursing and our discussion includes implications for nursing practice, education, and leadership.
A ﬂ exible symbolic regression method for constructing interpretable clinical prediction models

Machine learning (ML) models trained for triggering clinical decision support (CDS) are typically either accurate or interpretable but not both. Scaling CDS to the panoply of clinical use cases while mitigating risks to patients will require many ML models be intuitively interpretable for clinicians. To this end, we adapted a symbolic regression method, coined the feature engineering automation tool (FEAT), to train concise and accurate models from high-dimensional electronic health record (EHR) data. We ﬁ rst present an in-depth application of FEAT to classify hypertension, hypertension with unexplained hypokalemia, and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) using EHR data for 1200 subjects receiving longitudinal care in a large healthcare system. FEAT models trained to predict phenotypes adjudicated by chart review had equivalent or higher discriminative performance ( p < 0.001) and were at least three times smaller ( p < 1 × 10 − 6 ) than other potentially interpretable models. For aTRH, FEAT generated a six-feature, highly discriminative (positive predictive value = 0.70, sensitivity = 0.62), and clinically intuitive model. To assess the generalizability of the approach, we tested FEAT on 25 benchmark clinical phenotyping tasks using the MIMIC-III critical care database. Under comparable dimensionality constraints, FEAT ’ s models exhibited higher area under the receiver-operating curve scores than penalized linear models across tasks ( p < 6 × 10 − 6 ). In summary, FEAT can train EHR prediction models that are both intuitively interpretable and accurate, which should facilitate safe and effective scaling of ML-triggered CDS to the panoply of potential clinical use cases and healthcare practices.