Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LACTIC ACIDOSIS INDUCED BY MANUAL RESTRAINT FOR HEALTH EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF TWO POINT-OF-CARE ANALYZERS IN HEALTHY LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES (CARETTA CARETTA)

Abstract: Sea turtles are often restrained manually for brief periods during veterinary evaluation and care in rescue, rehabilitation, research, and aquarium settings. Blood gas values and lactate are routinely evaluated during triage of sea turtles, and lactate clearance is of prognostic significance in cold-stunned individuals. Although increases in blood lactate have been associated with muscle exertion, experimental forced submergence, trawl and pound net capture, and general anesthesia, changes in blood lactate associated with short periods of manual restraint have not been evaluated. Venous blood gas and lactate values were tested in 16 juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) before and after manual restraint for a 15-min routine veterinary examination. The agreement of blood lactate values between two point-of care analyzers (i-STAT and Lactate Plus) was also compared. Blood pH and bicarbonate (HCO3–) decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) increased significantly (P < 0.0001) after 15 min. Lactate increased significantly between time points for both analyzers (P < 0.0001). Linear regression analysis showed excellent correlation for lactate measurements obtained on both analyzers (r = 0.998). The mean difference in lactate concentrations between the analyzers was statistically significant, indicating that the methods cannot be used interchangeably (P < 0.0001). Deming regression and Bland-Altman plots identified a slight negative proportional bias for lactate measurement by the Lactate Plus compared with the i-STAT. These results suggest that clinicians should evaluate blood gas values and lactate at the beginning of health evaluations and interpret serial lactate values in sea turtles with caution, because even short periods of manual restraint can induce lactic acidosis and considerably influence these values.
The role of trustworthiness in social media influencer advertising: Investigating users’ appreciation of advertising transparency and its effects

Abstract When social media influencers (SMIs) post sponsored content, it should be recognizable as such. However, there is no European Union-wide legislation governing sponsorship transparency, and monitoring practices differ significantly across member states. In Romania, where we conducted our study, such regulations are only just emerging, and there are weak monitoring policies regarding advertising disclosure on SMI branded posts. In this study, we examined how two different types of advertising disclosure commonly used on Instagram are likely to affect consumers’ behavioral outcomes, such as purchase intention and intention toward the SMI, mediated by the activation of conceptual persuasion knowledge (CPK), via negative affect and the trustworthiness of the SMI. We conducted a three-level between-subjects online experiment (N=248), manipulating the absence versus the presence of advertising, which came in one of two types, brand-unspecific (#ad, #sponsoredpost) and brand-specific (paid partnership with [brand]). Considering the mediation path via the trustworthiness of the SMI, findings suggest that the paid partnership disclosure had positive outcomes for purchase intention and intention toward the SMI.
Quasistatic analysis of cylindrical coplanar waveguide with multilayer dielectrics

CAD-oriented analytic formulas are given for calculating the quasistatic parameters of the cylindrical CPW with three dielectrics. The effects of the dielectric materials on the quasistatic characteristics are investigated by using conformal mapping techniques. The calculated results are compared with those obtained for a corresponding planar CPW and a cylindrical CPW with a single dielectric. The curvature effects on the quasistatic characteristics are discussed. Moreover, the present expressions can also be extended to the cylindrical CPW with multilayer dielectrics. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 8: 303–314, 1998.
Expert Systems With Applications

Chest imaging can represent a powerful tool for detecting the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Among the available technologies, the chest Computed Tomography (CT) scan is an effective approach for reliable and early detection of the disease. However, it could be difficult to rapidly identify by human inspection anomalous area in CT images belonging to the COVID-19 disease. Hence, it becomes necessary the exploitation of suitable automatic algorithms able to quick and precisely identify the disease, possibly by using few labeled input data, because large amounts of CT scans are not usually available for the COVID-19 disease. The method proposed in this paper is based on the exploitation of the compact and meaningful hidden representation provided by a Deep Denoising Convolutional Autoencoder (DDCAE). Specifically, the proposed DDCAE, trained on some target CT scans in an unsupervised way, is used to build up a robust statistical representation generating a target histogram. A suitable statistical distance measures how this target histogram is far from a companion histogram evaluated on an unknown test scan: if this distance is greater of a threshold, the test image is labeled as anomaly, i.e. the scan belongs to a patient affected by COVID-19 disease. Some experimental results and comparisons with other state-of-the-art methods show the effectiveness of the proposed approach reaching a top accuracy of 100% and similar high values for other metrics. In conclusion, by using a statistical representation of the hidden features provided by DDCAEs, the developed architecture is able to differentiate COVID-19 from normal and pneumonia scans with high reliability and at low computational cost.
A dispersion formula satisfying recent requirements in microstrip CAD

A dispersion formula epsilon /sup *//sub eff/(f)= epsilon /sup */-( epsilon /sup */- epsilon /sup *//sub eff/(0))/(1+(f/f/sub 50/)/sup m/), for the effective relative permittivity epsilon /sup *//sub eff/(f) of an open microstrip line is derived for computer-aided design (CAD) use. The 50% dispersion point (the frequency f/sub 50/ at which epsilon /sup *//sub eff/(f/sub 50/)=( epsilon /sup */+ epsilon /sup *//sub eff/(0))/2)) is used a normalizing frequency in the proposed formula, and an expression for f/sub 50/ is derived. To obtain the best fit of epsilon /sup *//sub eff/(f) to the theoretical numerical model, the power m of the normalized frequency in the proposed formula is expressed as a function of width-to-height ratio w/h for w/h>or=0.7 and as a function of w/h, f/sub 50/, and f for w/h >
An image sensor with an in-pixel demodulation function for detecting the intensity of a modulated light signal

An image sensor with an in-pixel demodulation function for detecting modulated light is proposed and demonstrated. The pixel has two floating diffusion regions, one of which stores charges produced by static illumination, and the other stores charges produced by both static and modulated illumination. By subtracting the two outputs, images produced only by the modulated illumination can be obtained. Based on the proposed circuit, an image sensor with 64 /spl times/ 64 pixels is fabricated using a 0.6 /spl mu/m two-poly three-metal CMOS technology. Using this sensor, we successfully demonstrate the extraction of the modulated component of images under constant illumination conditions. In addition, for the application of motion capture, we demonstrate that a marker, which is a modulated light source, can be extracted from a captured image under several light conditions by using this sensor. Finally, means of improving the characteristics of charge transfer efficiency are discussed.
Equivalent lateral force method for buildings with setback: adequacy in elastic range

Static torsional provisions employing equivalent lateral force method (ELF) require that the earthquake-induced lateral force at each story be applied at a distance equal to design eccentricity () from a reference resistance centre of the corresponding story. Such code torsional provisions, albeit not explicitly stated, are generally believed to be applicable to the regularly asymmetric buildings. Examined herein is the applicability of such code-torsional provisions to buildings with set-back using rigid as well as flexible diaphragm model. Response of a number of set-back systems computed through ELF with static torsional provisions is compared to that by response spectrum based procedure. Influence of infill wall with a range of opening is also investigated. Results of comprehensive parametric studies suggest that the ELF may, with rational engineering judgment, be used for practical purposes taking some care of the surroundings of the setback for stiff systems in particular.
Phased Array Synthesis Using Modified Particle Swarm Optimization

In this paper, a linear phased array is synthesized to produce a desired far field radiation pattern with a constraint on sidelobe level and beamwidth. The amplitude of the excitation current of each individual array element is optimized to give desired sidelobe level and beamwidth. A modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with a novel inertial weight variation function and modified stochastic variables is used here. The performance of the modified PSO is compared with standard PSO in terms of amount of iterations required to get desired fitness value and convergence rate. Using optimized excitation amplitudes, the far field radiation pattern of the phased array is analyzed to verify whether the design criterions are satisfied.
Coupled Microstrip Lines on a Cylindrical Substrate

The characterization of quasi-static and frequency-dependent coupled microstrip lines on a cylindrical substrate is presented in this article. The dyadic Green's function is involved for the full-wave analysis, and the dispersive properties are determined by solving a pair of coupled Fourier summation equations with the Galerkin method. It is shown that the transverse current component effect becomes significant when the odd mode is characterized. Careful numerical treatment reveals the transverse current behavior when the lines are tightly coupled.
Determination of spatial CD signatures on photomasks

The production process of photo-masks for memory devices is highly demanding since homogeneity of mask parameters plays a pivotal role for the overall mask quality. Spatially homogeneous mask designs - which are dominant on memory devices - should in the best case be transferred into a mask exhibiting the same homogeneous behavior. This means that CD deviations from the mean should ideally bear no systematic signature but at most some random noise. However, many steps in the mask production process can introduce spatial correlations so that CD deviations are not only stochastically distributed over the mask but exhibit a pronounced signature. Thus, the determination and quantification of these deviations is crucial for a) assessing the mask quality and b) driving process improvements to remove CD signatures. The most common data analysis method for separating signatures from noise is to average over a number of samples. Unfortunately, due to the nature of mask manufacturing often there is only one sample available. In this paper we propose the technique of Thin Plate Spline Smoothing for the determination and quantification of the CD signature of a given single mask. This analysis is complemented by two statistical tests which assess the fit quality by analyzing the residual for normality and correlations.
X Chromosome Inactivation Pattern and Pregnancy Outcome of Female Carriers of Pathogenic Heterozygous X-Linked Deletions

Prenatal risk assessment of carriers of heterozygous X-linked deletion is a big challenge due to the phenotypic modification induced by X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Herein, we described four Chinese pedigrees with maternal-inherited X-deletions above 1 Mb. The pathogenic evaluation revealed that all X-deletions are harmful to heterozygous carriers; however, the asymptomatic pregnant female carriers in these families tremendously complicate the prognostic assessment of the unborn heterozygous embryos. In this study, we detected the XCI pattern of 11 female carriers of heterozygous X-linked deletions and 4 non-carrier females in these families and performed the first prenatal XCI pattern analysis in a fetal female carrier of heterozygous PCDH19-deletion to make risk prediction. In an adult female who lost one copy of the terminal of X chromosome short arm (Xp), a region enriching a large number of XCI escapees, the expression level of representative XCI escape genes was also detected. Pregnancy outcomes of all families were followed up or retrospected. Our research provides clinical evidence that X-deletions above 1 Mb are indeed associated with extremely skewed XCI. The favorable skewed XCI in combination with potential compensatory upregulation of XCI escapees would protect some but not all female carriers with pathogenic X-deletion from severe clinical consequences, mainly depending on the specific genetic contents involved in the deletion region. For PCDH19-disorder, the XCI pattern is considered as the decisive factor of phenotype expression, of which prenatal XCI assay using uncultured amniocytes could be a practicable way for risk prediction of this disease. These results provide valuable information about the usage of XCI assay in the prenatal risk assessment of heterozygous X-linked deletions.
A Cross-Sectional Survey to Assess Biorisk Management System in Research and Diagnostic Laboratories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Financial, cultural, and managerial hurdles have made biosafety and biosecurity measures difficult in resource-constrained countries like Pakistan. Because of increasing awareness of biorisk management, diagnostic and research laboratories have made major advances in biosafety and biosecurity in the recent decade. As a result, identifying and addressing gaps in biorisk management has never been more critical. The purpose of this study was to assess the current situation of personal protective equipment (PPE), biosafety behavior, waste management, biosafety and biosecurity measures, training and safety, and health services in diagnostic and research laboratories across Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. We adapted the WHO Laboratory Assessment tool (2012) and CWA 15793 (Biorisk management guidelines) for conducting a cross-sectional survey, which was distributed among various laboratories in KP. The survey included 30 laboratories, including 11 diagnostic and 19 research laboratories. In comparison to diagnostic laboratories, biorisk management practices in research laboratories were better in terms of PPE, biosafety behavior, waste management, biosafety measures, biosecurity measures, trainings, and safety and health services. KP laboratories' biorisk management practices have improved over time, according to our findings. However, we were able to identify inadequacies that would require considerable improvements to the current setups based on the WHO and CWA 15793 recommendations. Organizations can tailor their biosafety measures and training to address identified gaps using the presented KP snapshot.
Involving Young People in Healthy Ageing: A Crucial Facet to Achieving the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)

Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom, 2 Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom, 3 Young Professionals Programme, Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER), Brussels, Belgium, 4 Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands, 5 Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States, 6 Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, 7 International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), Copenhagen, Denmark, 8 Atlantes Global Observatory for Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, Office of the Director-General, World Health Organization, Genève, Switzerland, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
Age- and Sex-Related Topological Organization of Human Brain Functional Networks and Their Relationship to Cognition

Age and sex associated with changes in the functional brain network topology and cognition in large population of older adults have been poorly understood. We explored this question further by examining differences in 11 resting-state graph theory measures with respect to age, sex, and their relationships with cognitive performance in 17,127 United Kingdom Biobank participants (mean = 62.83 ± 7.41 years). Age was associated with an overall decrease in the effectiveness of network communication (i.e., integration) and loss of functional specialization (i.e., segregation) of specific brain regions. Sex differences were also observed, with women showing more efficient networks, which were less segregated than in men (FDR adjusted p < 0.05). The age-related changes were also more apparent in men than in women, which suggests that men may be more vulnerable to cognitive decline with age. Interestingly, while network segregation and strength of limbic network were only nominally associated with cognitive performance, the network measures collectively were significantly associated with cognition (FDR adjusted p ≤ 0.002). This may imply that individual measures may be inadequate to capture much of the variance in the neural activity or its output and need further refinement. The complexity of the organization of the functional brain may be shaped by the age and sex of an individual, which ultimately may influence the cognitive performance of older adults. Age and sex stratification may be used to inform clinical neuroscience research to identify older adults at risk of cognitive dysfunction.
Identifying Edaphic Factors and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Metrics Driving Wildlife Mortality From Anthrax in Kenya’s Wildlife Areas

Anthrax, an acute disease of homeotherms caused by soil-borne Bacillus anthracis is implicated in dramatic declines in wildlife mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Anthrax outbreaks are often localized in space and time. Therefore, understanding predictors of the spatial and temporal occurrence of anthrax in wildlife areas is useful in supporting early warning and improved response and targeting measures to reduce the impact of epizootic risk on populations. Spatial localization of anthrax is hypothesized to be driven by edaphic factors, while the temporal outbreaks are thought to be driven by extreme weather events including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and drought. Here, we test the role of select edaphic factors and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) metrics driven by vegetation structure and climate variability on the spatial and temporal patterns of wildlife mortality from anthrax in key wildlife areas in Kenya over a 20-year period, from 2000 to 2019. There was a positive association between the number of anthrax outbreaks and the total number of months anthrax was reported during the study period and the nitrogen and organic carbon content of the soil in each wildlife area. The monthly occurrence (timing) of anthrax in Lake Nakuru (with the most intense outbreaks) was positively related to the previous month’s spatial heterogeneity in NDVI and monthly NDVI deviation from 20-year monthly means. Generalized linear models revealed that the number of months anthrax was reported in a year (intensity) was positively related to spatial heterogeneity in NDVI, total organic carbon and cation exchange capacity of the soil. These results, examined in the light of experimental studies on anthrax persistence and amplification in the soil enlighten on mechanisms by which these factors are driving anthrax outbreaks and spatial localization.
Early Initiation of Temozolomide Therapy May Improve Response in Aggressive Pituitary Adenomas

Introduction Aggressive pituitary adenomas (APAs) are, by definition, resistant to optimal multimodality therapy. The challenge lies in their early recognition and timely management. Temozolomide is increasingly being used in patients with APAs, but evidence supporting a favorable response with early initiation is lacking. Methods This was a single-center study of all patients with APAs who received at least 3 cycles of temozolomide (150–200 mg/m2). Their baseline clinico-biochemical and radiological profiles were recorded. Immunohistochemical evaluation for cell-cycle markers O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), MutS homolog 6 (MSH6), MutL homolog 1 (MLH1), and postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2) was performed, and h-scores (product of the number of positive cells and staining intensity) were calculated. Response was assessed in terms of radiological response using the RECIST criteria. Patients with controlled disease (≥30% reduction in tumor volume) were classified as responders. Results The study comprised 35 patients (48.6% acromegaly, 37.1% prolactinomas, and 14.3% non-functioning pituitary adenomas). The median number of temozolomide (TMZ) cycles was 9 (IQR 6–14). Responders constituted 68.6% of the cohort and were more likely to have functional tumors, a lower percentage of MGMT-positive staining cells, and lower MGMT h-scores. There was a significantly longer lag period in the initiation of TMZ therapy in non-responders as compared with responders (median 36 vs. 15 months, p = 0.01). ROC-derived cutoffs of 31 months for the duration between diagnosis and TMZ initiation, low-to-intermediate MGMT positivity (40% tumor cells), and MGMT h-score of 80 all had a sensitivity exceeding 80% and a specificity exceeding 70% to predict response. Conclusion Early initiation of TMZ therapy, functional tumors, and low MGMT h-score predict a favorable response to TMZ in APAs.
An Investigation of Behavioural and Self-Reported Cognitive Empathy Deficits in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Adolescents With Behavioural Difficulties

Deficits in empathy have been considered hallmarks in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) but are also considered to underlie antisocial behaviour associated with individuals with callous unemotional traits (CU). Research has suggested that individuals with autism spectrum disorders show more difficulties with cognitive empathy, and that individuals diagnosed with behaviours difficulties, characterised by CU traits and antisocial behaviour, demonstrate low affective empathy. In the current manuscript we present findings of two studies. The first study describes the validation of a new stimulus set developed for the empathic accuracy task, focused on its cognitive component. The second study compares the performance of 27 adolescents with ASD, 27 age matched typically developing adolescents and 17 adolescents with behavioural difficulties on the empathic accuracy task and a self-report measure of empathy. While, no differences were observed between the three groups across the empathy accuracy task, the adolescents with ASD and CD showed deficits in their cognitive empathy across the self-report measure. Adolescents with ASD showed lower scores in particularly their perspective taking abilities, whereas the adolescences with behavioural difficulties showed more difficulties with their online simulation. No differences in self-reported affective empathy across the three groups were observed. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.