Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resting Energy Expenditure in Older Inpatients: A Comparison of Prediction Equations and Measurements

Determining energy requirements are an important component of nutritional support for patients with malnutrition; however, the validity of prediction equations for resting energy expenditure (REE) is disputed in older hospitalized patients. We aimed to assess the validity of these equations in older hospitalized patients in Japan. This was a single-center, cross-sectional study of 100 patients aged ≥70 years, hospitalized between January 2020 and December 2021. REE was measured using an indirect calorimeter and was compared to the predicted values calculated from five REE prediction equations. The mean (95% confidence interval) measured REE was 968.1 (931.0, 1005.3) kcal/day, and the mean predicted REE was higher for the FAO/WHO/UNU (1014.3 [987.1, 1041.6] kcal/day, p = 0.164) and Schofield (1066.0 [1045.8, 1086.2] kcal/day, p < 0.001) equations and lower for the Harris-Benedict (898.6 [873.1, 924.1] kcal/day, p = 0.011), Ganpule (830.1 [790.3, 869.9] kcal/day, p < 0.001), and body weight (kg) × 20 (857.7 [821.9, 893.5] kcal/day, p < 0.001) equations. In the age group analysis, none of the predicted values were within a 10% error for more than 80% of patients aged 70–89 years and ≥90 years. The five REE prediction equations did not provide accurate estimates. Validated REE prediction equations need to be developed for older hospitalized patients.
New series of chiral ferroelectric liquid crystals with the keto group attached to the molecule core

Two new series of ferroelectric liquid crystals with a keto group attached to the molecular core and a lactate unit as a chiral centre were synthesized and studied. All the compounds exhibit the paraelectric SmA phase and the ferroelectric SmC* phase over very wide temperature ranges and down to room temperature. The main characteristics of the chiral ferroelectric SmC* phase, namely spontaneous polarization, spontaneous tilt angle, and dielectric constant, have been measured to establish their relationship to the length of the terminal chains. The influence of the chiral and non-chiral chain lengths on the helix pitch length is also discussed.
Unintended Consequences: Testing the Effects of Adolescent-Targeted Anti-Vaping Media upon Adult Smokers.

INTRODUCTION The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other organizations have produced and disseminated public health campaigns designed to deter youth from vaping. Yet it is unknown how these campaigns affect adult smokers exposed to these messages with respect to their perceptions of e-cigarettes and their motivation to use these products to reduce or quit smoking. METHODS A controlled experimental design was used to investigate effects of an FDA-distributed youth-targeted anti-vaping public service announcement (PSA), "Vaping is an Epidemic," upon adult smokers. We randomized 161 daily smokers to view either the FDA PSA or a matched video absent of e-cigarette content, and we hypothesized that the PSA would impact variables related to harm reduction usage of e-cigarettes, including cognitive expectancies, perceived harm, smoking cessation effectiveness, and reported likelihood of switching from smoking to vaping. RESULTS The PSA produced increases in both health risk and potency expectancies. Viewing the PSA compared to the control video resulted in overall more negative expectancies about e-cigarettes and all other variables related to harm reduction usage. Those who viewed the PSA rated e-cigarettes as more harmful (p < .001) and less effective for smoking cessation (p < .01), and they reported lower switching motivation (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Findings indicated that adult smokers who viewed the PSA were less likely to consider e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, thus reducing acceptance of a potential cessation aid with growing empirical support. Sensationalized youth-oriented anti-vaping messages may have unintended public health consequences upon adult audiences. IMPLICATIONS This study is the first controlled experiment examining the effects of youth-oriented anti-vaping PSAs upon adult smokers' cognitive expectancies and beliefs about e-cigarettes. Exposure to the PSA resulted in overall more negative expectancies about e-cigarettes, as well as increased perceived harmfulness and reduced effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. Findings showed that these PSAs could deter adult smokers from utilization of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation or harm reduction strategy.
Sharing Economy and Enhancing Tourist Perceived Value: A Proposed Conception for an Official Timeshare Platform in Egypt

This paper aims at examining the role of sharing economy, especially timeshare service, in enhancing tourist perceived value. The setting for this study has been applied on timeshare owners in various destinations in Egypt. Although timeshare is considered the cornerstone of a profitable destination development, it faces many troubles and a little attention to be well exploited. From this perspective, this study aims at assessing timeshare service as it is widely considered one of the most rapidly growing components of the global tourism economy. The study adopted a multi-dimensional scale to assess perceived value including functional, emotional and social value dimensions. A quantitative analysis of 053 questionnaires distributed among timeshare owners within various tourist destinations (Ain Sokhna, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh) has been applied from May 2022 till August 2022. The findings outlined a strong positive effect of timeshare on tourist perceived value. Furthermore, results showed that platform governance positively affects timeshare service. This study proposes an official timeshare platform in Egypt for a better financial performance and a governmental supervision than traditional timeshare.
Seismic ratcheting of eccentric gravity loaded moment‐resisting frame buildings

Structures may predominantly inelastically deform in a single direction during earthquakes and incur greater damage. This behavior is known as seismic ratcheting and can be caused by eccentric gravity loads. Code clauses were introduced in Canada and New Zealand to amplify displacements obtained from static analysis methods to consider seismic ratcheting effects. However, such clauses are based on analyses of reinforced concrete (RC) wall or single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) structures, and methods to mitigate seismic ratcheting behavior were not explicitly provided. In this study, parametric analyses of steel and RC moment resisting frame buildings were performed to evaluate the adequacy of code clauses, identify parameters which influence seismic ratcheting behavior, and propose methods to mitigate such behavior. It was found that the New Zealand code underestimated the displacement increase for RC buildings, though it was able to envelope the displacement increase for steel buildings while the Canadian code was conservative. Additionally, the displacement increase was found to be sensitive to the building's post‐yield behavior and ground motion properties. However, assumptions of these properties during design may not be reflective of the actual building and seismic conditions, indicating that a reliable estimate of the increase in displacement is difficult to obtain. Instead, employing mitigation measures to reduce seismic ratcheting effects, such as designing to higher seismic demands, adding a secondary structural system to increase the building's post‐elastic stiffness, or providing more balanced lateral strengths after adjusting for eccentric gravity load effects are better measures to counter seismic ratcheting effects caused by eccentric gravity loads.
Transforming Atrial Fibrillation Research to Integrate Social Determinants of Health: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop Report.

Importance Only modest attention has been paid to the contributions of social determinants of health to atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors, diagnosis, symptoms, management, and outcomes. The diagnosis of AF provides unique challenges exacerbated by the arrhythmia's often paroxysmal nature and individuals' disparate access to health care and technologies that facilitate detection. Social determinants of health affect access to care and management decisions for AF, increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes among individuals who experience systemic disadvantages. Developing effective approaches to address modifiable social determinants of health requires research to eliminate the substantive inequities in health care delivery and outcomes in AF. Observations The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened an expert panel to identify major knowledge gaps and research opportunities in the field of social determinants of AF. The workshop addressed the following social determinants: (1) socioeconomic status and access to care; (2) health literacy; (3) race, ethnicity, and racism; (4) sex and gender; (5) shared decision-making in systemically disadvantaged populations; and (6) place, including rurality, neighborhood, and community. Many individuals with AF have multiple adverse social determinants, which may cluster in the individual and in systemically disadvantaged places (eg, rural locations, urban neighborhoods). Cumulative disadvantages may accumulate over the life course and contribute to inequities in the diagnosis, management, and outcomes in AF. Conclusions and Relevance Workshop participants identified multiple critical research questions and approaches to catalyze social determinants of health research that address the distinctive aspects of AF. The long-term aspiration of this work is to eradicate the substantive inequities in AF diagnosis, management, and outcomes across populations.
Emergence of microstructural patterns in skin cancer: a phase separation analysis in a binary mixture

Clinical diagnosis of skin cancers is based on several morphological criteria, among which is the presence of microstructures (e.g. dots and nests) sparsely distributed within the tumour lesion. In this study, we demonstrate that these patterns might originate from a phase separation process. In the absence of cellular proliferation, in fact, a binary mixture model, which is used to represent the mechanical behaviour of skin cancers, contains a cell–cell adhesion parameter that leads to a governing equation of the Cahn–Hilliard type. Taking into account a reaction–diffusion coupling between nutrient consumption and cellular proliferation, we show, with both analytical and numerical investigations, that two-phase models may undergo a spinodal decomposition even when considering mass exchanges between the phases. The cell–nutrient interaction defines a typical diffusive length in the problem, which is found to control the saturation of a growing separated domain, thus stabilizing the microstructural pattern. The distribution and evolution of such emerging cluster morphologies, as predicted by our model, are successfully compared to the clinical observation of microstructural patterns in tumour lesions.
Perspectives on Spatial Econometrics: Linear Smoothing with Structured Models

Though standard spatial econometric models may be useful for specification testing, they rely heavily on a parametric structure that is highly sensitive to model misspecification. The commonly used spatial AR model is a form of spatial smoothing with a structure that closely resembles a semiparametric model. Nonparametric and semiparametric models are generally a preferable approach for more descriptive spatial analysis. Estimated population density functions illustrate the differences between the spatial AR model and nonparametric approaches to data smoothing. A series of Monte Carlo experiments demonstrates that nonparametric predicted values and marginal effect estimates are much more accurate then spatial AR models when the contiguity matrix is misspecified.
Down-regulation of adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells by oscillating high-gradient magnetic fields and mechanical vibration

Nowadays, the focus in medicine on molecular genetics has resulted in a disregard for the physical basis of treatment even though many diseases originate from changes in cellular mechanics. Perturbations of the cellular nanomechanics promote pathologies, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Furthermore, whilst the biological and therapeutic effects of magnetic fields are a well-established fact, to date the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we show that oscillating high-gradient magnetic field (HGMF) and mechanical vibration affect adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by the transmission of mechanical stress to the cell cytoskeleton, resulting in F-actin remodelling and subsequent down-regulation of adipogenic genes adiponectin, PPARγ, and AP2. Our findings propose an insight into the regulation of cellular nanomechanics, and provide a basis for better controlled down-regulation of stem cell adipogenesis by HGMF, which may facilitate the development of challenging therape.
Electron trapping and charge transport by large amplitude whistlers

Trapping of electrons by magnetospheric whistlers is investigated using data from the Waves experiment on Wind and the S/WAVES experiment on STEREO. Waveforms often show a characteristic distortion which is shown to be due to electrons trapped in the potential of the electrostatic part of oblique whistlers. The density of trapped electrons is significant, comparable to that of the unperturbed whistler. Transport of these trapped electrons to new regions can generate potentials of several kilovolts. Trapping and the associated potentials may play an important role in the acceleration of Earth's radiation belt electrons.
Critical dimensions for the plastic relaxation of strained axial heterostructures in free-standing nanowires

We consider strained layers at the top of free-standing nanowires. We show that there exists a radius-dependent critical layer thickness below which no interfacial dislocation should be introduced. This critical thickness becomes infinite for radii less than some critical value, below which arbitrarily thick coherent layers should be obtainable. Implicit equations allowing the calculation of these critical dimensions from material parameters are given. These are derived from an evaluation of the elastic energy stored in the system with a coherent interface, the areal density of which is shown to be much less than in a laterally infinite system.
Nonlinear lenses and their applications

Work on the physics of nonlinear optical lenses is reviewed. The foundations of the theory of optical systems with thin nonlinear lenses are examined. The results of investigations of nonlinear lenses under different conditions of laser excitation are presented and analyzed. The basic applications of nonlinear lenses in optical measurements and for control of laser radiation are discussed.
Depressed Protein Synthesis and Anabolic Signaling Potentiate ACL Tear–Resultant Quadriceps Atrophy

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear (ACLT) leads to protracted quadriceps muscle atrophy. Protein turnover largely dictates muscle size and is highly responsive to injury and loading. Regulation of quadriceps molecular protein synthetic machinery after ACLT has largely been unexplored, limiting development of targeted therapies. Purpose: To define the effect of ACLT on (1) the activation of protein synthetic and catabolic signaling within quadriceps biopsy specimens from human participants and (2) the time course of alterations to protein synthesis and its molecular regulation in a mouse ACL injury model. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Muscle biopsy specimens were obtained from the ACL-injured and noninjured vastus lateralis of young adult humans after an overnight fast (N = 21; mean ± SD, 19 ± 5 years). Mice had their limbs assigned to ACLT or control, and whole quadriceps were collected 6 hours or 1, 3, or 7 days after injury with puromycin injected before tissue collection for assessment of relative protein synthesis. Muscle fiber size and expression and phosphorylation of protein anabolic and catabolic signaling proteins were assessed at the protein and transcript levels (RNA sequencing). Results: Human quadriceps showed reduced phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (–41%) in the ACL-injured limb (P = .008), in addition to elevated phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (+98%; P = .006), indicative of depressed protein anabolic signaling in the injured limb. No differences in E3 ubiquitin ligase expression were noted. Protein synthesis was lower at 1 day (P = .01 vs control limb) and 3 days (P = .002 vs control limb) after ACLT in mice. Pathway analyses revealed shared molecular alterations between human and mouse quadriceps after ACLT. Conclusion: (1) Global protein synthesis and anabolic signaling deficits occur in the quadriceps in response to ACL injury, without notable changes in measured markers of muscle protein catabolism. (2) Importantly, these deficits occur before the onset of significant atrophy, underscoring the need for early intervention. Clinical Relevance: These findings suggest that blunted protein anabolism as opposed to increased catabolism likely mediates quadriceps atrophy after ACL injury. Thus, future interventions should aim to restore muscle protein anabolism rapidly after ACLT.
Correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D/D3 Deficiency and COVID-19 Disease Severity in Adults from Northern Colorado

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States and leads to altered immune function, including T cell and macrophage activity that may impact responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study investigated 131 adults with a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR and 18 adults with no COVID-19 diagnosis that were recruited from the community or hospital into the Northern Colorado Coronavirus Biorepository (NoCo-COBIO). Participants consented to enrollment for a period of 6 months and provided biospecimens at multiple visits for longitudinal analysis. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were quantified by LC-MS/MS at the initial visit (n = 149) and after 4 months (n = 89). Adults were classified as deficient (<30 nM or <12 ng/mL), insufficient (<30–50 nM or 12–20 ng/mL), or optimal (50–75 nM or >20 ng/mL) for 25-hydroxyvitamin D status. Fisher’s exact test demonstrated an association between disease severity, gender, and body mass index (BMI) at baseline. Mixed model analyses with Tukey-Kramer were used for longitudinal analysis according to BMI. Sixty-nine percent (n = 103) of the entire cohort had optimal levels of total 25(OH)D, 22% (n = 32) had insufficient levels, and 9% (n = 14) had deficent levels. Participants with severe disease (n = 37) had significantly lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (total 25(OH)D) when compared to adults with mild disease (p = 0.006) or no COVID-19 diagnosis (p = 0.007). There was 44% of the cohort with post-acute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC) as defined by experiencing at least one of the following symptoms after 60 days’ post-infection: fatigue, dyspnea, joint pain, chest pain, forgetfulness or absent-mindedness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. While significant differences were detected in 25-hydroxyvitamin D status by sex and BMI, there were no correlations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D for those without and without PASC. This longitudinal study of COVID-19 survivors demonstrates an important association between sex, BMI, and disease severity for 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency during acute stages of infection, yet it is not clear whether supplementation efforts would influence long term outcomes such as developing PASC.
Methodological Urban Legends: The Misuse of Statistical Control Variables

The automatic or blind inclusion of control variables in multiple regression and other analyses, intended to purify observed relationships among variables of interest, is widespread and can be considered an example of practice based on a methodological urban legend. Inclusion of such variables in most cases implicitly assumes that the control variables are somehow either contaminating the measurement of the variables of interest or affecting the underlying constructs, thus distorting observed relationships among them. There are, however, a number of alternative mechanisms that would produce the same statistical results, thus throwing into question whether inclusion of control variables has led to more or less accurate interpretation of results. The authors propose that researchers should be explicit rather than implicit regarding the role of control variables and match hypotheses precisely to both the choice of variables and the choice of analyses. The authors further propose that researchers avoid testing models in which demographic variables serve as proxies for variables that are of real theoretical interest in their data.
Assessment of Physicians' Attitude Towards Mental Illness and Integrating Mental Health in Primary Health Care in Fayoum, Egypt

Background: Physicians' attitude towards mental illness is crucial in providing the service and in the feasibility of integrating mental health in primary health care (PHC). Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess PHC physicians' attitudes toward mental illness and integrating mental health services into PHC facilities Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 105 primary health care physicians in Fayoum governorate, Egypt. For data collection, a self-administered questionnaire was used. It covers three themes: the basic characteristics of the physicians, their attitude towards mental illness using the Mental Illness Clinicians’ Attitudes Scale version 4 (MICA 4). and their attitude towards integrating mental health into PHC. Results: The mean MICA score was 44.4 ± 8.1 out of 96. A significant positive attitude was found among those younger than 40 years, females, urban residents, those with no postgraduate degree, and those working in an urban PHC facility. The mean score of attitude towards integrating mental health in PHC was 7.02 ± 2.03 out of 15. The majority of respondents (87.6%) believe in the necessity of integrating mental health in PHC. Conclusion: Physicians' attitude was generally positive regarding mental illness and mental health integration in PHC. Further research is required to identify obstacles in integrating mental health in PHC.
Fuel-Optimal, Low-Thrust, Three-Dimensional Earth-Mars Trajectories

Fuel-optimal three-dimensional trajectories from Earth to Mars for spacecraft powered by a low-thrust rocket with variable speci c impulse capability are presented. The problem formulation treats the spacecraft mass as a state variable, thus coupling the spacecraft design to the trajectory optimization. Gravitational effects of the sun, Earth, and Mars are included throughout an entire trajectory. To avoid numerical sensitivity, the trajectory is divided into segments, each de ned with respect to a different central body. These segments are patched at intermediate time points, with proper matching conditions on the states and costates. The optimization problem is solved using an indirect multiple shootingmethod. Details of trajectories for the outbound legs of crewed missions to Mars, with trip times of 145 and 168 days, are shown. Effects due to variations in the trip time, departure and arrival orbit inclinations, initial fuel mass, and power level are investigated.
Diode laser bar beam shaping by optical path equalization

A beam shaping technique for a high power diode laser bar is presented. This optical design reshapes the highly asymmetric and astigmatic radiation of a high power diode laser bar, equalizing the beam quality in the orthogonal axes without loss of brightness. The optical paths of each sub-beam are equal, realizing the conservation of the beam quality in a system just a third of the size of previous solutions with similar performances. We present the results of a simulation and the production of a prototype for focusing the beam of a QCW bar to a spot size of about 300 µm with an NA of 0.28. The method for the realization of the optical elements is explained in detail.