Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Aspergillosis at a Chinese Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Background Aspergillus spp. infection in immunocompromised patients results in increasing morbidity and mortality. This study investigated clinical and microbiological characteristics of aspergillosis in a Chinese tertiary teaching hospital. Methods A total of 114 patients with aspergillosis were included over a 5-year period at Ruijin Hospital. In sum, 114 Aspergillus strains were isolated and identified at species level using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, confirmed by ITS gene region and β-tubulin (BenA) gene sequencing. Sensititre YeastOne was used in vitro to test susceptibility to antifungal drugs: amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, micafungin, anidulafungin, and caspofungin. Results The median age of the patients was 61 (19) years, men accounted for 53.5% (n=61) of the sample, about 64% were immunocompromised, and 36% had underlying diseases. Pulmonary diseases accounted for 27.2%. Aspergillus isolates were mainly isolated from sputum (n=42, 36.8%). Antifungal therapy was administered to 106 (93.0%) patients and voriconazole (n=76, 66.7%) was the most frequently used as empirical therapy. Aspergillus fumigatus (n=69, 60.5%) was the most common species. There was a 73.7% concordance between MALDI-TOF MS and molecular identification. All Aspergillus isolates showed good susceptibility to anidulafungin and caspofungin. Conclusion Immunocompromised patients are an at-risk population for aspergillosis, and voriconazole was used as empirical therapy in Ruijin Hospital, China. A. fumigatus was the predominant Aspergillus species causing aspergillosis, and A. flavus — as non–A. fumigatus species are increasing — the second-leading cause of aspergillosis. Anidulafungin and caspofungin were the most active in vitro against the Aspergillus isolates tested. The MALDI-TOF MS method showed good accuracy for identification of common Aspergillus spp. In vitro antifungal-susceptibility testing is crucially important for decisions on effective therapy with aspergillosis.
The terminal velocity of spheres in Bingham plastics

The terminal velocities of spheres falling in six flocculated china-clay suspensions have been measured, and corrections applied for the retarding effect of the walls of the containing vessel. The drag experienced by a sphere in the Reynolds number range of 250 to 40 000 is explained in terms of an unsheared envelope of the suspension which surrounds the sphere and which decreases in diameter as the velocity increases, disappearing completely at a velocity which depends primarily upon the concentration of the suspension.
Non‐neuronal TRPA1 encodes mechanical allodynia associated with neurogenic inflammation and partial nerve injury in rats

The pro‐algesic transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel, expressed by a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons, has been implicated in various pain models in mice. However, evidence in rats indicates that TRPA1 conveys nociceptive signals elicited by channel activators, but not those associated with tissue inflammation or nerve injury. Here, in rats, we explored the TRPA1 role in mechanical allodynia associated with stimulation of peptidergic primary sensory neurons (neurogenic inflammation) and moderate (partial sciatic nerve ligation, pSNL) or severe (chronic constriction injury, CCI) sciatic nerve injury.
Empirical Formula for Sound Velocity in Liquid Mixtures

An empirical formula V =( R / v ) 3 ={( n A R A + n B R B )/( n A v A + n B v B )} 3 , was derived for the sound velocity in binary liquid mixtures consisting of two component liquids A and B , on the assumption of the linear dependence of the molecular sound velocity R = v V 1/3 ( v =molar volume and V =sound velocity) on concentration (molar fractions n A , n B ) and the additivity of the molar volume. The suffixed quantities correspond to the component liquids. This formula holds true for such mixtures for which the linearity of the molecular sound velocity and the additivity of the molar volume is comparatively good, the mixtures of two hydrocarbons and those of two monovalent alcohols being the examples. The values of the empirical sound velocity were compared with those calculated by this formula for 38 mixtures with comparatively small values of the percentage deviation from linearity of R , and 28 of them showed deviations not larger than 1% in V . Of the 31 liquid mixtures with Δ R / R ≦0.3%, 5 s.
The Role of After Sales Service on Customer Loyalty Mediated by Customer Satisfaction

The development of technology which is increasingly advanced with time is a demand for the development of the times and increasingly complex human needs. This study, among others, examines and analyses the factors in increasing consumer loyalty to after-sales service through customer loyalty. This research was conducted at PT. Tunas Toyota Cilegon Banten with a population of 1102, then the sample used was 150 respondents. The questionnaire method was distributed using an interval scale of 1 strongly disagree to 10 strongly agree. The data analysis technique used SEM PLS. The results of this study indicate the effect of after-sales service on consumer loyalty, the influence of after-sales service on customer satisfaction, the influence of customer satisfaction on consumer loyalty, and customer satisfaction can be a mediation in increasing consumer loyalty.
ITERATIVE SOLUTION TO THE ELECTROMAGNETIC PLANE WAVE SCATTERING BY TWO PARALLEL CONDUCTING ELLIPTIC CYLINDERS

An analytic solution to the problem of a plane electromagnetic wave scattering by two parallel elliptic conducting cylinders is presented using an iterative procedure to account for the multiple scattered field between the cylinders. To compute the higher order terms of the scattered fields, the translation addition theorem for Mathieu functions is implemented to express the field scattered by one cylinder in terms of the elliptic coordinate system of the other cylinder in order to impose the boundary conditions. Scattered field coefficients of various orders are obtained and written in matrix form. Numerical results are obtained for the scattered field in the far zone for different axial ratios, electrical separations and angles of incidence.
Guaranteed computable error bounds for conforming and nonconforming finite element analyses in planar elasticity

We obtain fully computable a posteriori error estimators for the energy norm of the error in second‐order conforming and nonconforming finite element approximations in planar elasticity. These estimators are completely free of unknown constants and give a guaranteed numerical upper bound on the norm of the error. The estimators are shown to also provide local lower bounds, up to a constant and higher‐order data oscillation terms. Numerical examples are presented illustrating the theory and confirming the effectiveness of the estimator. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
B-Cell Responses to Sars-Cov-2 mRNA Vaccines

Most vaccines against viral pathogens protect through the acquisition of immunological memory from long-lived plasma cells that produce antibodies and memory B cells that can rapidly respond upon an encounter with the pathogen or its variants. The COVID-19 pandemic and rapid deployment of effective vaccines have provided an unprecedented opportunity to study the immune response to a new yet rapidly evolving pathogen. Here we review the scientific literature and our efforts to understand antibody and B-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the effect of SARSCoV-2 infection on both primary and secondary immune responses, and how repeated exposures may impact outcomes.
Psychometrics of the Sickle Cell Disease Health-Related Stigma Scale-Short Form

Health-related stigma, a form of devaluation related to a health condition, is common in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Pain is the hallmark symptom of SCD, and health-related stigma is often described during care-seeking for pain management. Few published instruments measure health-related stigma in individuals with SCD. This study builds on the psychometrics of the 30- and 40-item Sickle Cell Disease Health-Related Stigma Scale (SCD-HRSS). In a sample of 197 adults with SCD, the results support the reliability and validity of a 21-item scale, the SCD-HRSS-Short Form, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha reliability of 0.91 and discriminant validity with the PROMIS-29 subscales (anxiety, depressive symptoms, pain interference, physical fatigue, sleep, and role satisfaction). A shorter yet reliable and valid scale may decrease the burden for this underrepresented, minoritized population while still providing important information regarding their experiences of stigmatization.
The spread of the progressive and its ‘future’ use

Numerous factors have been identified as being relevant to the spread of the progressive in Late Modern English. The potential role of the ‘future’ use of the construction (as in I'm flying home next week) has, however, been neglected so far. The present study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the development of the progressive with future time reference since 1750 in British English. The investigation focuses on the question of whether and to what degree the factors at work in the development of the construction coincide with factors relevant to the development of other types of progressives. The analysis demonstrates that the ‘future’ use of the progressive does indeed play a part in the spread of the progressive. Several hitherto unknown factors special to the development of the ‘future’ use of the progressive are also uncovered, among them an increased (and possibly) new use of the construction to express spontaneous decisions.
A scoping review of family-centered interventions in dementia care

Families of persons living with dementia provide varying levels and forms of support to their loved ones and experience changes in familial dynamics, roles, and responsibilities over time. Family-centered care can enable their successful adaptation and participation in meaningful occupations. This scoping review aimed to explore available familycentered interventions for persons living with dementia, with a focus on occupational therapy. Three databases were searched and 31 eligible studies were found. Thirteen family-centered interventions were identified that were mostly multicomponent in nature, of which three involved occupational therapy. These interventions were investigated using a range of study designs and addressed outcomes related to the person with dementia, primary caregiver, and extended social network. With respect to study context, most interventions were developed in the United States and other Western countries with a limited number located in other contexts. The review findings underline the need for developing more family-centered interventions within occupational therapy, particularly for different contexts and cultures, and for translating available interventions to practice.
Differential effects of Usutu and West Nile viruses on neuroinflammation, immune cell recruitment and blood–brain barrier integrity

ABSTRACT Usutu (USUV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses are two closely related Flavivirus belonging to Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup. Evidence of increased circulation of these two arboviruses now exist in Europe. Neurological disorders are reported in humans mainly for WNV, despite the fact that the interaction and effects of viral infections on the neurovasculature are poorly described, notably for USUV. Using a human in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) and a mouse model, this study characterizes and compares the cerebral endothelial cell permissiveness, innate immunity and inflammatory responses and immune cell recruitment during infection by USUV and WNV. Both viruses are able to infect and cross the human BBB but with different consequences. We observed that WNV infects BBB cells resulting in significant endothelium impairment, potent neuroinflammation and immune cell recruitment, in agreement with previous studies. USUV, despite being able to infect BBB cells with higher replication rate than WNV, does not strongly affect endothelium integrity. Importantly, USUV also induces neuroinflammation, immune cell recruitment such as T lymphocytes, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) and was able to infect dendritic cells (DCs) more efficiently compared to WNV, with greater propensity for BBB recruitment. DCs may have differential roles for neuroinvasion of the two related viruses.
Propagation of Smallness and the Uniqueness of Solutions to Some Elliptic Equations in the Plane

In this paper we prove theorems on propagation of smallness and the uniqueness of solutions to some elliptic equations in the plane. We start with analogues of these theorems for harmonic functions and use their quasiinvariance under quasiconformal mappings as well as the connection of considered equations with such mappings.
NATURAL CONVECTION IN A RESERVOIR SIDEARM SUBJECT TO SOLAR RADIATION: A TWO-DIMENSIONAL SIMULATION

The natural convection in a reservoir sidearm subject to solar radiation is investigated numerically. It is revealed that the flow development from an isothermal and stationary state passes through three distinct stages, namely, an initial stage dominated by bottom heating due to the absorption of penetrative radiation there, a transitional stage characterized by the onset of convective instability in a form of rising plumes, and a quasi-steady stage evidenced by a quasi-steady large-scale circulation across the sidearm, which is maintained by a distinct horizontal temperature gradient. The numerical results agree qualitatively with those of a model experiment.
Robust state‐feedback control of stochastic state‐multiplicative discrete‐time linear switched systems with dwell time

Linear discrete‐time switched stochastic systems are considered, where the problems of mean square stability, stochastic l2‐gain and state‐feedback control design are treated and solved. Solutions are obtained for both nominal and polytopic‐type uncertain systems. In all these problems, the switching obeys a dwell time constraint. In our solution, to each subsystem of the switched system, a Lyapunov function is assigned that is nonincreasing at the switching instants. The latter function is allowed to vary piecewise linearly, starting at the end of the previous switch instant, and it becomes time invariant after the dwell. In order to guarantee asymptotic stability, we require the Lyapunov function to be negative between consecutive switchings. We thus obtain Linear Matrix Inequalities conditions. Based on the solution of the stochastic l2‐gain problem, we derive a solution to the state‐feedback control design, where we treat a variety of special cases. Being affine in the system matrices, all the aforementioned solutions are extended to the uncertain polytopic case. The proposed theory is demonstrated by a practical example taken from the field of flight control. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ex-Ante vs. Ex-Post Efficiency in Matching

Various forms of efficiency exist in the context of two-sided matching. Following Hylland and Zeckhauser (1979), an assignment is called ex-post efficient if no other deterministic assignment is improving on it; and ex-ante efficient if no lottery over deterministic assignments is. In the context of the "housing problem," where only one side of the market has preferences, it can be shown that these two notions are equivalent for deterministic assignments, and we show that efficient assignments (either ex-ante or ex-post) maximize a weighted sum of the individual utilities.Surprisingly, this is no longer the case when the two sides of the markets have preferences, in the "marriage problem. " In this case ex-ante efficiency implies ex-post efficiency, but the converse fails: there are assignments that are ex-post efficient that are not ex-ante efficient. To explain this, we show that in the marriage problem, ex-ante efficient assignments still maximize a weighted sum of the individual utilities; but ex-post efficient assignments maximize a weighted sum of the minimum of the utilities of the partners across a pair. The results obtained in this paper offer a new perspective on the bridge (and the gap) between Transferable Utility (TU) and Non-Transferable Utility (NTU) matching models.
Large Sample Theory for $U$-Statistics and Tests of Fit

Let $X_{ni}, i = 1, \cdots, n$ be i.i. d. random variables on an arbitrary measurable space $(\mathscr{X}, B)$. Suppose $\mathscr{L}(X_{ni}) = Q_{n1}, i = 1, \cdots, n$ and let $P_0$ be a fixed probability measure on $(\mathscr{X}, B)$. We consider limiting distribution theory for $U$-statistics $T_n = n^{-1} \sum_{i \neq j} Q(X_{ni}, X_{nj})$ (1) under conditions which imply the product measures $Q_n = Q_{n1} \times \cdots \times Q_{n1}, n$ times, are contiguous to the product measures $P_n = P_0 \times \cdots \times P_0, n$ times, and (2) for kernels $Q$ which are symmetric, square-integrable $(\int Q^2(\bullet, \bullet) dP_0 \times P_0 < \infty)$ and degenerate in a certain sense $(\int Q(\bullet, t)P_0(dt) = 0 \mathrm{a.e. } (P_0))$. Applications to chi-square and Cramer-von Mises tests for a simple hypothesis and Cramer-von Mises tests for the case when parameters have to be estimated, are given. A tail sensitive test for normality is introduced.
Microbiome-Targeted Therapies as an Adjunct to Traditional Weight Loss Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective This study evaluated the effect of microbiome-targeted therapies (pre-, pro-, and synbiotics) on weight loss and other anthropometric outcomes when delivered as an adjunct to traditional weight loss interventions in overweight and obese adults. Methods A systematic review of three databases (Medline [PubMed], Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) was performed to identify randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020, that evaluated anthropometric outcomes following microbiome-targeted supplements in combination with dietary or dietary and exercise interventions. The pooled mean difference (MD) between treatment and control groups was calculated using a random effects model. Results Twenty-one trials with 1233 adult participants (76.4% female) with overweight or obesity were included. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for probiotics (n=11 trials) and synbiotics (n=10 trials) on each anthropometric outcome; prebiotics were excluded as only a single study was found. Patient characteristics and methodologies varied widely between studies. All studies incorporated some degree of caloric restriction, while only six studies included recommendations for adjunct exercise. Compared with dietary or dietary and exercise interventions only, probiotics resulted in reductions in body weight (MD: −0.73 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.02 to −0.44, p < 0.001), fat mass (MD: −0.61 kg; 95% CI: −0.77 to −0.45; p<0.001) and waist circumference (MD: −0.53 cm; 95% CI: −0.99 to −0.07, p=0.024) while synbiotics resulted in reductions in fat mass (MD: −1.53 kg; 95% CI: −2.95 to −0.12, p=0.034) and waist circumference (MD: −1.31 cm; 95% CI: −2.05 to −0.57, p<0.001). Conclusion This analysis indicates that microbiome-targeted supplements may enhance weight loss and other obesity outcomes in adults when delivered as an adjunct to dietary or dietary and exercise interventions. Personalized therapy to include microbiome-targeted supplements may help to optimize weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.
Automated image analysis of keratin 7 staining can predict disease outcome in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that obstructs the bile ducts and causes liver cirrhosis and cholangiocarcinoma. Efficient surrogate markers are required to measure disease progression. The cytokeratin 7 (K7) load in a liver specimen is an independent prognostic indicator that can be measured from digitalized slides using artificial intelligence (AI)‐based models.
Stand-Density Effects on Aboveground Carbon Dynamics in Secondary Pinus and Quercus Forests of Central USA

Temperate forests play an important role in the sequestration and storage of carbon. We evaluated the long-term effects of manipulating stand density on aboveground live tree carbon dynamics and volume production for separate pine (Pinus spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.) forests of central USA. For both species groups, stand-level carbon storage in standing live trees was greatest without management, with unthinned pine plateauing around 100 Mg/ha of carbon at approximately 50 years old and the oak stands increasing to around 100 Mg/ha of carbon by about 80 years old. In the pine stands, stand-level carbon sequestration was greatest in stands that were thinned but maintained fully stocked conditions. Consequently, the gross carbon that accumulated during the study period, which included standing carbon in live trees and carbon from trees that were harvested or otherwise died, was maximized when stand stocking was maintained at an average of around 80% stocking during the study period. These results were compatible with the production of sawtimber volume, which was greatest for stands that were maintained in fully stocked but not overstocked conditions. Our results demonstrate that thinning can be a forest management strategy to achieve multiple objectives, including those for carbon management and sawtimber production. Study Implications: Our results support stand-density management (i.e., thinning) as a forestry practice compatible with carbon objectives and more traditional objectives of timber production. Aboveground carbon stored in live trees was greatest without thinning, but gross production and sequestration rates were greatest when stand density was maintained in fully stocked but not overstocked conditions. Active forest management during stand development can provide managers with the flexibility to address multiple objectives and may be used with other carbon management practices such as extended rotations or continuous canopy cover, particularly in the central and northeastern United States where forests are generally aging uniformly throughout the region.
Effects of calibration factors and intensity dependent non-linearity on functional photoacoustic microscopy

Functional photoacoustic microscopy is a valuable tool in quantifying hemoglobin oxygenation within single vessels. In several functional studies with this tool, quantitative sO2 measurements were taken both in vitro and in vivo. Although in vitro measurements of sO2 showed high agreement with expected values from premade samples, in practice, in vivo measurements were less accurate. The reported values of 70%-100% sO2 in the arteries present large deviations from the expected range of 95-100%. Several factors, such as fluence wavelength dependence, optical wavelength range, and transducer central frequency have been suggested and investigated in order to understand these discrepancies. Despite additional knowledge of systematic errors arising from such factors, measuring the absolute value of sO2 in vivo remains a challenge. All previous studies assumed linear dependence of the photoacoustic signal on absorption and used the linear least squares model. However, several factors, such as wavelength calibration errors, photodiode-wavelength dependence, and intensity dependent non-linearity, all of which may have a significant effect on the final calculation, have not been investigated. Here we evaluate both in vitro and in vivo the effects on sO2 measurements of photodiode wavelength dependence, laser wavelength accuracy, and intensity dependent absorption of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. We show that these factors may contribute significantly to the deviations in sO2 calculations in vivo.