Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survival Patterns of Human Prion Diseases in Spain, 1998–2018: Clinical Phenotypes and Etiological Clues

Background Human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders of short duration. There are few studies on TSE survival. This study sought to analyze the survival and related factors of a TSE patient cohort, based on a nationwide surveillance system in Spain. Methods Survival analyses were performed on 1,530 cases diagnosed across the period 1998–2018 in Spain. We calculated median survival times and plotted survival curves using the Kaplan–Meier method for all cases and for sporadic TSE (sTSE) and genetic TSE (gTSE). Crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify variables associated with shorter survival. Findings Median age at onset decreased from the sporadic forms to gTSE and, lastly, to acquired TSE. Overall median and interquartile range (IQR) survival time was 5.2 (IQR, 3.0–11.7) months and 4.9 (IQR, 2.8–10.8) months in sporadic cases and 9 (IQR, 4.9 to over 12) months in genetic cases, p < 0.001. Male sex, older age at onset, presence of 14-3-3 protein, typical MRI, and MM and VV polymorphisms at codon 129 were associated with shorter survival. gTSE showed higher survival in crude comparisons but not after adjustment. Interpretation TSE survival in Spain replicates both the magnitude of that shown and the TSE entity-specific population patterns observed in Western countries but differs from features described in Asian populations, such as the Japanese. The reduction in differences in survival between gTSE and sTSE on adjusting for covariates and international patterns might support the view that gTSE and sTSE share causal and pathophysiological features.
Ketagihan Penggunaan Internet Di Kalangan Remaja Sekolah Tingkatan 4 Di Bandaraya Johor Bahru

Penggunaan internet semakin meluas sehinggakan ada beberapa pihak yang mengalami ketagihan yang agak membimbangkan terutama remaja sekolah. Oleh itu, kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti tahap dan punca ketagihan penggunaan Internet dikalangan remaja sekolah tingkatan 4 di bandaraya Johor Bahru. Kajian ini juga ingin mengenalpasti tujuan sebenar dan jenis penggunaan Internet yang kerap diakses oleh remaja sekolah. Kesan penggunaan Internet yang berlebihan turut juga dikenalpasti. Satu set soal selidik yang terdiri daripada tiga bahagian digunakan sebagai instrumen kajian. Kaedah pensampelan rawak digunakan dengan melibatkan 265 orang pelajar dari 3 buah sekolah terpilih. Data kajian dipersembahkan dalam bentuk deskriptif seperti frekuensi, skor min dan peratusan dengan menggunakan perisian Statistical Package For Social Science (SPSS Versi 15.0). Di samping itu, beberapa ujian statistik seperti ujian-t, korelasi Pearson, dan tabulasi silang digunakan untuk mengenalpasti perbezaan dan hubungan beberapa angkubah. Secara keseluruhannya, tahap ketagihan penggunaan Internet bagi pelajar adalah rendah. Terdapat perbezaan signifikan tahap ketagihan penggunaan Internet antara lelaki dan perempuan, begitu juga dengan jenis sekolah mengikut jantina. Terdapat juga korelasi positif antara tahap sosioekonomi ibu bapa dengan tahap ketagihan penggunaan Internet di kalangan pelajar. Laman web yang kerap diakses oleh pelajar adalah laman web rangkaian sosial. Kata kunci: Ketagihan, Penggunaan Internet, Remaja
Development of Ultra-Low Loading of Compressive PT Lattice Cathode Catalyst on Highly Stable Support for PEMFC Automotive Applications

The major barriers in the commercialization of the fuel cell technology for automotive applications are the cost and durability of the Pt catalyst and the support stability at high potentials. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) targets direct hydrogen fuel cell systems for transportation to meet 65% peak-efficiency, 5,000 hour durability with a mass production cost of $40/kW by 2020. Currently in 2015, the system can be operated at peak energy efficiency of 60% for 3,900 hours with cost of $55/kW. To meet these targets, precious metal loadings must be greatly reduced without altering the catalyst stability. The primary objective of this dissertation is to develop highly active and durable hybrid cathode catalysts (HCC) with ultra-low Pt loading for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) through interaction of highly active and stable Pt and compressive Pt-lattice (Pt*) catalyst deposited on catalytically active and highly stable carbon composite catalyst (CCC) support and active carbon composite catalyst (A-CCC) support. The HCC activity is enhanced by by the synergistic effect of catalytic active sites for ORR present in the supports and those in Pt and Pt*. The stability of Pt-based catalyst can be greatly improved by doping with transition metal (TM), which weakens interactions between Pt and adsorbents such as OHads and Hupd. Highly active and durable HCC is developed in this study through: (i) synthesis of highly catalytically active and stable Co-containing CCC and A-CCC supports, (ii) surface functionalization and uniform Pt deposition on CCC and A-CCC supports, (iii) performance optimization of Co-doped Pt catalysts by using protective coating to inhibit particle agglomeration and growth during the pyrolysis step, (iv) optimization of Pt/Co ratio and annealing temperature and (v) chemical leaching to remove excess metal used to dope the support. T The support stability has been enhanced through optimization of: (i) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface, (ii) the support structural properties (amorphous/crystalline ratio), and (iii) the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the supports. During the past five years, the performance and durability of the catalysts were continuously studied. Stability of the catalyst was tested under U. S. DRIVE Fuel Cell Tech Team suggested protocols (a) potential cycling between 0.6 and 1.0 V for 30,000 cycles, (b) potential holding at 1.2 V for 400 h, and (c) potential cycling between 1.0 and 1.5 V for 5,000 cycles. The mass activity, H2-air polarization curve, ECSA, and power density were measured at regular intervals. Detailed results of this work will be discussed in this dissertation.
Relationships between multiple mechanical stiffness assessments and performance in middle-distance runners

1 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 3 1.1. Background . 3 1.2. Study Aims . 5 1.3. Significance of the Study . 6 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ONE . 7 Determining lower-body mechanical stiffness: A review of models and methods 2.
Exploiting Benefits of IRS in Wireless Powered NOMA Networks

We consider an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) wireless-powered NOMA Internet-of-Things (IoT) network, where multiple NOMA IoT devices can communicate with access point (AP) with the aid of IRS. Specifically, IoT devices can harvest energy from a nearby appropriative power station (PS) during the wireless energy transfer (WET) phase through the direct links as well as the reflecting links from IRS. Then, the harvested energy can achieve the wireless information transfer (WIT) during the uplink between IoT devices and AP by adopting NOMA protocol. A novel resource allocation scheme is proposed to maximized the sum throughput of the considered system by jointly optimizing the time allocation factor and phase shift matrices of WET and WIT. The optimization problem is non-convex due to multiple variables. We first transfer this problem into convex function by assuming one of the phase shift matrices fixed, and solve the transferred problem by obtaining closed-form solution. Then, the elements collaborative approximate (ECA) and the manifold space gradient descent (MSGD) algorithms are designed to optimize the phase shift matrix. ECA is iteratively optimizing one element and MSGD is focus on the derivation of a gradient descent over the manifold space. Numerical results indicate the sum throughput enhancement by IRS compared with no IRS, and highlight the advantages of IRS.
Head Tactile Communication

Although tactile applications have been explored heavily in the past decade, use on the head is rare. Army researchers are exploring the possibility of using a head-mounted tactile display to augment visual displays currently used for navigation. Such a tactile display has the potential to decrease the amount of information the user would otherwise process visually by off-loading the navigation task from the visual to the tactile modality while providing soldiers with a covert method of receiving directional information regarding a navigation or sniper detection task.
Nonlinear techniques for source detection and localization in shallow ocean with non-Gaussian noise.

Acoustic waves in water are used to detect or locate targets, measure environmental or target parameters and transmit signals. Although detection and localization of an underwater source (target) have been the primary need in military applications, they have been found many commercial applications as well. In this work, we consider the problem of detection and localization of acoustic sources in the presence of non Gaussian noise. Although assumption of Gaussian distribution for ambient noise provides simplicity and tractability, it is not a valid assumption when a large number of impulses appear in the background noise, such as warm water shallow oceans. Two main sources that contribute to the non Gaussianity of ambient noise are biological noise produced by some marine organisms such as snapping shrimp, and navigation noise. When noise is non Gaussian, the performance of linear signal processing techniques that have been derived based on the assumption of Gaussian noise characteristics degrade. In these cases, nonlinear processing techniques are more effective. We investigate a number of nonlinear methods for detecting and localizing acoustic sources in the presence of highly non Gaussian noise. We present a robust and easily implementable detector based on nonlinear wavelet denoising (NWD) for detection of signals. A class of nonlinear median based transforms has been chosen for denoising since the conventional denoising techniques based on linear wavelet transforms are suitable only for denoising signals in Gaussian noise. The proposed NWD detector offers the following advantages for signal detection in strongly non Gaussian noise: (1) significantly better performance than the matched filter, (2) greater robustness than the optimal detector, (3) moderate computational complexity. Further, we develop a computationally simple algorithm known as SAGE USL, for 3 dimensional (3 D) localization of multiple acoustic sources in shallow ocean. In this algorithm, a hybrid array of sensors composed of a vertical and a horizontal linear array is used. In the SAGE USL algorithm, after a rough estimate of different unknown parameters, a novel SAGE
Six weeks of static apnea training does not affect Hbmass and exercise performance.

PURPOSE Acute apnea is known to induce decreases in oxyhemoglobin desaturation (SpO2) and increases in erythropoietin concentration ([EPO]). This study examined the potential of an apnea training program to induce erythropoiesis and increase hematological parameters and exercise performance. METHODS Twenty-two male subjects were randomly divided into an apnea and control group. The apnea group performed a 6-week apnea training program consisting of a daily series of 5 maximal static apneas. Before and after training, subjects visited the lab on three test days to perform 1) a ramp incremental test measuring V̇O2peak, 2) CO-rebreathing for Hb mass determination and a 3-km time trial and 3) an apnea test protocol with continuous finger SpO2 registration. Venous blood samples were drawn before and 180 minutes after the apnea test for analysis of [EPO]. RESULTS Minimal SpO2 reached during the apnea test protocol was 91 ±7% pre and 82 ±7% post apnea training. The apnea test protocol did not elicit an acute increase in [EPO] (p=0.685) before nor after the training program. Consequently, resting [EPO] (p=0.170), Hbmass (p=0.134), V̇O2peak (p=0.796) and 3-km cycling time trial performance (p=0.509) were not affected either. CONCLUSION The apnea test and training protocol, consisting of 5 maximal static apneas, did not induce a sufficiently strong hypoxic stimulus to cause erythropoiesis and therefore did not result in an increase in resting [EPO], Hbmass, V̇O2peak or time trial performance. Longer and/or more intense training sessions inducing a stronger hypoxic stimulus are probably needed to obtain changes in hematological and exercise parameters.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Influence the Biological Properties of Malignant Tumours via Paracrine Secretion and Exosome Production

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an essential component of the tumour microenvironment. They represent a heterogeneous group of cells that are under the control of cancer cells and can reversely influence the cancer cell population. They affect the cancer cell differentiation status, and the migration and formation of metastases. This is achieved through the production of the extracellular matrix and numerous bioactive factors. IL-6 seems to play the central role in the communication of noncancerous and cancer cells in the tumour. This review outlines the role of exosomes in cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Available data on the exosomal cargo, which can significantly intensify interactions in the tumour, are summarised. The role of exosomes as mediators of the dialogue between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts is discussed together with their therapeutic relevance. The functional unity of the paracrine- and exosome-mediated communication of cancer cells with the tumour microenvironment represented by CAFs is worthy of attention.
Cytokines, chemokines and growth factors profile in human aqueous humor in idiopathic uveitis

To investigate which cytokines, chemokines and growth factors are involved in the immunopathogenesis of idiopathic uveitis, and whether cytokine profiles are associated with. Serum and aqueous humor (AH) samples of 75 patients with idiopathic uveitis were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay. Infectious controls consisted of 16 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis all confirmed by intraocular fluid analyses. Noninfectious controls consisted of 7 patients with Behçet disease related uveitis and 15 patients with sarcoidosis related uveitis. The control group consisted of AH and serum samples from 47 noninflammatory control patients with age-related cataract. In each sample, 27 immune mediators ± IL-21 and IL-23 were measured. In idiopathic uveitis, 13 of the 29 mediators, including most proinflammatory and vascular mediators such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IP-10, TNF-α and VEGF, were significantly elevated in the aqueous humor when compared to all controls. Moreover, IL-17, IP-10, and IL-21, were significantly elevated in the serum when compared to all controls. We clustered 4 subgroups of idiopathic uveitis using a statistical analysis of hierarchical unsupervised classification, characterized by the order of magnitude of concentrations of intraocular cytokines. The pathogenesis of idiopathic uveitis is characterized by the presence of predominantly proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and vascular endothelial growth factor with high expression levels as compared to other causes of uveitis. There are indications for obvious Th-1/ IL21-Th17 pathways but also IL9-Th9 and increased IFN-γ-inducing cytokine (IL12) and IFN-γ-inducible CXC chemokine (IP-10). The combined data suggest that immune mediator expression is different among idiopathic uveitis. This study suggests various clusters among the idiopathic uveitis group rather than one specific uveitis entity.
Effect of Anti-TNF Treatment on Mooren’s Ulcer: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT We present our experience with five patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) agents who were unresponsive to conventional treatment. Additionally, we summarize the current experience with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in Mooren’s ulcer. Purpose To report the efficacy of systemic anti-TNF agents in Mooren’s ulcer. Design Retrospective, consecutive case series. Methods We report on clinical characteristics and outcome of five patients with Mooren’s ulcer with anti-TNF treatment. Results During a mean follow-up of 30 months, relief of symptoms and arrest of corneal melting were observed in all eyes. Systemic corticosteroid treatment could be discontinued or reduced to threshold levels. No patient experienced adverse effects on bDMARDs. Conclusions Our results suggest that bDMARDs are effective in Mooren’s ulcer unresponsive to conventional treatment. This is in line with accumulating evidence in the current literature. Therefore, more targeted immunomodulatory approaches might be an effective first-line therapy in the future.
Effects of a blend of chestnut and quebracho tannins on gut health and performance of broiler chickens

Antimicrobial restrictions prompted the search for cost and biologically effective alternatives to replace antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) in food-producing animals. In addition, the efficacy of this alternatives needs to be contrasted in field/commercial trials under different challenge conditions. However only a few studies describing the impact of tannins or others AGP-alternatives in commercial poultry production conditions are actually available. The aim of the present work is to study how the inclusion of a blend of chestnut and quebracho tannins can affect broiler productive performance and health under commercial conditions. Three experiments with different approaches were conducted: (1) a trial comparing the effects of both additives (tannins vs AGP) on different commercial farms at the same time; (2) the follow-up of one farm during an entire productive year; and (3) an experimental trial using a C. perfringens challenge model in broiler chickens. Although productive results from field trials were similar among treatments, evaluations of gut health indicators showed improvements in the tannins treated flocks. Frequency and severity of intestinal gross lesions were reduced in jejunum (42% vs 23%; p<0.05–1.37 vs. 0.73; p<0.01, respectively) and ileum (25% vs. 10%; p<0.0.5–1.05 vs. 0.58; p<0.01) in tannins treated birds. Results from 16S studies, show that cecal microbiota diversity was not differentially affected by AGPs or tannins, but changes in the relative abundance of certain taxa were described, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. Results from experimental C. perfringens necrotic enteritis showed that tannins treated birds had reduced incidence of gross lesions in jejunum (43.75 vs. 74.19%; p<0.01) and ileum (18.75% vs. 45.16%; p<0.05) compared with control. These results suggest that AGPs can be replaced by tannins feed additives, and contribute in the implementation of antimicrobial-free programs in broilers without affecting health or performance.
Lophionotus parnaibensis, sp. nov. (Semionotiformes, Semionotidae) in the Upper Jurassic of the Parnaíba Basin, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Semionotiformes is a diverse extinct group in Neopterygii. It is well represented in the Mesozoic, occurring in marine and continental strata worldwide. However, some diagnostic characters of Semionotiformes and, in particular, of Semionotidae, have been under debate, due to the description of new taxa or revision of previously known ones. In this paper, we provide a detailed description of the first unequivocal record of Semionotidae from Gondwana, i.e., Lophionotus parnaibensis, sp. nov. from the Pastos Bons Formation, Upper Jurassic, in the Parnaíba Basin, northeastern Brazil. It was included in the genus Lophionotus mainly due to the presence of smooth cranial bones, triangular lateral expansion of antorbital portion of frontal, and ratio length/width of frontals lower than three times. It was recovered as a new species due to a unique combination of characters. This discovery represents the most recent occurrence of the genus, which was previously recorded only in the U.S.A. up to the Early Jurassic.
Influencing Factors of Accounting Practitioners' Acceptance of Mobile Learning

Due to the lack of teaching purpose and planning of mobile learning platform, fragmented learning time, and strong blindness of accounting practitioners, accounting practitioners have insufficient internal motivation to accept mobile learning. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT model), subject factor (absorptive capacity) and object factor (organizational commitment) of accounting practitioners to accept mobile learning were included, and influencing factors of accounting practitioners to accept mobile learning were empirically explored. The results show that overall Cronbach’s ɑ coefficient of the questionnaire is 0.794, indicating that reliability of the questionnaire is good. KMO value is 0.860, which is greater than 0.8, indicating very good data validity. Expected performance, effort performance, social impact and absorptive capacity positively affect accounting practitioners’ willingness to use mobile learning. Facilitation conditions and organizational commitments do not affect accounting practitioners’ willingness to use mobile learning. Results of single-factor analysis of variance show that interactive friendliness of mobile learning platform has a significant difference in accounting practitioners' willingness to use mobile learning. Results of this study have reference value for understanding how new educational technologies affect people in related industries to receive continuing education and to promote lifelong learning by adopting ubiquitous learning.
A Novel Plating System for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Comparison of Hybrid and Traditional Locking Plate Constructs

Background Dorsal plate fixation is commonly used for first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) arthrodesis and plate design continues to evolve. A new staple compression plate (SCP) design attempts to utilize the continuous compression of a nitinol staple across the fusion site while simultaneously providing the stability of a dorsal locked plate. Herein, we compare the radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes of 1st MTPJ joint arthrodesis using 2 dorsal locking plate constructs including a novel SCP construct. Methods Forty-four patients who underwent 1st MTPJ arthrodesis between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. There were 2 group cohorts. Group 1 cohort included 23 patients who received a CrossRoads Extremity SCP, and Group 2 cohort included 21 patients who received a Stryker dorsal locking precontoured titanium plate (LPP). All patients were evaluated with radiographs, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Information System (PROMIS) outcome scores, and Foot Function Index (FFI). Results The complication and union rates did not vary between groups with a fusion rate of 95.7% in the SCP group and 90.5 % in the LPP group. Similarly, we found no significant differences in PROMIS or FFI scores between the SCP and LPP plates. Conclusion Use of either dorsal locking plate construct for 1st MTPJ arthrodesis was associated with high union rates and comparable functional outcomes. As locked plate technology continues to evolve for 1st MTPJ arthrodesis, it is important that clinical outcomes are reported. Levels of Evidence: Level IV