Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partner intrinsic characteristics influence foraging trip duration, but not coordination of care in wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans

Abstract Long‐lived monogamous species gain long‐term fitness benefits by equalizing effort during biparental care. For example, many seabird species coordinate care by matching foraging trip durations within pairs. Age affects coordination in some seabird species; however, the impact of other intrinsic traits, including personality, on potential intraspecific variation in coordination strength is less well understood. The impacts of pair members' intrinsic traits on trip duration and coordination strength were investigated using data from saltwater immersion loggers deployed on 71 pairs of wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans. These were modeled against pair members' age, boldness, and their partner's previous trip duration. At the population level, the birds exhibited some coordination of parental care that was of equal strength during incubation and chick‐brooding. However, there was low variation in coordination between pairs and coordination strength was unaffected by the birds' boldness or age in either breeding stage. Surprisingly, during incubation, foraging trip duration was mainly driven by partner traits, as birds which were paired to older and bolder partners took shorter trips. During chick‐brooding, shorter foraging trips were associated with greater boldness in focal birds and their partners, but age had no effect. These results suggest that an individual's assessment of their partner's capacity or willingness to provide care may be a major driver of trip duration, thereby highlighting the importance of accounting for pair behavior when studying parental care strategies.
Performance of immunochromatographic and immunoenzymatic techniques in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Cameroon: need for harmonization

Introduction in order to contribute to the improvement of the management of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Cameroon, performance of two techniques commonly used in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was evaluated. Methods a total of 541 pregnant women were recruited from seven hospitals in two Regions of Cameroon, of which 63% (341: Batch1) were from health facilities (HF) using a immunochromatographic technique (ICT) as a screening test for toxoplasmosis, and 37% (200: Batch2) from those using an immunoenzymatic technique (IEZ). On each sample, Ig (Immunoglobulin) G (IgG) and IgM were tested by three techniques: a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), an Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and a Vidas Enzyme-linked fluorescent assay taken as reference (VIDAS/ELFA). The results from the health facilities were recorded. Results for the IgG assay, our two laboratory methods were sensitive (96.0% and 97.5%) and specific (64.2% and 59.7%). Their concordance rates with the VIDAS/ELFA reference were above 60% (P<0.001). Moreover, for the IgM assay, the performances of the two methods were equivalent: Se= 18.2%, Sp= 99.4% with a low concordance rate (Kappa = 0.24). Considering the results provided by the selected hospitals, the ELISA used in Batch2 showed similar performances to the two techniques used in reference lab while the performances were low for the RDT used in Batch1. Conclusion both methods showed similar performances (good for (IgG) and poor for IgM). However, for the immunochromatographic method, differences in performance were found between our results and those provided by the selected health facilities. These differences suggest a harmonization of diagnostic techniques for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Cameroonian health facilities.
EVALUATION OF THE MANIFESTATION OF AGROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS IN A COLLECTION OF BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL (LOTUS CORNICULATUS L.)

The plain grasslandsin Western Romania are real germplasm reservoirs for Birdsfoot trefoil. The Birdsfoot trefoil occupies all the gaps in the natural meadows, where other legumes fail because it has a great capacity to adapt to harsh conditions. Wild Birdsfoot trefoil populations, from the grassland flora, are reservoirs of genes with tolerance to environmental factors, resistance to diseases and pests. In this context, the paper aims to evaluate the genetic potential of some populations of trefoil, obtained from seeds harvested from the spontaneous flora of the plain grasslandsof Western Romania, in terms of important quantitative features, which will have a theoretical basis for obtaining new varieties. Birdsfoot trefoil populations analyzed in the paper come from seed harvested in natural grasslandsin the plains of the Banatregion,in WesternRomania. The seeds were sown in vegetation pots and in the spring of 2019 the plants were transplanted in the field. In this study,all data on the main characteristics analyzed were obtained in the second year of culture (2020). Birdsfoot trefoil analyzed populations fluctuate the studied characters and can be successfully used in breeding programs for creating new varieties. The Lv8population proved promising for its characters: the number of generative shoots per plant, the number of umbels per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant, and the weight of seeds per plant.In the future, plant breeding will require an expansion of the genetic base to meet the challenges posed by climate change and the need to ensure food security,which requires the use of more local people in raising the productive level of Birdsfoot trefoil culture.
Validity of a Smartphone Application in Calculating Measures of Heart Rate Variability

The purpose of the current study was to determine the concurrent validity of the Elite HRV smartphone application when calculating heart rate variability (HRV) metrics in reference to an independent software criterion. A total of 5 minutes of R–R interval and natural log of root mean square of the successive differences (lnRMSSD) resting HRV data were simultaneously collected using two Polar H10 heart rate monitors (HRMs) in both the seated and supine positions from 22 participants (14 males, 8 females). One H10 HRM was paired with a Polar V800 watch and one with the Elite HRV application. When no artifact correction was applied, significant, but small, differences in the lnRMSSD data were observed between the software in the seated position (p = 0.022), and trivial and nonstatistically significant differences were observed in the supine position (p = 0.087). However, significant differences (p > 0.05) in the lnRMSSD data were no longer identifiable in either the seated or the supine positions when applying Very Low, Low, or Automatic artifact-correction filters. Additionally, excellent agreements (ICC3,1 = 0.938 − 0.998) and very strong to near-perfect (r = 0.889 − 0.997) relationships were observed throughout all correction levels. The Elite HRV smartphone application is a valid tool for calculating resting lnRMSSD HRV metrics.
A Multi-state Piecewise Exponential Model of Hospital Outcomes after Injury

Abstract To allow more accurate prediction of hospital length of stay (LOS) after serious injury or illness, a multi-state model is proposed, in which transitions from the hospitalized state to three possible outcome states (home, long-term care, or death) are assumed to follow constant rates for each of a limited number of time periods. This results in a piecewise exponential (PWE) model for each outcome. Transition rates may be affected by time-varying covariates, which can be estimated from a reference database using standard statistical software and Poisson regression. A PWE model combining the three outcomes allows prediction of LOS. Records of 259,941 injured patients from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample were used to create such a multi-state PWE model with four time periods. Hospital mortality and LOS for patient subgroups were calculated from this model, and time-varying covariate effects were estimated. Early mortality was increased by anatomic injury severity or penetrating mechanism, but these effects diminished with time; age and male sex remained strong predictors of mortality in all time periods. Rates of discharge home decreased steadily with time, while rates of transfer to long-term care peaked at five days. Predicted and observed LOS and mortality were similar for multiple subgroups. Conceptual background and methods of calculation are discussed and demonstrated. Multi-state PWE models may be useful to describe hospital outcomes, especially when many patients are not discharged home.
Association of polymorphisms rs2303729, rs10880, and rs1131620 of LTBP4 with sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background Latent TGFβ binding protein 4 (LTBP4) modifies skeletal muscle function, and polymorphisms in this gene have been associated with a longer ambulation time in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, no studies associate these polymorphisms with an acquired muscle condition. Aim The study aims to determine whether three functional variants within the LTBP4 were associated with sarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subjects and methods We performed an analysis with 144 elderly individuals with T2DM, including 101 without sarcopenia and 43 with sarcopenia. Polymorphism frequency was determined by real-time PCR allelic discrimination TaqMan assay. Results Under different genetic models, the univariant analysis did not show a significant association of any polymorphism with sarcopenia. But the multivariate model analysis showed that variant rs1131620 (OR 7.852, 95% CI 1.854-33.257, p = 0.005) was significantly associated with sarcopenia under a dominant model. Under the same analysis, the variants rs2303729 and rs10880 had a more discrete association (OR 3.537 95% CI 1.078-11.607, p = 0.037; OR 5.008, 95% CI 1.120-22.399, p = 0.035, respectively). Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of studying LTBP4 polymorphisms associated with sarcopenia. These findings suggest that the rs1131620 polymorphism of the LTBP4 may be part of the observed sarcopenia process in patients with T2DM.
Influence of the Polymerization Modes on the Methacrylic Acid Release from Dental Light-Cured Materials—In Vitro Study

The study focuses on the problem of lowering the pH around a composite filling concerning the polymerization modes and methacrylic acid release, which may affect not only the oral health but also the whole organism. A total of 90 specimens (30 of each: Filtek Bulk Fill, Evetric and Riva LC) were placed in 90 sterile hermetic polyethene containers with saline and incubated at 37 °C. Ten samples of each material were light-cured for 40 s with one of the three curing modes: full power mode (FPM), ramping mode (RM) and pulse mode (PM). The pH and methacrylic acid release evaluation were performed at the following time points: after 2 h and after 3, 7, 21 and 42 days from the specimen preparation. Regardless of light-curing mode, all used materials were characterized by a gradual elevation in methacrylic acid concentration. Only for Filtek Bulk Fill, increased methacrylic acid release was closely associated with lower pH. The choice of the polymerization mode has no significant influence on the methacrylic acid release. However, further research about composite light-curing is necessary to create the procedure algorithm, reducing the local and systemic complications associated with composite fillings.
Active materials by four-dimension printing

We advance a paradigm of printed active composite materials realized by directly printing glassy shape memory polymer fibers in an elastomeric matrix. We imbue the active composites with intelligence via a programmed lamina and laminate architecture and a subsequent thermomechanical training process. The initial configuration is created by three-dimension (3D) printing, and then the programmed action of the shape memory fibers creates time dependence of the configuration—the four-dimension (4D) aspect. We design and print laminates in thin plate form that can be thermomechanically programmed to assume complex three-dimensional configurations including bent, coiled, and twisted strips, folded shapes, and complex contoured shapes with nonuniform, spatially varying curvature. The original flat plate shape can be recovered by heating the material again. We also show how the printed active composites can be directly integrated with other printed functionalities to create devices; here we demonstrate this by cr.
Application of HoloLens‐based augmented reality and three‐dimensional printed anatomical tooth reference models in dental education

Tooth anatomy is fundamental knowledge used in everyday dental practice to reconstruct the occlusal surface during cavity fillings. The main objective of this project was to evaluate the suitability of two types of anatomical tooth reference models used to support reconstruction of the occlusal anatomy of the teeth: (1) a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed model and (2) a model displayed in augmented reality (AR) using Microsoft HoloLens. The secondary objective was to evaluate three aspects impacting the outcome: clinical experience, comfort of work, and other variables. The tertiary objective was to evaluate the usefulness of AR in dental education. Anatomical models of crowns of three different molars were made using cone beam computed tomography image segmentation, printed with a stereolithographic 3D‐printer, and then displayed in the HoloLens. Each participant reconstructed the occlusal anatomy of three teeth. One without any reference materials and two with an anatomical reference model, either 3D‐printed or holographic. The reconstruction work was followed by the completion of an evaluation questionnaire. The maximum Hausdorff distances (Hmax) between the superimposed images of the specimens after the procedures and the anatomical models were then calculated. The results showed that the most accurate but slowest reconstruction was achieved with the use of 3D‐printed reference models and that the results were not affected by other aspects considered. For this method, the Hmax was observed to be 630 μm (p = 0.004). It was concluded that while AR models can be helpful in dental anatomy education, they are not suitable replacements for physical models.
Dispersive effects in laser ablation plasmas

The dynamics of transient plasmas generated by high-fluence nanosecond laser ablation has been investigated by recording the ionic current with a Langmuir probe. Systematic measurements have been carried out on a plasma produced in vacuum by Nd:YAG laser irradiation of a copper target. The temporal evolution of the ionic current for different fluences was investigated, revealing the presence of some periodic oscillations. A theoretical model is proposed in order to describe the nonlinear behavior of the expanding plasma by assuming that the motion curves of the ablated particles are fractals. The behaviors predicted by the proposed theoretical model are in good agreement with the experimental findings.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a Border Collie: a case report

A 2-year-old spayed female Border Collie presented with visual deficits and behavioral changes. Neurological examination revealed bilateral menace response deficit with a normal pupil light reflex. Cerebral cortical thinning, cerebral sulci and cerebellar fissure widening, ventriculomegaly, and cerebral atrophy were observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histopathology revealed fluorescent lipopig-ment accumulation in the cerebrum, and the dog was diagnosed with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. This is the first case report describing the changes in clinical signs, MRI findings, and histopathologic
Kinematic analysis of forearm rotation using four-dimensional computed tomography

This study aimed to quantify forearm kinematics with a focus on the forearm rotation axis. Ten healthy volunteers were included in the study. One three-dimensional computed tomographic scan and two four-dimensional computed tomographic scans were done in all the arms to capture forearm joint motion. After image processing, the rotation axis and the movement of the radius with respect to various axes were quantified. The rotation axis was calculated using finite helical axis analysis and a circle fitting approach. The mean error of the rotation axis found through circle fitting was 0.2 mm (SD 0.1) distally and 0.1 mm (SD 0.1) proximally, indicating an improvement in precision over the finite helical axis approach. The translations of the radius along the ulnar axis and the forearm rotation axis were 2.6 (SD 0.8) and 0.6 mm (SD 0.9), respectively. The rotation of the radius around the radial axis was 7.2°. The techniques presented provide a detailed description of forearm kinematics.
Depressive Symptoms and Control of Emotions among Polish Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that substantially affects women’s health. It is particularly diagnosed in young patients. Women with PCOS are burdened with excessive weight gain, overweight and obesity (74%) compared to a healthy female population. Excessive weight influences psychological state and emotional well-being, whereas in the meantime, psychological and behavioral dysfunction is increasingly being diagnosed among patients with PCOS. Aim: To assess depressive symptoms and emotional control among women with PCOS in relation to BMI. Methods: The study was conducted among 671 self-reported PCOS women. The standardized Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive disorders. Emotion control was assessed using the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS). Results: Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were more common in PCOS women with abnormal BMI compared to normal BMI subjects (p < 0.01). In total, 27.1% of obese women had moderate depression and 28.8% had severe depression. Among overweight women, 19.9% suffered from moderate and 25% from severe depressive symptoms. Underweight women also reported moderate (25.6%) and severe (33.3%) depressive signs. There were no statistically significant differences between the body weight of the women studied and the CECS scores. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are more common in women with PCOS and abnormal BMI than in women with PCOS and proper BMI. The severity of depressive symptoms increases with BMI, but underweight women with PCOS are also at risk of depressive disorders. The level of suppression of negative emotions is independent of BMI in women with PCOS.
An Improved Design and Rating Analyses of Counter Flow Wet Cooling Towers

Cooling towers are one of the largest heat and mass transfer devices that are in common use. In this paper, we present a detail model of counter flow wet cooling towers. The authenticity of the model is checked by experimental data reported in the literature. The values of number of transfer units (NTU) and tower effectiveness (e) obtained from the model were compared with the commonly described models. Appreciable difference in NTU and e values is found if the resistance to heat transfer in the water film and non-unity of Lewis number is considered in the calculations. The results demonstrate that the errors in calculating the tower effectiveness could be as much as 15 percent when considering the effect of air-water interface temperature. A procedure for the use of the model in designing and rating analyses of cooling towers is demonstrated through example problems. The limiting performance of the cooling towers; that is effectiveness equal to one, is explained in terms of air-approach temperature. The model is also used for obtaining the maximum possible mass-flow rate ratio of water-to-air, for different operating conditions.
Large-eddy simulation of highly underexpanded transient gas jets

Large-eddy simulations (LES) based on scale-selective implicit filtering are carried out in order to study the effect of nozzle pressure ratios on the characteristics of highly underexpanded jets. Pressure ratios ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 with Reynolds numbers of the order 75 000–140 000 are considered. The studied configuration agrees well with the classical picture of the structure of highly underexpanded jets. Similarities and differences between simulation and experiments are discussed by comparing the concentration field structures from LES and planar laser induced fluorescence data. The transient stages, leading eventually to the highly underexpanded state, are visualized and investigated in terms of a phase diagram revealing the shock speeds and duration of the transient stages. For the studied nozzle pressure ratio range, the Mach disk dimensions are found to be in good agreement with literature data and experimental observations. It is observed how the nozzle pressure ratio influences the Mach disk width, and thereby the slip line separation, which leads to co-annular jets with inner and outer shear layers at higher pressure ratios. The improved mixing with increasing pressure ratio is demonstrated by the probability density functions of the concentration. The coherent structures downstream of the Mach disk are identified using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The structures indicate a helical mode originating from the shear layers of the jet. Despite the relatively low energy content of the dominant POD modes, the frequencies of the POD time coefficients explain the dominant frequencies in the pressure fluctuation spectra.
Application of An Improved Grey Neural Network in Grain Yield Prediction

Grain yield presents a complex nonlinear relationship with variables, and takes on randomness and mutability. It is hard to describe the prediction model with traditional linear model. Grey model can be used to process samples with great stochastic volatility. In this paper, we propose to use the grey neural network to predict the grain yield. Experiments are carried out on the beans yield, rice yield and corn yield respectively to evaluate the prediction performance. The promising experimental results validate the effectiveness of our prediction model. Keywords-grey neural network; grey model; grain yield prediction
Optical studies of multiply excited states

Optical studies of multiply-excited states are reviewed with emphasis on emission spectroscopy. From optical measurements, properties such as excitation energies, lifetimes and autoionization widths can be determined with high accuracy, which constitutes a challenge for modern computational methods. This article mainly covers work on two-, three- and four-electron systems, but also sodium-like quartet systems. Furthermore, some comments are given on bound multiply-excited states in negative ions. Fine structure effects on transition wavelengths and lifetimes (autoionization) are discussed. In particular, the most recent experimental and theoretical studies of multiply-excited states are covered. Some remaining problems, which require further attention, are discussed in more detail.