Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ON SUPERLINEAR p(x)-LAPLACIAN-LIKE PROBLEM WITHOUT AMBROSETTI AND RABINOWITZ CONDITION

Abstract. This paper deals with the superlinear elliptic problem with-out Ambrosetti and Rabinowitz type growth condition of the form:−div(1 + |∇u| p(x) √ 1+|∇u| 2p(x) )|∇u| p(x)−2 ∇u= λf(x,u), a.e. in Ω,u = 0, on ∂Ω,where Ω ⊂ R N is a bounded domain with smooth boundary ∂Ω, λ > 0 isa parameter. The purpose of this paper is to obtain the existence resultsof nontrivial solutions for every parameter λ. Firstly, by using the moun-tain pass theorem a nontrivial solution is constructed for almost everyparameter λ > 0. Then we consider the continuation of the solutions.Our results are a generalization of that of Manuela Rodrigues. 1. IntroductionDuring the last ﬁfteen years, variational problems and partial diﬀerentialequations with various types of nonstandard growth conditions have becomeincreasingly popular. This is partly due to their frequent appearance in ap-plications such as the modeling of electrorheological ﬂuids [1, 12] and imageprocessing [2], but these problems are very interesting from a purely mathe-matical point of view as well.In this paper, we consider the following nonlinear eigenvalue problems forp(x)-Laplacian-like operators originated from a capillary phenomena of thefollowing form:(P)−div(1+
Simulation and Control of the Formation of Ethyl Carbamate during the Fermentation and Distillation Processes of Chinese Baijiu

Baijiu is a popular alcoholic beverage with a long history in China. However, the widespread presence of the ethyl carbamate (EC) carcinogen has raised many food safety concerns. To date, the main precursors of EC and its formation process have not been determined, resulting in difficulty controlling EC in Baijiu. In this study, the main precursors of EC are identified as urea and cyanide during the process of brewing for different flavors of Baijiu, while the dominant stage in which EC formation occurs is during the process of distillation rather than fermentation. In addition, the effects of temperature, pH value, alcohol concentration and metal ions on the formation of EC are confirmed. In the following study, the main precursor of EC is identified as cyanide during the process of distillation, and a combination of optimizing the distillation device and adding copper wire is proposed. Furthermore, the effect of this novel strategy is examined in gaseous reactions between cyanide and ethanol, reducing the concentration of EC by 74.0%. Finally, the feasibility of this strategy is verified in simulated distillations of fermented grains, reducing the formation of EC by 33.7–50.2%. This strategy has great application potential in industrial production.
Multivariate Error Covariance Estimates by Monte-Carlo Simulation for Assimilation Studies in the Pacific Ocean

One of the most difficult aspects of ocean-state estimation is the prescription of the model forecast error covariances. The paucity of ocean observations limits our ability to estimate the covariance structures from model–observation differences. In most practical applications, simple covariances are usually prescribed. Rarely are cross covariances between different model variables used. Here a comparison is made between a univariate optimal interpolation (UOI) scheme and a multivariate OI algorithm (MvOI) in the assimilation of ocean temperature profiles. In the UOI case only temperature is updated using a Gaussian covariance function. In the MvOI, salinity, zonal, and meridional velocities as well as temperature are updated using an empirically estimated multivariate covariance matrix. Earlier studies have shown that a univariate OI has a detrimental effect on the salinity and velocity fields of the model. Apparently, in a sequential framework it is important to analyze temperature and salinity together. For the MvOI an estimate of the forecast error statistics is made by Monte Carlo techniques from an ensemble of model forecasts. An important advantage of using an ensemble of ocean states is that it provides a natural way to estimate cross covariances between the fields of different physical variables constituting the model-state vector, at the same time incorporating the model’s dynamical and thermodynamical constraints as well as the effects of physical boundaries. Only temperature observations from the Tropical Atmosphere–Ocean array have been assimilated in this study. To investigate the efficacy of the multivariate scheme, two data assimilation experiments are validated with a large independent set of recently published subsurface observations of salinity, zonal velocity, and temperature. For reference, a control run with no data assimilation is used to check how the data assimilation affects systematic model errors. While the performance of the UOI and MvOI is similar with respect to the temperature field, the salinity and velocity fields are greatly improved when the multivariate correction is used, as is evident from the analyses of the rms differences between these fields and independent observations. The MvOI assimilation is found to improve upon the control run in generating water masses with properties close to the observed, while the UOI fails to maintain the temperature and salinity structure.
The reality of virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) has become a popular tool for investigating human behavior and brain functions. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether VR constitutes an actual form of reality or is more like an advanced simulation. Determining the nature of VR has been mostly achieved by self-reported presence measurements, defined as the feeling of being submerged in the experience. However, subjective measurements might be prone to bias and, most importantly, do not allow for a comparison with real-life experiences. Here, we show that real-life and VR height exposures using 3D-360° videos are mostly indistinguishable on a psychophysiological level (EEG and HRV), while both differ from a conventional 2D laboratory setting. Using a fire truck, three groups of participants experienced a real-life (N = 25), a virtual (N = 24), or a 2D laboratory (N = 25) height exposure. Behavioral and psychophysiological results suggest that identical exogenous and endogenous cognitive as well as emotional mechanisms are deployed to process the real-life and virtual experience. Specifically, alpha- and theta-band oscillations in line with heart rate variability, indexing vigilance, and anxiety were barely indistinguishable between those two conditions, while they differed significantly from the laboratory setup. Sensory processing, as reflected by beta-band oscillations, exhibits a different pattern for all conditions, indicating further room for improving VR on a haptic level. In conclusion, the study shows that contemporary photorealistic VR setups are technologically capable of mimicking reality, thus paving the way for the investigation of real-world cognitive and emotional processes under controlled laboratory conditions. For a video summary, see https://youtu.be/fPIrIajpfiA.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation delays the onset of hyperglycemia in the RIP-B7.1 mouse model of experimental autoimmune diabetes through multiple immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory responses

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder specifically targeting pancreatic islet beta cells. Despite many efforts focused on identifying new therapies able to counteract this autoimmune attack and/or stimulate beta cells regeneration, TD1M remains without effective clinical treatments providing no clear advantages over the conventional treatment with insulin. We previously postulated that both the inflammatory and immune responses and beta cell survival/regeneration must be simultaneously targeted to blunt the progression of disease. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSC) exhibit anti-inflammatory, trophic, immunomodulatory and regenerative properties and have shown some beneficial yet controversial effects in clinical trials for T1DM. In order to clarify conflicting results, we herein dissected the cellular and molecular events derived from UC-MSC intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) in the RIP-B7.1 mouse model of experimental autoimmune diabetes. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) transplantation of heterologous mouse UC-MSC delayed the onset of diabetes in RIP-B7.1 mice. Importantly, UC-MSC i. p. transplantation led to a strong peritoneal recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) followed by multiple T-, B- and myeloid cells immunosuppressive responses in peritoneal fluid cells, spleen, pancreatic lymph nodes and the pancreas, which displayed significantly reduced insulitis and pancreatic infiltration of T and B Cells and pro-inflammatory macrophages. Altogether, these results suggest that UC-MSC i. p. transplantation can block or delay the development of hyperglycemia through suppression of inflammation and the immune attack.
Pricing futures by deterministic methods*

In this article we will focus on only a small part of financial mathematics, namely the use of partial differential equations for pricing futures. Even within this narrow range it is hard to be systematic and complete, or even to do better than existing books such as Wilmott, Howison and Dewynne (1995), Achdou and Pironneau (2005), or software manuals such as Lapeyre, Martini and Sulem (2010). So this article may be valuable only to the extent that it reflects ten years of teaching, conferences and interaction with the protagonists of financial mathematics. Also, because the theory of partial differential equations is not always well known, we have chosen a pragmatic approach and left out the details of the theory or the proofs of some results, and refer the reader to other books. The numerical algorithms, on the other hand, are given in detail.
Evaluation of Perfusion Change According to Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Duct Dilatation Using Free-Breathing Golden-Angle Radial Sparse Parallel (GRASP) Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Simple Summary Pancreas MRI is used to differentiate pancreas focal lesions by evaluating the enhancement pattern of the focal lesion compared with the adjacent pancreatic parenchyma. Morphologic changes in the pancreas are common as a result of pancreatic cancer and may cause changes in the blood supply (perfusion) to the pancreas. A dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) technique that can obtain MRI images in very short intervals of time (about 2–5 s) was developed, even for the organs that continuously move as a result of breathing. In the present study, we confirm a perfusion change in the pancreas with pancreatic cancer using DCE-MRI, with a longer peak-enhancement time, longer delay time, and higher peak concentration. We also present the correlations between perfusion and morphological changes in the pancreas. DCE-MRI may be helpful to understand the microscopic changes in the pancreatic parenchyma when a disease occurs. Abstract Purpose: To evaluate perfusion changes in the pancreas with pancreatic cancer and pancreatic duct dilatation using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). Method: We evaluate the pancreas DCE-MRI of 75 patients. The qualitative analysis includes pancreas edge sharpness, motion artifacts, streak artifacts, noise, and overall image quality. The quantitative analysis includes measuring the pancreatic duct diameter and drawing six regions of interest (ROIs) in the three areas of the pancreas (head, body, and tail) and three vessels (aorta, celiac axis, and superior mesenteric artery) to measure the peak-enhancement time, delay time, and peak concentration. We evaluate the differences in three quantitative parameters among the ROIs and between patients with and without pancreatic cancer. The correlations between pancreatic duct diameter and delay time are also analyzed. Results: The pancreas DCE-MRI demonstrates good image quality, and respiratory motion artifacts show the highest score. The peak-enhancement time does not differ among the three vessels or among the three pancreas areas. The peak-enhancement time and concentrations in the pancreas body and tail and the delay time in the three pancreas areas are significantly longer (p < 0.05) in patients with pancreatic cancer than in those without pancreatic cancer. The delay time was significantly correlated with the pancreatic duct diameters in the head (p < 0.02) and body (p < 0.001). Conclusion: DCE-MRI can display the perfusion change in the pancreas with pancreatic cancer. A perfusion parameter in the pancreas is correlated with the pancreatic duct diameter reflecting a morphological change in the pancreas.
Clinical pharmacist-initiated assessment and amelioration of appropriate antibiotic use in surgical units at a South Indian tertiary care hospital - A handshake approach.

INTRODUCTION Studies on the appropriateness of antibiotic use among surgical patients are limited in developing countries, notably in India. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the inappropriateness of antibiotic use, demonstrate the impact of clinical pharmacist interventions and determine the predictors of inappropriate use of antibiotics in the surgical units of a South Indian tertiary care hospital. METHODS This was a 1-year prospective interventional study on in-patients of the surgical wards to determine the appropriateness of the prescribed antibiotics by reviewing medical records using available antimicrobial susceptibility test reports and medical evidence. When inappropriateness in antibiotic prescriptions was identified, the clinical pharmacist discussed and conveyed apt suggestions to the Surgeon. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate its predictors. RESULTS Among the 660 antibiotic prescriptions of 614 patients that were followed and reviewed, about 64% were inappropriate. Most inappropriate prescriptions were witnessed in the cases that involved the gastrointestinal system (28.03%). Among the inappropriate cases, 35.29% were attributed to an excessive regimen of antibiotic use which marked the highest. Based on the category of use, most of the antibiotics were used inappropriately as prophylaxis (76.7%) followed by empirical (71.31%). The increase in the percentage of the appropriate use of antibiotics resulting from pharmacist intervention was 95.06%. There was a significant link between inappropriate antibiotic use and the presence of two or three comorbid conditions, the use of two antibiotics, and length of hospital stay of 6-10 days and 16-20 days (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS An antibiotic stewardship program in which the Clinical pharmacist is an integral part along with well-framed institutional antibiotic guidelines must be implemented to assure appropriate antibiotic use.
A blend of thyme and rosemary powders with poultry by-product meal can be used as a natural antioxidant in broilers

A total of 500, 14-d old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated into five treatments (4 replicates each) including: a negative (NC) and positive control diet (PC) which supplemented without and with 7% poultry by-product meal (PBPM), respectively and three levels of additive supplementation of thyme and rosemary powders in the basal diets: 0.750% rosemary powder (PCR); 0.375% thyme powder + 0.375% rosemary powder (PCRT), and 0.750% thyme powder (PCT) rosemary powder. The PCRT diet improved (p <0.05) average daily gain and feed conversion ratio by 5.62 and 10.37% compared to PC, respectively. The serum concentration of lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) was decreased while the ileal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth as well as ileal microbiota population were improved (p <0.05) in response to inclusion PCRT diet compared to PC diet. The blood serum concentration of malondialdehyde was statistically decreased (p <0.05) by supplementation of PCRT in broiler diets. Our results suggested that supplementation of a blend of thyme and rosemary powders at the level of 0.375% of each into broiler diet during d 14-42 has merit to be used as a natural antioxidant in diets formulated by PBPM.
Risk Factors for Mortality in Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Patients with Central Nervous System Complications

Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), which is a newly identified tick-borne bunyavirus, recently named Dabie bandavirus. In rural China, SFTSV or Dabie bandavirus is commonly transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick. In recent years, SFTS has been of great concern due to its high morbidity and mortality. The present study investigated the risk factors for mortality in patients with SFTS complicated by central nervous system involvement. Material/Methods We studied 69 SFTS patients hospitalized between 2013 and 2020. We analyzed the laboratory test results and clinical data through univariate and multivariate regression. Results Neurological complications occurred in 59 patients in the survival group and 10 in the mortality group. No significant gender difference was found between the 2 groups. No significant difference was found in age, hospitalization duration, or occurrence of encephalitis between the 2 groups. The mean duration of hospitalization and course of the disease in the mortality group were significantly shorter than those in the survival group (P<0.01). The mean values of platelet count, potassium, and sodium in the mortality group were significantly lower, while the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and procalcitonin were higher than those in the survival group. Low platelet count and high CK-MB were independent risk factors for mortality in patients. For each unit increase in platelet count, the risk of mortality decreased by 24.2%, and for each unit increase in CK-MB, the probability of mortality increased by 118.6%. Conclusions Decreased platelets and increased CK-MB were independent risk factors for mortality in encephalitis patients. SFTS patients with encephalitis should be monitored for changes in these 2 indicators.
Laser-induced optical breakdown on hard and soft tissues and its dependence on the pulse duration: experiment and model

Threshold values of laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) on the surface of human corneal tissues, human enamel, and bovine brain tissues are presented. The data are obtained by using a regeneratively amplified Nd:YLF laser and a multistage dye laser system, respectively. The measured decrease in threshold fluence at shorter pulse durations is in good agreement with the authors' theoretical model.
Increased Mitochondrial Calcium Fluxes in Hypertrophic Right Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Simple Summary In pulmonary artery hypertension, right ventricular (RV) afterload is increased, which requires the cardiomyocytes to contract with greater force against the additional pulmonary artery pressure. In response, RV cardiomyocytes increase contractile protein content to maintain greater workload, consuming larger amounts of energy (supplied by the mitochondria) on a beat-to-beat basis. Failing hearts have been described as an “engine out of fuel”, but it is unclear how the mitochondria match ATP supply to demand in hypertrophic hearts prior to failure. Therefore, our aims were (i) to measure beat-to-beat mitochondrial Ca2+ fluxes, and (ii) to determine mitochondrial abundance and function in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes prior to the onset of heart failure. To identify the early adaptive changes in energy supply prior to failure, we utilised a rat model of pulmonary artery hypertension to investigate RV cardiomyocytes during compensated hypertrophy in comparison to their normotensive controls. Mitochondrial Ca2+ fluxes were increased in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes, but no difference was found in oxidative phosphorylation between the groups. This suggests that the larger mitochondrial Ca2+ transients are a compensatory mechanism to match ATP supply to the increased energy demands of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Abstract Pulmonary artery hypertension causes right ventricular hypertrophy which rapidly progresses to heart failure with underlying cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Prior to failure, there are alterations in cytosolic Ca2+ handling that might impact mitochondrial function in the compensatory phase of RV hypertrophy. Our aims, therefore, were (i) to measure beat-to-beat mitochondrial Ca2+ fluxes, and (ii) to determine mitochondrial abundance and function in non-failing, hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Male Wistar rats were injected with either saline (CON) or monocrotaline (MCT) to induce pulmonary artery hypertension and RV hypertrophy after four weeks. Cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyto) transients were obtained in isolated right ventricular (RV) cardiomyocytes, and mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]mito) was recorded in separate RV cardiomyocytes. The distribution and abundance of key proteins was determined using confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. The RV mitochondrial function was also assessed in RV homogenates using oxygraphy. The MCT cardiomyocytes had increased area, larger [Ca2+]cyto transients, increased Ca2+ store content, and faster trans-sarcolemmal Ca2+ extrusion relative to CON. The MCT cardiomyocytes also had larger [Ca2+]mito transients. STED images detected increased mitochondrial protein abundance (TOM20 clusters per μm2) in MCT, yet no difference was found when comparing mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential between the groups. We suggest that the larger [Ca2+]mito transients compensate to match ATP supply to the increased energy demands of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes.
Correlation Analysis of Attention and Intelligence of Preterm Infants at Preschool Age: A Premature Cohort Study

Objective: Developmental delay in neurocognitive function has been reported in premature children. This cohort study prospectively followed preterm infants following birth, and herein we present the four-year longitudinal follow-up data of cognitive development at preschool age and analyze correlated factors. Methods: Term and preterm children received regular clinical evaluations and development assessments after birth, and at age 4 ± 1 years, they received the Wechsler-preschool and primary scale of intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), excluding those with full-scale intelligence quotient < 70. A total of 150 participants received Conners Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT), while 129 participants received ophthalmic evaluation. We adopted Chi-square test, ANOVA, and post hoc analysis to compare group differences. Correlations with K-CPT and WPPSI-IV were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation. Results: Group 1 consisted of 25 full-term children, group 2 had 94 preterm children with birth-weight of ≥ 1500 g, and group 3 had 159 preterm children with birth-weight of < 1500 g. Group 1 was the healthiest group and had the best performance in attention and intelligence, while group 3 had the worst physical condition and cognitive performance. The correlation analysis revealed that perinatal factors, including gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, and physical conditions, significantly correlated with WPPSI-IV and K-CPT variables. Gender significantly correlated with object assembly of WPSSI-IV and clinical index of K-CPT. Among vision-related variables, best corrected visual acuity correlated most with K-CPT, including clinical index, Omission, and hit reaction time standard error of K-CPT, as well as significantly correlated with information and bug search of WPPSI-IV. Conclusions: Preterm children at preschool age still had poorer cognitive performance than full-term children, especially those with birth BW less than 1500 g. Gender and vision are correlated with cognitive deficits. Continuous monitoring with comprehensive assessments is recommended.