Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
General Practitioner referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Did they differ during Covid-19?

Abstract Objectives: The COVID pandemic has been associated with poorer mental health in youth. This study aimed to evaluate any change in General Practitioner (GP) referral pattern to Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) services during the first 10 months of Covid-19 and compare with a similar time frame in 2019. Methods: All accepted referrals to a CAMH Service in Dublin during the study time frame were reviewed. Referral letters were batch anonymised and clinical data extracted using a study specific proforma for analysis. Results: Referral numbers between the two time periods did not statistically differ. Proportionally more females were referred during the pandemic, increasing to 56.9%, n = 99, compared to 43.1%, n = 75 in 2019 (p = 0.01). Referrals were more often designated by the clinician as urgent during the pandemic (61.3%, n = 98) than before (39%, n = 62, p < 0.001). Referrals outlining self-harm or suicidal ideation increased significantly, from 42.1% (n = 67) to 55.9% (n = 90) (p = 0.014). Referrals for externalising problems fell from 2019 rates; ADHD (21.4%, n = 34 vs 11.1%, n = 18; p = 0.013), ASD (26.4%, n = 42 vs 16.1%, n = 26; p = 0.038) and conduct problems (23.3%, n = 37 vs 7.4%, n = 12; p < 0.001). Although numbers for psychosis in 2019 were low (10.7%, n = 17), these also fell significantly in 2020 (2.5%, n = 4; p < 0.001). Discussion: The finding of reduced referrals for ADHD and ASD has not previously been reported. With concerns regarding educational loss linked to online learning, it is crucial that these youth are not doubly disadvantaged by delayed referral and education decline.
Identification of potential biological target for trypanocidal sesquiterpene lactones derivatives

Abstract Sesquiterpene lactones are natural products of the Asteraceae family that have shown trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, even exceeding the effectiveness of drugs used in the treatment of American trypanosomiasis. However, there is no agreement on their mechanism of action and their specificity to interact with parasite proteins. For this reason, we aimed to find biological targets that can interact with these compounds by reverse virtual screening with ligand pharmacophores and putative binding sites and the use of bioinformatic databases. Therefore, 41 possible biological targets were found, and four of them (with crystallized proteins), interfering directly or indirectly in the trypanosomatid redox system, were studied in detail. As a first approach, we focused on the study of trypanothione reductase, and protein-ligand interaction fingerprint analyses were performed to find binding site determinants that promote a possible inhibition of the enzyme. This study contributes to the understanding of one of the putative mechanisms of action of sesquiterpene lactones on one of the numerous suggested targets. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Linear internal waves and the control of stratified exchange flows

Internal hydraulic theory is often used to describe idealized bi-directional exchange flow through a constricted channel. This approach is formally applicable to layered flows in which velocity and density are represented by discontinuous functions that are constant within discrete layers. The theory relies on the determination of flow conditions at points of hydraulic control, where long interfacial waves have zero phase speed. In this paper, we consider hydraulic control in continuously stratified exchange flows. Such flows occur, for example, in channels connecting stratified reservoirs and between homogeneous basins when interfacial mixing is significant. Our focus here is on the propagation characteristics of the gravest vertical-mode internal waves within a laterally contracting channel. Two approaches are used to determine the behaviour of waves propagating through a steady, continuously sheared and stratified exchange flow. In the first, waves are mechanically excited at discrete locations within a numerically simulated bi-directional exchange flow and allowed to evolve under linear dynamics. These waves are then tracked in space and time to determine propagation speeds. A second approach, based on the stability theory of parallel shear flows and examination of solutions to a sixth-order eigenvalue problem, is used to interpret the direct excitation experiments. Two types of gravest mode eigensolutions are identified: vorticity modes, with eigenfunction maxima centred above and below the region of maximum density gradient, and density modes with maxima centred on the strongly stratified layer. Density modes have phase speeds that change sign within the channel and are analogous to the interfacial waves in hydraulic theory. Vorticity modes have finite propagation speed throughout the channel but undergo a transition in form: upwind of the transition point the vorticity mode is trapped in one layer. It is argued that modes trapped in one layer are not capable of communicating interfacial information, and therefore that the transition points are analogous to control points. The location of transition points are identified and used to generalize the notion of hydraulic control in continuously stratified flows.
Orientation dependence of fatigue behavior in relaxor ferroelectric–PbTiO3 thin films

Pb[Yb1/2Nb1/2]O3–PbTiO3 (PYbN-PT)/SrRuO3 (SRO) capacitors with Pt top electrodes were grown by pulsed laser deposition onto (100)pc LaAlO3 (LAO) and (111)c SrTiO3 (STO) substrates (the subscripts pc and c refer here to the pseudocubic and cubic perovskite cells, respectively). Suitable changes in both the substrate orientation and processing conditions allowed the growth of perovskite structured ferroelectric films with various degrees of orientation, from highly 〈001〉pc-oriented PYbN-PT/SRO/LAO to highly 〈111〉pc-oriented PYbN-PT/SRO/STO heterostructures. It was found that fatigue characteristics of such as-grown planar capacitors are strongly dependent on their crystalline orientation. In particular, 〈001〉pc-heteroepitaxial thin films result in fatigue-free capacitors up to 1011 cycles, while 〈111〉pc-oriented heterostructures exhibit a marked degradation of the switchable polarization by ac voltage cycling. These data are consistent with recent findings of fatigue anisotropy in relaxor ferroelectric-PbTi.
Proteins and Transcriptional Dysregulation of the Brain Extracellular Matrix in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the brain is a dynamic structure made up of a vast network of bioactive macromolecules that modulate cellular events. Structural, organizational, and functional changes in these macromolecules due to genetic variation or environmental stressors are thought to affect cellular functions and may result in disease. However, most mechanistic studies to date usually focus on the cellular aspects of diseases and pay less attention to the relevance of the processes governing the dynamic nature of the extracellular matrix in disease pathogenesis. Thus, due to the ECM’s diversified biological roles, increasing interest in its involvement in disease, and the lack of sufficient compiled evidence regarding its relationship with Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology, we aimed to compile the existing evidence to boost the current knowledge on the area and provide refined guidance for the future research. Here, in this review, we gathered postmortem brain tissue and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-related studies from PubMed and Google Scholar to identify, summarize and describe common macromolecular alterations in the expression of brain ECM components in Parkinson’s disease (PD). A literature search was conducted up until 10 February 2023. The overall hits from the database and manual search for proteomic and transcriptome studies were 1243 and 1041 articles, respectively. Following a full-text review, 10 articles from proteomic and 24 from transcriptomic studies were found to be eligible for inclusion. According to proteomic studies, proteins such as collagens, fibronectin, annexins, and tenascins were recognized to be differentially expressed in Parkinson’s disease. Transcriptomic studies displayed dysregulated pathways including ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and cell adhesion molecules in Parkinson’s disease. A limited number of relevant studies were accessed from our search, indicating that much work remains to be carried out to better understand the roles of the ECM in neurodegeneration and Parkinson’s disease. However, we believe that our review will elicit focused primary studies and thus support the ongoing efforts of the discovery and development of diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic agents for Parkinson’s disease.
Resonant manifestation of intrinsic nonlinearity within electroelastic micropower generators

This letter investigates the nonlinear response of a bimorph energy harvester comprised of lead zirconate titanate (PZT-5A) laminates. For near resonant excitations, we demonstrate significant intrinsic nonlinear behavior despite geometrically linear motion. Fourth order elastic and electroelastic tensor values for PZT-5A are identified following methods recently published concerning a PZT-5H bimorph. A response trend indicative of a nonlinear dissipative mechanism is discussed as well as the inadequacy of linear modeling. The PZT-5A bimorph exhibits an increased softening frequency response in comparison to PZT-5H. The results contained herein are also applicable to electroelastic sensor and actuator technologies.
Synthesis and optical properties of copper-doped ZnSe quantum dots

This paper reports a new method to synthesize Cu-doped ZnSe quantum dots (QDs). Emission properties are tuned from the blue to the green region simply by increasing the size of the QDs. A red shift in optical absorption of Cu:ZnSe QDs compared with undoped ZnSe QDs is observed. The increase in size of QDs is explained by a change in reaction kinematics. PL measurements revealed both a band edge as well as a copper-related emission. Delocalization of electronic wave functions leads to a shift in the copper-related emission with in size. PL excitation spectra recorded at Cu emission shows ZnSe energy levels along with a feature between 350–370 nm. This feature is assigned to excited energy levels of Cu ions. Variation in electron energy levels as a function of size and on Cu incorporation is mapped.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor signaling restores skeletal muscle stem cell regeneration in rats with muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe and progressive myopathy leading to motor and cardiorespiratory impairment. We analyzed samples from patients with DMD and a preclinical rat model of severe DMD and determined that compromised repair capacity of muscle stem cells in DMD is associated with early and progressive muscle stem cell senescence. We also found that extraocular muscles (EOMs), which are spared by the disease in patients, contain muscle stem cells with long-lasting regenerative potential. Using single-cell transcriptomics analysis of muscles from a rat model of DMD, we identified the gene encoding thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (Tshr) as highly expressed in EOM stem cells. Further, TSHR activity was involved in preventing senescence. Forskolin, which activates signaling downstream of TSHR, was found to reduce senescence of skeletal muscle stem cells, increase stem cell regenerative potential, and promote myogenesis, thereby improving muscle function in DMD rats. These findings indicate that stimulation of adenylyl cyclase leads to muscle repair in DMD, potentially providing a therapeutic approach for patients with the disease. Description The adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin improves muscle regeneration in dystrophic rats. Activating adenylyl cyclase to treat DMD Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by repeated contraction-induced muscle injury that eventually leads to failure of skeletal muscle regeneration. Extraocular muscles (EOMs) are generally spared in DMD, suggesting the presence of a potential compensatory mechanism. Here, Taglietti and colleagues generated a rat model of DMD and found that EOMs had increased thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), resulting in decreased muscle stem cell senescence. Forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, stimulated TSHR signaling and led to improved proliferation and reduced senescence of skeletal muscle stem cells, resulting in improved functional performance in affected rats. These findings suggest that activation of TSHR signaling may have therapeutic value in patients with DMD. —MN
Development and Application of a Diagnostic Instrument to Evaluate Grade-11 and -12 Students' Concepts of Covalent Bonding and Structure Following a Course of Instruction.

This article initially outlines a procedure used to develop a written diagnostic instrument to identify grade-11 and -12 students' misconceptions and misunderstandings of the chemistry topic covalent bonding and structure. The content to be taught was carefully defined through a concept map and propositional statements. Following instruction, student understanding of the topic was identified from interviews, student-drawn concept maps, and free-response questions. These data were used to produce 15 two-tier multiple-choice items where the first tier examined content knowledge and the second examined understanding of that knowledge in six conceptual areas, namely, bond polarity, molecular shape, polarity of molecules, lattices, intermolecular forces, and the octet rule. The diagnostic instrument was administered to a total of 243 grade-11 and -12 chemistry students and has a Cronbach alpha reliability of 0.73. Item difficulties ranged from 0.13 to 0.60; discrimination values ranged from 0.32 to 0.65. Each item was analyzed to ascertain student understanding of and identify misconceptions related to the concepts and propositional statements underlying covalent bonding and structure.
What quantifying word order freedom can tell us about dependency corpora

Building upon existing work on word order freedom and syntactic annotation, this paper investigates whether we can differentiate between findings that reveal inherent properties of natural languages and their syntax, and features dependent on annotations used in computing the measures. An existing quantifiable and linguistically interpretable measure of word order freedom in language is applied to take a closer look at the robustness of the basic measure (word order entropy) to variations in dependency corpora used in the analysis. Measures are compared at three levels of generality, applied to corpora annotated according to the Universal Dependencies v1 and v2 annotation guidelines, selecting 31 languages for analysis. Preliminary results show that certain measures, such as subject-object relation order freedom, are sensitive to slight changes in annotation guidelines, while simpler measures are more robust, highlighting aspects of these metrics that should be taken into consideration when using dependency corpora for linguistic analysis and generalisation.
Spectral domain analysis of conducting patches of arbitrary geometry in multilayer media using the CG-FFT method

A conjugate gradient-fast Fourier transform (CG-FFT) scheme for analyzing finite, flat, metallic patches in multilayer structures is presented. Rooftop and razor-blade functions are considered as basis and testing functions, respectively. An equivalent periodic problem in both domains (real and spectral) is obtained and solved. Aliasing problems are avoided by performing a window on the Green's function. The spectral domain periodicity makes it feasible to take into account almost all the harmonics and to reduce the ripple in the computed current distributions. Nearly all the operations are performed in the spectral domain, including Green's function computations. Several results of convergence rates, current distributions and radar cross-section (RCS) values are given and compare favorably with measurements or results obtained by other methods. >
Parsing Early New High German: Benefits and limitations of cross-dialectal training

Historical treebanking within the generative framework has gained in popularity. However, there are still many languages and historical periods yet to be represented. For German, a constituency treebank exists for historical Low German, but not Early New High German. We begin to fill this gap by presenting our initial work on the Parsed Corpus of Early New High German (PCENHG). We present the methodological considerations and workflow for the treebank’s annotations and development. Given the limited amount of currently available PCENHG treebank data, we treat it as a low-resource language and leverage a larger, closely related variety—Middle Low German—to build a parser to help facilitate faster post-annotation correction. We present an analysis on annotation speeds and conclude with a small pilot use-case, highlighting potential for future linguistic analyses. In doing so we highlight the value of the treebank’s development for historical linguistic analysis and demonstrate the benefits and challenges of developing a parser using two closely related historical Germanic varieties.
Which Sentence Representation is More Informative: An Analysis on Text Classification

Text classification is a popular and well-studied problem in Natural Language Processing. Most previous work on text classification has focused on deep neural networks such as LSTMs and CNNs. However, text classification studies using syntactic and semantic information are very limited in the literature. In this study, we propose a model using Graph Attention Network (GAT) that incorporates semantic and syntactic information as input for the text classification task. The semantic representations of UCCA and AMR are used as semantic information and the dependency tree is used as syntactic information. Extensive experimental results and in-depth analysis show that UCCA-GAT model, which is a semantic-aware model outperforms the AMR-GAT and DEP-GAT, which are semantic and syntax-aware models respectively. We also provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed model to understand the limitations of the representations for the problem.
A Pipeline for Extracting Abstract Dependency Templates for Data-to-Text Natural Language Generation

We present work in progress that aims to address the coverage issue faced by rule-based text generators. We propose a pipeline for extracting abstract dependency template (predicate-argument structures) from Wikipedia text to be used as input for generating text from structured data with the FORGe system. The pipeline comprises three main components: (i) candidate sentence retrieval, (ii) clause extraction, ranking and selection, and (iii) conversion to predicate-argument form. We present an approach and preliminary evaluation for the ranking and selection module.
Update on current contraceptive options: A case-based discussion of efficacy, eligibility, and use

With high rates of unintended pregnancy in the United States, it is crucial for clinicians to be well-informed about the full spectrum of contraceptive options to improve reproductive autonomy. We review new contraceptive options including a nonhormonal intravaginal gel, hormonal contraceptives in the form of new pills, patches, and vaginal rings, and combined hormonal contraceptives that contain new estrogens as alternatives to ethinyl estradiol. We review updated prescribing methods for several established hormonal contraceptives such as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is now available for subcutaneous self-injection. Additional choices of available contraceptive methods have important clinical implications that may remove unnecessary barriers to contraceptive use. Rates of unintended pregnancy are high in the United States. Clinicians need to be well-informed about the full spectrum of contraceptive options to improve reproductive autonomy.
Dynamics of a surface tension driven colloidal motor based on an active Janus particle encapsulated in a liquid drop

Abstract A colloidal motor driven by surface tension forces is theoretically designed by encapsulating an active Janus particle in a liquid drop which is immiscible in the suspending medium. The Janus particle produces an asymmetric flux of a solute species which induces surface tension gradients along the liquid–liquid interface between the drop and the surrounding fluid. The resulting Marangoni forces at the interface propel the compound drop/Janus particle system. The propulsion speeds of the motor are evaluated for a range of relative sizes and positions of the drop and the particle and across a range of transport properties of the drop and the suspending medium. It is demonstrated that the proposed design can produce higher propulsion velocities than the traditional Janus-particle-based colloidal motors propelled by neutral diffusiophoresis.
Survey of chaos in the rf‐biased Josephson junction

Chaotic behavior in the rf‐biased Josephson junction is studied through digital simulations of the Steward–McCumber model. Chaotic states are characterized by Poincare sections, Liapunov exponents, and power spectra. Models are presented which explain some features of the chaotic spectra. The parameter range over which chaotic behavior occurs is determined empirically for a broad range of dc bias, rf bias, and hysteresis parameters for a fixed rf frequency. It is shown that chaos does not occur if either the dc bias or the rf bias is very large. An attempt is made to explain the boundaries of the chaotic region in terms of simple models for chaotic behavior.
Use of the Einstein–Brillouin–Keller action quantization

The Einstein–Brillouin–Keller semiclassical quantization and the topological Maslov index are used to deduce the correct quantum mechanical values for the energy of a one-electron atom (both nonrelativistically and relativistically) and a three-dimensional harmonic oscillator. The development is concise, transparent, and involves only elementary integral calculus and provides a conceptual and intuitive introduction to the quantum nature of the atomic and molecular structure of matter.
Minimising the range of cross-directional variations in basis weight on a paper machine

This paper presents a control strategy for regulating cross-directional basis weight variations on a paper machine. The control strategy is based upon minimising the expected range of the variations observed within a single scan across the width of the sheet. This can be considered as a l/sub /spl infin// minimisation problem which can be implemented using efficient algorithms based upon the simplex method of linear programming. The BIBO stability of the controlled system is analysed and it is shown that the stability of the full multivariable system is determined by the location of the zeros of a scalar dynamic term.
Graphite, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and the 2175 Å Extinction Feature

We investigate the extinction produced by small carbon particles consisting of aromatic rings in configurations similar to those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules, but with varying degrees of hydrogenation, ionization, and defects. Extinction produced by candidate particles is calculated using the discrete dipole array (DDA) formalism with optical constants similar to those of graphite modified to take these changes into account. Clusters of neutral molecules as well as mixed ion-neutral clusters are also investigated. We find that certain specific carbon structures such as a dehydrogenated coronene-like molecule, C24, exhibit a plasmon-type resonance at the 2175 Å wavelength of the interstellar extinction bump. However, we find that similar fits can be obtained using a distribution of molecule shape and sizes containing up to several hundred C atoms. These results suggest that interstellar "graphite" may be the high-mass component of the population of PAH seen in interstellar clouds. Such particles could derive from fragments ejected from carbonaceous grains in shocks.