Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Computation: Towards a New Philosophy of Machine Intelligence

From the Publisher: In this revised and significantly expanded second edition, distinguished scientist David B. Fogel presents the latest advances in both the theory and practice of evolutionary computation to help you keep pace with developments in this fast-changing field. "In-depth and updated, Evolutionary Computation shows you how to use simulated evolution to achieve machine intelligence. You will gain current insights into the history of evolutionary computation and the newest theories shaping research. Fogel carefully reviews the "no free lunch theorem" and discusses new theoretical findings that challenge some of the mathematical foundations of simulated evolution. This second edition also presents the latest game-playing techniques that combine evolutionary algorithms with neural networks, including their success in playing competitive checkers. Chapter by chapter, this comprehensive book highlights the relationship between learning and intelligence. "Evolutionary Computation features an unparalleled integration of history with state-of-the-art theory and practice for engineers, professors, and graduate students of evolutionary computation and computer science who need to keep up-to-date in this developing field.
Level of Resistin in Acute Myocardial Infarcti on Patients and its Relation to Lipid profile and Cardic Troponin I

Adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ that secretes numerous protein hormones into circulation. These factors are generally referred to as adipocytokines or adipokines, however the strict definition of an adipokine is that it interacts with the immune system. In addition to secreting cytokines, adipose tissue secretes proteins that influence energy metabolism. (3) Very little is known about the potential function of resistin or its homologs. As fat cells (adipocytes) store more fat molecules and enlarge, they release several products that can modify body’s sensitivity to insulin. Free fatty acids and TNFcause insulin resistance, and leptin, which regulates energy balance, probably causes insulin sensitivity. ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Inflammatory responses are involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Myocardial Infarction (MI) is most commonly due to occlusion of a coronary artery following the rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. It has been suggested that the adipose tissue may play an important role in mediating this chronic inflammatory process. Resistin is a cysteine-rich polypeptide that is expressed at relatively lower levels in human adipocytes but higher levels in macrophages. Troponin is found in cardiac muscle and used for diagnosis of AMI. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of resistin and its effect on lipid profile and Troponin I levels in acute myocardial infarction patients. SUBJECT AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients with AMI and forty healthy subjects as control group. In this study resistin , lipid profile and Troponin I were measured. RESULTS: The levels of resistin, cholesterol, LDL-C were significantly elevated with (p<0.001), while HDLC was significantly lower with (p<0.001), there was positive correlation between resistin with cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride and VLDL, while there was negative correlation between resistin with HDL in acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in resistin level, in acute myocardial infarction patients and this increase may be related to inflammation. Resistin negatively correlated with HDL and positively correlated with triglyceride and LDL this relationship makes us consider this hormone as possible atherosclerotic factor. KEY WORD: resistin ,lipid profile , troponin I and acute myocardial infarction. THE IRAQI POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL VOL.10, NO.4, 2011
A dynamic marine iron cycle module coupled to the University of Victoria Earth System Model: the Kiel Marine Biogeochemical Model 2 for UVic 2.9

Abstract. Marine biological production as well as the associated biotic uptake of carbon in many ocean regions depends on the availability of nutrients in the euphotic zone. While large areas are limited by nitrogen and/or phosphorus, the micronutrient iron is considered the main limiting nutrient in the North Pacific, equatorial Pacific and Southern Ocean. Changes in iron availability via changes in atmospheric dust input are discussed to play an important role in glacial–interglacial cycles via climate feedbacks caused by changes in biological ocean carbon sequestration. Although many aspects of the iron cycle remain unknown, its incorporation into marine biogeochemical models is needed to test our current understanding and better constrain its role in the Earth system. In the University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model (UVic) iron limitation in the ocean was, until now, simulated pragmatically with an iron concentration masking scheme that did not allow a consistent interactive response to perturbations of ocean biogeochemistry or iron cycling sensitivity studies. Here, we replace the iron masking scheme with a dynamic iron cycle and compare the results to available observations and the previous marine biogeochemical model. Sensitivity studies are also conducted with the new model to test the sensitivity of the model to parameterized iron ligand concentrations, the importance of considering the variable solubility of iron in dust deposition, the importance of considering high-resolution bathymetry for the sediment release of iron, the effect of scaling the sedimentary iron release with temperature and the sensitivity of the iron cycle to a climate change scenario.
Implication of the training ad continuing education process for the interprofessional performance.

OBJETIVES to analyze the implication of the training/continuing education process of professionals of the Expanded Nucleus of Family Health and Basic Care (Portuguese acronym: Nasf-AB) for their interprofessional performance. METHODS a qualitative case study performed with Nasf-AB teams representative of four macro-regions of health of the state of Santa Catarina. Participation of 43 professionals, who answered collective interviews. The results were later submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS the training is strongly influenced by the Biomedical Model, which acts as an obstacle to interprofessional performance, given the challenges in the daily routine of Nasf-AB professionals. Continuing education emerges as a potential for the successful collaborative work among teams, and between the teams and Family Health professionals. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS there are important limits in the training of professionals. However, the constant interprofessional development promoted by strategies of continuing education contributes to broaden the support and collaborative practices that qualify services and strengthen Basic Care.
Interaction of disparity size and depth structure on perceived numerosity in a three-dimensional space

The number of elements in two stereo-surfaces parallelly overlapped in depth is overestimated compared to that in a single flat surface, even when both have the same number of elements. Using stereoscopic pairs of elements, we evaluated two hypotheses on the overestimation: one that a higher-order process, forming a background surface, increases the number of perceived elements, and the other that the number of elements potentially occluded by the elements on a front surface is taken accounted for. The data from four experiments showed that (a) when binocular disparity between (or among) stereoscopic elements was small, the overestimation occurred for the stimuli we used—a two-surface-overlapping stimulus, where the likelihood for the process to operate was manipulated by changing the averaged luminance of each surface, a volumetric stimulus, where the likelihood for the background surface to be formed would decrease, and a two-non-overlapping-surface stimulus, where the surfaces in depth were not overlapped—, and (b) when binocular disparity was large, the overestimation occurred for the two-surfaces-overlapping stimulus, when the averaged luminance of the two surfaces were the same, and for the volumetric stimulus, but diminished for the surface-overlapping stimulus, when the averaged luminance differed between the surfaces and for the surfaces-non-overlapping stimulus. These results cannot be explained either hypothesis only. We explain the results by postulating that the sensory system processing disparities of elements interferes with that estimating the number of elements, resulting in an overestimation of the elements in a stereo-stimulus, and the disparity range within which the interference occurs may depend on the stimulus depth structure.
Effects of three different methods used during heel lance procedures on pain level in term neonates.

AIM This study aims to experimentally determine effects of three different methods (swaddling; swaddling and holding; swaddling, holding and breastfeeding) used during heel lancing on pain levels in healthy term neonates. METHODS This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample of newborns (n = 160) were allocated to the groups (group 1, control; group 2, swaddling; group 3, swaddling and holding; group 4, swaddling, holding and breastfeeding) by blocked randomization. The study data were obtained using an information form, and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). RESULTS The procedural pain scores of group 4 were lower than group 1, group 2 and group 3. Both the total crying time and the first calming time of the groups swaddling, holding and breastfeeding, were shorter than the swaddling, swaddling and holding and the control group. CONCLUSIONS As a result, all the three methods are effective in reducing the pain felt during heel lancing in the newborn. However, swaddling, holding and breastfeeding is more effective than the other methods.
Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Refractory CIDP With or Without IgG4 Autoantibodies (RECIPE): Protocol for a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy that is currently classified into several clinical subtypes, which are presumed to have different pathogenic mechanisms. Recently, studies identified a subgroup of patients with CIDP who were positive for IgG4 autoantibodies against paranodal proteins, such as neurofascin-155 and contactin-1, who respond poorly to first-line therapies for typical CIDP, including intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Objective This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous rituximab according to IgG4 autoantibody status in patients with refractory CIDP. Methods The Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Refractory CIDP Patients with IgG4 Autoantibodies in the Exploratory Clinical (RECIPE) trial consists of 2 cohorts: a multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study cohort of 15 patients with IgG4 autoantibody-positive CIDP (rituximab:placebo = 2:1) and an open-label trial cohort of 10 patients with antibody-negative CIDP. The primary endpoint is improvement in functional outcome assessed using the adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment Disability Scale score at 26, 38, or 52 weeks after the start of treatment with rituximab in patients with CIDP and anti-paranodal protein antibodies. Secondary outcome measures include grip strength, manual muscle testing sum scores, results of nerve conduction studies, and other functional scales. Results We plan to enroll 25 cases for the full analysis set. Recruitment is ongoing, with 14 patients enrolled as of January 2020. Enrollment will close in September 2020, and the study is planned to end in December 2021. Conclusions This randomized controlled trial will determine if rituximab is safe and effective in patients with anti-paranodal antibodies. An open-label study will provide additional data on the effects of rituximab in patients with antibody-negative CIDP. The results of the RECIPE trial are expected to provide evidence for the positioning of rituximab as a pathogenesis-based therapeutic for refractory CIDP. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03864185, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03864185 ; The Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCT2041180037, https://jrct.niph. go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT2041180037 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/17117
Clinical Course and Outcomes of Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: a Preliminary Report of the First 28 Patients from the Korean Cohort Study on COVID-19

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected pneumonia emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. In this retrospective multicenter study, we investigated the clinical course and outcomes of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from early cases in Republic of Korea. Methods All of the cases confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction were enrolled from the 1st to the 28th patient nationwide. Clinical data were collected and analyzed for changes in clinical severity including laboratory, radiological, and virologic dynamics during the progression of illness. Results The median age was 40 years (range, 20–73 years) and 15 (53.6%) patients were male. The most common symptoms were cough (28.6%) and sore throat (28.6%), followed by fever (25.0%). Diarrhea was not common (10.7%). Two patients had no symptoms. Initial chest X-ray (CXR) showed infiltration in 46.4% of the patients, but computed tomography scan confirmed pneumonia in 88.9% (16/18) of the patients. Six patients (21.4%) required supplemental oxygen therapy, but no one needed mechanical ventilation. Lymphopenia was more common in severe cases. Higher level of C-reactive protein and worsening of chest radiographic score was observed during the 5–7 day period after symptom onset. Viral shedding was high from day 1 of illness, especially from the upper respiratory tract (URT). Conclusion The prodromal symptoms of COVID-19 were mild and most patients did not have limitations of daily activity. Viral shedding from URT was high from the prodromal phase. Radiological pneumonia was common from the early days of illness, but it was frequently not evident in simple CXR. These findings could be plausible explanations for the easy and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the community.
In Situ Assessment of Intrinsic Strength of X-I⋯OA-Type Halogen Bonds in Molecular Crystals with Periodic Local Vibrational Mode Theory

Periodic local vibrational modes were calculated with the rev-vdW-DF2 density functional to quantify the intrinsic strength of the X-I⋯OA-type halogen bonding (X = I or Cl; OA: carbonyl, ether and N-oxide groups) in 32 model systems originating from 20 molecular crystals. We found that the halogen bonding between the donor dihalogen X-I and the wide collection of acceptor molecules OA features considerable variations of the local stretching force constants (0.1–0.8 mdyn/Å) for I⋯O halogen bonds, demonstrating its powerful tunability in bond strength. Strong correlations between bond length and local stretching force constant were observed in crystals for both the donor X-I bonds and I⋯O halogen bonds, extending for the first time the generalized Badger’s rule to crystals. It is demonstrated that the halogen atom X controlling the electrostatic attraction between the σ-hole on atom I and the acceptor atom O dominates the intrinsic strength of I⋯O halogen bonds. Different oxygen-containing acceptor molecules OA and even subtle changes induced by substituents can tweak the n→σ∗(X-I) charge transfer character, which is the second important factor determining the I⋯O bond strength. In addition, the presence of the second halogen bond with atom X of the donor X-I bond in crystals can substantially weaken the target I⋯O halogen bond. In summary, this study performing the in situ measurement of halogen bonding strength in crystalline structures demonstrates the vast potential of the periodic local vibrational mode theory for characterizing and understanding non-covalent interactions in materials.
The initial maturation status of marmoset testicular tissues has an impact on germ cell maintenance and somatic cell response in tissue fragment culture.

Successful in vitro spermatogenesis was reported using immature mouse testicular tissues in a fragment culture approach, raising hopes that this method could also be applied for fertility preservation in humans. Although maintaining immature human testicular tissue fragments in culture is feasible for an extended period, it remains unknown whether germ cell survival and the somatic cell response depend on the differentiation status of tissue. Employing the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) we aimed to assess whether the maturation status of prepubertal and peri-/pubertal testicular tissues influence the outcome of testis fragment culture. Testicular tissue fragments from 4 and 8-month-old (n = 3, each) marmosets were cultured and evaluated after 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42 days. Immunohistochemistry was performed for identification and quantification of germ cells (melanoma-associated antigen 4) and Sertoli cell maturation status (anti-Müllerian hormone: AMH). During testis fragment culture, spermatogonial numbers were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the 4- but not 8-month-old monkeys, at day 0 versus day 42 of culture. Moreover, while Sertoli cells from 4-month-old monkeys maintained an immature phenotype (i.e. AMH expression) during culture, AMH expression was regained in two of the 8-month-old monkeys. Interestingly, progression of differentiation to later meiotic stage was solely observed in one 8-month-old marmoset, which was at an intermediate state regarding germ cell content, with gonocytes as well as spermatocytes present, as well as Sertoli cell maturation status. Although species-specific differences might influence the outcome of testis fragment experiments in vitro, our study demonstrated that the developmental status of the testicular tissues needs to be considered as it seems to be decisive for germ cell maintenance, somatic cell response and possibly the differentiation potential.
Pharmacogenetic‐Pharmacokinetic Interactions in Drug Marketing Authorization Applications via the European Medicines Agency Between 2014 and 2017

This study aimed to determine to which extent data on potential pharmacogenetic‐pharmacokinetic (PG‐PK) interactions are provided to, and assessed by, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in novel drug marketing authorization applications (MAAs), and whether regulatory assessment of PG‐PK interactions is adequate or could be optimized. For this purpose, we retrospectively analyzed MAAs of small molecule drugs assessed by the EMA between January 2014 and December 2017. As per two key requirements in the EMA’s guideline, we analyzed cases where (i) a single functionally polymorphic drug metabolizing enzyme (DME) metabolizes > 25% of the drug, or (ii) the drug’s PK shows high interindividual variability not explained by other factors than PG. Results showed that, of 113 drugs analyzed, 53 (47%) had ≥ 1 functionally polymorphic DME accounting for > 25% of the drug’s metabolism, yielding 55 gene‐drug pairs. For 36 of 53 (68%) of the products, CYP3A4 was the major DME. Compliance with European Union (EU) guidance on PG‐PK issues in drug development was notably different for CYP3A4 substrates vs. non‐CYP3A4 substrates. Adequate PG‐PK data were provided during registration in 89% (16/18) of cases concerning non‐CYP3A4 substrates, compared with 32% (12/37) of cases concerning CYP3A4 substrates. Concluding, PG‐PK interactions related to non‐CYP3A4 substrate drugs were, in general, addressed adequately in EU MAAs. PG‐PK information on CYP3A4 substrates was available less frequently, despite some available evidence on the functional relevance of CYP3A4 polymorphisms. A more harmonized approach toward assessment of PG‐PK issues in EU MAAs seems warranted, and a discussion on the relevance of CYP3A4 polymorphisms, such as CYP3A4*22, is recommended.
Epidemiologic Features of 135 Patients With Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Tianjin, China

ABSTRACT Objective: This study describes the epidemiologic features of an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Tianjin caused by a novel coronavirus and provides the scientific basis for prevention and control measures. Methods: Data from COVID-19 cases were collected from daily notifications given to the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China and Tianjin Health Committee. All of the data were analyzed with SPSS, version 24.0 software (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). Results: As of February 24, 2020, there have been 135 confirmed cases, 3 deaths, and 87 recoveries in Tianjin, China. The incidence of COVID-19 was 8.65/1 000 000 with a 2.22% case fatality rate. Regarding geographic distribution, the incidence was 8.82 per 1 000 000 in urban areas and 8.00 per 1 000 000 in suburbs. During the early stage of the epidemic, most cases came from urban areas and in patients with a history of sojourning in Hubei Province. The majority of patients were 31–70 years old (75.97%). A familial clustering was the most important characteristic of COVID-19 (accounting for 74.81%). Conclusions: Current information suggests that people are generally susceptible to COVID-19, which has shown a familial clustering in Tianjin.
Determinants of modern contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study in rural Zambia

Objective Zambia is among the world’s top 10 countries with higher fertility rate (5.5 births/woman); unmet family planning need for births spacing (14%) and limiting births (7%). Women in rural Zambia (24%) are reported to have unmet need for family planning than those in urban areas (17%). This study was conducted to ascertain factors associated with modern contraceptive use among rural Zambian women. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Rural Zambia. Participants Secondary data of 4903 married or cohabiting rural women (15–49 years) after filtering out the pregnant, urban based and unmarried women from 2013 to 2014 Zambian Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) were analysed using SPSS V.22. Multiple logistic regression, Pearson’s χ2 and descriptive statistics were performed to examine factors associated with modern contraceptive use. Results Factors that were positively associated with contraceptive use were respondent’s education (secondary adjusted ORs (AOR = 1.61, p≤0.002); higher (AOR = 2.39, p≤0.050)), wealth index (middle class, (AOR = 1.35, p≤0.005); rich (AOR = 2.04, p≤0.001) and richest (AOR = 1.95, p≤0.034)), high parity (1–2 (AOR = 5.31, p≤0.001); 3–4 (AOR = 7.06, p≤0.001); 5+ (AOR = 8.02, p≤0.001)), men older than women by <10 years (AOR = 1.50, p≤0.026) and women sensitised about family planning at health facility (AOR = 1.73, p≤0.001). However, old age (40–49 years (AOR = 0.49, p≤0.001)), other religions (Protestants, African traditionalists and Muslims) (AOR = 0.77, p≤0.007), ever had pregnancy miscarried, aborted or stillbirth (AOR = 0.78, p≤0.026) and women without knowledge of number of children husband desires (AOR = 0.71, p≤0.001) were negatively associated with contraceptive use. Conclusion Modern contraceptive use in rural Zambia among currently married women of reproductive age group is relatively low (43%). We recommend that appropriate interventions are instituted to increase contraceptive access and use especially among uneducated older rural Zambian women.