Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Valley Winds and the Diurnal Circulation over Plateaus

Abstract The role of valley winds in the diurnal circulation of large-scale mountain massifs like the Tibetan Plateau is investigated. We consider a circular plateau with radial valleys leading to the surrounding lowlands. A low-resolution grid point model is used to compute the diurnal circulation above the plateau and in the valleys. The circulation is driven by the diurnal variation of the surface temperature. The model produces valley winds and a diurnal circulation above the plateau in qualitative agreement with observations. The inflow towards the plateau in the valleys is strongest in the afternoon. There is nocturnal outflow. During the day, a low pressure system with a corresponding cyclonic circulation around the massif resides at the plateau and we find high pressure well above it. At night it is the reverse. It is demonstrated that the valley winds contribute significantly to the fluxes of mass and moisture in the plateau's diurnal circulation. Linear calculations for a neutrally stratified at.
Meniscal degeneration is prognostic of destabilzing meniscal tear and accelerated knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic potential of magnetic resonance (MR)‐detected meniscal degeneration in relation to incident destabilizing meniscal tears (radial, complex, root, or macerated) or accelerated knee osteoarthritis (AKOA). We used existing MR data from a case‐control study of three groups from the Osteoarthritis Initiative without radiographic KOA at baseline: AKOA, typical KOA, and no KOA. From these groups, we included people without medial and lateral meniscal tear at baseline (n = 226) and 48‐month meniscal data (n = 221). Intermediate‐weighted fat‐suppressed MR images annually from baseline to the 48‐month visit were graded using a semiquantitative meniscal tear classification criterion. Incident destabilizing meniscal tear was defined as progressing from an intact meniscus to a destabilizing tear by the 48‐month visit. We used two logistic regression models to assess whether: (1) presence of medial meniscal degeneration was associated with an incident medial destabilizing meniscal tear, and (2) presence of meniscal degeneration in either meniscus was associated with incident AKOA over the next 4 years. People with the presence of a medial meniscal degeneration had three times the odds of developing an incident destabilizing medial meniscal tear within 4 years compared with a person without medial meniscus degeneration (odds ratio [OR]: 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–6.59). People with meniscal degeneration had five times the odds of developing incident AKOA within 4 years compared with a person without meniscal degeneration in either meniscus (OR: 5.04; 95% CI: 2.57–9.89). Meniscal degeneration on MR is clinically meaningful as it relates to future poor outcomes.
Computer Modeling of Optical Dielectric Waveguides by Edge Infinite Elements

This paper considers the solutions to optical fibers and integrated optical dielectric waveguides. The unbounded medium surrounding the waveguide is modeled by infinite elements with edge bases, The inhomogeneous part of the waveguide is discretized into a recently-developed edge finite elements. To match the infinite elements with adjacent finite elements, compatible interpolation functions are proposed for the infinite elements. In consequence, the boundary conditions between finite and infinite elements are exactly satisfied. Also, the formulation in this paper is presented such that any decay function in the radial direction may be employed. However, explicit representations for the infinite element matrices are given for the case of an inverse power decay function. Other functions will be investigated in the future work. The solutions to the final system of equations provide the dispersion characteristics of the optical waveguide. A computer program and an automatic mesh generator were written and shown to be valid by comparing the solutions with other published data.
Bornaviral infections in Atlantic canaries (Serinus canaria) in Poland

ABSTRACT The presence of canary bornavirus (Orthobornavirus serini) genetic material was tested in organ samples from 157 Atlantic canaries (Serinus canaria) and four hybrids of Atlantic canary and European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). The subjects of the research were samples collected in the years 2006–2022. A positive result was obtained in 16 canaries and one hybrid (10.5%). Eleven positive canaries had neurological signs prior to death. Four of them also had atrophic changes in the forebrain, which have not previously been described in canaries and other species of birds infected with avian bornavirus. In one canary, computed tomography without contrast was performed. This study showed no changes, despite advanced forebrain atrophy found on post-mortem examination of the bird. The organs of the studied birds were also tested with PCR tests for the presence of polyomaviruses and circoviruses. There was no correlation between the bornavirus infection and the presence of the other two viruses in the tested canaries. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS The incidence of bornaviral infections in canaries in Poland is relatively low. Non-contrast CT is not a useful method for brain atrophy diagnostic in canaries. Neurological signs were found in the majority of birds infected with bornaviruses. Visceral ganglioneuritis was found in a minority of birds infected with bornaviruses.
Consequences of poly(ethylene oxide) and poloxamer P188 on transcription in healthy and stressed myoblasts

Significance Poloxamer 188 (P188) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) are polymers with multiple physiological uses. Their impacts on cellular transcription are poorly established. Transcriptomic RNA sequencing revealed these polymers elicit substantial differential gene expression in myoblasts compared to nontreated controls. Gene ontologies for multiple cellular components—including the plasma membrane—and processes—including lysosomal localization—were significantly modulated. This transcriptome-level analysis provides a compelling discovery of transcripts, and resultant proteins, for further mechanistic exploration. Osmotic stress also significantly impacted transcription, correlating with polymer-induced impacts, but also revealing numerous distinct genes. Yet upon the addition of Poloxamer 188 (P188) or PEO to stressed cells, RNA expression is not further differentiated, indicating that previously observed protection of membrane integrity results from a physical mechanism without transcriptomic response.
Associations between daily routines and social support among women with chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract Background Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by extreme fatigue, as well as physical and cognitive symptoms. CFS is thrice as prevalent in women than in men. Objective To compare women with and without CFS concerning social support and participation in daily routine occupations, and to assess the relationships between the two variables among women with CFS. Methods This study included 110 women aged 24–69: 41 were diagnosed with CFS and 64 were not diagnosed with CFS. Participants completed the Occupational Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey. Results Women with CFS reported lower participation in instrumental activities of daily living and work occupations than women without CFS. However, they spend more time resting and enjoying it. In addition, they reported less social support than women without CFS. Positive correlations were found between the number of close friends and time spent in play and leisure occupations and a negative correlation with sleep/rest. Conclusions Women with CFS participate less in IADL and work occupations and more in rest/sleep than women without CFS and their social support is attenuated. Significance Intervention plans should be developed for women with CFS, focussing on expanding their participation while considering their social support resources.
Socioeconomic Status and Cochlear Implant Usage: A Datalogging Study

Objective: To evaluate the associations between proxy measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and usage of cochlear implants. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Usage outcomes were measured among patients with a cochlear implant and data logging at a tertiary care children’s hospital between 2002 and 2017. Time per day with cochlear implant turned on, coil off, and listening to speech in noise and speech in quiet were extracted from audiology records, averaging right and left ear usage for those with bilateral implants. Associations between cochlear implant usage and demographic factors such as insurance type and median household income for zip code were assessed. Results: There were 142 total patients; 74 had bilateral usage data. Mean on air time was 10.76 hours (SD: 4.4). Those with private insurance had 1.2 hour more on air time/day (P = .047) and 0.9 hour more quiet time/day (P = .011) compared to those with public insurance. Younger age at last visit was associated with increased speech in quiet (B = −.08; 95% CI: −0.12-[−0.05], P < .001) and coil off (B = −0.06; 95% CI: −0.11-[−0.02], P = .006). Younger age at implant was associated with longer duration since last data logging visit (B = −10.46; 95% CI: −18.41-[−2.51], P = .010), more daily use (on air; B = −0.23; 95% CI: −0.43-[−0.03], P = .026), and increased time spent listening to speech in noise (B = −0.07; 95% CI: −0.14-[−0.01], P = .024). No other significant associations between datalogging output and each proxy SES factor were found. Conclusions: Lack of private insurance and older age at implantation decreased access to binaural hearing for children and young adults with cochlear implants.
Childhood Trauma and Adult Somatic Symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective Childhood trauma is a key public health risk factor for developing physical illness. This study examined how childhood abuse and neglect predict adult somatic symptoms assessed retrospectively and in real time. Methods Participants in the HowNutsAreTheDutch project completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—Short Form and, to assess somatic symptoms, the cross-sectional Patient Health Questionnaire (n = 406) or a longitudinal ecological momentary assessment protocol that included responding to an item on physical discomfort 3 times a day for 30 days (n = 290). Results As hypothesized, childhood trauma was positively associated with adult somatic symptoms assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (d = 0.30) and assessed using the ecological momentary assessment item (d = 0.31), also after adjustment for age, sex, educational level, and relationship status. Longitudinally, we also explored whether interpersonal context moderated abuse outcomes, and observed that social company dampened momentary physical discomfort among people with a history of more physical neglect (d = 0.04). Conclusions Childhood trauma, especially emotional and sexual abuse, predicts specific adult somatic symptoms. Future work may examine how symptom expression is influenced by the social lives of traumatized individuals.
A New Approach to Direct Solution of 2D Heat Transfer Problem with Non-Linear Source Terms in Frequency Domain

Frequency response is a convenient form to describe the dynamic characteristics of a linear system to facilitate the control system design and analysis. For a non-linear dynamic system, if the amplitude of the input signal around the steady-state operating point is small enough, the system can be approximated as a linear system. Based on this assumption, a new approach is proposed to directly obtain the frequency response of a heat transfer system with non-linear source terms when the inputs are subject to low amplitude sinusoidal signals. In this approach, the governing partial differential equation for heat transfer in time domain can be transferred into a time independent partial differential equation in frequency domain, non-linear source terms can be linearized, and boundary conditions can be transferred into frequency domain representation. The frequency response obtained from the equation in frequency domain can be used to construct the transfer function of the system. To verify the proposed method, the dynamic characteristic of the system based on the transfer function is compared with that calculated by solving the governing heat transfer equation in time domain.
Ablation of atrial fibrillation and dementia risk reduction during long-term follow-up: a nationwide population-based study

Abstract Aims This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of new-onset dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the association of catheter ablation with different subtypes of dementia. Methods and results We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In total, 136 774 patients without a history of dementia were selected after 1:1 propensity score matching based on age (with AF vs. without AF). A competing risk model was used to investigate the three subtypes of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and other/mixed dementia. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to minimize the impact on dementia risk due to the imbalanced baseline characteristics. After a median follow-up period of 6.6 years, 8704 events of new-onset dementia occurred. Among all AF patients developing dementia, 73% were classified as having Alzheimer’s disease, 16% as having vascular dementia, and 11% as having other/mixed dementia. The cumulative incidence of dementia in AF patients was higher than those without AF (log-rank test: P < 0.001 for both before and after IPTW). In patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation, the total dementia risk decreased significantly [P = 0.015, hazard ratio (HR): 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58–0.94] after multivariable adjustment, but not for the subtype of vascular dementia (P = 0.59, HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.49–1.50). Conclusion Patients with AF have a higher incidence of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and a mixed type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is less likely to occur in patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation.
Long-term outcomes of the Coordinated Care Program in Patients after Myocardial Infarction (KOS-MI).

BACKGROUND The Coordinated Care in Myocardial Infarction Program (KOS-MI) was introduced to improve prognosis for patients after myocardial infarction (MI). The program includes complete revascularization followed by unrestricted access to rehabilitation, electrotherapy and cardiac care. AIM The aim of this study was to assess major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) of patients enrolled in the KOS-MI at 3-year follow-up. METHODS This is a retrospective, multicenter registry of patients treated for MI. Study group (KOS-MI) of 963 patients was compared to the control group (standard of care) of 1009 patients. At 3-year follow-up MACCE including death, MI, stroke and repeated revascularization were reported. Additionally, hospitalization due to heart failure (HF) was analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized for group baseline characteristics adjustment. RESULTS Patients in the KOS-MI group were younger (65 vs. 68; P < 0.001), mostly men (70% vs. 62.9%; P < 0.001), admitted with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (44.6% vs. 36.2%; P < 0.001). Patients in the control group had more comorbidities and were admitted more often with non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (63.8% vs. 55.4%; P < 0.001) and acute HF (5.1% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.007). Following PSM 530 well matched pairs were selected. At three years (92.3% follow-up completeness), the relative risk reduction was: 25% in MACCE (P = 0.008), 38% in mortality (P = 0.008), 29% in repeated revascularization(P = 0.04) and 28% (P = 0.0496) in hospitalization for HF in the KOS-MI group. CONCLUSIONS The combination of contemporary invasive techniques, complete revascularization, cardiac rehabilitation and ambulatory care included in the KOS-MI Program improves long-term prognosis of patients after MI up to 3-year follow-up.
Time Trends in Patient Characteristics, Anticoagulation Treatment, and Prognosis of Incident Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in the Netherlands

Key Points Question What trends in patient characteristics, anticoagulation treatment, and prognosis were associated with patients with incident nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in the Netherlands in 2014 to 2018? Findings In this cohort study that included 301 301 patients with incident NVAF, the patient population showed similar baseline characteristics between 2014 and 2018 but increasingly received oral anticoagulation (OAC) with direct OAC being favored and had a parallel decreasing 1-year cumulative incidence of both ischemic stroke and major bleeding. Meaning These findings suggest that increasing use of OAC treatment, with direct OAC becoming the first-line anticoagulant, may partly explain the improved prognosis among patients with incident NVAF in the Netherlands.
Effect of Ocrelizumab on B- and T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis From the Randomized Phase III OPERA Trial

Background and Objectives The B cell–depleting anti-CD20 antibody ocrelizumab (OCR) effectively reduces MS disease activity and slows disability progression. Given the role of B cells as antigen-presenting cells, the primary goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of OCR on the T-cell receptor repertoire diversity. Methods To examine whether OCR substantially alters the molecular diversity of the T-cell receptor repertoire, deep immune repertoire sequencing (RepSeq) of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell receptor β-chain variable regions was performed on longitudinal blood samples. The IgM and IgG heavy chain variable region repertoire was also analyzed to characterize the residual B-cell repertoire under OCR treatment. Results Peripheral blood samples for RepSeq were obtained from 8 patients with relapsing MS enrolled in the OPERA I trial over a period of up to 39 months. Four patients each were treated with OCR or interferon β1-a during the double-blind period of OPERA I. All patients received OCR during the open-label extension. The diversity of the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell repertoires remained unaffected in OCR-treated patients. The expected OCR-associated B-cell depletion was mirrored by reduced B-cell receptor diversity in peripheral blood and a shift in immunoglobulin gene usage. Despite deep B-cell depletion, longitudinal persistence of clonally related B-cells was observed. Discussion Our data illustrate that the diversity of CD4+/CD8+ T-cell receptor repertoires remained unaltered in OCR-treated patients with relapsing MS. Persistence of a highly diverse T-cell repertoire suggests that aspects of adaptive immunity remain intact despite extended anti-CD20 therapy. Trial Registration Information This is a substudy (BE29353) of the OPERA I (WA21092; NCT01247324) trial. Date of registration, November 23, 2010; first patient enrollment, August 31, 2011.
Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination Among Individuals With Myasthenia Gravis

Key Points Question What are the outcomes of COVID-19 infection and vaccination among individuals with myasthenia gravis compared with the general population and with individuals with another autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)? Findings In this cohort study of 4411 people with myasthenia gravis living in Ontario, Canada, adults with myasthenia gravis who contracted COVID-19 had a higher risk of emergency department visit, hospitalization, and death compared with matched general population controls and controls with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with myasthenia gravis who were vaccinated had less than half the risk of contracting COVID-19; there was negligible risk of severe myasthenia gravis exacerbations after vaccination. Meaning This population-based study suggests that patients with myasthenia gravis had a high risk of serious COVID-19 infection and worse outcomes compared with the general population, supporting the prioritization of this population for vaccination and early therapeutics for COVID-19.
Agreement of parent‐reported cognitive level with standardized measures among children with autism spectrum disorder

Assessing cognitive development is critical in clinical research of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, collecting cognitive data from clinically administered assessments can add a significant burden to clinical research in ASD due to the substantial cost and time required, and it is often prohibitive in large‐scale studies. There is a need for more efficient, but reliable, methods to estimate cognitive functioning for researchers, clinicians, and families. To examine the degree to which caregiver estimates of cognitive level agree with actual measured intelligence/developmental scores and understand factors that may impact that agreement, 1,555 autistic individuals (81.74% male; age 18 months–18 years) were selected from a large cohort (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge, SPARK). Results suggest that querying parents about recent testing results and developmental diagnoses can provide valid and useful information on cognitive ability. The agreement of parental estimates varied with age, measured cognitive ability, autistic traits, and adaptive skills. In the context of large‐scale research efforts, parent‐reported cognitive impairment may be a good proxy for categorical IQ range for survey‐based studies when specific IQ scores are not available, circumventing the logistical and financial obstacles of obtaining neuropsychological or neurodevelopmental testing.
Cytogenotoxic evaluations of leaves and stems extracts of Rubus rosifolius in primary metabolically noncompetent cells

ABSTRACT Plants with medicinal potential may also produce adverse effects in humans. This seems to be the case for the species Rubus rosifolius, where preliminary studies demonstrated genotoxic effects attributed to extracts obtained from leaves and stems of this plant using on HepG2/C3A human hepatoma cells as a model. Considering the beneficial properties of this plant as an antidiarrheal, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive and its effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, the present study was developed with the aim of determining the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of extracts of leaves and stems of R. rosifolius in primary without metabolic competence in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Cell viability analyses at concentrations of between 0.01 and 100 µg/ml of both extracts did not markedly affect cell viability. In contrast, assessment of the genotoxic potential using the comet assay demonstrated significant damage to DNA within PBMC from a concentration of 10 µg/ml in the stem extract, and a clastogenic/aneugenic response without cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) alterations at concentrations of 10, 20, or 100 µg/ml for both extracts. Under our experimental conditions, the data obtained demonstrated genotoxic and mutagenic effects attributed to extracts from leaves and stems of R. rosifolius in cells in the absence of hepatic metabolism.