Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rectal sensation function rebuilding based on optimal wavelet packet and support vector machine

Rectal sensation function rebuilding method based on optimal wavelet packet (OWP) and support vector machine (SVM) is proposed for rectal sensation loss caused by anal incontinence. By analysing human rectum characteristics, high-amplitude propagated contractions in rectal contractions are used to indicate an urge to defecate. Rectal pressure feature is extracted using OWP based on Davies-Bouldin criterion. Normalised mean and energy of optimal bases coefficients are taken as feature vector. Rectal sensation prediction model is trained based on SVM whose parameters are optimised by particle swarm optimisation. Then the trained model is used to predict the urge to defecate. Meanwhile, contrast analysis of prediction accuracy of defecation intension using methods based on feedforward neural networks and SVM based on different kernel functions are given in this study. The prediction accuracy of the optimised SVM is compared with SVM using different kernel functions. Experiment results show that the proposed method is advantageous to rebuild patients' rectal sensation.
Hydrostatic and Non‐Hydrostatic Baroclinic Instability in the Dynamical Core of the DOE Global Climate Model

The dynamical core of the Department of Energy global climate model is used to understand the role of non‐hydrostatic dynamics in the simulation of dry and moist baroclinic waves. To reduce computational cost, the Diabatic Acceleration and REscaling approach is adopted. Scale analysis and numerical simulations suggest that the model solution is not distorted by the change of spherical metric terms due to the change of Earth radius, neither are the inter‐scale interactions strongly altered as indicated by the analysis of spectral flux. Compared with hydrostatic simulations, the onset of baroclinic instability is delayed under non‐hydrostatic dynamics as the associated weaker vertical motions tend to increase the critical wavelength and narrow the range of waves that can be baroclinically unstable. During the development of baroclinic waves, non‐hydrostatic dynamics tends to induce vertical motions in the upper troposphere, accelerating the eastward propagation of upper‐level ridges through their impact on local vorticity tendency. These processes reduce the westward tilt of the vertical ridge axes and suppress the conversion of mean flow available potential energy to eddy kinetic energy, leading to weaker baroclinic eddies than in hydrostatic simulations. The contrasts between hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic settings hold in supplemental experiments that vary the background flow Rossby number, the amount of water vapor content and vertical resolution. We also find that mesoscale and smaller‐scale activities can be considerably under‐represented when the vertical resolution is limited to that typically used in global climate models.
On the distribution and interpretation of voice in Greek anticausatives

This paper provides experimental evidence in support of the view that Greek does not have three productive morphological classes of anticausative verbs, but only two: the class of verbs that bear non-active voice morphology and the class of verbs that are morphologically active. Across two experiments, native Greek speakers are found to prefer for each anticausative verb either non-active or active voice morphological marking, in the presence or absence of explicit contextual information. It is also shown experimentally that native speakers prefer an interpretation that involves a specific cause for all anticausatives, especially when the existence of such a cause is favored by the contextual setting. Our empirical findings are consistent with the view that the Voice Phrase that is realized as non-active voice morphology in Greek anticausatives is expletive. From a theoretical perspective, we analyze the expletiveness of this Voice projection as the result of semantic redundancy: the Voice head of Greek anticausatives combines with a v head that encodes a redundant cause meaning component and is, therefore, interpreted merely as introducing an identity function.
Lipoprotein(a): Its Association with Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis, the Emerging RNA-Related Treatments and the Hope for a New Era in “Treating” Aortic Valve Calcification

The treatment of patients with aortic valve calcification (AVC) and calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) remains challenging as, until today, all non-invasive interventions have proven fruitless in preventing the disease’s onset and progression. Despite the similarities in the pathogenesis of AVC and atherosclerosis, statins failed to show a favorable effect in preventing AVC progression. The recognition of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a strong and potentially modifiable risk factor for the development and, perhaps, the progression of AVC and CAVS and the evolution of novel agents leading in a robust Lp(a) reduction, have rekindled hope for a promising future in the treatment of those patients. Lp(a) seems to promote AVC via a ‘three hit’ mechanism including lipid deposition, inflammation and autotaxin transportation. All of these lead to valve interstitial cells transition into osteoblast-like cells and, thus, to parenchymal calcification. Currently available lipid-lowering therapies have shown a neutral or mild effect on Lp(a), which was proven insufficient to contribute to clinical benefits. The short-term safety and the efficacy of the emerging agents in reducing Lp(a) have been proven; nevertheless, their effect on cardiovascular risk is currently under investigation in phase 3 clinical trials. A positive result of these trials will probably be the spark to test the hypothesis of the modification of AVC’s natural history with the novel Lp(a)-lowering agents.
Profile of Newly Diagnosed Patients with HIV Infection in North-Eastern Romania

Background and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic are unquestionably the most serious public crisis of our time. Identifying, preventing, and treating HIV-associated comorbidities remains a challenge that must be addressed even in the era of antiretroviral therapy. Materials and Methods: In this study, we aimed to characterize the aspects of newly diagnosed patients with HIV/AIDS, during 2021–2022 in Northeastern Romania. We reviewed the frequency and associated comorbidities of these patients in correspondence with national and global results. Results: Our study found that of all newly diagnosed HIV cases (167 cases—74 cases in 2021 and 98 cases in 2022), 49.70% were diagnosed with HIV infection and 50.30% had AIDS. Based on sex correlated with the CD4+ T-lymphocyte level, the most affected were males, with a lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte level overall. The average HIV viral load was 944,689.55 copies/mL. Half of males had an abnormal ALT or AST (39.53% and 49.61%); as for the females, less than a quarter had an increased value of ALT or AST, respectively (18% and 26%). The most frequent co-infections were as follows: oral candidiasis (34.73% of patients), hepatitis B (17.37% of patients), and SARS-CoV-2 infection (8.38%), followed by hepatitis C (6.39%), tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, toxoplasmosis, Cryptococcus, Cytomegalovirus infections. Males were more affected than females, with a higher percentage of co-infections. The prescribed antiretroviral treatment focused on a single-pill regimen (79.04%) to ensure adherence, effectiveness, and safety. Therefore, 20.96% had been prescribed a regimen according to their comorbidities. Conclusions: Our study found a concerning rise in the incidence of HIV in 2022 compared to that in 2021 in Northeastern Romania, because of the rise in post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic addressability. Advanced immunodeficiency and the burden of opportunistic infections characterize newly diagnosed HIV patients. The physicians should keep in mind that these patients may have more than one clinical condition at presentation.
OCTA and Doppler Ultrasound in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal-Tension Glaucoma

The aim of this study was to determine whether the values of vessel density (VD) and perfusion parameters in the ophthalmic artery (OA) and central retinal artery (CRA) of the same eye differ in patients with hypertensive glaucoma (HTG) from patients with normotensive glaucoma (NTG). The first group consisted of 20 HTG patients (40 eyes). Patients with HTG were verified to have primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The second group consisted of 20 HTG patients (40 eyes). VD was used to determine the Avanti RTVue XR from Optovue (USA). Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were measured in both the central retinal artery (CRA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) using Doppler sonography on the Affinity 70G from Philips (USA). The visual field (VF) was examined by a fast threshold glaucoma program using a Medmont M700 (Australia). We showed no differences in VF, VD, PSV-OA and EDV-CRA between the two groups. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed in PSV in CRA (p = 0.04), EDV in OA (p = 0.009) and in RI in both CRA and OA. Other values were without significant differences in both groups. In both HTG and NTG, we observed in PSV-CRA, EDV-OA, RI-CRA and RI-OA.
On queues in which customers are served in random order

ABSTRACT The queue M |G| l is considered in the case in which customers are served in random order. A formal solution is obtained for the waiting time distribution in the steady state, and is used to consider the exponential decay of the distribution. The moments of the waiting time are examined, and the asymptotic form of the distribution in heavy traffic is found. Finally, the problem is related to those of the busy period and the approach to the steady state.
Use of fondaparinux in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A three-patient case series report

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a life-threatening immune-mediated complication of unfractionated heparin therapy. Fondaparinux is a therapeutic alternative, but it has limited evidence for its use in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We present a series of three adult patients with COVID-19 on ECMO who were diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after 7–12 days of unfractionated heparin treatment and were switched to fondaparinux. Fondaparinux was initiated with an intravenous loading dose of 5 mg, followed by a dose of 2.5 mg subcutaneously every 8–12 h. Dosage was adjusted according to daily measured anti-Xa concentration with a target range of 0.4–0.7 mg/L. The total duration of treatment with fondaparinux and ECMO ranged from 13 to 26 days. One major bleeding episode unrelated to fondaparinux therapy was observed, and the transfusions requirement was also low in all patients. The ECMO circuit was changed once in each patient. This series provides a deep insight into the use of fondaparinux over an extended period of time in patients on ECMO. Based on the presented data, fondaparinux can be considered a reasonable and affordable anticoagulant in patients without a high risk of bleeding.
Disease phenotypic and geospatial features vary across genetic lineages for Tuberculosis within Arkansas, 2010–2020

Tuberculosis (TB) elimination in the United States remains elusive, and community-specific, localized intervention strategies may be necessary to meet elimination goals. A better understanding of the genotypic diversity of Mtb, the population subgroups affected by different TB strains, and differences in disease presentation associated with these strains can aid in identifying risk groups and designing tailored interventions. We analyze TB incidence and genotype data from all Arkansas counties over an 11-year time span from 2010 through 2020. We use statistical methods and geographic information systems (GIS) to identify demographic and disease phenotypic characteristics that are associated with different Mtb genetic lineages in the study area. We found the following variables to be significantly associated with genetic lineage (p<0.05): patient county, patient birth country, patient ethnicity, race, IGRA result, disease site, chest X-ray result, whether or not a case was identified as part of a cluster, patient age, occupation risk, and date arrived in the US. Different Mtb lineages affect different subpopulations in Arkansas. Lineage 4 (EuroAmerican) and Lineage 2 (East Asian) are most prevalent, although the spatial distributions differ substantially, and lineage 2 (East Asian) is more frequently associated with case clusters. The Marshallese remain a particularly high-risk group for TB in Arkansas.
Performance on the Three-Point Vernier Acuity Test as a Function of Age: Study Extended to Encompass the Age-Range, 10-94 Years

In recent years, this laboratory has published a series of papers on a simple three point vernier acuity (alignment) test having rather unique properties and offering particular promise as a clinical test. Included in this set of properties is essential independence of responses to this test from effects of aging. And if the test is conducted at super-threshold settings and the test points can be identified as separate from each other; background and test luminance levels, contrast, veiling glare, test spot size, and image degradation (even extreme) do not meaningfully alter outcomes. Because of the potential value of this test as a reference or “gold” standard, and for purposes such as assessment of vision through dense media disorders, we seek to develop further the data base supporting this test. Here, we extend the age range sampled from 20-94 (previous study) to include ages 10-19 years. Not surprisingly, the three point vernier acuity test was shown not to vary significantly with aging within this age span as well.
11,12-EET Regulates PPAR-γ Expression to Modulate TGF-β-Mediated Macrophage Polarization

Macrophages are highly plastic immune cells that can be reprogrammed to pro-inflammatory or pro-resolving phenotypes by different stimuli and cell microenvironments. This study set out to assess gene expression changes associated with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced polarization of classically activated macrophages into a pro-resolving phenotype. Genes upregulated by TGF-β included Pparg; which encodes the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and several PPAR-γ target genes. TGF-β also increased PPAR-γ protein expression via activation of the Alk5 receptor to increase PPAR-γ activity. Preventing PPAR-γ activation markedly impaired macrophage phagocytosis. TGF-β repolarized macrophages from animals lacking the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH); however, it responded differently and expressed lower levels of PPAR-γ-regulated genes. The sEH substrate 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET), which was previously reported to activate PPAR-γ, was elevated in cells from sEH−/− mice. However, 11,12-EET prevented the TGF-β-induced increase in PPAR-γ levels and activity, at least partly by promoting proteasomal degradation of the transcription factor. This mechanism is likely to underlie the impact of 11,12-EET on macrophage activation and the resolution of inflammation.
GNSS-Assisted Low-Cost Vision-Based Observation System for Deformation Monitoring

This paper considers an approach to solve the structure monitoring problem using an integrated GNSS system and non-metric cameras with QR-coded targets. The system is defined as a GNSS-assisted low-cost vision-based observation system, and its primary application is for monitoring various engineering structures, including high-rise buildings. The proposed workflow makes it possible to determine the change in the structure geometric parameters under the impact of external factors or loads and in what follows to predict the displacements at a given observation epoch. The approach is based on the principle of relative measurements, implemented to find the displacements between pairs of images from non-metric cameras organized in a system of interconnected chains. It is proposed to determine the displacement between the images for different epochs using the phase correlation algorithm, which provides a high-speed solution and reliable results. An experimental test bench was prepared, and a series of measurements were performed to simulate the operation of one vision-based observation system chain. A program for processing the sequence of images in the MatLab programming environment using the phase correlation algorithm was implemented. An analysis of the results of the experiment was carried out. The analysis results allowed us to conclude that the suggested approach can be successfully implemented in compliance with the requirements for monitoring accuracy. The simulation of the vision-based observation system operation with accuracy estimation was performed. The simulation results proved the high efficiency of the suggested system.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies of the Library Information Science School’s Graduates on Digital Scholarship in South Africa

Abstract The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has presented a paradigm shift in a paradigm in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). The profession necessitates digital scholarship knowledge, skills, and competencies. Academic and special research council libraries have introduced numerous functions and activities related to digital scholarship, to accommodate the demands of the 4IR. Thus, librarians who practice in these types of libraries and others are called on to revisit their related knowledge, skills and competencies. Most librarians who have been trained by LIS schools received their qualifications before the advent of the digital scholarship activities which now form part of their profession. This has created some uncertainty as far as digital scholarship job requirements are concerned. This paper forms part of a doctoral study that aimed to explore the education and training of South Africa’s LIS professionals in digital scholarship, specifically those now serving in academic and special research council libraries. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm using a qualitative approach. A multiple case study design was used, employing semi-structured interviews as data-collection tool to interview ten digital scholarship librarians and their directors from six libraries in South Africa. The researcher sought to determine to what extent digital knowledge, skills and competences, and digital scholarship units and activities were part of their job requirements. The study concluded that LIS digital scholarship librarians should acquire digital scholarship knowledge, skills and competencies through formal education, training courses, workshops and on-the-job training. LIS schools should develop short learning courses to assist librarians in gaining the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies, while parent organizations should establish the relevant infrastructure and provide funding for training.
Optical sensors based on metal oxide nanowires for UV/IR detection

Metal oxide nanowires (NWs) present high stability and excellent optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Their synthesis is cost-effective since they can be produced by means of conventional ovens using vapor phase transport or direct metal oxidation. In this work, n-type ZnO and p-type CuO NWs are deposited on pre-patterned electrodes of Aldoped ZnO (AZO) by dielectrophoresis. Performance of devices fabricated from single and multiple NWs are compared. Highly selective UV detection is demonstrated in n-type ZnO NW photoconductors with high external gains in the 0.09-1×108 range and slow time responses, both effects induced by surface effects. In contrast, n-p-n AZO/ CuO NW/AZO heterostructures show lower gains but faster optical responses, mainly limited by device parasitics. Given the CuO bandgap (1.2 eV), the results are quite promising for the development of hybrid metal oxide detection structures in imaging and photovoltaic applications.
Biomass production, carbon sequestration potential and productivity of different peanut (Arachis hypogaea)-based cropping systems and their effect on soil carbon dynamics

A field experiment was conducted during 2011-12 and 2012-13 at Junagadh (Gujarat) with fourteen treatment combinations comprising cropping systems, tillage, crop residues incorporation and green manuring with three replications. Results revealed that maximum biomass production (30.05 t/ha) and carbon sequestration potential (12.63 t/ha) were recorded under peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)+pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ]-Sesbania cropping system. On the other hand, maximum peanut-pod equivalent yield (3.64 t/ha) was obtained under peanutwheat(ZT)-Sesbania which was significantly higher by 102.2 per cent compared to sole peanut. The inorganic soil carbon was significantly altered in peanut-based cropping systems whereas soil organic carbon (SOC) was found non-significant both in plough and sub-soil layers. The highest labile soil carbon was recorded under peanut-wheat (ZT)-Sesbania cropping system (0.77 g/kg) under plough soil layer. On the other hand, the highest non-labile soil carbon was found in peanut-wheat (ZT) (7.07 to 8.03 g/kg) with and without plant residues incorporation at both soil depths (i.e. plough and sub-soil layers). The inorganic carbon increased appreciably (3 to 57%) with increase in soil depth. In contrary, values of organic, labile and non-labile soil carbons, showed declining trend with the increase in soil depth under these cropping systems. In general, the highest values of all soil carbon fractions were observed in peanut-wheat (ZT) at all the soil depths except 15-30 cm for inorganic carbon. The highest MBC (441 mg/kg), SOC stock (17.3 t/ha) and CMI (188.8) were registered under peanut-wheat (ZT)-Sesbania while MQ was higher in peanut-wheat (CT) (4.90%).
Molecular Gas, Morphology, and Seyfert Galaxy Activity

We probe the cause of the elevated star formation in host galaxies of Seyfert 2 nuclei compared with Seyfert 1 hosts and with field galaxies.12CO (1-0) observations of a large sample of Seyfert galaxies indicate no significant difference in the total amount of molecular gas as a function of the Seyfert nuclear type, nor are Seyfert galaxies significantly different in this regard from a sample of field galaxies once selection effects are accounted for. Therefore, the total amount of molecular gas is not responsible for the enhanced star-forming activity in Seyfert 2 hosts. To probe how this gas is being converted more efficiently into stars in Seyfert 2 hosts than in the other galaxies, we investigate the occurrence of bars, interactions, and distorted morphologies among Seyfert galaxies. We find a significantly higher rate of asymmetric morphologies for Seyfert 2 galaxies with respect to Seyfert 1 galaxies and field galaxies. Relative to field galaxies, the effect is at a greater than 99.9% confidence level. The presence of asymmetric morphologies in individual Seyfert galaxies is correlated with their tendency to exhibit enhanced star-forming activity. These results suggest that asymmetric morphologies are an important cause for the link between Seyfert type and star-forming activity: bars and distortions in Seyfert 2 hosts are likely both to enhance star-forming activity and to funnel gas into the nuclear region, thus obscuring and possibly contributing to the feeding of the active nucleus.
New Developments toward a Clinical Test of Retinal Ganglion Cell Function

We recently developed a method for extracting a component from the human multifocal electroretinogram (ERG) that is generated by ganglion cells1,2. As its latency depends linearly on the estimated length of ganglion cell axons connecting the site of focal stimulation with the disc, this optic nerve head component (ONHC) is presumed to originate from the axons where myelination begins1,2. A second, retinal component (RC) has an invariant latency.