Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptation to HLA-associated immune pressure over the course of HIV infection and in circulating HIV-1 strains

Adaptation to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-associated immune pressure represents a major driver of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evolution at both the individual and population level. To date, there has been limited exploration of the impact of the initial cellular immune response in driving viral adaptation, the dynamics of these changes during infection and their effect on circulating transmitting viruses at the population level. Capturing detailed virological and immunological data from acute and early HIV infection is challenging as this commonly precedes the diagnosis of HIV infection, potentially by many years. In addition, rapid initiation of antiretroviral treatment following a diagnosis is the standard of care, and central to global efforts towards HIV elimination. Yet, acute untreated infection is the critical period in which the diversity of proviral reservoirs is first established within individuals, and associated with greater risk of onward transmissions in a population. Characterizing the viral adaptations evident in the earliest phases of infection, coinciding with the initial cellular immune responses is therefore relevant to understanding which changes are of greatest impact to HIV evolution at the population level. In this study, we utilized three separate cohorts to examine the initial CD8+ T cell immune response to HIV (cross-sectional acute infection cohort), track HIV evolution in response to CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity over time (longitudinal chronic infection cohort) and translate the impact of HLA-driven HIV evolution to the population level (cross-sectional HIV sequence data spanning 30 years). Using next generation viral sequencing and enzyme-linked immunospot interferon-gamma recall responses to peptides representing HLA class I-specific HIV T cell targets, we observed that CD8+ T cell responses can select viral adaptations prior to full antibody seroconversion. Using the longitudinal cohort, we uncover that viral adaptations have the propensity to be retained over time in a non-selective immune environment, which reflects the increasing proportion of pre-adapted HIV strains within the Western Australian population over an approximate 30-year period.
Banana Ice Cream as An Eco-friendly Social Enterprise Product for Helping Cancer Patients During Treatment

Purpose: Banana ice cream is a fun food to eat and has both functions. The use of banana as main component of ice cream is expected to be a sustainable food, which is supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The business of banana ice cream can be run for social purposes that make a profit, which will circle back for the needs of cancer patients. Design/methodology/approach: Break even point analysis used to determine economic feasibility of the business plan. Break even point would be reached when the total unit of selling banana ice cream as much as 3.024 scoops with sales value was 15.120. 000 Indonesian Rupiah. The minimum time for recovering the initial investment was 151 days or 5 months. Banana ice cream business is feasible to be run. Findings: Cancer treatments often cause adverse effects at different levels. The adverse effect can greatly affect the patient's daily activities that may impair quality of life. New food products shall be developed to improve patient nutrition and reduce side effects from therapies. Originality/value: This paper is original Paper type: Research paper
Green's function, caloric measure and Fatou theorem for nondivergence parabolic equations in non cylindrical domains

Abstract In this paper we are interested in studying parabolic operators in non-divergence form, in a class of time-varying domains. In particular, we establish the doubling properties for the Green's function and the normalized adjoint measure, and prove comparison theorems of Harnack type for adjoint solutions. Finally, we apply the above results to obtain Fatou theorem for nonnegative solutions. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 35B65, 35C15, 35K20.
Population genomics and subgenome evolution of the allotetraploid frog Xenopus laevis in southern Africa

Abstract Allotetraploid genomes have two distinct genomic components called subgenomes that are derived from separate diploid ancestral species. Many genomic characteristics such as gene function, expression, recombination, and transposable element mobility may differ significantly between subgenomes. To explore the possibility that subgenome population structure and gene flow may differ as well, we examined genetic variation in an allotetraploid frog—the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)—over the dynamic and varied habitat of its native range in southern Africa. Using reduced representation genome sequences from 91 samples from 12 localities, we found no strong evidence that population structure and gene flow differed substantially by subgenome. We then compared patterns of population structure in the nuclear genome to the mitochondrial genome using Sanger sequences from 455 samples from 183 localities. Our results provide further resolution to the geographic distribution of mitochondrial and nuclear diversity in this species and illustrate that population structure in both genomes corresponds roughly with variation in seasonal rainfall and with the topography of southern Africa.
1D numerical relativity applied to neutron star collapse

A complete system of equations sufficient to handle the fully general relativistic hydrodynamics in the case of spherical symmetry is presented, as well as its numerical implementation in a pseudo-spectral code. This code is able to follow tiny radial perturbations of a neutron star near the maximum mass, and especially to show the growth of their fundamental mode as the central density increases, as well as to describe a complete collapse towards a black hole when the instability threshold is passed. In other respects, the code is employed to address the problem of the minimum mass of a black hole formed via gravitational collapse.
Effect of occupational aluminum exposure on cognitive function among informal aluminum foundry industry workers

Background: Occupational exposure to aluminum can potentially cause health problems for workers in the aluminum foundry industry, which might associate with cognitive impairment. However, studies in the informal aluminum foundry industry are still very limited. This study aimed to determine the relationship between aluminum exposure and cognitive impairment in informal aluminum foundry workers. Methods: This study used a cross sectional design with logistic regression analysis. Seventy-nine workers in the informal aluminum foundry industry participated in this study. Aluminum in urine was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Indonesian version (MoCA-Ina) instrument. Results: A total of 69.6% of the subjects experienced cognitive impairment. There was a statistically significant relationship between urinary aluminum levels and cognitive impairment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urinary aluminum levels (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.550; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.281-33.499) and length of education (aOR = 16.885; 95% CI = 2.042 – 139.604) were associated with cognitive impairment, with cut-off value set at 45.985 µg/L. Other results showed that workers with less than 7 years of formal education have a 16.885 times higher risk of experiencing cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Workers with urinary aluminum levels ≥45.985µg/L and formal education fewer than 7 years have a higher risk of having cognitive impairment. Regular bio-monitoring of workers' urinary aluminum levels and adequate aluminum exposure control efforts are needed to prevent cognitive impairment in informal aluminum foundry workers.
Effect of Treadmill Training with Visual Biofeedback on Selected Gait Parameters in Subacute Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

Background: Functional limitations after a stroke are unique to each person and often include impaired independent mobility. A reduction in existing gait deficits after a stroke is often one of the main goals of rehabilitation. Gait re-education after stroke is a complex process, which consists of the effects of many therapeutic interventions. Objective: The study aimed to analyze the effects of using a treadmill with visual feedback in gait re-education in the sub-acute stroke period and assess the impact of biofeedback treadmill training on selected gait parameters, improving static balance and reducing the need for orthopedic aids. Methods: The study included 92 patients (F: 45, M: 47) aged 63 ± 12 years, with post-ischemic sub-acute (within six months onset) stroke hemiparesis, treated at a neurological rehabilitation ward. All patients participated in a specific rehabilitation program, and in addition, patients in the study group (n = 62) have a further 10 min of treadmill training with visual feedback. Patients in the control group (n = 30) participated in additional conventional gait training under the direct supervision of a physiotherapist. The evaluation of static balance was assessed with the Romberg Test. A Biodex Gait Trainer 3 treadmill with biofeedback function was used to evaluate selected gait parameters (walking speed, step length, % limb loading, and traveled distance). The use of an orthopedic aid (walker or a crutch) was noted. Results: After four weeks of rehabilitation, step length, walking speed, traveled distance, and static balance were significantly improved for the study and control group (p < 0.05). Treadmill gait training yielded significantly better results than a conventional rehabilitation program. Only the study group observed a corrected walking base (p < 0.001). All participants showed a reduction in the use of walking aids (p = 0.006). There was no asymmetry in the % of limb loading for either group prior to or following rehabilitation. Conclusions: The treadmill with visual biofeedback as conventional gait training has resulted in a significant improvement in parameters such as step length, walking speed, static balance, and a reduction in the use of locomotion aids. However, the achieved improvement in gait parameters is still not in line with the physiological norm.
Life Span Development of Self-Continuity in late Adulthood: The Impact of Chronological Age, Loss of Partner and Aversive Childhood Events

ABSTRACT Self-continuity is a central process of identity that connects one’s past and present. Research is limited regarding the life-course determinants of self-continuity and its development in later life. We used multilevel hierarchical models to investigate how the occurrence of life-course adversity (e.g., childhood adversity or partner loss) and the accumulation of resources shapes the perception of self-continuity in mid and later life, with respect to both their levels and changes over time. A three-wave longitudinal data set was used. The sample consisted of divorcees (n = 396), widows and widowers (n = 319), and married individuals (control; n = 513) in the second half of life. The divorcees had the lowest levels of self-continuity compared to the married and widowed individuals. Self-continuity increased with age for all marital status groups but followed differential trajectories. The divorcees were the most vulnerable group regarding their level and development of self-continuity. More childhood adversity was associated with less self-continuity for all groups, showing the influence of distal adversity on later life identity processes. Our findings illustrate that self-continuity changes as a function of age but differs based on the adverse events experienced across the life course.
Yield of EEG features as markers of disease severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study

Objective To clarify the role of electroencephalography (EEG) as a promising marker of severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We characterized the brain spatio-temporal patterns activity at rest by means of both spectral band powers and EEG microstates and correlated these features with clinical scores. Methods Eyes closed EEG was acquired in 15 patients with ALS and spectral band power was calculated in frequency bands, defined on the basis of individual alpha frequency (IAF): delta-theta band (1–7 Hz); low alpha (IAF − 2 Hz − IAF); high alpha (IAF − IAF + 2 Hz); beta (13 − 25 Hz). EEG microstate metrics (duration, occurrence, and coverage) were also evaluated. Spectral band powers and microstate metrics were correlated with several clinical scores of disabilities and disease progression. As a control group, 15 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Results The beta-band power in motor/frontal regions was higher in patients with higher disease burden, negatively correlated with clinical severity scores and positively correlated with disease progression. Overall microstate duration was longer and microstate occurrence was lower in patients than in controls. Longer duration was correlated with a worse clinical status. Conclusions Our results showed that beta-band power and microstate metrics may be good candidates of disease severity in ALS. Increased beta and longer microstate duration in clinically worse patients suggest a possible impairment of both motor and non-motor network activities to fast modify their status. This can be interpreted as an attempt in ALS patients to compensate the disability but resulting in an ineffective and probably maladaptive behavior.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale in Iranian Adolescents

The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a tool for measuring anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents. In this study, the psychometric properties of the Persian version of SCAS were investigated in an Iranian adolescents. This study was conducted on a sample of 684 adolescents. For standardization of SCAS, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analyses wereperformed. Also, to evaluate convergent and divergent validity, Fornell and Larcker criteria (1994), along with the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS)and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), was used. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also performedto determine the cut-off point. The model fit of the correlated six-factor model was good however, a second-order model provided a statistically superior fit to the data. The reliability coefficients for the total scale and its dimensions were satisfactory (α > 0.7). Therefore, it can be concluded that the Persian version of SCAS has acceptable reliability and validity and can be used as a useful tool for early screening of anxiety in Iranian adolescents due to its easy use and specific design for children and adolescents.
Permeability Measurement of Split-Ringresonator Metamaterials from Free-Space Transmission-Only Calibration-Independent Methods

A promising calibration-independent microwave method is proposed for complex permeability extraction of metamaterial structures composed of periodic split-ring resonators. For the retrieval process, uncalibrated (raw) complex scattering parameter measurements of three measurement configurations in free-space are utilized. The advantage of the proposed method is that it employs the transmission-only scattering parameters of metamaterial slabs in the permeability retrieval. This approach improves measurement stability and accuracy and eliminates measurement errors, if any, occurring in reflection S-parameters of the slab. It is validated by retrieving the magnetic properties of various homogeneous metamaterial slabs.
The effect of ginger compress on reducing back pain on the third trimester pregnant women

Introduction: Ginger is one of the herbal plants that has been known for a long time. However, most people did not know further about the benefits of ginger for pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the ginger effect to compress the lower back in third-trimester pregnant women. Methods: The data were used in this study obtained from the intensity of pain felt by pregnant women in the third trimester. This study involved 10 respondents who were collected by purposive sampling technique. The analysis used in this study was to determine the difference in the level of the back before the ginger compress and after the ginger compress in the third trimester of pregnant women using the Wilcoxon test. Results: This study shows that the significant value of ρ=0.005<0.05, from these results, it was shown that there is an effect of ginger compresses on reducing back pain in third-trimester pregnant women. Conclusion: This study was conducted to analyze the effect of ginger compress on the lower back in third-trimester pregnant women. Furthermore, this study proves that ginger compress can significantly reduce back pain in the third-trimester pregnant women
A self-similarity model for effective thermal conductivity of porous media

A new model, the self-similarity model, for effective thermal conductivity of porous media is proposed based on the thermal–electrical analogy technique and on statistical self-similarity of porous media. The proposed thermal conductivity model is expressed as a function of porosity (related to stage n of Sierpinski carpet), ratio of areas, ratio of component thermal conductivities, and contact resistance. A recursive algorithm for the thermal conductivity is obtained using the proposed model and is found to be quite simple. The predictions of the model are compared with those of other models and with existing measurements and good agreement was found. This proves that the proposed model is a valid one.
Collective-Distributive Interpretations in Bilingual Spanish-English-Speaking Children

Developmental semantic research in child Italian, Spanish, and English has shown that children’s knowledge of distributive interpretations does not appear adult-like until 10 or 11 years of age. Further, children’s knowledge of distributive interpretations predicts their knowledge of collective interpretations. Lexical development, in these studies, predicts both their distributive and collective interpretations, while development of the inhibition component of executive function predicts children’s collective interpretations, but not their distributive interpretations. In this project, we test Spanish distributive and collective interpretations in a sample of bilingual Spanish-English-speaking 1st graders and an age- matched sample of monolingual Spanish-speaking children in Mexico. We find that the bilingual children have significantly greater inhibition scores than the monolingual children. The monolingual children, in contrast, have greater lexical scores than the bilinguals. Further results show that the monolinguals have more adult-like distributive and collective interpretations than do the bilinguals and that lexical scores are predictive of distributive- collective interpretations in the combined sample, while inhibition is not. We conclude that lexicon plays a greater role in collective implicature interpretations than does inhibition.
Attention-Aware Deep Feature Embedding for Remote Sensing Image Scene Classification

Due to the wide application of remote sensing (RS) image scene classification, more and more scholars activate great attention to it. With the development of the convolutional neural network (CNN), the CNN-based methods of the RS image scene classification have made impressive progress. In the existing works, most of the architectures just considered the global information of the RS images. However, the global information contains a large number of redundant areas that diminish the classification performance and ignore the local information that reflects more fine spatial details of local objects. Furthermore, most CNN-based methods assign the same weights to each feature vector causing the mode to fail to discriminate the crucial features. In this article, a novel method by Two-branch Deep Feature Embedding (TDFE) with a dual attention-aware (DAA) module for RS image scene classification is proposed. In order to mine more complementary information, we extract global semantic-based features of high level and local object-based features of low level by the TDFE module. Then, to focus selectively on the key global-semantics feature maps as well as the key local regions, we propose a DAA module to attain those key information. We conduct extensive experiments to verify the superiority of our proposed method, and the experimental results obtained on two widely used RS scene classification benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Patient Perspectives of a University-Based Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program for Stroke Survivors with Aphasia

ABSTRACT Background Stroke survivors with aphasia who participate in intensive post-acute aphasia rehabilitation programs make a variety of significant investments. As the number of Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) increase across healthcare settings worldwide, patient perspectives of this innovative service delivery become increasingly important. Stakeholder perspectives can provide meaningful contributions to intervention implementation, growth, and sustainability. Aims The purpose of this pilot study was to qualitatively explore patient perspectives about the experience of participating in a university-based ICAP implemented by graduate student clinicians. Methods & Procedures Researchers used an interpretive phenomenological approach to analyze nine structured interviews from five stroke survivors with aphasia who described their lived experiences during an ICAP. Thematic analysis involved an iterative and collaborative coding process. Transcripts were coded and themes were developed from the patients’ shared perspectives. Trustworthiness was maximized through acknowledgement of the researchers’ positionality and bias, variation in the sample, member checks, and sustained relationships between stakeholders. Outcomes & Results Three primary themes emerged from patient interviews: (1) the ICAP is hard work; (2) the impact of the ICAP on communication is noticeable, and (3) relationships “make” the ICAP. Conclusions Themes support emerging evidence that ICAPs implemented by graduate student clinicians may be a worthwhile investment for many stroke survivors with aphasia, thereby contributing to the cost-benefit utility and implementation feasibility of this service delivery model. Stroke survivors with aphasia reported mixed levels of acceptability pertaining to the perceptible impact on communication improvement, and the challenging, rewarding, frequent, and varied opportunities to interact with others.
Redistribution of dissolved oxygen concentration under strong DC magnetic fields

Possible influence of d.c. magnetic fields on the behavior of oxygen dissolved in aqueous solutions is studied in order to widen the basic understanding of biological effects of magnetic fields. Oxygen concentration in the solution is controlled either by introduction of oxygen gas into the solution until the solution is saturated with oxygen gas at 1 atm pure oxygen, or by introduction of argon gas into the solution until the solution is saturated with argon gas it 1 atm pure argon. Then, the solution is contacted with air at 1 atm pressure. During the recovery process of the dissolved oxygen concentration from the nonequilibrium state to the equilibrium state, a part of the solution is exposed to 1.0 T magnetic field with a gradient of 10 T/m for 30 - 60 min. The spatial distribution of oxygen concentration in the solution was redistributed by the magnetic field. The relative change in oxygen concentration with position was around ±1 - ±7 %. In contrast, in the experiment under the equilibrium state of oxygen pressure, no redistribution of the dissolved oxygen was observed.