Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vernakalant Use in Cardioversion of Recent Onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a chaotic, irregular atrial rhythm at 300-600 bpm. The AV node conducts the impulse intermittently, causing the irregular ventricular rate. The main risk is of embolism (stroke), which is preventable by anticoagulation. The current estimate of the AF prevalence in the developed world is approximately 1.5-2% in the general population, with the average age of patients with this condition steadily rising to between 75 and 85 years. Hospitalization of patients with AF is also very common. Vernakalant (Brinavess®) is a concentrate that is made up into a solution of infusion (drip into a vein). In recent years, vernakalant has emerged as a novel agent for the termination of recent-onset AF. Forty-seven-year-old man felt chest discomfort and palpitations after a strenuous work (lifting heavy objects). After calling the EMS, the patient was transferred to hospital. When more detailed history was taken, it was established that the patient had the diagnosis of paroxysmal AF for which he was taking Concor 1.25 mg q.d. and Simvastatin 40 mg q.d. BP 160/70 mmHg. ECG was done in the emergency room (ER) which revealed AF with rapid ventricular rate of 135 bpm with no ST–T changes. Laboratory analysis showed: pro BNP 89.1 pg/ml, CK 3.8, venous ABG unremarkable. Cardiac ultrasound was unremarkable and the patient was properly anticoagulated with heparin and enoxaparin in order to receive vernakalant. He was treated with vernakalant 3mg/kg i.v. in the ER. Ten minutes afterwards, a repeated ECG was done showing a normal sinus rhythm at 75 bpm. The patient was discharged from hospital in stable condition. Vernakalant was successful in converting recent-onset AF into the sinus rhythm in the emergency department.
CFD Simulation of Flow Through the Reconstructed Microstructure of Fibrous Gas Diffusion Layer in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is one of the key components in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Generally it is a carbon-based fibrous medium that allows for the transport of electrons through the fibers and distributes the reactants through the void space to the catalyst layer in a PEM fuel cell. In the present work, a microstructure study of reactant transport is carried out by reconstructing the typical fibrous microstructure of the GDL and investigating the transport characteristics of the porous medium using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The results confirm the applicability of Darcy’s law formulation for permeability determination and Bruggemann correction for calculation of effective diffusivity for typical conditions encountered in PEM fuel cells. Macroscopic material properties such as through-plane and in-plane permeabilities and effective diffusion coefficient are determined and compared against experimental values reported in the literature.
The Instagram Image of the City. Insights from Lodz, Poland

Abstract The age of big data opens new opportunities for urban research. As millions of users have been creating and transmitting visual representations of cityscapes (e.g., photos taken with smartphones), it is crucial to understand features of the online crowd-sourced images of cities and their relations with their offine archetypes. However, it seems that photos posted by users of social networking sites remain understudied and their informative potential has not been fully exploited yet. The aim of the conducted research was to examine and comprehend the nature of the Instagram image of the city. The paper presents the results of investigating 1867 Instagram photos featuring outdoor city views taken in Lodz, Poland in September 2015. The posted photos were classified by their components and attributes. The study revealed that Instagram content does not reflect the urban space in general. It rather selects geographies and subjects presenting aestheticized and picturesque places and objects. Nevertheless, the new components of cityscapes seem to be noteworthy for Instagram users. Finally, the paper argues that mapping Instagram content without prior and careful examination of the local context may lead to biased conclusions.
Distribution of Taraxacum microspecies along soil property gradients in salt and brackish meadows on the Polish Baltic coast

Abstract The vegetation of protected salt meadows along the Baltic coast is fairly well known; however, dandelions have been so far treated as a collective species. The aim of our study was to examine the microspecies diversity of the genus Taraxacum in Polish salt and brackish coastal meadows and to analyse soil property preferences of the dandelion microspecies identified. In addition, we analysed the relations between soil properties and vegetation patterns in dandelion-supporting coastal meadows (by canonical correspondence analysis). The salt and brackish meadows along the Polish Baltic coast we visited were found to support a total of 27 dandelion microspecies representing 5 sections. Analysis of vegetation patterns showed all the soil parameters (C:N ratio, organic matter content, pH, concentration of Mg, P, K, electrolytic conductivity of the saturated soil extract ECe) to explain 32.07% of the total variance in the species data. The maximum abundance of most dandelion microspecies was associated with the highest soil fertility, moderate pH values and organic matter content, and with the lowest magnesium content and soil salinity. The exceptions were T. latissimum, T. stenoglossum, T. pulchrifolium and T. lucidum the occur-rence of which was related to the lowest soil fertility and the highest salinity. In addition, several microspecies (T. leptodon, T. gentile, T. haematicum, T. fusciflorum and T. balticum) were observed at moderate C:N ratios and ECe. Four other microspecies (T. infestum, T. cordatum, T. hamatum, T. sertatum) occurred at the lowest pH and organic matter content. The information obtained increases the still insufficient body of knowledge on ecological spectra of individual dandelion microspecies, hence their potential indicator properties.
Towards Multiple Pronunciation Generation in Acoustic G2P Conversion Framework

Recently an acoustic data-driven grapheme-to-phoneme (G2P) conversion approach has been proposed in which the G2P relationship is learned through acoustic data, and the learned relationship together with the orthographic transcription of the word are used to infer pronunciations. This paper extends the acoustic G2P conversion approach and proposes two methods for generating multiple pronunciations to better handle pronunciation variations. In the first method, multiple pronunciations are generated by using different cost functions at the learning stage to possibly capture different G2P relationships. The second method generates multiple pronunciations at the inference stage through N-best decoding. Our experimental studies on Phonebook task in English show that (a) the first method yields lower average number of pronunciations per word than the second method; and (b) both methods, without pronunciation selection or pruning, lead to improvements in the performance at the pronunciation level as well as the speech recognition level.
Methods for Human Dehydration Measurement

Abstract The aim of this article is to give a broad overview of current methods for the identification and quantification of the human dehydration level. Starting off from most common clinical setups, including vital parameters and general patients’ appearance, more quantifiable results from chemical laboratory and electromagnetic measurement methods will be reviewed. Different analysis methods throughout the electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from direct current (DC) conductivity measurements up to neutron activation analysis (NAA), are discussed on the base of published results. Finally, promising technologies, which allow for an integration of a dehydration assessment system in a compact and portable way, will be spotted.
Modelling the Time Allocation Effects of Basic Income

Abstract Most of the economic models on basic income account just for pecuniary forms of work, i. e. “time spent making money”, in employment. This restriction is a drawback of these analyses and of the standard economic labor supply model itself. If one wants to understand the potential effects of basic income on individual and social welfare, one should not restrict observation to the pecuniary uses of time. The objective of this contribution is to rethink the meaning of work usually applied in economic models, based on contributions of other social scientists. This reassessment is undertaken through the development of a microeconomic model, which discusses the effects of basic income on time use and interprets work not just as a source of income, but also of non-pecuniary benefits. Further, we disentangle the usual work-leisure dichotomy in two other ones (paid and unpaid time/unpaid work and leisure).
Removing the Influence of Network Effect on Local Position Solution

Abstract To investigate and remove the network effect to the national GNSS network the results obtained from three GNSS networks which are tied to ITRF2008 using minimal constraints were compared. The first network is the EUREF Permanent Network (EPN), the second is EPN subnetwork processed by WUT LAC (WUT), the third is exactly Ukraine reference network (URN). The position differences between these networks - EPN and URN (WUT and URN) can reach 9.1 (6.6) mm for X, 4 (3.8) mm for Y and 11.7 (12.2) mm for Z. To obtain consistent station positions and velocities without network effect two weekly solutions were combined. The results demonstrate that the network effect on the local solution (Ukraine reference network) can be eliminated. This approach is valid because the same data analysis strategy was applied during both network processing.
Unhealthy Levels of Phthalates and Bisphenol A in Mexican Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes and Its Association to Altered Expression of miRNAs Involved with Metabolic Disease

Several studies indicate that bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates may have a role in the development of metabolic diseases using different molecular pathways, including epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. However, it is unclear whether exposure to these chemicals modifies serum levels of miRNAs associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. In the present study, we evaluated the serum levels of miRNAs associated with GDM (miR-9-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-29a-3p and miR-330-3p) and urinary levels of phthalate metabolites (mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (MEHP)) and bisphenol A in GDM patients and women without GDM during the second trimester of gestation. We observed higher levels of miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p and miR-330-3p in sera of patients with GDM compared to non-diabetic subjects. Phthalates were detected in 97–100% of urine samples, while BPA only in 40%. Urinary MEHP and BPA concentrations were remarkably higher in both study groups compared to previously reported data. Unadjusted MEHP levels and adjusted BPA levels were higher in non-diabetics than in GDM patients (p = 0.03, p = 0.02). We found positive correlations between adjusted urinary MBzP levels and miR-16-5p expression levels (p < 0.05), adjusted MEHP concentrations and miR-29a-3p expression levels (p < 0.05). We also found negative correlations between unadjusted and adjusted MBP concentrations and miR-29a-3p expression levels (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05), unadjusted MiBP concentrations and miR-29a-3p expression levels (p < 0.01). Urinary MEHP levels reflect a striking exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in pregnant Mexican women. This study highlights the need for a regulatory strategy in the manufacture of several items containing endocrine disruptors in order to avoid involuntary ingestion of these compounds in the Mexican population.
Discussing global warming leads to greater acceptance of climate science

Climate change is an urgent global issue, with demands for personal, collective, and governmental action. Although a large body of research has investigated the influence of communication on public engagement with climate change, few studies have investigated the role of interpersonal discussion. Here we use panel data with 2 time points to investigate the role of climate conversations in shaping beliefs and feelings about global warming. We find evidence of reciprocal causality. That is, discussing global warming with friends and family leads people to learn influential facts, such as the scientific consensus that human-caused global warming is happening. In turn, stronger perceptions of scientific agreement increase beliefs that climate change is happening and human-caused, as well as worry about climate change. When assessing the reverse causal direction, we find that knowing the scientific consensus further leads to increases in global warming discussion. These findings suggest that climate conversations with friends and family enter people into a proclimate social feedback loop.
Clinical performance of computer-engineered complete dentures: a retrospective pilot study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this retrospective pilot study was to analyze the clinical performance of computer-engineered complete dentures (CECDs) in edentulous patients regarding survival and maintenance. METHOD AND MATERIALS For this retrospective analysis, data from 10 patients who received CECD treatment in each arch (Digital Denture, Ivoclar Vivadent) between 2015 and 2016 were analyzed. The following aspects were assessed: number of appointments required for treatment, number of interventions during the initial (≤ 4 weeks after insertion) and functional periods (> 4 weeks after insertion), and survival. Additionally, whether these aspects were influenced by function or esthetics, the arch, or recall participation was assessed. Poisson regression models were used for the statistical analysis (P < .05). RESULTS All CECDs survived the observation period of 2.54 ± 0.48 years. More than four appointments were required for treatment (mean ± standard deviation, 4.6 ± 0.7), mainly for esthetic concerns. An average of 1.7 ± 0.05 appointments during the initial period and 2.07 ± 0.32 during the functional period were noted as a consequence of functional concerns. During both periods, the major reason for intervention was removal of pressure spots. Relining was required in 40% of the CECDs, and fracture of the denture base occurred in two CECDs. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this retrospective pilot study, the CECDs showed acceptable clinical performance in terms of survival and maintenance. Nevertheless, transferring more information about the patient from the dental practice to the dental laboratory might reduce the number of appointments for treatment and avoid technical complications such as fractures of the denture base.
Overview of the Role of Cell Wall DUF642 Proteins in Plant Development

The DUF642 protein family is found exclusively in spermatophytes and is represented by 10 genes in Arabidopsis and in most of the 24 plant species analyzed to date. Even though the primary structure of DUF642 proteins is highly conserved in different spermatophyte species, studies of their expression patterns in Arabidopsis have shown that the spatial-temporal expression pattern for each gene is specific and consistent with the phenotypes of the mutant plants studied so far. Additionally, the regulation of DUF642 gene expression by hormones and environmental stimuli was specific for each gene, showing both up- and down-regulation depending of the analyzed tissue and the intensity or duration of the stimuli. These expression patterns suggest that the DUF642 genes are involved throughout the development and growth of plants. In general, changes in the expression patterns of DUF642 genes can be related to changes in pectin methyl esterase activity and/or to changes in the degree of methyl-esterified homogalacturonans during plant development in different cell types. Thus, the regulation of pectin methyl esterases mediated by DUF642 genes could contribute to the regulation of the cell wall properties during plant growth.
Design Optimization in Lower Limb Prostheses: A Review

This paper aims to develop a knowledge base and identify the promising research pathways toward designing lower limb prostheses for optimal biomechanical and clinical outcomes. It is based on the literature search representing the state of the art in the lower limb prosthesis joint design and biomechanical analysis. Current design solutions are organized in terms of fulfilling four key functional roles: body support, propulsion, task flexibility, and loading relief. Biomechanical analyses of these designs reveal that the hypothesized outcomes are not consistently observed. We suggest that these outcomes may be improved by incorporating tools that can predict user performance metrics to optimize the device during the initial design process. We also note that the scope of the solution space of most current designs is limited by focusing on the anthropomorphic design approaches that do not account for the person’s altered anatomy post-amputation. The effects of the prosthetic joint behavior on whole-body gait biomechanics and user experience are likewise under-explored. Two research paths to support the goal of better predicting the user outcomes are proposed: experimental parameterization of designs and model-based simulations. However, while work in these areas has introduced promising new possibilities, connecting both to improve real-world performance remains a challenge.
Gender-affirming healthcare experiences and medical transition among transgender women living with HIV: a mixed-methods study.

Background:Transgender (trans) women are overrepresented among people living with HIV, yet trans women living with HIV (WLWH) experience lower access to HIV care. Access to medical transition may facilitate access to HIV care among trans WLWH. This study sought to describe barriers and facilitators to access to medical transition among trans WLWH. Methods: This convergent parallel mixed-methods study drew on cross-sectional quantitative data from 48 trans WLWH analysed using descriptive and bivariate analyses, as well as qualitative semistructured interview data from a subsample of 11 participants analysed using framework analysis. The primary outcome was self-reported transition experience (completed or in the process of medical transition vs planning to but have not begun medical transition). Quantitative and qualitative results were merged and analysed for convergence, divergence and/or expansion of understanding. Results: Just over half the participants reported being fully completed medical transition or in the process of medical transition (52.1% (25/48); 95% confidence interval (CI) 37.5-67.6%), with one-fifth reporting planning to but not having begun medical transition (18.8% (9/48); 95% CI 8.3-29.2%). Factors significantly associated with not having begun one's medical transition included housing instability, transphobia, HIV-related stigma and barriers in access to care. Qualitative findings revealed varied transition experiences, influenced by community norms, passing and class privilege, HIV and structural barriers. Mixed-methods results showed positive relationships between trans WLWH and HIV care providers in terms of trans and HIV health care. Conclusions: HIV-related stigma and social determinants of health limit access to medical transition for trans WLWH. Stigma must be addressed in a broad range of healthcare settings, in addition to structural barriers, to increase access to gender-affirming HIV care and medical transition for trans WLWH.
Comparative Evaluation of Visual Outcomes After Bilateral Implantation of a Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lens and an Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lens.

OBJECTIVES To compare visual outcomes and clinical performance of diffractive trifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses (IOLs). METHODS This prospective, consecutive, nonrandomized, comparative study of 6-month duration included assessment of 160 eyes of 80 patients (40 patients in each group). The patients had bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of a trifocal (FineVision Micro F; PhysIOL SA, Liège, Belgium) or EDOF IOL (TECNIS Symfony; Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Abbott Park, IL) in both eyes. Ophthalmological evaluation included measurement of monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance VA (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate VA (UIVA) and distance-corrected intermediate VA (DCIVA), uncorrected near VA (UNVA) and distance-corrected near VA (DCNVA). Analysis of point-spread function and modulation transfer function was also performed postoperatively, and quality of vision and spectacle-dependence questionnaires were assessed. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between groups in monocular UDVA (P=0.65), CDVA (P=0.82), and binocular UDVA (P=0.81). The monocular UIVA, monocular DCIVA, and binocular UIVA were also comparable among the two groups (P=0.70, 0.74, and 0.81, respectively). Monocular UNVA, DCNVA, and binocular UNVA were statistically and significantly better for the trifocal group than for the EDOF (P=0.01, P=0.009, and P=0.001, respectively). There were no differences in visual symptoms and quality among groups. CONCLUSIONS Trifocal IOL had a clear advantage over EDOF IOLs in near VA, while both IOLs showed excellent performance in distance and intermediate VA. Both IOLs provided high percentage of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction with minimal level of disturbing photic phenomena.
Novel Preparation of Reduced Graphene Oxide–Silver Complex using an Electrical Spark Discharge Method

This study used an electrical discharge machine (EDM) to perform an electrical spark discharge method (ESDM), which is a new approach for reducing graphene oxide (GO) at normal temperature and pressure, without using chemical substances. A silver (Ag) electrode generates high temperature and high energy during gap discharge. Ag atoms and Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) are suspended in GO, and ionization generates charged Ag+ ions in the Ag plasma with a strong reducing property, thereby carrying O away from GO. A large flake-like structure of GO was simultaneously pyrolyzed to a small flake-like structure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). When Ag was used as an electrode, GO was reduced to rGO and the exfoliated AgNP surface was coated with rGO, thus forming an rGOAg complex. Consequently, suspensibility and dispersion were enhanced.