Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upper body rate of force development and maximal strength discriminates performance levels in sport climbing

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the maximal force and rate of force development (RFD) between intermediate, advanced and elite climbers using several different methods for calculating RFD. Fifty-seven male climbers (17 intermediate, 25 advanced, and 15 elite) performed isometric pull-ups on a climbing-specific hold while the RFD was calculated using several absolute (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ms from onset of force) and relative time periods (25, 50, 75, 95, and 100% of time to peak force). The maximal force was higher among elite climbers compared to advanced (ES = 1.78, p < 0.001) and intermediate climbers (ES = 1.77, p < 0.001), while no difference was observed between intermediate and advanced climbers (P = 0.898). The elite group also showed higher RFD than the other two groups at all relative time periods (ES = 1.02–1.58, p < 0.001–0.002), whereas the absolute time periods only revealed differences between the elite vs. the other groups at 50, 100 and 150 ms from the onset of force (ES = 0.72–0.84, p = 0.032–0.040). No differences in RFD were observed between the intermediate and advanced groups at any time period (p = 0.942–1.000). Maximal force and RFD, especially calculated using the longer periods of the force curve, may be used to distinguish elite climbers from advanced and intermediate climbers. The authors suggest using relative rather than absolute time periods when analyzing the RFD of climbers.
2-Pyrones from endophytic fungus Diaporthe foeniculina BZM-15

Abstract Foeniculins A-C (1–3) together with a pair of enantiomers (±)-foeniculin D (4) were isolated from endophytic fungus Diaporthe foeniculina BZM-15. Their structures including absolute configurations were unambiguously established by extensive interpretation of the NMR and HR-ESI-MS data, ECD measurements powered by molecular calculations, as well as Mo2(OAc)4 mediated CD methodology. The cytotoxic activity assay disclosed that these compounds didn’t show any noticeable cytotoxic activity.
Ground-truth-free deep learning for artefacts reduction in 2D radial cardiac cine MRI using a synthetically generated dataset

In this work, we consider the task of image reconstruction in 2D radial cardiac cine MRI using deep learning (DL)-based regularization. As the regularization is achieved by employing an image-prior predicted by a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN), the quality of the image-prior is of essential importance. The achievable performance of any DL-based method is limited by the amount and the quality of the available training data. For fast dynamic processes, obtaining good-quality MR data is challenging because of technical and physiological reasons. In this work, we try to overcome these problems by a transfer-learning approach which is motivated by a previously presented DL-method (XT,YT U-Net). There, instead of training the network on the whole 2D dynamic images, it is trained on 2D spatio-temporal profiles (xt,yt-slices) which show the temporal changes of the imaged object. Therefore, for the training and test data, it is more important that their spatio-temporal profiles share similar local features rather than being images of the same anatomy. This allows us to equip arbitrary data with simulated motion that resembles the cardiac motion and use it as training data. By doing so, it is possible to train a CNN which is applicable to cardiac cine MR data without using ground-truth cine MR images for training. We demonstrate that combining XT,YT U-Net with the proposed transfer-learning strategy delivers comparable performance to CNNs trained on cardiac cine MR images and in some cases even qualitatively surpasses these. Additionally, the transfer-learning strategy was investigated for a 2D and 3D U-Net. The images processed by the the CNNs were used as image-priors in the CNN-regularized iterative reconstruction. The XT,YT U-Net yielded visibly better results than the 2D U-Net and slightly better results than the 3D U-Net when used in combination with the presented transfer learning-strategy.
An Extended 45-year Long-term Follow-up on a 1–13 Rare Facial Cleft Patient

Abstract We present here the unique case of a patient with a Tessier 1-13 rare facial cleft accompanied by cleft lip and palate and Tessier grade 2 hypertelorism. The patient described in this article has a twin brother who shares a number of genetic traits and physical features but does not present facial cleft or hypertelorism. The 45-year follow-up in this case is believed to be the longest follow-up to date to have been reported in the literature, and sheds significant light on the importance of extended longitudinal follow-up to maximize patient outcomes.
The influence of disclosure of an autism diagnosis on peer engagement and interactions for a child with autism in summer camps: a case study

Abstract Purpose Little research has evaluated how disclosure of an autism diagnosis influences peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community recreation programs. This study describes outcomes of disclosing an autism diagnosis for a child with autism participating in mainstream, community summer camps. Methods This case study includes a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with autism who participated in two camps, one in which he disclosed and one in which he did not disclose. Quantitative data on peer engagement states and reciprocal interactions were coded through structured behavioral observation of video recorded on the first, second, and last day of each program. Qualitative interviews about perceived outcomes of disclosure were completed with the child with autism, camp leaders, and peers in the disclosure camp. Results Peer engagement and reciprocal interactions improved following the disclosure protocol and continued to improve on the final day of the camp, which was not observed in the non-disclosure camp. A key qualitative theme revealed that changed behavioral attribution was the main contributor to improved inclusion following disclosure. Conclusions This study provides preliminary data to support that disclosure may be a simple intervention to improve peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community programs. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at high risk of experiencing social exclusion, especially in community programs. A disclosure protocol (disclosure + explanation for behaviors) could be a simple intervention to facilitate peer acceptance and inclusion of children with autism, however this intervention has not been evaluated in a real life context. This study provides preliminary evidence to support the use of a simple disclosure protocol for families who want to disclose, within short-term community programs.
Repeatability of 2 swept-source OCT biometers and 1 optical low-coherence reflectometry biometer

The new SS-OCT biometry device showed a high repeatability and was comparable with a known swept-source optical coherence biometer and an optical low-coherence reflectometry biometer. Aim: To compare the repeatability of 2 swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometers, IOLMaster 700 (biometer A, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) and ANTERION (biometer B, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH) and 1 optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) device (biometer C, LENSTAR, LS900; Haag-Streit AG). Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery—Karl Landsteiner Institute, Vienna, Austria. Design: Prospective study that included patients scheduled for cataract surgery. Method: Three consecutive measurements were performed with 2 SS-OCT devices and 1 OLCR device. The repeatability of the following biometry variables was compared: keratometry, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and axial eye length (AL). To assess the repeatability of each parameter, the within-subject SD (Sw) and coefficient of variation (CoV) were calculated. Result: Fifty eyes of 50 patients were included. The CoV values were below 0.5 for all variables, except for ACD and LT for biometer C. The Sw values for mean keratometry were 0.018 for biometer A, 0.083 for biometer B, and 0.137 for biometer C. For the ACD, the Sw values were 0.039 and 0.004 for biometer A and biometer B, respectively, and 0.134 for biometer C. For the AL, the values were 0.006 for biometer A, 0.008 for biometer B, and 0.012 for biometer C. Conclusions: All biometry devices included in the analysis presented a high repeatability. The SS-OCT devices showed a higher repeatability performance compared with the OLCR device.
Enhanced Quality Control of Recycled Paperboard for Food Packaging

A method is reported for the industrial quality control of recycled paperboard for food contact applications. Benzophenones, phthalates, and diisopropyl naphthalene were selected as contamination markers. These compounds are commonly found in recycled paperboard packaging and are known to migrate even into dry nonfatty foods. The method was used to analyze commercial recycled board and involved sample pretreatment by accelerated solvent extraction, evaporation, and purification of the extract, and analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The accelerated solvent extraction yields were compared with those obtained by Soxhlet extraction and extraction by immersion, and the recoveries of optimized procedures were estimated. The optimized method showed good repeatability, intermediate precision, and sensitivity. Because of the simplicity and partial automation, this method has potential application for the characterization of recycled paperboard.
Respiratory viral infections and associated neurological manifestations

Abstract Respiratory viruses as a major threat to human and animal health today are still a leading cause of worldwide severe pandemics. Although the primary target tissue of these viruses is the lung, they can induce immediate or delayed neuropathological manifestations in humans and animals. Already after the Spanish flu (1918/20) evidence accumulated that neurological diseases can be induced by respiratory viral infections as some patients showed parkinsonism, seizures, or dementia. In the recent outbreak of COVID-19 as well patients suffered from headache, dizziness, nausea, or reduced sense of smell and taste suggesting that SARS-CoV2 may affect the central nervous system (CNS). It was shown that different respiratory viral infections can lead to deleterious complications in the CNS by a direct invasion of the virus into the brain and/or indirect pathways via proinflammatory cytokine expression. Therefore, we will discuss in this review mechanisms how the most prevalent respiratory viruses including influenza and coronaviruses in humans can exert long-lasting detrimental effects on the CNS and possible links to the development of neurodegenerative diseases as an enduring consequence.
A Prospective, Non-randomized Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy Study of a Telemedicine-Enabled Co-management Intervention for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Anxiety and/or Depression

Purpose The primary aim of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of codelivering a mental health intervention with an evidence-based type 2 diabetes (T2DM) boot camp care management program. The preliminary impact of participation on symptom scores for depression and anxiety and A1C was also examined. Methods This was a 12-week, non-randomized pilot intervention conducted with a convenience sample of adults with uncontrolled T2DM and moderate depression and/or anxiety at an urban teaching hospital. Co-management intervention delivery was via in-person and telehealth visits. Participants were assessed at baseline and 90 days. Results Participants (n = 18) were African American, majority female (83%), and age 50.7 ± 13.4 years. Significant improvements in mental health outcomes were demonstrated, as measured by a reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire − 9 scores of 2.4 ± 2.9 (P = .01) and in Generalized Anxiety Disorder − 7 scores of 2.3 ± 1.9 (P = .001). The pre-post intervention mean A1C improved by 3.4 ± 2.1 units from 12% ± 1.4% to 8.5% ± 1.7% (P < .001). Conclusion The data generated in this pilot support the feasibility of delivering a diabetes and mental health co-management intervention using a combination of in-person and telemedicine visits to engage adults with T2DM and coexisting moderate depression and/or anxiety. Further research is warranted.
Films of Graphene Nanomaterials Formed by Ultrasonic Spraying of Their Stable Suspensions

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope, exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties. The assembly of graphene into films provides a platform to deepen the study of its interaction with varying surfaces, to engineer devices, and to develop functional materials. A general approach to produce graphene films consists of preparing a dispersion and laying it on a substrate of choice, followed by solvent evaporation. Here, we report the preparation of stable suspensions of new types of graphene nanomaterials namely, graphene nanoflowers (GNFs) and multi-layer graphene (MLG) flakes, in ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Sprayable suspensions of both GNFs and MLG were prepared in DMF/ethanol, which showed high stability, without addition of any surfactant. The stable suspensions were used to deposit micrometer-thick MLG/GNF films on glass substrates. Calculations of initial droplet size and of timescale of droplet evaporation are performed and possible thermophoretic effects on droplet deposition discussed as well. Coating glass substrates with a methacrylic acid–methyl methacrylate (MA) copolymer prior to the deposition significantly improved the adhesion of the nanomaterials to the substrate. With the MA coating, a substrate coverage of nearly 100% was achieved at 14-min spraying time for 0.05 wt% GNF and 0.1 wt% MLG suspensions. Raman spectra of the GNF and MLG films reveal that the films were made of MLG in which the individual graphene layers rotated from each other as in turbostratic graphene. This work provides a general approach to prepare graphene nanomaterial suspensions and to create films for a variety of applications. The spraying process applied in the current work is highly scalable and allows control of film characteristics through process parameters. Copyright 2015 American Association for Aerosol Research
Synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) graft copolymer†

Poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) graft copolymer (4a), with a controlled poly(dimethylsiloxane) graft chain length, was synthesized by radical copolymerization of vinyl acetate with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (3) having a dimethylvinylsilyl end group. 3 was prepared by living anionic polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (1) with butyllithium and subsequent termination with chlorodimethylvinylsilane (2). Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) graft copolymer (4b) was then synthesized by selective saponification of the poly(vinyl acetate) segments in the graft copolymer 4a with K2CO3 in methanol.
MBE‐VLS growth of GaAs nanowires on (111)Si substrate

The growth of a GaAs nanowire was attempted on a (111)Si substrate by molecular beam epitaxy adopting the vapour-liquid-solid method with Au colloids as the catalysts. The shape of the nanowire was of a hexagonal column of about 3 μm long. The growth rate of the wire was extremely high as compared to the previous reports. The diameter near the bottom of the wire was not equal to but larger than that measured at the top of the wire, which is attributed to the diffusion of the Ga precursors on the wire wall. It was found that the shape as well as size of the wire was sensitive to the growth conditions, and a long and thin nanowire was achieved at high V/III ratios. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Eco-mechanisms within economic evolution: Schumpeterian approach

Supporting ecological innovations and economic activities which lead to environmental protection is one of the important challenges to decision-makers. The above is related to the problem of specification of mechanisms resulting in introducing ecological innovations to the economy. The original vision of the economic evolution determined by innovation was firstly presented by Joseph Schumpeter who identified essential innovative changes as well as indicated different mechanisms governing the economic evolution. The aim of the paper is to suggest a cohesive topological approach maintained in the stream of Schumpeter’s thought, to study changes in the economy, which result in the elimination of at least one harmful commodity or technology from the market, by incorporating Hurwicz apparatus in a suitably modified competitive economy. Qualitative properties of mechanisms which can occur within the economic evolution are also analyzed.
NRC Publications Archive Archives des publications du CNRC

A new preparation method for CuInS2 and CuInSe2 nanoparticles synthesis is described without using any organic solvent. Heating Cu, In, and S/Se precursors dissolved in water for 30 min in a microwave oven in the presence of mercapto-acetic acid leads to monodispersed chalcopyrite nanoparticles. No precipitation of these nanoparticles is observed after several months at room temperature. These new materials have been thoroughly characterized to confirm their compositions, sizes, and structure without any filtration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed particle sizes below 5 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) confirmed the chemical composition of these samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed a chalcopyritetype structure with crystallite size of about 2 nm. No difference has been observed between batch and continuous synthesis processes. CuxInS2 and CuxInSe2 nanoparticles, with x\ 1, have been also synthesized and identified. Simulation using a commercial software confirmed the difference between copper poor (CuxInS2) and copper rich (CuInS2) chalcopyrite structures. Conventional spray deposition techniques have been used to form relatively thin films on solid substrates.
A decade of carbon, water and energy flux measurements of an old spruce forest at the Anchor Station Tharandt

At Tharandt/Germany eddy covariance (EC) measurements of carbon dioxide and heat fluxes are performed above an old spruce forest since 1996. The last ten years cover almost all meteorological extremes observed during the last 45 years: the coldest and warmest year with mean air temperature of 6.1°C (1996) and 9.6°C (2000) as well as the fourth wettest and the driest year with a precipitation of 1098 mm (2002) and 501 mm (2003), respectively. In general, the observed annual carbon net ecosystem exchange (NEE) indicates a high net sink from . 395 g C m-2 a-1 (2003) to . 698 g C m-2 a-1 (1999) with a coefficient of variation cv = 16.6%. The yearly evapotranspiration (ET) has a lower interannual variability (cv = 9.5%) between 389 mm (2003) and 537 mm (2000). The influence of flux correction and gap filling on the amount of annual NEE and ET is considerable. Using different methods of gap filling (non-linear regressions, mean diurnal courses) yields annual NEE totals that differ by up to 18%. Consistency analysis regarding energy balance closure, comparisons with independent soil respiration and biomass increment measurements indicate reliability of the fluxes. The average gap of the energy balance is 15% of the available energy based on regression slope with an intercept of 3 to 16 W m-2, but around zero for annual flux ratios. Between 47% and 63% of the net ecosystem productivity was fixed above ground according to up-scaled tree ring data and forest inventories, respectively. Chamber measurements of soil respiration yield up to 90% of nighttime EC based total ecosystem respiration. Thus, we conclude that the EC based flux represents an upper limit of the C sink at the site.
End-of-Life Care among US Adults with ESKD Who Were Waitlisted or Received a Kidney Transplant, 2005 – 2014

Background The care of patients in the United States who have ESKD is often shaped by their hopes and prognostic expectations related to kidney transplant. Little is known about how patients ’ engagement in the transplant process might relate to patterns of end-of-life care. Methods We compared six measures of intensity of end-of-life care among adults in the United States with ESKD who died between 2005 and 2014 after experiencing differing exposure to the kidney transplant process. Results Of 567,832 decedents with ESKD, 27,633 (5%) had a functioning kidney transplant at the time of death, 14,653 (3%) had a failed transplant, 16,490 (3%) had been removed from the deceased donor waitlist, 17,010 (3%) were inactive on the waitlist, 11,529 (2%) were active on the waitlist, and 480,517 (85%) had never been waitlisted for or received a transplant (reference group). In adjusted analyses, compared with the reference group, patients exposed to the transplant process were signi ﬁ cantly more likely to have been admitted to an intensive care unit and to have received an intensive procedure in the last 30 days of life; they were also signi ﬁ cantly more likely to have died in the hospital. Those who died on the transplant waitlist were also less likely than those in the reference group to have been enrolled in hospice and to have discontinued dialysis before death. Conclusions Patients who had engaged in the kidney transplant process received more intensive patterns of end-of-life care than other patients with ESKD. These ﬁ ndings support the relevance of advance care planning, even for this relatively healthy segment of the ESKD population.
Socio-demography, nutritional status and physical activity among elderly in Samarahan division, Sarawak, Malaysia

The physical activity among elderly has been associated with reduction of risk from all-cause mortality and improve physical, mental, and social well-being. The objectives were to determine the physical activity status among elderly in Samarahan Division, Sarawak and its association with socio - demographic characteristics and nutritional status. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 199 elderly, aged between 60 to 90 years, from rural area in Samarahan Division (Asajaya and Simunjan district). Socio-demographic characteristic was taken via questionnaire, nutritional status and body composition of the elderly was measured using anthropometric measurement, and physical activity using pedometer. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26. The proportion of physically active among elderly was 12.6% and mean daily steps are 3946 steps (SD=1669 steps). Multiple linear regressions revealed that age, BMI, and sex were significant associated with physical activity. Lack of physical activity among elderly remain a problem. Understanding these predictors related to physical activity is important for designing intervention program.