Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of patient symptom burden and information needs helps tailoring palliative care consultations: An observational study

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to study (1) the relationship between patient‐reported symptom burden and information needs in hospital‐based palliative care and (2) differences in patient‐reported needs during the disease trajectory. Methods Observational study: patient‐reported symptom burden and information needs were collected via a conversation guide comprising assessment scales for 12 symptoms (0–10), the question which symptom has priority to be solved and a question prompt list on 75 palliative care‐related items (35 topics, 40 questions). Non‐parametric tests assessed associations. Results Conversation guides were used by 266 patients. Median age was 65 years (IQ‐range, 57–72), 49% were male and 96% had cancer. Patients reported highest burden for Fatigue (median = 7) and Loss of appetite (median = 6) and prioritised Pain (26%), Fatigue (9%) and Shortness of breath (9%). Patients wanted information about 1–38 (median = 14) items, mostly Fatigue (68%), Possibilities to manage future symptoms (68%) and Possible future symptoms (67%). Patients also wanted information about symptoms for which they reported low burden. Patients in the symptom‐directed phase needed more information about hospice care. Conclusion Symptom burden and information needs are related. Patients often also want information about non‐prioritised symptoms and other palliative care domains. Tailored information‐provision includes inviting patients to also discuss topics they did not consider themselves.
Energetics, kinetics, and pathways of SNARE assembly in membrane fusion

Abstract Fusion of transmitter-containing vesicles with plasma membranes at the synaptic and neuromuscular junctions mediates neurotransmission and muscle contractions, respectively, thereby underlying all thoughts and actions. The fusion process is driven by the coupled folding and assembly of three synaptic SNARE proteins––syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25 on the target plasma membrane (t-SNAREs) and VAMP2 on the vesicular membrane (v-SNARE) into a four-helix bundle. Their assembly is chaperoned by Munc18-1 and many other proteins to achieve the speed and accuracy required for neurotransmission. However, the physiological pathway of SNARE assembly and its coupling to membrane fusion remains unclear. Here, we review recent progress in understanding SNARE assembly and membrane fusion, with a focus on results obtained by single-molecule manipulation approaches and electric recordings of single fusion pores. We describe two pathways of synaptic SNARE assembly, their associated intermediates, energetics, and kinetics. Assembly of the three SNAREs in vitro begins with the formation of a t-SNARE binary complex, on which VAMP2 folds in a stepwise zipper-like fashion. Munc18-1 significantly alters the SNARE assembly pathway: syntaxin-1 and VAMP2 first bind on the surface of Munc18-1 to form a template complex, with which SNAP-25 associates to conclude SNARE assembly and displace Munc18-1. During membrane fusion, multiple trans-SNARE complexes cooperate to open a dynamic fusion pore in a manner dependent upon their copy number and zippering states. Together, these results demonstrate that stepwise and cooperative SNARE assembly drive stagewise membrane fusion.
Effects of climate on salmonid productivity: A global meta‐analysis across freshwater ecosystems

Salmonids are of immense socio‐economic importance in much of the world, but are threatened by climate change. This has generated a substantial literature documenting the effects of climate variation on salmonid productivity in freshwater ecosystems, but there has been no global quantitative synthesis across studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to gain quantitative insight into key factors shaping the effects of climate on salmonid productivity, ultimately collecting 1321 correlations from 156 studies, representing 23 species across 24 countries. Fisher's Z was used as the standardized effect size, and a series of weighted mixed‐effects models were compared to identify covariates that best explained variation in effects. Patterns in climate effects were complex and were driven by spatial (latitude, elevation), temporal (time‐period, age‐class), and biological (range, habitat type, anadromy) variation within and among study populations. These trends were often consistent with predictions based on salmonid thermal tolerances. Namely, warming and decreased precipitation tended to reduce productivity when high temperatures challenged upper thermal limits, while opposite patterns were common when cold temperatures limited productivity. Overall, variable climate impacts on salmonids suggest that future declines in some locations may be counterbalanced by gains in others. In particular, we suggest that future warming should (1) increase salmonid productivity at high latitudes and elevations (especially >60° and >1500 m), (2) reduce productivity in populations experiencing hotter and dryer growing season conditions, (3) favor non‐native over native salmonids, and (4) impact lentic populations less negatively than lotic ones. These patterns should help conservation and management organizations identify populations most vulnerable to climate change, which can then be prioritized for protective measures. Our framework enables broad inferences about future productivity that can inform decision‐making under climate change for salmonids and other taxa, but more widespread, standardized, and hypothesis‐driven research is needed to expand current knowledge.
Tsunami effects on the Z component of the geomagnetic field

The vertical component (Z) of the geomagnetic field observed by ground-based observatories of the INTERMAGNET network has been used to analyze the effects of the movement of electrically conducting sea water through the geomagnetic field due to a propagation of a tsumani. The purpose of this work is to study the geomagnetic variations induced by the tsunamis occurred at 26 December, 2004, 27 February, 2010 and 11 March, 2011. For each case study, we selected four magnetic stations belonging to the INTERMAGNET programme that were influenced or more direct affected by the tsumani. To detect these disturbances in the geomagnetic data, the discrete wavelet technique have been used in four levels of decomposition. We were able to detect the localized behavior of the geomagnetic variations induced by the movement of electrically conducting sea-water through the geomagnetic field, i. e. , the identification of transients related to the tsunamis. As well, using the minutely magnetogram data, it was able to localize the initial phase and time of the tsunami maximum height. The first interpretation of the results suggests that discrete wavelet transform can be used to characterize the tsumani effects on the geomagnetic field, but need further study.
Previous Syphilis Not Associated With Neurocognitive Outcomes in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Ontario, Canada

A retrospective cohort study of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Ontario, Canada which found no association between previous syphilis and neurocognition. Background About 40% to 60% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience neurocognitive impairments, irrespective of antiretroviral status. We hypothesized that a history of syphilis or neurosyphilis would be associated with worse neurocognitive outcomes in this population. Methods Among health care–engaged people living with HIV in Ontario older than 16 years enrolled in the OHTN Cohort Study, neurocognitive outcomes were as follows: (1) self-reported Medical Outcome Study–HIV Health Survey 4-item cognitive scale; (2) average T score summary scores based on objective neuropsychological testing of complex attention, speed of processing, and learning/memory; and (3) global deficit score dichotomized into impaired/unimpaired neurocognitive status. Syphilis history was determined by laboratory data or chart review. Univariable and multivariable generalized linear mixed models assessed the association between each of: syphilis, number of episodes of syphilis, and years since syphilis diagnosis with these neurocognitive outcomes controlling for age, sex, race, education, income, years of HIV, nadir and most recent CD4 count, most recent HIV viral load, substance use, depression, and number of prior neurocognitive tests. Results Of 1288 eligible participants, 218 (16.9%) had a history of syphilis at baseline and an additional 53 were diagnosed during follow up for a total of 271 (21.0%) at the most recent visit. Of those with past infection at baseline, 179 (82.1%) had 1 and 39 (17.9%) had 2 or more episodes of syphilis. In longitudinal multivariable models, we observed no relationship between syphilis diagnosis or years since syphilis diagnosis and any of the neurocognitive outcomes. Conclusions In this sample, prior syphilis was not associated with worse neurocognitive outcomes over time according to self-reported scales or objective neuropsychological testing.
Phase Space Methods for Degenerate Quantum Gases

The book begins with a review of Fock states for systems of identical atoms, where large numbers of atoms occupy the various single particle states or modes. First, separate modes are considered, and here the quantum density operator is represented by a phase space distribution function of phase space variables which replace mode annihilation, creation operators, the dynamical equation for the density operator determines a Fokker-Planck equation for the distribution function, and measurable quantities such as quantum correlation functions are given as phase space integrals. Finally, the phase space variables are replaced by time dependent stochastic variables satisfying Langevin stochastic equations obtained from the Fokker-Planck equation, with stochastic averages giving the measurable quantities.
Digital Diagnostics of Multiphase Flows by the Pattern Recognition Techniques

Abstract : It should be noted that the methods of digital patten recognition were applied only for the diagnostics of pure gas flows. At the same time, as is known from the theory of two-phase flows of the mixtures of gas and solid particles, the shock waves as well as of other singularities can arise in such flows, and the number of different types of singularities in two-phase flows even proved to be larger than in the case of pure gas flows. A generalization of the algorithms for digital localization and classification of singularities described is proposed in the present work for the case of two-phase flows of the mixtures of gas and solid particles. The examples of the diagnostics of specific flows are presented.
The roles of divergent and parallel molecular evolution contributing to thermal adaptive strategies in trees

Abstract Local adaptation is a driver of biological diversity, and species may develop analogous (parallel evolution) or alternative (divergent evolution) solutions to similar ecological challenges. We expect these adaptive solutions would culminate in both phenotypic and genotypic signals. Using two Eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus tereticornis) with overlapping distributions grown under contrasting ‘local’ temperature conditions to investigate the independent contribution of adaptation and plasticity at molecular, physiological and morphological levels. The link between gene expression and traits markedly differed between species. Divergent evolution was the dominant pattern driving adaptation (91% of all significant genes); but overlapping gene (homologous) responses were dependent on the determining factor (plastic, adaptive or genotype by environment interaction). Ninety‐eight percent of the plastic homologs were similarly regulated, while 50% of the adaptive homologs and 100% of the interaction homologs were antagonistical. Parallel evolution for the adaptive effect in homologous genes was greater than expected but not in favour of divergent evolution. Heat shock proteins for E. grandis were almost entirely driven by adaptation, and plasticity in E. tereticornis. These results suggest divergent molecular evolutionary solutions dominated the adaptive mechanisms among species, even in similar ecological circumstances. Suggesting that tree species with overlapping distributions are unlikely to equally persist in the future.
Pathogenesis of Zika Virus Infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging virus from the Flaviviridae family that is transmitted to humans by mosquito vectors and represents an important health problem. Infections in pregnant women are of major concern because of potential devastating consequences during pregnancy and have been associated with microcephaly in newborns. ZIKV has a unique ability to use the host machinery to promote viral replication in a tissue-specific manner, resulting in characteristic pathological disorders. Recent studies have proposed that the host ubiquitin system acts as a major determinant of ZIKV tropism by providing the virus with an enhanced ability to enter new cells. In addition, ZIKV has developed mechanisms to evade the host immune response, thereby allowing the establishment of viral persistence and enhancing viral pathogenesis. We discuss recent reports on the mechanisms used by ZIKV to replicate efficiently, and we highlight potential new areas of research for the development of therapeutic approaches.
3-D Path-Following Control for Steerable Needles With Fiber Bragg Gratings in Multi-Core Fibers

Steerable needles have the potential for accurate needle tip placement even when the optimal path to a target tissue is curvilinear, thanks to their ability to steer, which is an essential function to avoid piercing through vital anatomical features. Autonomous path-following controllers for steerable needles have already been studied, however they remain challenging, especially because of the complexities associated to needle localization. In this context, the advent of fiber Bragg Grating (FBG)-inscribed multicore fibers (MCFs) holds promise to overcome these difficulties. Objective: In this study, a closed-loop, 3-D path-following controller for steerable needles is presented. Methods: The control loop is closed via the feedback from FBG-inscribed MCFs embedded within the needle. The nonlinear guidance law, which is a well-known approach for path-following control of aerial vehicles, is used as the basis for the guidance method. To handle needle-tissue interactions, we propose using Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) because of its robustness within hard-to-model environments. We investigate both linear and nonlinear ADRC, and validate the approach with a Programmable Bevel-tip Steerable Needle (PBN) in both phantom tissue and ex vivo brain, with some of the experiments involving moving targets. Results: The mean, standard deviation, and maximum absolute position errors are observed to be 1.79 mm, 1.04 mm, and 5.84 mm, respectively, for 3-D, 120 mm deep, path-following experiments. Conclusion: MCFs with FBGs are a promising technology for autonomous steerable needle navigation, as demonstrated here on PBNs. Significance: FBGs in MCFs can be used to provide effective feedback in path-following controllers for steerable needles.
CCD UBVR photometry of two old open clusters : King 11 and Be42. Comparison with theoretical models

La photometrie UBVR CCD des etoiles de deux vieux amas ouverts, King 11 et Be 42, est presentee. Les diagrammes magnitude-couleur, l'exces de couleur E(B-V), le rougissement, la metallicite, le module de distance et l'âge des amas ainsi que les fonctions de masse et de luminosite de leurs etoiles de la sequence principale sont determines.
Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain: Potential Applications in Government and Business

ABSTRACT Cryptocurrencies and distributed registers (blockchains) have recently attracted increased interest among specialists from the widest variety of fields. In turn, the public has generated a pool of regularly asked questions, which have not yet been answered thoroughly. This article provides lines of reasoning with regard to several popular questions linked to this subject. It also addresses issues such as the creation of national cryptocurrencies and use of blockchain technology by businesses and governments. In addition, it analyzes the opinion that cryptocurrencies are a financial pyramid. Finally, it briefly examines the configuration of Bitcoin’s distributed register and looks at how this register could be affected by the hypothetical creation of a quantum computer.
Solutions for a class of fractional Hamiltonian systems with exponential growth

In this paper, we establish a weighted Trudinger–Moser type inequality and as the application of this result by using the Galerkin methods and a linking theorem, we prove the existence of weak solutions for the following class of elliptic systems: when the potential V is neither bounded away from zero, nor bounded from above. The nonlinear terms and are superlinear at infinity and have subcritical or critical exponential growth.
Data Set Representation and Tagging for Automating Data Cataloging

In the last two decades, considerable increases in computing power and available data have led to an analytics and machine learning (ML) revolution. To make knowledge management less cumbersome for human operators, a team of researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) proposes an ML–based method to help automate knowledge management. This method discovers new data, represents it with descriptive metadata, automatically categorizes the metadata, auto-populates a data catalog with data sets, and evaluates the new data sets for data fusion options. We focus on a framework that can potentially leverage human– machine teaming to significantly reduce the human resource burden to develop and maintain an accurate accounting of existing data and capabilities within an organization. We explored numerous ML options to test our core hypothesis—that ML techniques can be employed to reliably determine the fundamental topic that an unknown data set represents, leading to increasingly granular data set recognition as more characterization and context information can be mined in the metadata extraction phase. Ultimately, we demonstrated that multiple classifier techniques exist that can predict data set topics with close to 90% accuracy, and some with 60%– 80% accuracy, across multiple topics. inaccurate parts of the data. Surveys 2 and studies 3 estimate that data scientists spend 50% to 80% of their time gathering and preparing the data. Labeling metadata for organization and storage is another daunting task.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Regression Test Suites for Extract Method Validation

Refactoring edits aim to improve structural aspects of a system without changing its external behavior. However, while trying to perform a safe edit, a developer might introduce refactoring faults. To avoid refactoring faults, developers often use test suites to validate refactoring edits. However, depending on the quality of a test suite, its verdict may be misleading. In this work, we first present an empirical study that investigates the effectiveness of test suites (manually created and generated) for validating Extract Method refactoring faults. We found that manual suites detected 61,9% the injected faults, while generated suites detected only 46,7% (Randoop) and 55,8% (Evosuite). Then, we propose a new approach for evaluating the quality of a test suite for detecting refactoring faults. This approach is implemented by our prototype tool that focuses on two types of Extract Method faults. We demonstrate its applicability in a second empirical study that measured the quality of test suites from three different open-source projects.
Optical design for Subaru Nasmyth Beam Switcher

Subaru Nasmyth Beam-Switcher (SNBS) is an instrument designed for Nasmyth platform at Subaru telescope. It is a relay optics system which switches the light downstream of AO188 and LTAO to multiple instruments and allow multiple instruments work simultaneously with Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics system (SCExAO). The design has been completed and is now in building phase. The instrument working wavelength range is from 0. 5μm to 5. 3μm with field of view of 75 arcsecs in diameter. In this paper, we present its optical design and performance at different exit bays with various adaptive optics (AO) configurations. The wavefront at SCExAO bay is investigated. Tolerance and thermal performance of the switcher is also presented.
Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity in three basil varieties due to the effect of different solvents

Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is a very important crop in the world and in Mexico for the well-known specialties of Mediterranean cuisine. There is a growing demand for basil in the United States of North America and Europe due to its antioxidant content. Nowadays, to change synthetic antioxidants for natural ones is a trend in the food industry. Interest in analyzing natural, non-toxic and healthy products that work as antioxidants has increased. Basil contains high levels of secondary metabolites. With the aim of determining the extraction potential of different solvents (hexane, methanol, petroleum ether and ethanol) in three varieties of basil (Lemon, Cinnamon and Red Rubin). In the present study, quantification analyses were carried out for total phenolic compounds, with values between 0.5 and 17.9 mg based on gallic acid per gram of sample in dry weight, total flavonoids obtaining values that ranged between 2.4 and 10.8 mg of quercetin per gram of sample in dry weight and determination of antioxidant activity with results between 57.4-409.4 μmol Trolox per gram of sample in dry weight of the three varieties of basil (Lemon, Cinnamon and Red Rubin) and the different solvents as extraction media (methanol, hexane, petroleum ether and ethanol). Results of greater efficiency were obtained for the different variables measured when the solvent used was methanol in the Lemon and Cinnamon varieties and ethanol in the Red Rubin variety, without finding a significant difference to the extraction with methanol.
Children’s identity work in daily singing-based music classes: A case study of an Australian boys’ school

Music can be a powerful activity and resource in a child’s ongoing identity construction. Rather than something that people have, musical identities are understood to be something people enact and continually work on. The correlation between musical identities and developing music skills raises serious questions regarding the possibilities and responsibilities for school music education and music teachers to positively contribute to children’s emerging identities. This study investigates how daily singing-based music classes at an Australian boys’ school shape and support children’s identity work. Research was conducted using one-on-one semistructured interviews incorporating a “draw and tell” artifact elicitation technique with seven students in Year 3. All students were engaged in their fourth year of Kodály-inspired music education as part of the school curriculum. Findings indicate that singing, singing games, playing the recorder, writing activities, musician models, and thinking musically positively contributed to boys’ identity work. These daily school music practices provided a resource for their identity work; fostered a high value for learning in, about, and through music; developed musical proficiency; ignited interest in learning musical instruments; and facilitated the entanglement of children’s musical worlds. Boys’ future identity work was supported by assisting the construction of musical possible selves and encouraging the continuation of music learning. This case study exemplifies music as a process and resource for children’s ongoing identity construction, the contributions of school music education to identity development, and the potential of singing-based music education to positively shape and support children’s musical identity work.