Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Source Symbol Purging-Based Distributed Conditional Arithmetic Coding

A distributed arithmetic coding algorithm based on source symbol purging and using the context model is proposed to solve the asymmetric Slepian–Wolf problem. The proposed scheme is to make better use of both the correlation between adjacent symbols in the source sequence and the correlation between the corresponding symbols of the source and the side information sequences to improve the coding performance of the source. Since the encoder purges a part of symbols from the source sequence, a shorter codeword length can be obtained. Those purged symbols are still used as the context of the subsequent symbols to be encoded. An improved calculation method for the posterior probability is also proposed based on the purging feature, such that the decoder can utilize the correlation within the source sequence to improve the decoding performance. In addition, this scheme achieves better error performance at the decoder by adding a forbidden symbol in the encoding process. The simulation results show that the encoding complexity and the minimum code rate required for lossless decoding are lower than that of the traditional distributed arithmetic coding. When the internal correlation strength of the source is strong, compared with other DSC schemes, the proposed scheme exhibits a better decoding performance under the same code rate.
Organising polypharmacy: unpacking medicines, unpacking meanings—an ethnographic study

Objectives We explore how older patients affected by polypharmacy manage the ‘hidden work’ of organising their medicines, how they make sense of this work and integrate it into their lives. Design and setting Ethnographic study observing patients over 18–24 months in patients’ homes, general practice and community pharmacy, in England, UK. Participants and methods Ethnographic case study including longitudinal follow-up of 24 patients aged 65 or older and prescribed ten or more items of medication. Our dataset includes: 562 hours of ethnographic observation across patients homes, community pharmacies and general practices; 47 audio-recorded interviews with patients about their lives and medicines practices; cultural probes (photographs, body maps, diaries and imagined ‘wishful thinking’ conversations); fieldnotes from regular home visits; telephone calls, and observation/video-recording of healthcare encounters. We apply a ‘practice theory’ lens to our analysis, illuminating what is being accomplished, why and by whom. Results All patients had developed strategies and routines for organising medicines into their lives, negotiating medicine taking to enable acceptable adherence and make their medicines manageable. Strategies adopted by patients often involved the use of ‘do-it-yourself’ dosette boxes. This required careful ‘organising’ work similar to that done by pharmacy staff preparing multicompartment compliance aids (MCCAs). Patients incorporated a range of approaches to manage supplies and flex their regimens to align with personal values and priorities. Practices of organising medicines are effortful, creative and often highly collaborative. Patients strive for adherence, but their organisational efforts privilege ‘living with medicines’ over taking medicines strictly ‘as prescribed’. Conclusions Polypharmacy demands careful organising. The burden of organising polypharmacy always falls somewhere, whether undertaken by pharmacists as they prepare MCCAs or by patients at home. Greater appreciation among prescribers of the nature and complexity of this work may provide a useful point of departure for tackling the key issue that sustains it: polypharmacy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms among Journalists Repeatedly Covering COVID-19 News

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in many journalists repeatedly covering stories related to human suffering. This study investigates whether these journalists experienced higher rates of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms than those who have been working during the pandemic yet covering stories other than COVID-19 and aims to identify what factors may protect journalists from developing trauma-related symptoms. We assessed journalists (n = 120) working during the COVID-19 pandemic using self-report measures. Journalists repeatedly covering COVID-19 stories had significantly higher psychological distress (η2 = 0.04) and PTSD symptoms (η2 = 0.08), but not depression, compared to journalists who did not report on COVID-19. Rumination and numbing in response to unwanted memories predicted PTSD symptoms (R2 = 0.53) and may be risk factors for PTSD in this population. Unhelpful resilience appraisals distinguished journalists who reported on COVID-19 and who developed distressing re-experiencing symptoms from those who similarly reported on distressing material and who did not develop symptoms. Targeting resilience appraisals may be helpful in reducing re-experiencing symptoms after trauma exposure.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and In Silico Studies of New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Based on Quinoxaline Scaffold

A quinoxaline scaffold exhibits various bioactivities in pharmacotherapeutic interests. In this research, twelve quinoxaline derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. We found all compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with IC50 values of 0.077 to 50.080 µM, along with promising predicted drug-likeness and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeation. In addition, potent butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 14.91 to 60.95 µM was observed in some compounds. Enzyme kinetic study revealed the most potent compound (6c) as a mixed-type AChE inhibitor. No cytotoxicity from the quinoxaline derivatives was noticed in the human neuroblastoma cell line (SHSY5Y). In silico study suggested the compounds preferred the peripheral anionic site (PAS) to the catalytic anionic site (CAS), which was different from AChE inhibitors (tacrine and galanthamine). We had proposed the molecular design guided for quinoxaline derivatives targeting the PAS site. Therefore, the quinoxaline derivatives could offer the lead for the newly developed candidate as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Sustainable Surface Modification of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Implants by Hydroxyapatite/Silica Coating—An In Vivo Animal Study

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has the potential to overcome some of the disadvantages of titanium interbody implants in anterior cervical and discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, PEEK shows an inferior biological behavior regarding osseointegration and bioactivity. Therefore, the aim of the study was to create a bioactive surface coating on PEEK implants with a unique nanopore structure enabling the generation of a long-lasting interfacial composite layer between coating material and implant. Seventy-two PEEK implants—each thirty-six pure PEEK implants (PI) and thirty-six PEEK implants with a sprayed coating consisting of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (ncHA) embedded in a silica matrix and interfacial composite layer (SPI)—were inserted in the femoral condyles of adult rats using a split-side model. After 2, 4 and 8 weeks, the femur bones were harvested. Half of the femur bones were used in histological and histomorphometrical analyses. Additionally, pull-out tests were performed in the second half. Postoperative healing was uneventful for all animals, and no postoperative complications were observed. Considerable crestal and medullary bone remodeling could be found around all implants, with faster bone formation around the SPI and fewer regions with fibrous tissue barriers between implant and bone. Histomorphometrical analyses showed a higher bone to implant contact (BIC) in SPI after 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Pull-out tests revealed higher pull-out forces in SPI at all time points (p < 0.01). The presented findings demonstrate that a combination of a bioactive coating and the permanent chemical and structural modified interfacial composite layer can improve bone formation at the implant surface by creating a sustainable bone-implant interface. This might be a promising way to overcome the bioinert surface property of PEEK-based implants.
Targeting Lysosomes to Reverse Hydroquinone-Induced Autophagy Defects and Oxidative Damage in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), hydroquinone (HQ)-induced oxidative damage in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is believed to be an early event contributing to dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) homeostasis. However, the roles of antioxidant mechanisms, such as autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system, in modulating HQ-induced oxidative damage in RPE is not well-understood. This study utilized an in-vitro AMD model involving the incubation of human RPE cells (ARPE-19) with HQ. In comparison to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), HQ induced fewer reactive oxygen species (ROS) but more oxidative damage as characterized by protein carbonyl levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the loss of cell viability. HQ blocked the autophagy flux and increased proteasome activity, whereas H2O2 did the opposite. Moreover, the lysosomal membrane-stabilizing protein LAMP2 and cathepsin D levels declined with HQ exposure, suggesting loss of lysosomal membrane integrity and function. Accordingly, HQ induced lysosomal alkalization, thereby compromising the acidic pH needed for optimal lysosomal degradation. Pretreatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor and lysosomal stabilizer, upregulated LAMP2 and autophagy and prevented HQ-induced oxidative damage in wildtype RPE cells but not cells transfected with shRNA against ATG5. This study demonstrated that lysosomal dysfunction underlies autophagy defects and oxidative damage induced by HQ in human RPE cells and supports lysosomal stabilization with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 as a potential remedy for oxidative damage in RPE and AMD.
Aldosterone Excess Induced Mitochondria Decrease and Dysfunction via Mineralocorticoid Receptor and Oxidative Stress In Vitro and In Vivo

Aldosterone excess plays a major role in the progression of cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in clinical diseases such as primary aldosteronism and heart failure. However, the effect of aldosterone excess on cardiac mitochondria is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of aldosterone excess on cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and its mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. We used H9c2 cardiomyocytes to investigate the effect and mechanism of aldosterone excess on cardiac mitochondria, and further investigated them in an aldosterone-infused ICR mice model. The results of the cell study showed that aldosterone excess decreased mitochondrial DNA, COX IV and SOD2 protein expressions, and mitochondria ATP production. These effects were abolished or attenuated by treatment with a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist and antioxidant. With regard to the signal transduction pathway, aldosterone suppressed cardiac mitochondria through an MR/MAPK/p38/reactive oxygen species pathway. In the mouse model, aldosterone infusion decreased the amount of cardiac mitochondrial DNA and COX IV protein, and the effects were also attenuated by treatment with an MR antagonist and antioxidant. In conclusion, aldosterone excess induced a decrease in mitochondria and mitochondrial dysfunction via MRs and oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo.
Muscle Thickness and Echo Intensity by Ultrasonography and Cognitive and Physical Dimensions in Older Adults

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between muscle thickness and echo intensity with cognitive and physical dimensions like functional capacity measured in older people. This cross-sectional study involved 20 older adults (15 women and 5 men, mean age ± SD: 85 ± 7 years, body mass index: 25 ± 3 kg/m2) from a geriatric centre in Malaga (Spain). Anthropometric measurements, cognitive assessment with Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire and Motor Memory test, Physical Performance with Short Physical Performance Battery, and muscle strength were tested. Additionally, using B-mode ultrasonography, images of wrist flexors, biceps brachii, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior were captured, and muscle thickness and echo intensity variables were extracted. An association between muscle parameters assessed by ultrasonography and cognitive and physical dimensions were found in older people. Echo intensity was the best predictor in a set of regression models with different muscle parameters and a battery of cognitive and physical tests in older people. Echo intensity adjusted by handgrip strength could be a low cost and ambulatory index and an indirect and reversible indicator of functional capacity.
EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY ENERGY-SAVING EFFECTS USING FUZZY LOGIC MODEL

A township consists of diversified communities, and communities are the basic units of local infrastructure. The public buildings, public lighting equipment, private buildings, and community residents are the normal-state energy consuming aggregates. As community organizations have great influences, the promotion of community energy-saving policy under the organizational influence, along with the concepts of direction, evaluation, and subsidy, can help to realize the community energy-saving policies. This study uses the Delphi method and fuzzy logic theory to construct a quantized community energy-saving multi-attribute effect evaluation model, in order to evaluate the processes of community energy-saving promotional effects. Quantization is used as the criterion for reviewing the outcome of policy implementation, thus helping to achieve a low-carbon lifestyle of communities.
Evaluation of Carotenoids Accumulation and Biosynthesis in Two Genotypes of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) during Early Fruit Development

Pomelo is rich in bioactive compounds (carotenoids, phenolics and essential oil) in the early stage of fruit development, but it is often wasted in the cultivation and management process. To gain an insight into the carotenoid metabolism pathway in pomelo, the carotenoid profiles and the expression patterns of carotenogenic genes were investigated in two genotypes of pomelo during early fruit development. The results showed that a higher carotenoid content was observed in honey pomelo as compared with golden pomelo, which may be related to different gene regulation mechanisms. Lutein, α-carotene, and β-carotene were the main carotenoids in pomelo young fruit, and lutein was the highest one. The accumulation of carotenoids during fruit early development in honey pomelo is related to the transcriptional regulation of ZISO and LUT5. In golden pomelo, the rate-limiting gene for carotenoids is PDS and ZDS. In addition, the expression of seven genes except CRTISO in honey pomelo was higher than that in golden pomelo. The results are helpful to further clarify the regulatory mechanism of carotenoid accumulation during early fruit development and provide a direction for the high-value utilization of young fruits in pomelo.
TRIM25 and DEAD-Box RNA Helicase DDX3X Cooperate to Regulate RIG-I-Mediated Antiviral Immunity

The cytoplasmic retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) initiate interferon (IFN) production and antiviral gene expression in response to RNA virus infection. Consequently, RLR signalling is tightly regulated by both host and viral factors. Tripartite motif protein 25 (TRIM25) is an E3 ligase that ubiquitinates multiple substrates within the RLR signalling cascade, playing both ubiquitination-dependent and -independent roles in RIG-I-mediated IFN induction. However, additional regulatory roles are emerging. Here, we show a novel interaction between TRIM25 and another protein in the RLR pathway that is essential for type I IFN induction, DEAD-box helicase 3X (DDX3X). In vitro assays and knockdown studies reveal that TRIM25 ubiquitinates DDX3X at lysine 55 (K55) and that TRIM25 and DDX3X cooperatively enhance IFNB1 induction following RIG-I activation, but the latter is independent of TRIM25’s catalytic activity. Furthermore, we found that the influenza A virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) disrupts the TRIM25:DDX3X interaction, abrogating both TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination of DDX3X and cooperative activation of the IFNB1 promoter. Thus, our results reveal a new interplay between two RLR-host proteins that cooperatively enhance IFN-β production. We also uncover a new and further mechanism by which influenza A virus NS1 suppresses host antiviral defence.
Cyberbullying and Delinquency in Adolescence: The Potential Mediating Effects of Social Attachment and Delinquent Peer Association

Adopting the integrated model of General Strain Theory (GST), the current study tested the relations between cyberbullying roles (i.e., cyberbully, cybervictim, and cyberbully-victim) and delinquent behaviors (i.e., physical fighting and substance use), as well as the potential mediating effects of delinquent peer association and perceived social attachment from parents, friends, and teachers. This was conducted in a cross-sectional sample of 12,642 American adolescents via the use of structural equation models. The results indicated that being involved in cyberbullying might be not only directly associated with an increase in delinquent behaviors, but also indirectly via delinquent peer associations and perceived social attachment from parents, friends, and teachers. Furthermore, both direct and indirect (mediating) relationships between cyberbullying and delinquency might depend upon specific cyberbullying roles and the types of delinquency. Potential implications for prevention and intervention strategies were discussed.
The impact of certain flavourings and preservatives on the survivability of larvae of nematodes of Ruminantia

Annualy, helminthic diseases are one of the causes of economic losses in agriculture. Ruminantia are most often observed to be infected with nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract, including Strongyloides papillosus and the representatives of the Strongylida order. Identifying factors which could cause a decrease in the level of infection of agricultural animals with helminthiases would allow stock-raising facilities to regularly achieve high quality dairy and meat production in sufficient quantity. On the basis of this study, we determined the impact of flavourings and source materials approved for use in and on foods (isoamyl alcohol, isoamyl acetate, raspberry ketone, trilon B, methylparaben) on the survivability of larvae of Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus, parasitic nematodes of Ruminantia animals. Among these substances, the lowest efficiency against the nematode larvae was found in isoamyl alcohol, isoamyl acetate and trilon B. A stronger effect was caused by methylparaben (for L3 S. papillosus LD50 = 0.67 ± 0.04%, L1 and L2 S. papillosus – LD50 = 0.0038 ± 0.0008%, L3 H. contortus – LD50 = 0.89 ± 0.15%). Minimum efficient dosage of the solutions was 10 g/l. Significant antihelminthic properties were manifested by raspberry ketone (for L3 S. papillosus LD50 = 1.00 ± 0.72%, L1 and L2 S. papillosus – LD50 = 0.07 ± 0.06%, L3 H. contortus – LD50 = 0.39 ± 0.26%). The results show that there is considerable potential for further studies on the antiparasitic properties of these substances against nematodes in the conditions of farming enterprises and agricultural complexes.
Early Childhood Caries in Obese Children: The Status and Associated Factors in the Suburban Areas in Hanoi, Vietnam

Obesity and early childhood caries are two prominent health problems affecting the majority of children worldwide. Thus, early childhood caries in obese children must be studied. This study was conducted to investigate the status of early childhood caries in obese children in Hanoi, Vietnam, and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 234 obese children, 234 normal children (non-obese) aged 36 to 71 months, and their mothers at some kindergartens in Hanoi. Study subjects were randomly selected with similarities in age, gender, and study location. Decayed tooth of children was detected by clinical examination and Diagnodent Kavo 2190 machine of Germany. In addition, a questionnaire for their mothers was used to find out related factors. We found that, in the Obese Group, the rate of early childhood caries (ECC), severe-early childhood caries (S-ECC), dmft index (the number of decayed teeth, teeth lost due to cavities, filled decayed teeth or filled cavity), and dmfs index (the number of surfaces of the teeth decay, surfaces of teeth were lost due to cavities, surfaces of filled decayed teeth) were 82.91%, 59.83%, 6.84 ± 4.92, and 9.10 ± 7.48, respectively. In the Normal Group, these rates were smaller than in the Obese Group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Regarding related factors, the hobby of drinking soft drinks, the habits and frequency of drinking milk at night and eating sweet marshmallows were associated with ECC in the Obese Group with p < 0.05. In conclusion, the higher rates of ECC were seen in obese children, with eating hobbies and habits being the related factors. Therefore, it is necessary to have appropriate policies and effective communication strategies to minimize ECC in the future.
Impact of Plasma Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity on the Mechanisms of Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy Development in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

To unravel associations between plasma xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) and diabetic vascular complications, especially distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP), we investigated plasma XOR activities using a novel assay. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with available nerve conduction study (NCS) data were analyzed. None were currently taking XOR inhibitors. XOR activity of fasting blood samples was assayed using a stable isotope-labeled substrate and LC-TQMS. JMP Clinical version 5.0. was used for analysis. We analyzed 54 patients. Mean age was 64.7 years, mean body mass index was 26.0 kg/m2, and mean glycated hemoglobin was 9.4%. The logarithmically transformed plasma XOR activity (ln-XOR) correlated positively with hypoxanthine, xanthine, visceral fatty area, and liver dysfunction but negatively with HDL cholesterol. ln-XOR correlated negatively with diabetes duration and maximum intima-media thickness. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed ln-XOR to be among selected explanatory factors for various NCS parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed the discriminatory power of ln-XOR. Principal component analysis revealed a negative relationship of ln-XOR with F-waves as well as positive relationships of ln-XOR with hepatic steatosis and obesity-related disorders. Taken together, our results show plasma XOR activity to be among potential disease status predictors in T2DM patients. Plasma XOR activity measurements might reliably detect pre-symptomatic DSP.
Music Signal Analysis: Regression Analysis

Machine learning techniques have become a vital part of every ongoing research in technical areas. In recent times the world has witnessed many beautiful applications of machine learning in a practical sense which amaze us in every aspect. This paper is all about whether we should always rely on deep learning techniques or is it really possible to overcome the performance of simple deep learning algorithms by simple statistical machine learning algorithms by understanding the application and processing the data so that it can help in increasing the performance of the algorithm by a notable amount. The paper mentions the importance of data pre-processing than that of the selection of the algorithm. It discusses the functions involving trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential terms and also talks about functions that are purely trigonometric. Finally, we discuss regression analysis on music signals.