Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The prognostic effects of the geriatric nutritional risk index on elderly acute kidney injury patients in intensive care units

Introduction The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), a nutritional screening tool specifically for the aging population, has been proven to be associated with worse outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients, especially in the hemodialysis population. However, the predictive validity of GNRI in critically ill elderly patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is yet to be determined. This analysis sought to examine the prognostic effects of GNRI on elderly AKI patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods We collected elderly AKI patient-relevant data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. AKI was diagnosed and staged according to the “Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes” criteria. In the study, 1-year mortality was considered the primary outcome, whereas in-hospital, ICU, 28-day and 90-day mortality, and prolonged length of stay in ICU and hospital were selected as the secondary outcomes. Results In all, 3,501 elderly patients with AKI were selected for this study, with a 1-year mortality rate of 36.4%. We classified the study population into low (≤98) and high (>98) GNRI groups based on the best cutoff value. The incidence of endpoints was remarkably lower in patients with elevated GNRI (p < 0.001). When stratified by the AKI stage, patients with high GNRI at AKI stages 1, 2, and 3 had markedly lower 1-year mortality than those with low GNRI (all p < 0.05). The multivariable regression analysis identified the independent prognostic ability of GNRI on the research outcomes (all p < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline exhibited a linear correlation between GNRI and 1-year death (p for non-linearity = 0.434). The prognostic implication of GNRI on 1-year mortality was still significant in patients with the most subgroups. Conclusion In critically ill elderly patients with AKI, elevated GNRI upon admission was strongly correlated with a lower risk of unfavorable outcomes.
Deformable solid modeling via medial sampling and displacement subdivision

Discrete m-reps use tolerance-based, sampled medial skeleta as an underlying framework for boundaries defined by displaced subdivision surfaces. They provide local and global shape information, combining the strengths of multiscale skeletal modeling with the multi-resolution, deformation and shading properties afforded by subdivision surfaces. Hierarchically linked medial figures allow figural, object-based deformation, and their stability of object representation with respect to boundary perturbation shows advantages of tolerance-based medial representations over Blum axis and Voronoi-based skeletal models. M-rep models provide new approaches to traditional computer graphics modeling, to physically based modeling and simulation, and to image-analysis, segmentation and display, by combining local and object-level deformability and by explicitly including object-scale, tolerance and hierarchical level-of-detail. Sampled medial representations combine the solid modeling capabilities of constructive solid geometry with the flexibility of traditional b-reps, to which they add multiscale medial and boundary deformations parameterized by an object-based coordinate system. This thesis research encompassed conceptual development on discrete m-reps and their implementation for MIDAG (the Medical Image Display and Analysis Group) at UNC-Chapel Hill. Prototype and application code was created to support the following: medial atoms in 3D that included a quaternion frame to establish a local coordinate system; data structures for medial mesh topologies; a new algorithm for interpolating Catmull-Clark subdivision surfaces for m-rep boundaries; a medially based coordinate system parameterizing the m-rep boundary, interior, and local exterior; displacement texturing and displacement meshing of m-rep boundaries; methods of medially based deformation; figure/subfigure blending by implicit surface methods or (with Qiong Han) using remeshing of subdivision boundaries; and C++ code libraries for m-rep modeling in geometric design and image-segmentation applications. Along with discussion of these achievements, this document also includes discussions of current m-rep applications and of design-methodology issues for m-rep-based modeling systems.
Quadratic Stability of Switched Nonlinear Systems in Block-triangular Form

The problem of globally quadratic stability of switched nonlinear systems in block-triangular form under arbitrary switching is addressed. Under the assumption that all block-subsystems are zero input-to-state stable, a su? cient condition for the problem to be solvable ispresented. A common Lyapunov function is constructed iteratively by using the Lyapunov functionsof block-subsystems.
Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Major Depression: The Past, Present, and Future

Abstract: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective and evidence-based therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. A conventional course of rTMS applies 20–30 daily sessions over 4–6 weeks. The schedule of rTMS delivery can be accelerated by applying multiple stimulation sessions per day, which reduces the duration of a treatment course with a predefined number of sessions. Accelerated rTMS reduces time demands, improves clinical efficiency, and potentially induces faster onset of antidepressant effects. However, considerable heterogeneity exists across study designs. Stimulation protocols vary in parameters such as the stimulation target, frequency, intensity, number of pulses applied per session or over a course of treatment, and duration of intersession intervals. In this article, clinician-researchers and neuroscientists who have extensive research experience in accelerated rTMS synthesize a consensus based on two decades of investigation and development, from early studies (“Past”) to contemporaneous theta burst stimulation, a time-efficient form of rTMS gaining acceptance in clinical settings (“Present”). We propose descriptive nomenclature for accelerated rTMS, recommend avenues to optimize therapeutic and efficiency potential, and suggest using neuroimaging and electrophysiological biomarkers to individualize treatment protocols (“Future”). Overall, empirical studies show that accelerated rTMS protocols are well tolerated and not associated with serious adverse effects. Importantly, the antidepressant efficacy of accelerated rTMS appears comparable to conventional, once daily rTMS protocols. Whether accelerated rTMS induces antidepressant effects more quickly remains uncertain. On present evidence, treatment protocols incorporating high pulse dose and multiple treatments per day show promise and improved efficacy.
A decision making process application for the slurry production in ceramics via fuzzy cluster and data mining

To increase productivity, companies are in search of techniques that enable them to make faster and more effective decisions. Data mining and fuzzy clustering algorithms can serve for this purpose. This paper models the decision making process of a ceramics production company using a fuzzy clustering algorithm and data mining. Factors that affect the quality of slurry are measured over time. Using this data, a fuzzy clustering algorithm assigns the degrees of memberships of the slurry for the different quality clusters. An expert can decide on acceptance or rejection of slurry based on calculated degrees of memberships. In addition, by using data mining techniques we generated some rules that provide the optimum conditions for acceptance of the slurry.
Dilute O(1) Loop Model on a Strip and the qKZ Equations

This thesis is devoted to the study of the integrable dilute O(1) loop model on a semi-infinite strip with different boundary conditions. We focus on the ground state of the transfer matrix of the model. It can be shown that the ground state eigenvector components satisfy a set of q-difference equations, known in the literature [1–15] as the quantum Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations. For the dense O(1) loop model this property was used [16] to develop a scheme for computing the components and the normalization of the ground state vector. This was done for different boundary conditions in a series of papers [3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17]. We use a similar approach for the dilute O(1) model on a strip. We present the results for the case of periodic boundary conditions [18] and all possible boundary conditions coming from solutions of the reflection equation. The R-matrix of the model factorizes when the ratio of its arguments is equal to the cubic root of unity; this property allows to write a new type of recursion relations [18] which is not present in the case of the dense loop model. This new set of relations plays a crucial role in the present work. We also discuss some relations between the ground states of the model with different boundary conditions.
Exact Algorithms for Hard Graph Problems (Algoritmi Esatti per Problemi Dicili su Gra)

The vertex cover, independent set and dominating set problems consist in determining whether an undirected graph G of n nodes admits a vertex cover, independent set and dominating set of k nodes respectively. This thesis is focused on these three fundamental NP -complete problems. For each one of them, we provide asymptotically faster (exponentialtime) exact algorithms for k “sufficiently” smaller than n. We also present an improved exact algorithm for the (NP -hard) minimum dominating set problem, which consists in determining the minimum size of a dominating set of G. We remark that the previously asymptotically fastest algorithm for (minimum) dominating set is the trivial enumerative algorithm.
Student Representation of Mathematical Thinking In Mathematical Problem Solving

The way students who want to become teachers represent their mathematical reasoning when they solve mathematical problems—using case studies and qualitative techniques. Data were gathered from the vignette results of student work. They are using snowball sampling for subject selection. Three third-semester mathematics education program participants served as the study's research subjects—ways for gathering data, such as interviewing and recording. Three steps of the analysis were completed: presentation of data, elaboration of conclusions and verification. As a consequence of meeting all markers of mathematical thinking representation, the S1 and S2 subjects with high and moderate academic talents had good mathematical thinking representation abilities. Because S3 students with limited intellectual skills cannot still represent mathematical ideas.
Identification of Novel Biomarkers in Late Preterm Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Using Urinary Metabolomic Analysis

Urine metabolomics is gaining traction as a means of identifying metabolic signatures associated with health and disease states. Thirty-one (31) late preterm (LP) neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and 23 age-matched healthy LPs admitted to the maternity ward of a tertiary hospital were included in the study. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was employed for urine metabolomic analysis on the 1st and 3rd days of life of the neonates. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. A unique metabolic pattern of enhanced metabolites was identified in the NICU-admitted LPs from the 1st day of life. Metabolic profiles were distinct in LPs presenting with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The discrepancies likely reflect differences in the gut microbiota, either due to variations in nutrient intake or as a result of medical interventions, such as the administration of antibiotics and other medications. Altered metabolites could potentially serve as biomarkers for identifying critically ill LP neonates or those at high risk for adverse outcomes later in life, including metabolic risks. The discovery of novel biomarkers may uncover potential targets for drug discovery and optimal periods for effective intervention, offering a personalized approach.
Alginate and malva nut gum-based hydrogels incorporated with brewer’s spent grain as a source of fibre and antioxidants

Hydrogels were prepared using malva nut gum (MVG) and alginate as a structuring agent via the ionotropic gelation method. For preparation as a source of fibre and antioxidant, the hydrogels were incorporated with brewer’s spent grain (BSG) at varying concentrations (0 - 10%). Then, the characteristics and stability of the beads were evaluated based on heating and the storage pH of the beads. The antioxidant activities of the hydrogels increased proportionally with the BSG content. The incorporation of BSG, especially at high concentration, enhanced the bead stability with the beads showing good stability under acidic pH conditions, perhaps because of molecular interactions between the hydrogel-structuring agents and the chemicals available in BSG, as suggested by the FTIR profiles. Then, the hydrogels incorporated with BSG were introduced to passionfruit juice, and their stability was observed throughout 2 w storage. The most appropriate BSG concentration incorporated into the beads was 7.5%, based on its good stability in the juice model, and the relatively high antioxidant capacity of the beads. Therefore, it could be feasible to use the MVG-alginate-based hydrogels incorporated with BSG for the production of healthy food, due to the presence of fibre and the antioxidant in the beads.
Direction-of-Arrival Estimation for Nested Acoustic Vector-Sensor Arrays Using Quaternions

There is an increasing interest in direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation using nested arrays composed of vector sensors. Considering acoustic vector sensors (AVSs) commonly used in underwater applications, this article proposes a novel algorithm, called augmented nested quaternion-multiple signal classification (ANQ-MUSIC), to perform DOA estimation. By judiciously arranging the multicomponent outputs of AVSs, we model the received signals from the entire nested AVS array (NAA) as a quaternion observation vector in a compact way to reduce computational complexity. Next, we formulate a quaternion-based difference co-array (QDCA) model via vectorizing the quaternion covariance matrix (QCM). Based on the obtained insights from the QDCA model, we derive a suitable QCM, which is constructed by applying the spatial smoothing (SS) technique. Finally, classical quaternion-MUSIC (Q-MUSIC) is logically introduced to estimate the DOA parameters. In simulations, we take into account nonuniform received noise and intercomponent correlated (ICC) noise, which may occur in practical underwater environments. The results demonstrate that the proposed method shows superiority in angular resolution and achieves a desirable tradeoff between estimate accuracy and computational burden, besides showing robust performance in the above test scenarios.
CLASSES DE EQUIVALÊNCIA E CLASSES FUNCIONAIS VIA PROCEDIMENTO GO/NO-GO COM ESTÍMULOS COMPOSTOS

The present study investigated if equivalence classes established with the go/no-go procedure with compound stimuli are also functional classes. This evaluation was conducted with four naive college students. During the first phase, each compound stimulus was presented successively at the computer screen for four seconds. Responses emitted in the presence of certain compound stimuli (A1B1, A2B2, B1C1 and B2C2) were reinforced; while responses emitted in the presence of others (A1B2, A2B1, B1C2 and B2C1) were not. In the next phase, different responses to stimulus A1 e A2 where trained. After accurate performances were established in training, BA, CB, AC and CA conditional relations were tested to verify the establishment of equivalence classes followed by simple discrimination tests with stimuli A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 to verify the establishment of functional classes. Three of the four participants showed emergence of equivalence classes and formation of functional classes. The other participant did not show emergence of equivalence classes neither the formation of functional classes. These results indicate that the go/no-go procedure with compound stimuli can generate both equivalence and functional classes. Keywords : equivalence classes, functional classes, transfer of function, go/no-go procedure, adults.
Fractal Entropy of Nuclear Medium Probed by KS0 Mesons Produced in AuAu Collisions at RHIC

In this paper, we review our findings concerning fractal entropy of microscopic configurations corresponding to the production of KS0 mesons in AuAu collisions in the z-scaling approach. The entropy is expressed via structural and fragmentation fractal dimensions, and model parameter cAuAu is interpreted as a specific heat of produced medium. These parameters are related to the respective momentum fractions of the colliding nuclei, the momentum fractions of the scattered constituents that fragment into the produced hadrons, and the multiplicity density of negative particles in the central interaction region. The dependence of the entropy on the collision energy over the range of 7.7–200 GeV for most central and most peripheral events is studied as a function of the transverse momentum of the produced KS0 mesons. A non-trivial dependence of the entropy on the collision energy with decreasing transverse momentum is found. This reflects the irregularity of the behavior of the specific heat, cAuAu, and can point to a manifestation of phase transition in nuclear matter.
Less Severe Sepsis in Cecal Ligation and Puncture Models with and without Lipopolysaccharide in Mice with Conditional Ezh2-Deleted Macrophages (LysM-Cre System)

Despite a previous report on less inflammatory responses in mice with an absence of the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (Ezh2), a histone lysine methyltransferase of epigenetic regulation, using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection model, proteomic analysis and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a sepsis model that more resembles human conditions was devised. As such, analysis of cellular and secreted protein (proteome and secretome) after a single LPS activation and LPS tolerance in macrophages from Ezh2 null (Ezh2flox/flox; LysM-Crecre/−) mice (Ezh2 null) and the littermate control mice (Ezh2fl/fl; LysM-Cre−/−) (Ezh2 control) compared with the unstimulated cells from each group indicated fewer activities in Ezh2 null macrophages, especially by the volcano plot analysis. Indeed, supernatant IL-1β and expression of genes in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization (IL-1β and iNOS), TNF-α, and NF-κB (a transcription factor) were lower in Ezh2 null macrophages compared with the control. In LPS tolerance, downregulated NF-κB compared with the control was also demonstrated in Ezh2 null cells. In CLP sepsis mice, those with CLP alone and CLP at 2 days after twice receiving LPS injection, representing sepsis and sepsis after endotoxemia, respectively, symptoms were less severe in Ezh2 null mice, as indicated by survival analysis and other biomarkers. However, the Ezh2 inhibitor improved survival only in CLP, but not LPS with CLP. In conclusion, an absence of Ezh2 in macrophages resulted in less severe sepsis, and the use of an Ezh2 inhibitor might be beneficial in sepsis.
Endosymbiotic bacteria in ticks in Kırşehir, Central Anatolia

Ticks are parasites and vectors, whose diet is blood and hosts are vertebrates. Therefore, they are a risk factor for both, public health and farm animals. Ticks have a cosmopolitan distribution, and their prevalence and incidence of diseases caused by them are increasing with the effect of various environmental factors such as global warming. The use of endosymbiotic bacteria (EB) to control pests is a promising environment-friendly approach as an alternative to chemical methods. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the ticks symbionts to develop potentially alternative strategies for managing their populations. Aim of this study, was to search for EB in ticks obtained from livestock in Kırşehir, Central Anatolia. EB were identified by morphological and molecular methods. Investigation was conducted on most studied EB in Haemaphysalis spp. and Hyalomma spp. using Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia specific primers. As a result of the survey, Rickettsia was detected in all locations and samples, while Spiroplasma was detected only one sampling locality. It was that Rickettsia is not species specific and has a wide wide distribution incidence. Spiroplasma was found only in Ha. sulcata. In contrary Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Hamiltonella and Wolbachia were not found in the sampled ticks. On the other hand, although the reason could not be explained, PCR products thought to be the result of non-specific binding with Arsenophonus primers and sequence data similar to Coxiella-like endosymbiont were obtained. This study does not explain the tick-symbiosis relationship, but the findings are considered important for future studies of tick biology and/or tick-borne diseases.
Lifetime Prediction Method of the Traction Converter IGBT Based on Plastic Strain Energy Density

Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is the most important power electronic component in the traction converters of trains. During the operation of the IGBT, the solder layer is continuously subjected to alternating stress, which eventually leads to the fatigue failure of the solder layer. Therefore, an accurate assessment of the lifetime of the IGBT module solder layer is of great importance for the safe and reliable operation of the trains. First, the micromechanism of the plastic deformation of the base solder layer of the IGBT module is introduced, as well as the lifetime model based on the plastic strain energy density. Then, the total plastic strain energy density of the base solder layer is determined by conducting the accelerated aging tests on the IGBT module and combining the finite element simulation results. Meanwhile, the relationship between different aging degrees of the base solder layer of the IGBT module and the plastic strain energy density is studied by finite element simulation. Then, the lifetime of the base solder layer at different aging stages is calculated based on the above results, so that the total lifetime of the IGBT module is obtained. Finally, the predicted lifetime of the IGBT module by the proposed method is compared with the lifetime obtained by the accelerated aging test and compared with the traditional lifetime prediction method based on the Coffin–Manson–Arrhenius model. The comparison results verify the accuracy of the proposed lifetime prediction method in this article.