Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosynthetic Mesh Reconstruction after Abdominoperineal Resection for Low Rectal Cancer: Cross Relation of Surgical Healing and Oncological Outcomes: A Multicentric Observational Study

Simple Summary The large perineal defect, with impaired wound healing and delayed start of the adjuvant chemotherapy, can make the reconstructive phase of abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer extremely challenging. Using biosynthetic mesh for the neo-perineum reconstruction after a Miles’ procedure is a poorly investigated technique, which, in our series, resulted in safe, reproducible results affected by limited complications. Moreover, for improved perineal wound healing, it guaranteed a faster start of the adjuvant therapy with clear reduction in oncological outcomes (i.e., recurrences and death). Abstract Background: Local wound complications are among the most relevant sequelae after an abdominoperineal resection (APR) for low rectal cancer. One of the proposed techniques to improve the postoperative recovery and to accelerate the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy is the mesh reinforcement of the perineal wound. The aim of the current study is to compare the surgical and oncological outcomes after APR performed with a biosynthetic mesh reconstruction versus the conventional procedure. Methods: From 2015 to 2020, in two tertiary centres, the surgical outcomes, the wound events (i.e., surgical site infections, wound dehiscence and the complete healing time) and the oncological outcomes (i.e., time length to start adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, an over 8-week delay in chemotherapy and the recurrence rate) were retrospectively analysed in patients undergoing APR reinforced with biosynthetic mesh (Group A) and conventional APR (Group B). Results Sixty-one patients were treated with APR (25 in Group A and 36 in Group B). Patients in Group A presented lower time for: healing (16 versus 24 days, p = 0.015), inferior perineal wound dehiscence rates (one versus nine cases, p = 0.033), an earlier adjuvant therapy start (26 versus 70 days, p = 0.003) and a lower recurrence rate (16.6% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.152). Conclusions: In our series, the use of a biosynthetic mesh for the neo-perineum reconstruction after a Miles’ procedure has resulted in safe, reproducible results affected by limited complications, guarantying a rapid start of the adjuvant therapy with clear benefits in oncological outcomes. Further randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to validate these results.
An Analytical Polytope Approximation Aggregation of Electric Vehicles Considering Uncertainty for the Day-Ahead Distribution Network Dispatching

The integration of large-scale heterogeneous electric vehicles (EVs) into the distribution network increases the system management complexity significantly. Due to the flexible charging/discharging operation and shiftable energy consumption during the parking time, EVs possess a great dispatching potential for the distribution network. This article develops an analytical polytope approximation (APA) aggregation model to efficiently depict the dispatchable regions of large-scale EVs with uncertainties and proposes a bilevel cooperative optimization approach for EV aggregators to participate in the distribution network day-ahead optimal scheduling. Uncertainties of EVs are modeled by chance constraints with different confidence levels to accommodate various regulatory requirements. The proposed approach can obtain large-scale EVs dispatchable capabilities with minimum flexibility loss and realize the regulation command disaggregation without violations. Numerical case studies are conducted on IEEE 33-bus and 141-bus distribution networks based on real data sets, which show that the proposed approach outperforms other state-of-art methods in terms of low operation flexibility conservatism, high system economics, and computational efficiency.
A case study of behaviour: Differences between a head coach and player-coach

Background Coach behaviour has received extensive attention in our literature base. This is particularly the case in recent times where systematic observations have highlighted common behaviours exhibited by coaches across various contexts. The current literature, however, lacks significant focus on the behaviours and practices of player-coaches. This is surprising given that these individuals may represent a significant proportion of the non-professional sporting industry. Purpose The purpose of this case study was to investigate the differences in behaviours used by a player-coach and head coach within the sport of cricket and provide a position statement as to how and why further research in this area could be conducted. Method One head coach (age = 26 y; Level 1 Cricket Australia coaching accreditation) and one player-coach (age = 30 y; Level 2 Cricket Australia coaching accreditation) were filmed during their typical practice sessions at various points of the cricket season. The behaviours of each coach were coded using a modified, cricket-specific version of the Coach Analysis and Intervention System. 1 Findings Across 12 practice sessions (head coach n = 4, number of minutes recorded = 1004; player-coach n = 8, number of minutes recorded = 567), observation (on task) and questioning (convergent) were the two most frequent behaviours, irrespective of the coach's role. The player-coach tended to use more instruction when compared to the head-coach, in addition to asking fewer (divergent) questions. Significantly more of the session was spent observing (on task) by the head coach than the player-coach. Specific to this study, the player-coach spent significantly more time involved in training as a player than the head coach. Based on the current findings, it appears that the role of the player-coach is likely to shape practice and behaviour. Indeed, we deploy social theory to provide tentative explanations for these key differences. Conclusion Overall, this paper is among the first to explore the role and practices of the player-coach. Given that player-coaches likely make up a significant proportion of the non-professional sporting industry, much greater research and attention is needed on this area moving forward. In particular, we feel that multiple or mixed-method studies that engage with social theory would be well positioned to develop generative insights into a) intentions behind the deployment of player-coach behaviour, b) actual behaviours engaged, and c) athlete (and others’) perceptions of such practice. Doing so would provide significant opportunities to develop bespoke education for this highly specialised – yet under examined – role.
Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy on SrFe$\mathrm{_2}$(As$\mathrm{_{1-x}}$P$\mathrm{_x}$)$\mathrm{_2}$

We investigated SrFe$\mathrm{_2}$(As$\mathrm{_{1-x}}$P$\mathrm{_x}$)$\mathrm{_2}$ single crystals with four different phosphorus concentrations x in the superconducting phase (x = 0.35, 0.46) and in the magnetic phase (x = 0, 0.2). The superconducting samples display a V-shaped superconducting gap, which suggests nodal superconductivity. Furthermore we determined the superconducting coherence length by measuring the spatially resolved superconducting density of states (DOS). Using inelastic tunneling spectroscopy we investigated excitations in the samples with four different phosphorus concentrations. Inelastic peaks are related to bosonic modes. Phonon and non-phonon mechanism for the origin of these peaks are discussed.
Optimal Spatial–Temporal Scheduling for EVs With Stochastic Behaviors and Possible Inauthentic Information

This paper studies the spatial-temporal scheduling for electric vehicles with stochastic charging behaviors. A new spatial-temporal scheduling model is proposed to achieve both the spatial coordination and temporal coordination for EV users and is modeled as a non-convex optimization problem which can be solved by the coordinate descent method. Further, a new billing method of charging cost is proposed based on the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves to avoid possible inauthentic information from users. Specially, the individual rationality and incentive compatibility of the method are theoretically proved. Moreover, a stochastic optimization problem is proposed to describe the stochastic charging behavior of users, which can fit the real application better than the deterministic one. Consequently, an efficient charging strategy is obtained via chance constraint method. Simulation results and comparison studies show the effectiveness of both the model and the billing method.
Providing Targeted Rural Vocational Education to Serve Rural Revitalization from a Systematic Perspective

Providing targeted rural vocational education is the inevitable choice for implementing the rural revitalization strategy. In view of the contradiction between the supply of rural vocational education and the demand of rural revitalization, this paper analyzes existing problems of the targeted supply system of rural vocational education from four aspects: supply subjects, the supply and demand structure, the supply function of public services, and the supply environment, with a map drawn to show the correlation of factors that influence the targeted provision of rural vocational education. Then, based on a deeper understanding of the system, this paper analyzes its elements, functions, environment, and complexity, and puts forward a 3D structural model for providing targeted rural vocational education, a framework model for analyzing the process of supply and a structural equation model among supply subjects. Finally, this paper puts forward a general supply strategy featuring “clear supply subjects, optimized supply environment, alleviated supply and demand contradiction, improved public services and effective supply”.
Myocardial Function after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Preoperative Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction—The Role of the Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain

Background and Objectives: The role of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on postoperative left ventricular (LV) function in patients with preoperatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is still being discussed and only a few studies address this question. This study aimed to assess LV function after CABG in patients with preoperatively preserved LVEF using left ventricular longitudinal strain assessed by 2D speckle tracking imaging (STI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for a first-time elective CABG surgery were enrolled in the final analysis of this prospective single-center clinical study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), with conventional measures and STI measures, was performed within 1 week before CABG as well as 4 months after surgery. Patients were divided into groups based on their preoperative global longitudinal strain (GLS) value. Differences in systolic and diastolic parameters between groups were analyzed. Results: Preoperative GLS was reduced (GLS < −17%) in 39% of the patients. Parameters of systolic LV function were significantly reduced in this group of patients compared to the patient group with GLS% ≥ −17%. In both groups, 4 months after CABG there was a decline in LVEF but statistically significant only in the group with GLS% ≥ −17% (p = 0.035). In patients with reduced GLS, there was a statistically significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.004). In patients with preoperative normal GLS, there was not a significant change in any strain parameters after CABG. There was an improvement in diastolic function parameters measured by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in both groups. Conclusions: There is improvement in LV systolic and diastolic function after CABG in patients with preserved preoperative LVEF measured by STI and TDI. GLS might be more sensitive and effective than LVEF for monitoring improvements in myocardial function after CABG surgery in patients with preserved LVEF.
Toripalimab combined with anlotinib for recurrent extensive‑stage small‑cell lung cancer: A case report

The 5-year survival rate of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) is <8%; therefore there is an urgent need for more effective treatment. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been widely used to treat lung cancer, the efficacy of anti-programmed death 1 therapy for SCLC is limited due to the abnormal vascular state of the tumour microenvironment. A 66-year-old man who was diagnosed with ES-SCLC and performance status (PS) 3 received first-line chemotherapy but experienced recurrence. Repeated stage IV thrombocytopenia hindered completion of second-line chemotherapy. Therefore, the patient was treated with a combination of toripalimab and anlotinib. After two cycles, the patient showed a partial response to therapy; a long-lasting curative benefit extending 20 months was achieved with PS 1. This novel and effective combined immune/anti-angiogenic therapy paradigm for patients with relapsed ES-SCLC and poor PS requires prospective clinical trials.
Aspects of Cylindrical Symmetry in Gauge Theory Gravity

Acknowledgments First I wish to thank my supervisor, Anthony Lasenby, whose insight and guidance has been invaluable to this work. I extend my gratitude to Sylvain Brechet and Rebecca Johnston for their endless enthusiasm and support. I also wish to thank Steve Gull for his highly informative notes and conversation regarding impulsive gravitational waves. Finally, special thanks to the Cambridge Overseas Trust, without whom this work would have been financially impossible.
People with Diabetes Have Poorer Self-Rated Health (SRH) and Diabetes Moderates the Association between Age and SRH

Diabetes is a severe chronic condition that is related to decreased physical functioning. Recently, there has been growing interest in understanding how a brief report on health such as self-rated health (SRH) could be used to track changes in health status and service needs in people with diabetes. The current research aims to investigate how SRH is affected by diabetes and how diabetes could moderate the association between age and SRH. By analyzing data from 47,507 participants, with 2869 of them clinically diagnosed with diabetes, the current study found that people with diabetes had significantly poorer SRH than people without diabetes after controlling for demographic covariates (t(2868) = −45.73, p < 0.001, 95% C.I. (−0.92, −0.85), Cohen’s d = −0.85). In addition, diabetes was a significant moderator of the relationship between age and SRH (b = 0.01, p < 0.001, 95% C.I. (0.01, 0.01)). Specifically, age was more strongly related to SRH in people without diabetes (b = −0.015, p < 0.001, 95% C.I. (−0.016, −0.015)) than in people with diabetes (b = −0.007, p < 0.001, 95% C.I. (−0.010, −0.004)). Health professionals should aim to improve SRH in people with diabetes given that SRH is related to various outcomes.
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Effect of Combined Leaf and Seed Extracts of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) on Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Mice: A Biochemical and Histological Study

Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds. The aim of the present study was to screen M. oleifera methanolic leaf (L) extract, seed (S) extract, and a combined leaf/seed extract (2L : 1S ratio) for antidiabetic and antioxidant activities in mice following administration at a dose level of 500 mg/kg of body weight/day. Diabetes was induced by alloxan administration. Mice were treated with the extracts for 1 and 3 months and compared with the appropriate control. At the end of the study period, the mice were euthanized and pancreas, liver, kidney, and blood samples were collected for the analysis of biochemical parameters and histopathology. The oral administration of the combined L/S extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose to normal levels compared with L or S extracts individually; moreover, a significant decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, liver enzymes, and oxidant markers was observed, with a concomitant increase in antioxidant biomarkers. Thus, the combined extract has stronger antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties than the individual extracts. The histopathological results also support the biochemical parameters, showing recovery of the pancreas, liver, and kidney tissue. The effects of the combined L/S extracts persisted throughout the study period tested. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic effects of a combined L/S extract of M. oleifera in an alloxan-induced diabetic model in mice. Our results suggest the potential for developing a natural potent antidiabetic drug from M. oleifera; however, clinical studies are required.
Structure in monotone complexity

In this work we study complexity classes in monotone computation. Our main contributions are the following: (1) A consistent framework for monotone computation, including monotone analogues of many standard computational models. We define monotone simulations, and show that many (but not all) of the familiar simulations from general complexity theory are in fact monotone. (2) The search for provably non-monotone simulations as a research goal in monotone complexity. Our new example is the following: the simulation techniques of Immerman and Szelepcsenyi are provably non-monotone, since we can separate mNL (monotone nondeterministic logarithmic space) from co-mNL. (3) Another separation: mL (monotone logarithmic space) is strictly stronger than $mNC\sp1$ (monotone polynomial size formulas). This may be seen as a strictly stronger application of the communication game technique introduced by Karchmer and Wigderson. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Future Prediction of Shuttlecock Trajectory in Badminton Using Player’s Information

Video analysis has become an essential aspect of net sports, such as badminton. Accurately predicting the future trajectory of balls and shuttlecocks can significantly benefit players by enhancing their performance and enabling them to devise effective game strategies. This paper aims to analyze data to provide players with an advantage in the fast-paced rallies of badminton matches. The paper delves into the innovative task of predicting future shuttlecock trajectories in badminton match videos and presents a method that takes into account both the shuttlecock position and the positions and postures of the players. In the experiments, players were extracted from the match video, their postures were analyzed, and a time-series model was trained. The results indicate that the proposed method improved accuracy by 13% compared to methods that solely used shuttlecock position information as input, and by 8.4% compared to methods that employed both shuttlecock and player position information as input.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Alleviates Oxidative Stress, Exerts Potential Anti-Glycation and Anti-AChE Activity: A Multitargeting Neuroprotective Agent against Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a family of disorders that cause progressive structural and functional degeneration of neurons. Among all the organs in the body, the brain is the one that is the most affected by the production and accumulation of ROS. Various studies have shown that an increase in oxidative stress is a common pathophysiology for almost all NDs, which further affects various other pathways. The available drugs lack the wide spectrum necessary to confront these complexities altogether. Hence, a safe therapeutic approach to target multiple pathways is highly desirable. In the present study, the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Piper nigrum (black pepper), an important spice, were evaluated for their neuroprotective potential in hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). The extracts were also subjected to GC/MS to identify the important bioactives present. The extracts exhibited neuroprotection by significantly decreasing the oxidative stress and restoring the mitochondrial membrane potential in the cells. Additionally, the extracts displayed potent anti-glycation and significant anti-Aβ fibrilization activities. The extracts were competitive inhibitors of AChE. The multitarget neuroprotective mechanism displayed by Piper nigrum indicates it as a potential candidate in the treatment of NDs.
Early-Life Skin Microbial Biomarkers for Eczema Phenotypes in Chinese Toddlers

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disorder during infancy. Evidence has shown that skin-microbiome fluctuations may precede eczema development, but their predictive value for eczema phenotypes remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the early-life evolution of the skin microbiome and its temporal associations with different pairs of eczema phenotypes (transient versus persistent, atopic versus non-atopic) in Chinese children. We followed 119 term Chinese infants from birth to 24 months old within a Hong Kong birth cohort. The skin microbes at the left antecubital fossa were serially sampled by flocked swabs at 1, 6, and 12 months for bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The atopic sensitization at 12 months was strongly associated with eczema persisting to 24 months (odds ratio 4.95, 95% confidence interval 1.29–19.01). Compared with those with non-atopic eczema, the children with atopic eczema had reduced alpha diversity at 12 months (p < 0.001) and transiently higher abundance of the genus Janibacter at 6 months (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that atopic sensitization at 12 months may predict persistent eczema by 24 months, and atopic eczema at 12 months is associated with unique skin microbiome profiles at 6 and 12 months. Non-invasive skin-microbiome profiling may have predictive value for atopic eczema.
An integer-valued pth-order autoregressive structure (INAR(p)) process

An extension of the INAR(1) process which is useful for modelling discrete-time dependent counting processes is considered. The model investigated here has a form similar to that of the Gaussian AR(p) process, and is called the integer-valued pth-order autoregressive structure (INAR(p)) process. Despite the similarity in form, the two processes differ in many aspects such as the behaviour of the correlation, Markovian property and regression. Among other aspects of the INAR(p) process investigated here are the limiting as well as the joint distributions of the process. Also, some detailed discussion is given for the case in which the marginal distribution of the process is Poisson.
Machine readable phonetic transcription system for Chinese dialects spoken in Taiwan

Since existing ASCII versions of phonetic transcription systems appear to aim at transcribing European languages only, they prove to be insufficient to accommodate syllable based tonal languages such as Chinese. An ASCII encoding of phonetic transcription system for speech database of Chinese was designed. Major characteristics of the proposed design are: 1. Though based on the principles of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the current design includes two levels of transcription, namely, segmental and prosodic. The consequence is a more elaborate system than the IPA or its equivalent. 2. The proposed system specifically aims to transcribe three major Chinese dialects spoken in Taiwan, namely, Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka. The consequence is a more language-dependent system rather than a general system as the IPA.