Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in STI testing and diagnosis rates during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large urban tertiary care center, and the role of the emergency department in STI care

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on access to care, including outpatient sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment. Many vulnerable populations already relied on the emergency department (ED) for much of their care prior to the pandemic. This study examines trends in STI testing and positivity before and during the pandemic at a large urban medical center and evaluates the role of the ED in providing STI care. Methods This is a retrospective review of all gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas tests from November 1, 2018, through July 31, 2021. Demographic information and location and results of STI testing were extracted from the electronic medical record. Trends in STI testing and positivity were examined for 16 month periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic started (March 15, 2020), with the latter divided into the early pandemic period (EPP: March 15 -July 31, 2020) and late pandemic period (LPP: August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021). Results Tests per month decreased by 42.4% during the EPP, but rebounded by July 2020. During the EPP, the proportion of all STI testing originating in the ED increased from 21.4% pre-pandemic to 29.3%, and among pregnant women from 45.2% to 51.5%. Overall STI positivity rate increased from 4.4% pre-pandemic to 6.2% in the EPP. Parallel trends were observed for gonorrhea and chlamydia individually. The ED represented 50.5% of overall positive tests, and as much as 63.1% of positive testing during the EPP. The ED was the source of 73.4% of positive tests among pregnant women, which increased to 82.1% during the EPP. Conclusions STI trends from this large urban medical center paralleled national trends, with an early decrease in positive cases followed by a rebound by the end of May 2020. The ED represented an important source of testing for all patients, and especially for pregnant patients, throughout the study period, but even more so early in the pandemic. This suggests that more resources should be directed towards STI testing, education, and prevention in the ED, as well as to support linkage to outpatient primary and obstetric care during the ED visit.
Rheological and Self-Healing Behavior of Hydrogels Synthesized from l-Lysine-Functionalized Alginate Dialdehyde

Alginate dialdehyde and l-lysine-functionalized alginate dialdehyde were prepared to provide active aldehyde and l-lysine sites along the alginate backbone, respectively. Different concentrations of substrates and the reduction agent were added, and their influence on the degree of l-lysine substitution was evaluated. An amination reduction reaction (with l-lysine) was conducted on alginate dialdehyde with a 31% degree of oxidation. The NMR confirmed the presence of l-lysine functionality with the degree of substitution of 20%. The structural change of the polymer was observed via FTIR spectroscopy, confirming the formation of Schiff base covalent linkage after the crosslinking. The additional l-lysine sites on functionalized alginate dialdehyde provide more crosslinking sites on the hydrogel, which leads to a higher modulus storage rate than in the original alginate dialdehyde. This results in dynamic covalent bonds, which are attributed to the alginate derivative–gelatin hydrogels with shear-thinning and self-healing properties. The results suggested that the concentration and stoichiometric ratio of alginate dialdehyde, l-lysine-functionalized alginate dialdehyde, and gelatin play a fundamental role in the hydrogel’s mechanical properties.
A heterogeneous phantom study for investigating the stability of PET images radiomic features with varying reconstruction settings

The purpose of this work was to assess the capability of radiomic features in distinguishing PET image regions with different uptake patterns. Furthermore, we assessed the stability of PET radiomic features with varying image reconstruction settings. An in-house phantom was designed and constructed, consisting of homogenous and heterogenous artificial phantom inserts. Four artificially constructed inserts were placed into a water filled phantom and filled with varying levels of radioactivity to simulate homogeneous and heterogeneous uptake patterns. The phantom was imaged for 80 min. PET images were reconstructed whilst varying reconstruction parameters. The parameters adjusted included, number of ordered subsets, number of iterations, use of time-of-flight and filter cut off. Regions of interest (ROI) were established by segmentation of the phantom inserts from the reconstructed images. In total seventy eight 3D radiomic features for each ROI with unique reconstructed parameters were extracted. The Friedman test was used to determine the statistical power of each radiomic feature in differentiating phantom inserts with different hetero/homogeneous configurations. The Coefficient of Variation (COV) of each feature, with respect to the reconstruction setting was used to determine feature stability. Forty three out of seventy eight radiomic features were found to be stable (COV ≤5%) against all reconstruction settings. To provide any utility, stable features are required to differentiate between regions with different hetro/homogeneity. Of the forty three stable features, fifteen (35%) features showed a statistically significant difference between the artificially constructed inserts. Such features included GLCM (Difference average, Difference entropy, Dissimilarity and Inverse difference), GLRL (Long run emphasis, Grey level non uniformity and Run percentage) and NGTDM (Complexity and Strength). The finding of this work suggests that radiomic features are capable of distinguishing between radioactive distribution patterns that demonstrate different levels of heterogeneity. Therefore, radiomic features could serve as an adjuvant diagnostic tool along with traditional imaging. However, the choice of the radiomic features needs to account for variability introduced when different reconstruction settings are used. Standardization of PET image reconstruction settings across sites performing radiomic analysis in multi-centre trials should be considered.
Association of Serum BAFF Levels with Cardiovascular Events in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objectives: The B cell activating factor (BAFF) is a B cell survival factor involved in atherosclerosis and ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. This study sought to investigate whether BAFF is a potential predictor of poor outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: We prospectively enrolled 299 patients with STEMI, and serum levels of BAFF were measured. All subjects were followed for three years. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including cardiovascular death, nonfatal reinfarction, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and stroke. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to analyze the predictive value of BAFF for MACEs. Results: In multivariate analysis, BAFF was independently associated with risk of MACEs (adjusted HR 1.525, 95% CI 1.085–2.145; p = 0.015) and cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.632, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.132–11.650, p = 0.030) after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that patients with BAFF levels above the cut-off value (1.46 ng/mL) were more likely to have MACEs (log-rank p < 0.0001) and cardiovascular death (log-rank p < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, the impact of high BAFF on MACEs development was stronger in patients without dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the C-statistic and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) values for MACEs were improved with BAFF as an independent risk factor or when combined with cardiac troponin I. Conclusions: This study suggests that higher BAFF levels in the acute phase are an independent predictor of the incidence of MACEs in patients with STEMI.
Fermi level depinning at the germanium Schottky interface through sulfur passivation

We demonstrate the depinning of Fermi level on both p- and n-type germanium after sulfur passivation by aqueous (NH4)(2)S treatment. Schottky contacts realized using metals with a wide range of work functions produce nearly ideal behavior confirming that the Fermi level is depinned. Examination of the passivated surface using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals bonding between Ge and sulfur.It is shown that good Ohmic contacts to n-type Ge and a hole barrier height (phi(Bp)) of 0.6 eV to p-type Ge can be achieved after this passivation treatment, with Zr Schottky contacts. This is the highest phi(Bp) reported so far.
Surface plasmon resonances of optical antenna atomic force microscope tips

A method for fabricating optical antennas on atomic force microscope probes using focused ion beam modification is described. We numerically demonstrate that these optical antenna probes provide a large near field intensity enhancement when illuminated at their resonant wavelengths. We experimentally measure the plasmon resonant wavelengths of probes with various lengths. Both simulation and experiment indicate that the resonant wavelength redshifts with increasing antenna length. We anticipate that the optical antenna tips could be used for mapping the field distributions of nanophotonic devices or for high spatial resolution spectroscopy.
Health-Promoting Additives Supplemented in Inert Microdiets for Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) Post-Larvae: Effects on Growth, Survival, and Health Status

Simple Summary The whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is currently the most produced species in aquaculture. However, the species larviculture is frequently associated with sub-optimal growth, high size dispersion, and low survival due to cannibalism and reduced disease resistance to pathogens. There is evidence that dietary additives can stimulate the shrimp immune system, but few studies have focused on the initial developmental stages. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of several nutrients/additives (i.e., vitamins C and E, β-glucans, taurine, and methionine) supplemented in microdiets for whiteleg shrimp post larvae. The additives tested had no effect on growth performance and survival, but results suggest that vitamins C and E and β-glucans may impact the shrimp post-larvae antioxidant capacity and robustness, especially when coupled together. These findings suggest that tailored diets including these health-promoting additives may address some of the larviculture problems and may contribute to the success of whiteleg shrimp farming in the long term, affecting the downstream production of high-quality juveniles and adults. Abstract Dietary additives have the potential to stimulate the whiteleg shrimp immune system, but information is scarce on their use in diets for larval/post-larval stages. The potential beneficial effects of vitamins C and E, β-glucans, taurine, and methionine were evaluated. Four experimental microdiets were tested: a positive control diet (PC); the PC with decreased levels of vitamin C and E as negative control (NC); the PC with increased taurine and methionine levels (T + M); and the PC supplemented with β-glucans (BG). No changes in growth performance and survival were observed. However, post-larvae shrimp fed the NC had lower relative expressions of pen-3 than those fed the PC, suggesting that lower levels of vitamins C and E may impact the shrimp immune status. Lipid peroxidation levels dropped significantly in the BG compared to the PC, indicating that β-glucans improved the post-larvae antioxidant mechanisms. Furthermore, when compared with the NC diet, PL fed with BG showed significant increases in tGSH levels and in the relative expression of crus and pen-3, suggesting a synergistic effect between vitamins C and E and β-glucans. Amongst the additives tested, β-glucans seems to be the most promising even when compared to a high-quality control diet.
Operator Formalisms: An Overview

Operator formalisms are mathematical recipes for simplifying the manipu- lations of the density matrix. Because the density matrix is a vital tool in describing and analyzing magnetic resonance experiments, many approaches have been developed. This article gives an overview of a number of different methods: spherical tensors, fictitious spin-1/2, single-transition operators, product operators, superspin methods, and others. In principle, they all must give the same answer, because an exact description of magnetic resonance phenomena is usually within reach. The choice of the formalism for the user, therefore, depends on various personal decisions. Among these decisions is the choice between spherical and Cartesian tensors, between Hilbert space and Liouville space, between commutators and matrix elements, and so on. We do not go into the details of any of the formalisms but rather try to compare their approaches at a fairly general level. The quadrupolar echo pulse sequence is used as an example of the application of the formal- isms. The aim of this overview is to give readers enough of a picture so that they can make an intelligent choice for themselves. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 28A: 369 -383, 2006
Enhancement of the Surface Morphology of (Bi0.4Sb0.6)2Te3 Thin Films by In Situ Thermal Annealing

The study of the exotic properties of the surface states of topological insulators requires defect-free and smooth surfaces. This work aims to study the enhancement of the surface morphology of optimally doped, high-crystalline (Bi0.4Sb0.6)2Te3 films deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on Al2O3 (001) substrates. Atomic force microscopy shows that by employing an in situ thermal post anneal, the surface roughness is reduced significantly, and transmission electron microscopy reveals that structural defects are diminished substantially. Thence, these films provide a great platform for the research on the thickness-dependent properties of topological insulators.
Feasibility of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) in Real-Life Clinical Practice

In advanced or metastatic settings, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) allows the evaluation of thousands of gene alterations with the goal of offering new opportunities for personalized treatment in solid tumors. This study evaluated the CGP Success Rate in a real-life cohort of 184 patients enrolled in a prospective clinical trial. CGP data were compared with the routine molecular testing strategy adopted in-house. Sample age, tumor area, and the percentage of tumor nuclei were recorded for CGP analysis. We found that 150/184 (81.5%) samples resulted in satisfying CGP reports. The CGP Success Rate was higher in samples from surgical specimens (96.7%) and in specimens that had been stored (sample age) for less than six months (89.4%). Among the inconclusive CGP reports, 7/34 (20.6%) were optimal samples, according to CGP sample requirements. Moreover, with the in-house molecular testing approach, we could obtain clinically relevant molecular data in 25/34 (73.5%) samples that had inconclusive CGP reports. In conclusion, despite the fact that CGP offers specific therapeutical options in selected patients, our data suggest that the standard molecular testing strategy should not be replaced in routine molecular profiling.
Harmonic inverse semigroups

An inverse semigroup S shall be said to be harmonic if every congruence on S is determined by any one of its classes. In other words, if λ and ρ are congruences on S having a congruence class in common, then λ = ρ. The class of all harmonic semigroups contains all bisimple inverse semigroups, as proved by Žitomirskiĭ [11] and also by Schein [10], and all congruence-free inverse semigroups. Moreover, is contained in the class of all 0-simple or simple inverse semigroups, as is easy to see. We shall show that there exist non-bisimple, non-congruence-free harmonic semigroups and that there are simple inverse semigroups which are not harmonic.
An intuitive explanation of generalised linear models

Abstract This paper offers an intuitive description of generalised linear models so that agricultural researchers may capitalise on the potential of this approach for data analysis and not be deterred by its apparent sophistication. The familiar analysis of variance and regression techniques are used as a basis upon which to develop new concepts, these being presented in a non-mathematical manner whenever possible by relying on diagrammatical representations in conjunction with the stepwise analysis of a simple set of agronomic data. The paper concludes by taking a more detailed look at the logit analyses performed on 3 large sets of data concerning lamb survival as reported in another paper in this issue.
Hybrid Converter for Roof-Top Mounted Solar PV and Battery Integrated Light Electric Vehicle

This work propose a Three-phase Boost Derived Hybrid Converter (TPBDHC) for roof-top solar PV mounted light electric vehicle with battery support which supplies both three phase AC as well as DC loads, simultaneously using single DC source. Here solar power along with battery system is used to drive the three phase motor and other DC loads using proposed hybrid converter topology. When vehicle is in standing mode, the solar PV power is used to charge Li-ion battery and when in running mode, the available solar power along with battery is used to power the EV motor and other auxiliary loads using the proposed hybrid converter. Here we have used constant frequency shoot through sinusoidal pulse width modulation (CFST-SPWM) control scheme to generate gate pulses for the switches. The shoot-through state is provided to perform boost operation of the converter. In this work performance of proposed TPBDHC is evaluated for solar and battery powered electric vehicle. The simulation studies has been performed to verify the operation of the proposed hybrid converter using MATLAB/Simulink.
A fully automated algorithm for heart rate detection in post-dive precordial Doppler ultrasound.

Background Doppler ultrasound is used currently in decompression research for the evaluation of venous gas emboli (VGE). Estimation of heart rate from post-dive Doppler ultrasound recordings can provide a tool for the evaluation of physiological changes from decompression stress, as well as aid in the development of automated VGE detection algorithms that relate VGE presence to cardiac activity. Method An algorithm based on short-term autocorrelation was developed in MATLAB to estimate the heart rate in post-dive precordial Doppler ultrasound. The algorithm was evaluated on 21 previously acquired and labeled precordial recordings spanning Kisman-Masurel (KM) codes of 111-444 (KM I-IV) with manually derived instantaneous heart rates. Results A window size of at least two seconds was necessary for robust and accurate instantaneous heart rate estimation with a mean error of 1.56 ± 7.10 bpm. Larger window sizes improved the algorithm performance, at the cost of beat-to-beat heart rate estimates. We also found that our algorithm provides good results for low KM grade Doppler recordings with and without flexion, and high KM grades without flexion. High KM grades observed after movement produced the greatest mean absolute error of 6.12 ± 8.40 bpm. Conclusion We have developed a fully automated algorithm for the estimation of heart rate in post-dive precordial Doppler ultrasound recordings.
Random thresholds for linear model selection

A method is introduced to select the significant or non null mean terms among a collection of independent random variables. As an application we consider the problem of recovering the signifi- cant coefficients in non ordered model selection. The method is based on a convenient random centering of the partial sums of the ordered observations. Based on L-statistics methods we show consistency of the proposed estimator. An extension to unknown parametric distributions is considered. Simulated examples are included to show the accuracy of the estimator. An example of signal denoising with wavelet thresholding is also discussed.
Driving Range Extension of a PV Array Fed Synchronous Reluctance Motor Drive for Electric Vehicle with Regeneration

This paper focuses on a simple and effective energy recovery method during regenerative method braking of a synchronous reluctance motor (SYRM) based light electric vehicle (LEV) drive system feed by solar photovoltaic (S-PV) and battery. EVs regenerative braking and roof top space utilized for S-PV energy, extends the driving range and leaves a large footprint in the direction of green mobility and green energy solutions. The extension in driving range makes e-vehicles more economical and affordable. Regenerative braking recovers motor kinetic energy during braking and is a step toward environment friendly mobility. Bidirectional DC-DC converter (BDDC) allows flow of energy from battery to motor drive and vice-versa. The recovered kinetic energy of the SYRM motor during electric braking transferred into the battery, thereby charging battery and hence extending driving range of the vehicle while minimizing loss. The solar-PV system array with a boost converter is installed at auto stand of EVs, which allows charging of the battery during non-operational hours of the E-Vehicle. The battery is connected to the DC link capacitor by a BDDC. A boost converter by P&O MPPT method is used to control a solar-PV array output power. The integrated system is cost effective, easily controlled, and simple to use in practice.
Three-dimensional Spherical Simulations of Solar Convection. I. Differential Rotation and Pattern Evolution Achieved with Laminar and Turbulent States

Rotationally constrained convection possesses velocity correlations that transport momentum and drive mean flows such as differential rotation. The nature of this transport can be very complex in turbulent flow regimes, where large-scale, coherent vorticity structures and mean flows can be established by smaller scale turbulence through inverse cascades. The dynamics of the highly turbulent solar convection zone therefore may be quite different than in early global-scale numerical models, which were limited by computational resources to nearly laminar flows. Recent progress in high-performance computing technology and ongoing helioseismic investigations of the dynamics of the solar interior have motivated us to develop more sophisticated numerical models of global-scale solar convection. Here we report three-dimensional simulations of compressible, penetrative convection in rotating spherical shells in both laminar and turbulent parameter regimes. The convective structure in the laminar case is dominated by "banana cells," but the turbulent case is much more complex, with an intricate, rapidly evolving downflow network in the upper convection zone and an intermittent, plume-dominated structure in the lower convection zone and overshoot region. Convective patterns generally propagate prograde at low latitudes and retrograde at high latitudes relative to the local rotation. The differential rotation profiles show some similarity with helioseismic determinations of the solar rotation but still exhibit significantly more cylindrical alignment. Strong, intermittent, vortical downflow lanes and plumes play an important dynamical role in turbulent flow regimes and are responsible for significant differences relative to laminar flows with regard to momentum and energy transport and to the structure of the overshoot region at the base of the convection zone.