Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two‐Stage Design of Quanta1 Response Studies

Summary. In a quantal response study, there may be insufficient knowledge of the response relationship for the stimulus (or dose) levels to be chosen properly. Information from such a study can be scanty or even unreliable. A two‐stage design is proposed for such studies, which can determine whether and how a follow‐up (i.e., second‐stage) study should be conducted to select additional stimulus levels to compensate for the scarcity of information in the initial study. These levels are determined by using optimal design theory and are based on the fitted model from the data in the initial study. Its advantages are demonstrated using a fishery study.
Developing Bioactive Hydrogels with Peptides for Dental Application

Dental caries is an avoidable and complex condition impacting billions of individuals worldwide, posing a specific concern among younger generations, despite the progress of oral hygiene products. This deterioration occurs due to the acid demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to the loss of minerals from the enamel subsurface. The remineralisation of early enamel carious lesions could prevent the cavitation of teeth. The enamel protein amelogenin constitutes 90% of the total enamel matrix protein and plays a key role in the bio mineralisation process. The aim of this study is to investigate the self-assembly microstructure and reticulation behaviour of a newly developed bioactive hydrogel with leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP) intended for enamel remineralisation. SEM, AFM, UV-VIS, and FTIR analyses emphasize the ability of peptides to promote cell adhesion and the treatment of early carious lesions. In conclusion, short-chain peptides can be used in hydrogels for individual or professional use.
University of Pennsylvania Working Papers in Linguistics the Future' S Path in Three Acadian French Varieties the Future' S Path in Three Acadian French Varieties the Future's Path in Three Acadian French Varieties

In the present study, we investigate the expression of future temporal reference in three closely-related varieties of Atlantic Canada Acadian French, varieties which differ substantially in their sociolinguistic histories. The three communities (Baie Sainte-Marie, Nova Scotia, L' Anse-à-Canards, Newfoundland, and the Iles de la Madeleine, Quebec) have experienced varying types and degrees of dialect contact since their original settlement. At one end of the continuum, Baie Sainte-Marie had the most homogeneous settlement pattern and has been largely isolated from other French varieties, including other Acadian varieties, for several centuries. The Iles de la Madeleine is at the other extreme, involving the most heterogeneous mix of original settlers and a subsequent history which is defined by waves of dialect contact. In an intermediary position, L' Anse-à-Canard's settlement history is less heterogeneous than that of the Iles de la Madeleine but did involve late 19th century dialect contact with European French. The study is based on linguistic data for speakers born between 1873 and 1925, which constitute some of the earliest audio recordings for the varieties, along with sociohistorical data drawn from nominal censuses, cadastral maps, family genealogies, etc. Our goal is to determine the extent to which the grammaticalization path of the periphrastic future (which would ultimately overtake the inflected future as the majority variant in other spoken varieties) would be mirrored in the three communities. The results of multivariate analyses show, for Baie Sainte-Marie, the earliest stage in the evolution of the periphrastic future: it is still associated with imminent contexts. For L' Anse-à-Canards, we see the strong association of the variant with proximal contexts more generally. For these two communities, then, the use of the periphrastic future has not spread to distal contexts. Finally, for The Iles de la Madeleine, we find some weakening of the temporal distance effect and the emergence of a polarity constraint not attested for the other Acadian communities: negative utterances are associated with the inflected future, a finding resembling that found in variationist research on varieties of Laurentian French, wherein the periphrastic future has become the general marker of futurity. We explain the acquisition of the polarity constraint in terms of contact with speakers of Laurentian varieties. In sum, the historical trajectory of the future variable is reflected in intercommunity variation for the earliest linguistic attestations for spoken Acadian French.
Exploring the probabilistic design space of multimedia systems

In this paper, we propose the novel concept of probabilistic design for multimedia systems and a methodology to quickly explore such design space at an early design stage. The probabilistic design is motivated by the challenge of how to design, but not over-design, multimedia embedded systems while systematically incorporating such application's performance requirements, uncertainties in execution time, and tolerance for reasonable execution failures. Our goal is to bridge the gap between real-time analysis and embedded software implementation for rapid and economic (multimedia) system prototyping. Our method takes advantage of multimedia system's unique features mentioned above to relax the rigid hardware requirements for software implementation and eventually avoid over-designing the system.
Design and Evaluation of a Memory-Recalling Virtual Reality Application for Elderly Users

Virtual reality (VR) can be useful in efforts that aim to improve the well-being of older members of society. Within this context, the work presented in this paper aims to provide the elderly with a user-friendly and enjoyable virtual reality application incorporating memory recall and storytelling activities that could promote mental awareness. An important aspect of the proposed VR application is the presence of a virtual audience that listens to the stories presented by elderly users and interacts with them. In an effort to maximize the impact of the VR application, research was conducted to study whether the elderly are willing to use the VR application and whether they believe it can help to improve well-being and reduce the effects of loneliness and social isolation. Self-reported results related to the experience of the users show that elderly users are positive towards the use of such an application in everyday life as a means of improving their overall well-being.
Gestational Diabetes and the Gut Microbiota: Fibre and Polyphenol Supplementation as a Therapeutic Strategy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an escalating public health concern due to its association with short- and long-term adverse maternal and child health outcomes. Dysbiosis of microbiota within the gastrointestinal tract has been linked to the development of GDM. Modification of microbiota dysbiosis through dietary adjustments has attracted considerable attention as adjunct strategies to improve metabolic disease. Diets high in fibre and polyphenol content are associated with increased gut microbiota alpha diversity, reduced inflammation and oxidative processes and improved intestinal barrier function. This review explores the potential of fibre and polyphenol supplementation to prevent GDM by investigating their impact on gut microbiota composition and function.
Learning To Do Without Cognitiony

In this paper we show that a phenomenon in animal learning theory (the outcome devaluation eeect) for which there is dispute over whether explicit representations and symbolic reasoning is required for its performance , does not require such things. This is done using a reactive motivational model, previously inspired from ethological thought, to which some simple reinforcement learning rules are attached. An instan-tation of the model is used as the control system of an animat in a spatial computer simulation and it succeeds in learning the necessary parameters to allow the behaviour sequencing system to exhibit the phenomenon .
The risk of hospitalized infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of hospitalized infection and whether the risk varies by RA treatment. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a medical and pharmacy claims managed-care database from 1999 to 2006. A total of 24,530 patients were included in the RA cohort; a random sample of non-RA patients served as a comparison cohort (n = 500,000). Rates of hospitalized infection were compared between the cohorts. A nested case-control analysis was performed within the RA cohort to assess the effect of current RA medication use on hospitalized infection risk. RESULTS A total of 1,993 patients with RA and 11,977 non-RA patients experienced a hospitalized infection. The rate of first hospitalized infection was higher in the RA cohort [adjusted hazard ratio = 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93-2.13]. In the case-control analysis, the current use of biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) was associated with slightly increased risk of hospitalized infection [rate ratio (RR) = 1.21; 95% CI 1.02-1.43]. Methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine were associated with decreased risk. Oral corticosteroid use increased risk (RR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.67-2.21), and there was a dose-related effect [< or = 5 mg/day: RR = 1.32 (95% CI 1.06-1.63), 6-10 mg/day: RR = 1.94 (95% CI 1.53-2.46), > 10 mg/day: RR = 2.98 (95% CI 2.41-3.69)]. CONCLUSION These data confirm that individuals with RA are at increased risk of hospitalized infection compared to those without RA. Oral corticosteroid use was associated with a dose-related increase. Biological DMARD use was associated with slightly elevated risk; however, this may reflect confounding and channeling bias.
Coronal Knee Alignment and Tibial Rotation in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study of Patients with End-Stage Osteoarthritis

Several studies have found a relationship between the rotational anatomy of the distal femur and the overall coronal lower limb alignment in knees with osteoarthritis (OA). Less is known about the rotation of the proximal tibia, especially in the context of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), where one of the goals of the surgery is to achieve the appropriate component-to-component rotation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the coronal alignment of the lower extremity and the relative proximal tibial rotation. A prospective cohort study of patients with an end-stage OA scheduled for TKA was conducted. All patients underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan and a standing X-ray of both lower limbs. A relative femorotibial rotation was measured separately for mechanical and kinematic alignment. A statistically significant correlation was found between the tibial varus and the external tibial rotation (p < 0.001). Out of 14 knees with high tibial varus (>5°), 13 (93%) and 7 (50%) knees had >10° of femorotibial rotation for the mechanical and kinematic alignment landmarks, respectively. In order to keep the component-to-component rotation within the 10° margin, more internal rotation of the tibial component is required in knees with higher tibial varus.
INVESTIGATING THE EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST MESIC FOREST ECOSYSTEM: HYPOTHESIS TESTING WITHIN A COMPARATIVE PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK

Abstract We examine the evolution of mesic forest ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest of North America using a statistical phylogeography approach in four animal and two plant lineages. Three a priori hypotheses, which explain the disjunction in the mesic forest ecosystem with either recent dispersal or ancient vicariance, are tested with phylogenetic and coalescent methods. We find strong support in three amphibian lineages (Ascaphus spp., and Dicampton spp., and Plethodon vandykei and P. idahoensis) for deep divergence between coastal and inland populations, as predicted by the ancient vicariance hypothesis. Unlike the amphibians, the disjunction in other Pacific Northwest lineages is likely due to recent dispersal along a northern route. Topological and population divergence tests support the northern dispersal hypothesis in the water vole (Microtus richardsoni) and northern dispersal has some support in both the dusky willow (Salix melanopsis) and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis). These analyses demonstrate that genetic data sampled from across an ecosystem can provide insight into the evolution of ecological communities and suggest that the advantages of a statistical phylogeographic approach are most pronounced in comparisons across multiple taxa in a particular ecosystem. Genetic patterns in organisms as diverse as willows and salamanders can be used to test general regional hypotheses, providing a consistent metric for comparison among members of an ecosystem with disparate life-history traits.
Comparison of costs of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept in loading dose administration for diabetic macular edema treatment: Observational cost analysis

Purpose: Antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications find extensive utilization in addressing diabetic macular edema (DME). In December 2018, the Social Security Institution of Türkiye introduced the requirement of a loading dose of bevacizumab and subsequent unresponsiveness criteria for the application of other intravitreal drugs in retinal diseases. The aim of this study is to perform a cost analysis of bevacizumab use in the loading dose for DME treatment compared to the use of aflibercept and ranibizumab. Methods: Patients diagnosed with DME between 2019 and 2022, who received three consecutive doses of bevacizumab at 4–6 week intervals, were included in the study. The prices of anti-VEGF drugs were calculated in US dollars (USD) by taking the average of prices for the respective years. The average prices for the bevacizumab vials were 178.28 USD, 153.12 USD, 149.08 USD, and 138.83 USD for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. Results: A total of 671 eyes were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 67.8±10.2 (range 42–86) years. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.21±0.13 (range 0.05–0.4) before injections to 0.45±0.11 (range 0.2–0.7) after three doses. No cases of retinal tear/detachment or endophthalmitis were observed. The total cost of 2013 doses of bevacizumab administered intravitreally to 671 eyes was 322.894,50 USD. The cost would be 791,640.96 USD if ranibizumab was used and 800,491.53 USD if aflibercept was used. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that bevacizumab is more affordable than other anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of DME. Health-care systems may prefer less costly drugs to use their resources more effectively. However, the final decision in drug selection should always be made by doctors based on effectiveness for the benefit of the patient.
Skalierbarer und zuverlässiger Zugriff auf feingranulare Daten

Mit der Bereitstellung theoretisch unbegrenzter Speicherkapazitäten durch das Cloud Computing, sind neue Ansätze bei der Entwicklung von Dateisystemen gefragt. Einerseits spielt die Skalierbarkeit eine wesentliche Rolle, denn auch bei sehr vielen Komponenten muss ein solches System noch ein hohes Maß an Performanz bieten. Bei Belastungsspitzen müssen umgehend und spontan neue Rechner der Cloud hinzugefügt werden können, so dass sich die Daten und damit die Last gleichmäßig verteilen können. Ein Zusammenbrechen des gesamten Systems soll in diesem Fall verhindert werden. Andererseits darf unter den geforderten schnellen Antwortzeiten aber nicht die Zuverlässigkeit leiden – die Daten müssen stets hochverfügbar bleiben. Welche Herausforderungen bei der Implementierung zu bewältigen sind, soll anhand von Amazons verteiltem Dateisystem Dynamo, welches seit 2005 in der Praxis Verwendung findet [1], aufgezeigt werden.
Polymorphisms of the Interleukin-1 Gene Family, Oral Microbial Pathogens, and Smoking in Adult Periodontitis

Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, and lL-1ra contribute to regulation of the inflammatory response in periodontal tissues. We aimed to investigate the distribution of polymorphisms in the IL-1 gene family among periodontitis patients and controls, taking into account smoking and microbiology as additional variables. Fifty-three non-smoking and 52 smoking patients with severe adult periodontitis and 53 controls were genotyped for bi-allelic IL-1A-889, IL-1B +3954 , and a penta-allelic 86-bp VNTR IL-1RN gene polymorphisms. The presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was established by culture techniques. We found a higher frequency of allele 2 carriage in IL-1A, IL-1B, and IL-1RN in periodontitis patients who were non-smokers and in whom P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans could not be detected (42.1 % vs. 11.3% in controls; P = 0.0068; OR 5.7, 95% CI: 1.6-19.8). Our results provide evidence that polymorphisms in genes of the IL-1 family are associated with severe adult periodontitis in the absence of other risk factors tested in this patient population.
Regional trends in the fractional solubility of Fe and other metals from North Atlantic aerosols (GEOTRACES cruises GA01 and GA03) following a two-stage leach

Abstract. The fractional solubility of aerosol-derived trace elements deposited to the ocean surface is a key parameter of many marine biogeochemical models. Despite this, it is currently poorly constrained, in part due to the complex interplay between the various processes that govern the solubilisation of aerosol trace elements. In this study, we used a sequential two-stage leach to investigate the regional variability in fractional solubility of a suite of aerosol trace elements (Al, Ti, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) from samples collected during three GEOTRACES cruises to the North Atlantic Ocean (GA01, GA03-2010, and GA03-2011). We present aerosol trace element solubility data from two sequential leaches that provide a solubility window , covering a conservative lower limit to an upper limit, the maximum potentially soluble fraction, and discuss why this upper limit of solubility could be used as a proxy for the bioavailable fraction in some regions. Regardless of the leaching solution used in this study (mild versus strong leach), the most heavily loaded samples generally had the lowest solubility. However, there were exceptions. Manganese fractional solubility was relatively uniform across the full range of atmospheric loading (32 ± 13 and 49 ± 13 % for ultra high-purity water and 25 % acetic acid leaches, respectively). This is consistent with other marine aerosol studies. Zinc and Cd fractional solubility also appeared to be independent of atmospheric loading. Although the average fractional solubilities of Zn and Cd (37 ± 28 and 55 ± 30 % for Zn and 39 ± 23 and 58 ± 26 % for Cd, for ultra high-purity water and 25 % acetic acid leaches, respectively) were similar to Mn, the range was greater, with several samples being 100 % soluble after the second leach. Finally, as the objective of this study was to investigate the regional variability in TE solubility, the samples were grouped according to air mass back trajectories (AMBTs). However, we conclude that AMBTs are not sufficiently discriminating to identify the aerosol sources or the potential effects of atmospheric processing on the physicochemical composition and solubility of the aerosols.
LIFE CHANCES AND STRUCTURAL INEQUALITY

The article delves into the historical trajectory of global inequality, tracing the transition from an era of relative equality to the emergence of profound disparities following the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the West. It scrutinizes the Eurocentric narrative of progress, emphasizing the pivotal role of scientific advancements, technological innovations, and capitalist expansion in shaping the Western ascendancy. Furthermore, it explores the concept of life chances as a lens through which to analyse structural inequality and the distribution of resources among individuals. The discourse extends to the revaluation of values in the context of sustainability, advocating for a shift towards a more sustainable and equitable societal framework. The paper underscores the enduring challenges posed by durable inequality and the allure of the Western lifestyle to less privileged regions. Through a multidisciplinary lens encompassing historical, sociological, and ecological perspectives, it offers insights into the complexities of global development, social stratification, and the quest for a more just and sustainable world order.
Voltage Signal Optimization for Multi-Level-Cell ( MLC ) NAND Flash Memory

The multi-level-cell (MLC) NAND flash channel exhibits non-stationary behavior over increasing program and erase (PE) cycles and data retention time. In this paper, an optimization scheme for adjusting the read (quantized) and write (verify) voltage levels to adapt to the non-stationary flash channel is presented. Using a model-based approach to represent the flash channel, incorporating the programming noise, random telegraph noise (RTN), data retention noise and cell-to-cell interference as major signal degradation components, the writevoltage levels are optimized by minimizing the channel error probability. Moreover, for selecting the quantization levels for the read-voltage to facilitate soft LDPC decoding, an entropybased function is introduced by which the voltage erasure regions (error dominating regions) are controlled to produce the lowest bit/frame error probability. The proposed write and read voltage optimization schemes not only minimize the error probability throughout the operational lifetime of flash memory, but also improve the decoding convergence speed. Finally, to minimize the number of read-voltage quantization levels while ensuring LDPC decoder convergence, the extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) analysis is performed over the MLC flash channel.
Predicate control for active debugging of distributed programs

Existing approaches to debugging distributed systems involve a cycle of passive observation followed by computation replaying. We propose predicate control as an active approach to debugging such systems. The predicate control approach involves a cycle of observation followed by controlled replaying of computation, based on observation. We formalize the predicate control problem for both off-line and on-line scenarios. We prove that off-line predicate control for general boolean predicates is NP-hard. However, we provide an efficient solution for off-line predicate control for the class of disjunctive predicates. We further solve on-line predicate control for disjunctive predicates under certain restrictions on the system. Lastly, we demonstrate how both off-line and on-line predicate control facilitate distributed debugging by allowing the programmer to control computations to maintain global safety properties.