Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Building prognostic models for adverse outcomes in a prospective cohort of hospitalised patients with acute leptospirosis infection in the Philippines

Leptospirosis is endemic to the Philippines. Ten per cent of cases will develop severe or fatal disease. Predicting progression to severity is difficult. Risk factors have been suggested, but few attempts have been made to create predictive models to guide clinical decisions. We present two models to predict the risk of mortality and progression to severe disease. Data was used from a prospective cohort study conducted between 2011 and 2013 in San Lazaro Hospital, Manila. Predictive factors were identified from a literature review. A strategy utilizing backwards stepwise-elimination and multivariate fractional polynomials identified key predictive factors. A total of 203 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall mortality rate was 6.84%. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that neutrophil counts [OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.15-1.67] and platelet counts [OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97-0.99] were predictive for risk of mortality. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that male sex (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.22-12.57) and number of days between symptom onset and antibiotic use (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.08-1.53) were predictive for risk of progression to severe disease. The multivariable prognostic models for the risks of mortality and progression to severe disease developed could be useful in guiding clinical management by the early identification of patients at risk of adverse outcomes.
Magnetotransport Measurements of Ni Thin Films

An experimental system in combination with a technique for creating samples has been developed for conducting magnetotransport measurements of 3d ferromagnets as a function of temperature and pressure. Polycrystalline Ni0.985O0. 015 thin film samples have been manufactured for experiments at zero pressure and in the diamond anvil cell (DAC) such that the contacts are of a predetermined size. This ensures that the placement of the leads in the pressure chamber of the DAC does not affect the quality of the measurement. Magnetoresistance and Hall resistivity measurements are preformed using the van der Pauw technique and the constant current method. The performance of the experimental apparatus is demonstrated by magnetotransport measurements of Ni0.985O0. 015 thin films between 285 and 455 K in applied magnetic fields up to 10 T. The change in magnetic resistivity measured in the transverse configuration at zero pressure in the DAC, −0.0162(2) μΩ cm T−1 at 297 K, is observed to be negative and linear up to the maximum applied field. The extraordinary Hall coefficient measured at zero pressure and 297 K is found to be RE = −30.4(1)×10−10 m3 C−1.
The majority of circulating platelet-derived microparticles fail to bind annexin V, lack phospholipid-dependent procoagulant activity and demonstrate greater expression of glycoprotein Ib

Summary It has been widely accepted that microparticles expose phosphatidylserine which in turn binds annexin V. It was the objective of this study to compare the antigenic characteristics and phospholipid-dependent procoagulant activity of annexin V positive and -negative subpopulations of platelet-derived microparticles. Annexin V positive and -negative microparticles were identified and characterised using flow cytometry and procoagulant activity was measured by a phospholipid-dependent assay (XACT). In unstimulated platelet-poor plasma, 80% of platelet-derived microparticles failed to bind annexin V. Varying the assay constituents (buffer, calcium and annexin V concentration) did not alter annexin V binding. The proportion of microparticles that bound annexin V was dependent upon the agonist, with physiological agonists such as collagen resulting in fewer annexin V binding microparticles than non-physiological agonists such as ionophore. CD42b (glycoprotein Ib) expression was significantly decreased and CD62p and CD63 expression were significantly increased in annexin V positive compared to annexin V negative subpopulations. There was no significant difference in CD41, CD61, CD42a and CD40L expression between annexin V positive and -negative subpopulations. A significant correlation between annexin V binding and XACT was found (p=0.033). Annexin V inhibited greater than 95% of phospholipid activity, suggesting that annexin V binding was a true reflection of procoagulant activity. The majority of platelet-derived microparticles in unstimulated plasma failed to bind annexin V and showed significantly increased levels of CD42b compared to annexin V positive events. Phospholipid-dependent procoagulant activity is limited to the annexin V positive subpopulation and is agonist-dependent. The significance of annexin V negative microparticles is unclear, however, it is possible that they possess other activities aside from procoagulant phospholipid activity.
Research Progress on Properties and Applications of Polymer/Clay Nanocomposite

ABSTRACT This review covers significant properties and applications of nanoclays in polymer-based nanocomposites with special emphasis on future potential. Various strategies have been adopted for nanocomposite synthesis including delamination of nanoclays through melt shearing, in situ polymerization, and sol–gel method. Proper dispersion of nanoclay results in improved properties of bulk polymer (thermal stability, mechanical strength, gas barrier, and flame retardancy). Light weight, low cost, and improved physical properties of polymer/clay materials increase their demand in modern material industries (aerospace, automobile, barrier materials, construction, and biomedical). Due to extensive use of these nanocomposites in technical fields, there are still many stones left unturned. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Status and Development of Multi-layer Laser Cladding Technology

The latest research progress of multi-layer laser cladding forming temperature field,the solidification laws under laser rapid melting,multi-layer laser cladding on different base materials,methods of multi-layer laser cladding,wear resistance of multi-layer and its application were introduced.Moreover,the development trends of multi-layer laser cladding technology and its related research field were described.
Parallel Tree Algorithms for AMR and Non-Standard Data Access

We introduce several parallel algorithms operating on a distributed forest of adaptive quadtrees/octrees. They are targeted at large-scale applications relying on data layouts that are more complex than required for standard finite elements, such as hp-adaptive Galerkin methods, particle tracking and semi-Lagrangian schemes, and in-situ post-processing and visualization. Specifically, we design algorithms to derive an adapted worker forest based on sparse data, to identify owner processes in a top-down search of remote objects, and to allow for variable process counts and per-element data sizes in partitioning and parallel file I/O. We demonstrate the algorithms’ usability and performance in the context of a particle tracking example that we scale to 21e9 particles and 64Ki MPI processes on the Juqueen supercomputer, and we describe the construction of a parallel assembly of variably sized spheres in space creating up to 768e9 elements on the Juwels supercomputer.
Truncated Predictor Feedback for Periodic Linear Systems With Input Delays With Applications to the Elliptical Spacecraft Rendezvous

This paper considers truncated predictor feedback (TPF) stabilization of periodic linear systems with time-varying input delays with its applications to the elliptical spacecraft rendezvous. By carefully investigating the solutions and properties to a class of parametric Lyapunov differential equations, it is proved that TPF controllers can stabilize the periodic linear time-delay systems with arbitrarily large and bounded delays as long as the characteristic multiplier set of the open-loop system is within the closed unit circle. Both single input delay and multiple input delays are addressed. Moreover, the control matrices of the systems are not necessarily periodic. The developed TPF approach is then applied to the elliptical spacecraft rendezvous problem, and numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the established approaches.
Surface modification in mixture of ZnO + 3%C nanocrystals stimulated by mechanical processing

The photoluminescence (PL), Raman scattering and SEM images for the mixture of ZnO + 3% C nanocrystals (NCs) have been studied before and after of intensive mechanical processing (MP) with the aim to identify the nature of defects. The study reflects the diversity of physical processes occurring at MP: amorphizating the surface of ZnO NCs, crushing the individual ZnO NCs and carbon nanoparticles, covering the ZnO NC surface by the graphene layers, the oxidation partially of the graphene layers, carbon and ZnO NCs etc. Three stages of MP have been revealed which are accompanied by PL spectrum transformations: i) amorphizating the ZnO NC surface together with the generation of nonradiative recombination centers, ii) passivating the ZnO NC surface by the graphene layer with its oxidation partially and iii) further crushing of ZnO NCs, the oxidation of ZnO NCs and the formation of graphene (graphite) oxides. The new PL band peaked at 2.88 eV has been detected after 9 min of MP. Note that the passivation of the ZnO NC surface by graphene layer can be interesting for future technological applications.
Embedded control of advanced power converters fed electrical motor drive for solar power generation system

The system of PMBLDC drive will be tested under low load and high load condition. Presented control approach is has to improve performance of drive even at high load. But in classical approach is difficult to obtained performance of PMBLDC Drive at high load conditions [8-9]. The maximum power point technique (MPPT) is applied to simplified boost converter topology to maintain and extract maximum power from Photovoltaic (PV) panel. MPPT is implemented using P&O (Perturb and Observer) method. It is simple and easy implementation moreover MPPT has reliable and accuracy over other Incremental Conductance method. This research covers the following: (i) performance of Two-Diode model based MPPT is compared with other equivalent of PV. (ii) a simplified novel boost converter performance are verified for photovoltaic panel (iii) Simplified space vector controller is applied to inverter to control the electric drive and this applied for desired speed and torque control even at high load and also low load conditions. (iv) The implementation result of this topology is obtained by sensing load current and voltage sensing using embedded controller (using micro controller).
Humanization of chimeric anti-CD20 antibody by logical and bioinformatics approach with retention of biological activity.

AIM To develop a fully bioactive humanized antibody from the chimeric rituximab for potential clinical applications using a relatively simpler and faster logical and bioinformatics approach. METHODS From bioinformatics data, mismatched mouse amino acids in variable light and heavy chain amphipathic regions were identified and substituted with those common to human antibody framework. Appropriate synthetic DNA sequences inserted into vectors were transfected into HEK293 cells to produce the humanized antibody. RESULTS Humanized antibodies showed specific binding to CD20 and greater cytotoxicity to cancer WIL2-NS cell proliferation than rituximab in vitro. CONCLUSION A humanized version of rituximab with potential to be developed into a biobetter for treatment of B-cell disorders has been successfully generated using a logical and bioinformatics approach.
eCurves: A Temporal Shape Encoding

Objective: This paper presents a framework for temporal shape analysis to capture the shape and changes of anatomical structures from three-dimensional+t(ime) medical scans. Method: We first encode the shape of a structure at each time point with the spectral signature, i.e., the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator. We then expand it to capture morphing shapes by tracking the eigenmodes across time according to the similarity of their eigenfunctions. The similarity metric is motivated by the fact that small-shaped deformations lead to minor changes in the eigenfunctions. Following each eigenmode from the beginning to end results in a set of eigenmode curves representing the shape and its changes over time. Results: We apply our encoding to a cardiac dataset consisting of series of segmentations outlining the right and left ventricles over time. We measure the accuracy of our encoding by training classifiers on discriminating healthy adults from patients that received reconstructive surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The classifiers based on our encoding significantly surpass deformation-based encodings of the right ventricle, the structure most impacted by TOF. Conclusion: The strength of our framework lies in its simplicity: It only assumes pose invariance within a time series but does not assume point-to-point correspondence across time series or a (statistical or physical) model. In addition, it is easy to implement and only depends on a single parameter, i.e., the number of curves.
An empirical examination of factors influencing the continuance intention to use of SNS based mobile payment service focusing on the network externality

With the development of smartphone and mobile Internet, usage of mobile based banking and shopping services has been increased. Both of the financial world and the non-financial enterprises are releasing mobile payment services competitively. Specifically, many social network service (SNS) providers retaining a great number of subscribers, introduced mobile payment service occurs recently. Unlikely other services providers, SNS provider has an advantage in that it can induce existing subscribers to use its new payment service. Therefore, it can be seen as a service with network externality. However, only a few studies have documented the relationship between the network externality and the mobile payment service. This paper uses extended technologoy acceptance model(TAM) with the network externality as center in order to identify the factors that determine consumer continuance intention to use of the SNS based mobile payment service. The results indicate that user continuance intention are influenced by constructs of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, accessibility, compatibility and trust. Specifically, the model also confirms that both of the direct network externaility and indirect network externality effect on intention significantly. The proposed model has implications in that it can be presented to the side for the continued growth of mobile payment service business. Further, it is expected to propose a activation plan of emerging fintech industries keyword : Continuance intention to use, Mobile payment service. Fintech, Network externality, Technology acceptance model
The Regression Models of PM2.5 and Other Air Pollutants in Wuhan

In this study PM2.5 and other five air pollutants (i.e. SO2, NO2, PM10, CO, and O3) have been analyzed by using statistical methods. Two different regression models were established quantitatively in this paper to find out the factors and causes of PM2.5 and were compared by using the partial data from January 1 to August 26, 2013, which is obtained from Wuhan Environmental Protection Bureau. The results indicate that the correlation coefficients of PM2.5 and other four air pollutants CO, SO2, NO2, and PM10 are all over 0.7, which shows significant linear correlations, and regression models were proved illustrious and accurate by testing and contrast.
How Does Pollen Chemistry Impact Development and Feeding Behaviour of Polylectic Bees?

Larvae and imagos of bees rely exclusively on floral rewards as a food source but host-plant range can vary greatly among bee species. While oligolectic species forage on pollen from a single family of host plants, polylectic bees, such as bumblebees, collect pollen from many families of plants. These polylectic species contend with interspecific variability in essential nutrients of their host-plants but we have only a limited understanding of the way in which chemicals and chemical combinations influence bee development and feeding behaviour. In this paper, we investigated five different pollen diets (Calluna vulgaris, Cistus sp., Cytisus scoparius, Salix caprea and Sorbus aucuparia) to determine how their chemical content affected bumblebee colony development and pollen/syrup collection. Three compounds were used to characterise pollen content: polypeptides, amino acids and sterols. Several parameters were used to determine the impact of diet on micro-colonies: (i) Number and weight of larvae (total and mean weight of larvae), (ii) weight of pollen collected, (iii) pollen efficacy (total weight of larvae divided by weight of the pollen collected) and (iv) syrup collection. Our results show that pollen collection is similar regardless of chemical variation in pollen diet while syrup collection is variable. Micro-colonies fed on S. aucuparia and C. scoparius pollen produced larger larvae (i.e. better mates and winter survivors) and fed less on nectar compared to the other diets. Pollen from both of these species contains 24-methylenecholesterol and high concentrations of polypeptides/total amino acids. This pollen nutritional “theme” seems therefore to promote worker reproduction in B. terrestris micro-colonies and could be linked to high fitness for queenright colonies. As workers are able to selectively forage on pollen of high chemical quality, plants may be evolutionarily selected for their pollen content, which might attract and increase the degree of fidelity of generalist pollinators, such as bumblebees.
Adult Lifetime Diet Quality and Physical Performance in Older Age: Findings From a British Birth Cohort

Abstract Background Current evidence that links “healthier” dietary patterns to better measured physical performance is mainly from older populations; little is known about the role of earlier diet. We examined adult diet quality in relation to physical performance at age 60–64 years. Methods Diet quality was defined using principal component analysis of dietary data collected at age 36, 43, 53, and 60–64. Throughout adulthood, diets of higher quality were characterized by higher consumption of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain bread. Diet quality scores calculated at each age indicated compliance with this pattern. Physical performance was assessed using chair rise, timed-up-and-go, and standing balance tests at age 60–64. The analysis sample included 969 men and women. Results In gender-adjusted analyses, higher diet quality at each age was associated with better measured physical performance (all p < .01 for each test), although some associations were attenuated after adjustment for covariates. Diet quality scores were highly correlated in adulthood (0.44 ≤ r ≤ 0.67). However, conditional models showed that higher diet quality at age 60–64 (than expected from scores at younger ages), was associated with faster chair rise speed and with longer standing balance time (adjusted: 0.08 [95% CI: 0.02, 0.15] and 0.07 [0.01, 0.14] SD increase in chair rise speed and balance time, respectively, per SD increase in conditional diet quality; both p < .05). Conclusions Higher diet quality across adulthood is associated with better physical performance in older age. Current diet quality may be particularly important for physical performance, suggesting potential for improvements in diet in early older age.
Effectiveness of Electrostimulation on Whole Salivary Flow Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

CONTEXT Xerostomia and hyposalivation are associated with diabetes. Research is sparse regarding electrostimulation as a mainstream therapy for salivary gland hypofunction. OBJECTIVE To clinically evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy in stimulating whole salivary flow among patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation caused by diabetes mellitus. DESIGN Forty patients between age 30 to 75 years with diabetes mellitus categorized as controlled or uncontrolled who had subjective symptoms of xerostomia and an objective sign of hyposalivation were included in a prospective study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Unstimulated saliva through the "low forced spitting" method and stimulated saliva collection using TENS were assessed and compared. Longer-term effects of TENS application were evaluated by recalling the patient 24 hours later. RESULTS A statistically significant increase in stimulated whole saliva after TENS application in continuous mode (p < 0.001) was demonstrated compared with unstimulated saliva, especially in xerostomic patients with diabetes. Burst mode inferred a statistically significant decrease in salivary flow (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In patients with diabetes with xerostomia and hyposalivation, TENS was highly effective in stimulating whole salivary flow.
The Impact of Brain Breaks Classroom-Based Physical Activities on Attitudes toward Physical Activity in Polish School Children in Third to Fifth Grade

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in changing attitudes toward physical activity of school children in a community in Poland. In 2015, a sample of 326 pupils aged 9–11 years old from 19 classes at three selected primary schools were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups within the study. During the classes, children in the experimental group performed physical activities two times per day in three to five minutes using Brain Breaks® videos for four months, while the control group did not use the videos during the test period. Students’ attitudes toward physical activities were assessed before and after the intervention using the “Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale”. Repeated measures of ANOVA were used to examine the change from pre- to post-intervention. Overall, a repeated measures ANOVA indicated time-by-group interaction effects in ‘Self-efficacy on learning with video exercises’, F(1.32) = 75.28, p = 0.00, η2 = 0.19. Although the changes are minor, there were benefits of the intervention. It may be concluded that HOPSports Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Program contributes to better self-efficacy on learning while using video exercise of primary school children.
Queering gender: studying gender identity in ‘normative’ individuals

In contemporary psychology, normal development is contingent on the establishment of a coherent, universal, stable and unitary ‘core gender identity’. The present study assessed the perception of gender identity in ‘normative’ individuals in Israel using the newly constructed Multi-Gender Identity Questionnaire (Multi-GIQ). The Multi-GIQ includes 32 items assessing gender identity (Feeling like a woman, Feeling like a man, Feeling like both a man and a woman, Feeling like neither), gender dysphoria (Contentment with affirmed gender and the wish to be the ‘other’ gender, Contentment with one’s sexed body) and gender performance (Compliance with gender norms in clothing and language). Of the Men (n = 570) and Women (n = 1585) that participated in the study, over 35% felt to some extent as the ‘other’ gender, as both men and women and/or as neither. Although such feelings were more prevalent and on average stronger in Queers (n = 70), the range of scores for all measures of gender identity was highly similar in Queers and non-Queers. A similar pattern was obtained for measures of gender dysphoria and gender performance. Sexual orientation was not a major contributor to the perception of gender identity in both Men and Women. We discuss our results in view of the current debate around the terminology and diagnostic criteria of gender dysphoria (a substitutive category for Gender Identity Disorder) in DSM-V. We conclude that the current view of gender identity as binary and unitary does not reflect the experience of many individuals, and call for a new conceptualisation of gender, which relates to multiplicity and fluidity in the experience of gender.