Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CRP in Outpatients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Linked to the Blood Microbiota

The circulation is a closed system that has been assumed to be free from bacteria, but evidence for the existence of a low-density blood microbiota is accumulating. The present study aimed to map the blood microbiota of outpatients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or with ulcerative colitis (UC) by 16S metagenomics. A diverse microbiota was observed in the blood samples. Regardless of the type of disease, the alpha diversity of the microbiota was positively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP). The blood microbiota had a surprisingly high proportion of Proteobacteria in comparison with human oral and colonic microbiotas. There was no clear difference in the overall pattern of the microbiota between CD and UC. A non-template control (NTC) was included in the whole process to control for the potential contamination from the environment and reagents. Certain bacterial taxa were concomitantly detected in both blood samples and NTC. However, Acinetobacter, Lactobacillus, Thermicanus and Paracoccus were found in blood from both CD and UC patients but not in NTC, indicating the existence of a specific blood-borne microbiota in the patients. Achromobacter dominated in all blood samples, but a minor amount was also found in NTC. Micrococcaceae was significantly enriched in CD, but it was also detected in high abundance in NTC. Whether the composition of the blood microbiota could be a marker of a particular phenotype in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or whether the blood microbiota could be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes deserves further attention.
Any additive Hamiltonian yields quantum theory

It is shown that no-signalling, a quantum of action, unitarity, detailed balance, Bell’s theorem, the Hilbert-space representation of physical states and the Born rule all follow from the assumption of an additive Hamiltonian together with Landauer’s principle. Common statements of the “classical limit” of quantum theory, as well as common assumptions made by “interpretations” of quantum theory, contradict additivity, Landauer’s principle, or both.
Voltage Gain Enhanced Step-Up Converter Using Switched Capacitor Cell Topology

This paper develops a novel single switch step up converter adopting switched capacitor cell for renewable energy generation applications. By integrating the advantages of resonant conversion and switched capacitor cell topology energy efficient high voltage gain can be achieved. Single switch topology will reduce the cost of conversion and complexity of control circuits. The circuit topology consisting of resonant converter with zero voltage switching with an energy blocking diode having zero current switching. The energy blocking diode with DC output filter filters the output stage of converter. Integration of switched capacitor cell topology will boost the output voltage. The basic idea of switched capacitor cell is that, when the switch is off, the energy released from the inductor is used to charge the capacitors in parallel. When the switch is on, the capacitors are connected in series to supply the load. Thus, the voltage gain is increased. Operating principles are derived, and analyses are carried out based on the equivalent circuits for the proposed power converter under different operating modes. Given appropriately chosen circuit parameters, the active power switch can be operated with ZVS and ZCS. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate a satisfactory performance of the proposed topology. Keywords-Photovoltaic (PV), resonant power converter, zero-current switching (ZCS), zero-voltage switching (ZVS). high voltage gain, switched capacitor (SC)
Effects of Sino-foreign co-operative teaching modes on students ’ learning in electronic engineering and finance engineering majors

The different effects of three co-operative teaching modes implemented under the Sino-foreign cooperative education programme conducted by Zhejiang University City College (ZUCC) and University of Waikato (UW), New Zealand, are assessed. Data were collected, analysed and compared. Ordered Logit models of the teaching evaluation process were developed. Results using these models reveal that different co-operative teaching modes have different effects on foreign language ability, academic achievement and student satisfaction. In the deeply co-operative teaching mode, in which the foreign teachers are in charge of theoretical courses and domestic teachers facilitate the practical application of courses, the teaching effect is most satisfactory. Further analysis indicates that students with low GPA (Grade Point Average) can benefit more significantly. These results provide a scientific basis for further Sinoforeign co-operative teaching reforms.
Detecting breakpoints using Multi-scale Wavelet Products

Xuesong Yu,1,∗ Timothy W. Randolph,2,† Hua Tang,3,‡ Carl Ton,4,§ Peggy Porter4,¶ and Li Hsu2,‖ 1 Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. , Seattle, WA 98109, U.S.A. 2 Biostatistics and Biomathematics Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. , Seattle, WA 98109, U.S.A. 3 Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A. 4 Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N. , Seattle, WA 98109, U.S.A.
N ov 2 01 8 A modern guide to θ-Poincaré

Motivated by the recent interest in underground experiments phenomenology (see Ref. [1]), we review the main aspects of one specific non-commutative space-time model, based on the Groenewold-Moyal plane algebra, the θPoincaré space-time. In the θ-Poincaré scenario, the Lorentz co-algebra is deformed introducing a non-commutativity of space-time coordinates. In such a theory, a new quantum field theory in non-commutative space-time can be reformulated. Tackling on several conceptual misunderstanding and technical mistakes in the literature, we will focus on several issues such: i) the construction of fields theories in θ-Poincaré; ii) the unitarity of the Smatrix; iii) the violation of locality, iv) the violation of the spin statistic theorem and the Pauli principle; v) the observables for underground experiments.
Casting Rubik’s Group into a Unitary Representation for Reinforcement Learning

Rubik’s Cube is one of the most famous combinatorial puzzles involving nearly 4.3 × 1019 possible configurations. However, only a single configuration matches the solved one. Its mathematical description is expressed by the Rubik’s group, whose elements define how its layers rotate. We develop a unitary representation of the Rubik’s group and a quantum formalism to describe the Cube based on its geometrical constraints. Using single particle quantum states, we describe the cubies as bosons for corners and fermions for edges. By introducing a set of four Ising-like Hamiltonians, we managed to set the solved configuration of the Cube as the global ground state for all the Hamiltonians. To reach the ground state of all the Hamiltonian operators, we made use of a Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm based on a Hamiltonian reward. The Rubik’s Cube is successfully solved through four phases, each phase driven by a corresponding Hamiltonian reward based on its energy spectrum. We call our algorithm QUBE, as it employs quantum mechanics to tackle the combinatorial problem of solving the Rubik’s Cube. Embedding combinatorial problems into the quantum mechanics formalism suggests new possible algorithms and future implementations on quantum hardware.
Distributed Data-Processing Pipeline for Mingantu Ultrawide Spectral Radioheliograph

The Chinese Spectral RadioHeliograph (CSRH) is a synthetic aperture radio interferometer built in Inner Mongolia, China. As a solar-dedicated interferometric array, CSRH is capable of producing high quality radio images at frequency range from 400 MHz to 15 GHz with high temporal, spatial, and spectral resolution.To implement high cadence imaging at wide-band and obtain more than 2 order higher multiple frequencies, the implementation of the data processing system for CSRH is a great challenge. It is urgent to build a pipeline for processing massive data of CSRH generated every day. In this paper, we develop a high performance distributed data processing pipeline (DDPP) built on the OpenCluster infrastructure for processing CSRH observational data including data storage, archiving, preprocessing, image reconstruction, deconvolution, and real-time monitoring. We comprehensively elaborate the system architecture of the pipeline and the implementation of each subsystem. The DDPP is automatic, robust, scalable and manageable. The processing performance under multi computers parallel and GPU hybrid system meets the requirements of CSRH data processing. The study presents an valuable reference for other radio telescopes especially aperture synthesis telescopes, and also gives an valuable contribution to the current and/or future data intensive astronomical observations.
THE SUBMODULE CAPACITANCE AND ARM INDUCTANCE SELECTION IN MODULAR MULTI-LEVEL CONVERTER

Arm inductor and sub-module capacitor are two key components in the modular multilevel converter. Optimizing the selections of arm inductance and sub-module capacitance is thus critical for the converters design. This paper aims to developing the selection principle for arm inductance and sub-module capacitance in modular multilevel converter. The submodule capacitance in MMC is selected mainly based on the capacitor Voltage fluctuation constrains. The voltage unbalance among sub-module capacitors is revealed to have a significant impact on the sub-module capacitance selection, as the unbalanced voltage would increase the total capacitor voltage fluctuation. The impact of sub-module capacitors‟ unbalanced voltage on the total voltage fluctuation is evaluated. An analytical expression of the unbalanced voltage is derived; it can be used to calculate the maximum capacitor voltage fluctuation, and thus used for the sub-module capacitances election. Arm inductors in MMC are used to limit the circulating current which flows within the converter. The switching frequency harmonic is found to be the dominant component in the circulating current when an active circulating current suppressing controller is implemented. The analytical relationship between the arm inductance and switching frequency circulating current is derived, based on which the arm inductance requirement is obtained by limiting the circulating current to meet the defined specifications. A simulation has been carried out in the MATLAB, and the simulation results verify the theoretical analysis. A scaled-down MMC prototype has been built, and the experimental results validate part of the analysis.
Assessment of Soil Vulnerability Index for surface runoff in Kawal watershed, Bintan island

The quantity of transformed land cleared after deforestation in the basin demonstrates the severity of soil erosion on Bintan Island. Deposition of eroded material causes eutrophication, blockage, and silting of channels and water bodies, as well as flooding in lowlands and coasts. Heavy rainfall and sparse cover of vegetation ravaged the structure of soil, further preventing it from storing and absorbing water, which increased surface runoff and had an impact on rising erosion rates. The goal of this study was to evaluate the vulnerability class of surface runoff using SVI. The SVI class is based on slope extracted from the digital elevation model, hydrologic soil group, and soil erodibility. The results of the SVI classification for mapping surface runoff susceptibility resulted in areas with low criteria of 7% (664 ha), medium 14% (1,229 ha) and high 79% (7,069 ha). The major influences on the high vulnerability of surface runoff in the Kawal watershed on Bintan island appeared to be rainfall, soil type, land use, and slope gradient.
Fast and Robust Control Strategy for Single-Phase Dynamic Voltage Restore

This paper presents a new control algorithm for voltage disturbance extraction and mitigation. In this control algorithm for voltage reference determination, a robust fundamental component detector algorithm was adopted and guarantees extraction of the fundamental component of strongly distorted signals with fast dynamic response and accuracy. The control strategy developed is based on two measured voltages and was tested is two single-phase transformerless DVR topologies in mitigation of voltage harmonics and voltage sag/swells. Digital simulation results are obtained using PSCAD/EMTDC to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Fixed Budget Ranking and Selection under Input Uncertainty

In computer simulation, ranking and selection has been studied mostly under the assumption of an accurate input model. If the input model is estimated from finite historical data, then the simulation output suffers from input uncertainty, and blindly applying traditional algorithms may result in a poor probability of correct selection. We propose a new problem formulation to account for input uncertainty, in which a finite budget can be used for collecting input data as well as running simulations. To balance the impact of input uncertainty and simulation's stochastic uncertainty, we develop four algorithms to select the best system for single-stage and multistage scenarios. Numerical results suggest that an adaptive allocation strategy generally outperforms a fixed one. We also investigate the large deviations property in a linear asymptotic regime, and reveal that the probability of false selection still converges exponentially fast even in the presence of input uncertainty.
Clinical Profile, Comorbidities, and Outcome of the Unvaccinated and Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Northern Brazil: Retrospective Cohort

Over the course of the pandemic, COVID-19 affected health, the economy and quality of life in Brazil. The worst years for the country were the first and second. There were delays in vaccine purchases for political reasons at the time. The northern region of the country had a higher mortality rate compared to other regions, associated with local vulnerabilities and fragility of surveillance due to geographic and population characteristics. This study aims to investigate the clinical profile, comorbidities, and outcome of unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 in the state of Para in 2022. Retrospective cohort epidemiological study, with data from the national epidemiological surveillance of acute and severe respiratory syndromes. Cases reported in 2022 with vaccinated yes or no field and completed doses were included. Only closed cases cure or death were included. We performed a chi-square test on categorical variables and a Mann-Whitney test on numerical variables. We compared vaccinated VS non-vaccinated; we performed the Odds Ratio in the significant variables. We used the SPSS 20.0 software. The study worked with 2,634 cases of COVID-19 hospitalized in the study period, confirmed by RT-PCR (851/32.30%) and (1,784/67.70%) rapid antigen test. The lethality was (778/29.53%), and those vaccinated with two doses were (1,473/55.90%) and those unvaccinated with no dose (1,162/44.10%). Death represents p- <0.001 (HR 1.306 - CI 1.124/1.517) higher risk of the event occurring in the unvaccinated cases, followed by male sex p-0.004 (HR 1.188 - CI 1.058/1.334). The first cohort in Brazil and in the north of the country to evaluate the clinical profile, comorbidities, and outcome of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients in this Amazon region, which is a region characterized by local vulnerability factors unique to the other regions of Brazil, showed that the unvaccinated were males, younger, with fewer comor-bidities, and that they were associated the deaths.
Population-based estimates of the prevalence of children with congenital heart disease and associated comorbidities

Background Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defects and are estimated to affect almost 1% of births annually in the US. CHDs are the leading cause of infant mortality associated with birth defects and can result in chronic disability, morbidity and increased healthcare costs. Most CHD prevalence estimates rely on data from population-based birth defects surveillance systems and these estimates are inconsistent due to varied definitions. It is therefore important to derive high-quality, population-based estimates of the prevalence of CHD to help care for this vulnerable population. Methods We performed a descriptive, retrospective 8-year analysis using all payer claims data (APCD) from Colorado (CO) from 2012 - 2019. Children with CHD were identified by applying ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnoses codes from the American Heart Association-American College of Cardiology (AHA-ACC) harmonized cardiac codes. We included children with CHD <18 years of age who resided in CO, had a documented zip code, and had at least one healthcare claim. CHD type was categorized as simple, moderately complex and complex disease. Association with comorbid conditions and genetic diagnoses were analyzed using chi-square test. We used direct standardization to calculate adjusted prevalence rates, controlling for age, sex, primary insurance provider and urban-rural residence. Results We identified 1,566,328 children receiving care in CO from 2012 - 2019. Of those, 30,512 children had at least one CHD diagnosis, comprising 1.9% (95% CI: 1.93 - 1.97) of the pediatric population. Over half of the children with CHD also had at least one complex chronic condition and 11% had a genetic diagnosis. Conclusion The current study is the first population-level analysis of pediatric CHD in the US. Our study found a higher CHD prevalence than in previously reported studies and a high comorbidity burden. These findings can inform initiatives to improve screening, treatment and planning of care for this complex population.
The use of tensiomyography in older adults: a systematic review

Introduction: Aging of skeletal muscles results in a cascade of events negatively affecting muscle mass, strength, and function, leading to reduced mobility, increased risk of falls, disability, and loss of independence. To date, different methods are used to assess muscle mechanical function, tensiomyography (TMG) being one of them. The aim of this review was twofold: to summarize the evidence-based usefulness of tensiomyography in older adults and to establish reference values for the main tensiomyography parameters in older adults. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and tensiomyography databases were searched from inception until 25 December 2022. Studies investigating older adults (aged 60+ years) that reported tensiomyography-derived parameters such as contraction time (Tc) and/or maximal displacement (Dm) were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: In total, eight studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Tensiomyography has been used on different groups of older adults, including asymptomatic, master athletes, patients with peripheral arterial disease, and patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis with a mean age of 71.5 ± 5.38 (55.7% male subjects). The most evaluated were leg muscles such as vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and biceps femoris (BF). The present review demonstrates that tensiomyography is used to assess neuromuscular function in asymptomatic and diseased older adults. When compared to asymptomatic individuals, power master athletes, knee osteoarthritis patients, and patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease have the shortest Tc in BF, VL, and GM muscles, respectively. On the other hand, endurance master athletes showed the longest Tc in all three evaluated muscles. Less mobile, nursing-home residents showed higher Dm in VL and BF, while lower Dm in GM than the asymptomatic group. The knee osteoarthritis group showed the largest Dm in BF and VL while having the smallest Dm in GM. Conclusion: Tensiomyography can serve as a valuable tool for assessing neuromuscular function in older adults. The method is sensitive to muscle composition, architecture, and (pre) atrophic changes of the skeletal muscles and might be responsive to muscle quality changes in aging and diseased populations. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? RecordID=402345, identifier CRD42023402345.
Revealing novel cytb and nad5 genes-based population diversity and benzimidazole resistance in Echinococcus granulosus of bovine origin

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto). The parasite affects a wide range of livestock and wild animals. In this study, the population diversity of the Echinococcus species was investigated based on mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) genes. In addition to this, β-tubulin gene isoforms of Echinococcus granulosus were amplified to determine the resistance against benzimidazoles. For this purpose, 40 cyst samples from cattle (n = 20) and buffaloes (n = 20) were collected from the main abattoir of Sialkot. DNA extraction was performed using Qiagen Blood and Tissue Kits. Amplification was performed through PCR. Each amplicon was confirmed by GelRed™ stained agarose gel (2%). Samples were sequenced in a DNA analyzer and viewed for any misread nucleotide by using MEGA (v.11). Corrections in nucleotide sequence and multiple sequence alignment were made through the same software. NCBI-BLAST was used for sample specific sequences to identify them as belonging to a particular species. Diversity indices were estimated using DnaSP (v.6) while phylogenetic analysis was inferred using the Bayesian method using MrBayes (v.1.1). β-tubulin gene isoforms sequence analysis was performed to find out the candidate gene causing benzimidazole resistance. All 40 isolates were found positive for E. granulosus. BLAST-based searches of sequences of each isolate for each gene (nad5 and cytb) confirmed their maximum similarity with the G1 genotype. Overall, high haplotype diversity (Hd nad5 = 1.00; Hd cytb = 0.833) and low nucleotide diversity (π nad5 = 0.00560; π = cytb = 0.00763) was identified based on diversity indices. For both the genes, non-significant values of Tajima’s D (nad5 = −0.81734; cytb = −0.80861) and Fu’s Fs (nad5 = −1.012; cytb = 0.731) indicate recent population expansion. Bayesian phylogeny-based results of nad5 and cytb sequences confirmed their genotypic status as distinct from other Echinococcus species. This study shed light on the status of benzimidazole resistance in Echinococcus granulosus for the very first time from Pakistan. The findings of this study will significantly add in the information available on genetic diversity of Echinoccous granulosus based on cytb and nad5 genes sequences.