Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Derivation of the first clinical diagnostic models for dehydration severity in patients over five years with acute diarrhea

Diarrheal diseases lead to an estimated 1.3 million deaths each year, with the majority of those deaths occurring in patients over five years of age. As the severity of diarrheal disease can vary widely, accurately assessing dehydration status remains the most critical step in acute diarrhea management. The objective of this study is to empirically derive clinical diagnostic models for assessing dehydration severity in patients over five years with acute diarrhea in low resource settings. We enrolled a random sample of patients over five years with acute diarrhea presenting to the icddr,b Dhaka Hospital. Two blinded nurses independently assessed patients for symptoms/signs of dehydration on arrival. Afterward, consecutive weights were obtained to determine the percent weight change with rehydration, our criterion standard for dehydration severity. Full and simplified ordinal logistic regression models were derived to predict the outcome of none (<3%), some (3–9%), or severe (>9%) dehydration. The reliability and accuracy of each model were assessed. Bootstrapping was used to correct for over-optimism and compare each model’s performance to the current World Health Organization (WHO) algorithm. 2,172 patients were enrolled, of which 2,139 (98.5%) had complete data for analysis. The Inter-Class Correlation Coefficient (reliability) was 0.90 (95% CI = 0.87, 0.91) for the full model and 0.82 (95% CI = 0.77, 0.86) for the simplified model. The area under the Receiver-Operator Characteristic curve (accuracy) for severe dehydration was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76–0.82) for the full model and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.76) for the simplified model. The accuracy for both the full and simplified models were significantly better than the WHO algorithm (p<0.001). This is the first study to empirically derive clinical diagnostic models for dehydration severity in patients over five years. Once prospectively validated, the models may improve management of patients with acute diarrhea in low resource settings.
Evaluation of vitamin A status on myogenic gene expression and muscle fiber characteristics.

A randomized complete block design experiment with 30 yearling crossbred steers (average BW = 436.3 ± 39.8 kg) fed a steam-flaked corn-based diet was used to evaluate the effects dietary vitamin A (Rovimix® A 1000; DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Sisseln, SUI) supplementation on myogenic gene expression and skeletal muscle fiber characteristics during the finishing phase. Steers were blocked by BW (n = 5 blocks; 6 steers/block), randomly assigned to pens (n = 2 steers/pen), and one of the following treatments: no added vitamin A (0IU; 0.0 IU/kg of dietary DMI of additional vitamin A), vitamin A supplemented at the estimated requirement (2,200IU; 2,200 IU/kg of dietary DM of additional vitamin A), and vitamin A supplemented at 5× the estimated requirement (11,000IU; 11,000 IU/kg of dietary DM of additional vitamin A). After all treatments underwent a 91-d vitamin A depletion period, additional vitamin A was top-dressed at feeding via a ground corn carrier. Blood, longissimus muscle and liver biopsy samples were obtained on d 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112. Biopsy samples were used for immunohistochemical (IHC) and mRNA analysis. Sera and liver samples were used to monitor circulating vitamin A and true vitamin A status of the cattle. Expression for myosin heavy chain (MHC)-I diminished and rebounded (P = 0.04) over time. The intermediate fiber type, MHC-IIA, had a similar pattern of expression (P = 0.01) to that of MHC-I. On d 84, C/EBPβ expression was also the greatest (P = 0.03). The pattern of PPARγ (P < 0.01) and PPARδ (P < 0.01) expression seemed to mimic that of MHC-I expression, increasing from d 84 to d 112. Distribution of MHC-IIA demonstrated a change over time (P = 0.02). Muscle fiber cross-sectional area increased by day (P < 0.01) for each MHC with the notable increase between d 0 and d 56. Total nuclei density decreased (P = 0.02) over time. Cells positive for only Myf5 increased (P < 0.01) in density early in the feeding period, then declined, indicating that satellite cells were fusing into fibers. The dual positive (PAX7+Myf5) nuclei also peaked (P < 0.01) around d 56 then declined. These data indicated that gene expression associated with oxidative proteins may be independent of vitamin A status in yearling cattle.
Fungal endophytes can eliminate the plant growth-defence trade-off.

A trade-off between growth and defence functions is commonly observed in plants. We propose that the association of plants with Epichloë fungal endophytes may eliminate this trade-off. This would be a consequence of the double role of these endophytes in host plants: the stimulation of plant growth hormones (e.g. gibberellins) and the fungal production of anti-herbivore alkaloids. We put forward a model that integrates this dual effect of endophytes on plant growth and defence and test its predictions by means of meta-analysis of published literature. Our results support the notion that the enhanced plant resistance promoted by endophytes does not compromise plant growth. The limits and ecological benefits of this endophyte-mediated lack of plant growth-defence trade-off are discussed.
Self-silencing Mediates the Relationship Between Rejection Sensitivity and Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence, including physical, psychological, and sexual violence, affects over one-third of Americans and is particularly common among college students. Previous work has found links between rejection sensitivity and aggressive or hostile behavior (i.e., perpetration) in intimate relationships, but this construct has only been tested as a predictor of violence in an all-male sample. A related body of work has found relationships between self-silencing and rejection sensitivity, and between self-silencing and both hostile and ingratiating behavior. The purpose of this study was to bridge these related literatures and examine the relationship between rejection sensitivity and intimate partner violence experiences and the role of self-silencing as a possible mediator. To test these relationships, we collected survey data from a sample of college students (N = 410) at a large university in the northeast United States. Using mediation analyses, we found that rejection sensitivity predicted intimate partner violence victimization (i.e., being the target of violence) through self-silencing. Similarly, rejection sensitivity predicted intimate partner violence perpetration (i.e., being violent toward one’s partner) through self-silencing. Neither gender nor race significantly moderated either path of the models. Implications of this study include incorporating individual difference variables in intimate partner violence research and programming.
Preparation of ion-exchange membranes by the hydrolysis of radiation-grafted polyethylene-g-polyacrylamide films: Properties and metal-ion separation

Ion-exchange membranes were prepared by the alkaline hydrolysis of radiation-grafted polyethylene-g-polyacrylamide membranes. The hydrolyzed membranes showed a good water uptake of approximately 1060 for a graft level of 590%. The electrical resistance of the membranes decreased with an increase in the degree of grafting up to 200% and then stabilized with further increases in the graft level. The membranes had an excellent binding capacity for mercury ions. The metal-binding capacity increased with an increase in the degree of grafting in the membranes. A binding capacity as high as 7.2 mmol/g in a membrane with 590% grafting was achieved. The pH of the metal solution had a significant influence on the binding ability of the membranes. The partial hydrolysis of the grafted membranes contributed to the higher binding because of the expansion of the bulk structure by ionized carboxyl groups and the better accessibility of mercury to amide groups. The mercury-loaded membranes showed thermal stability inferior to that of membranes without metal binding. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 3747–3752, 2003
Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermal Decomposition of Pure and Dysprosium Doped Yttrium Phosphate System

Yttrium phosphate and dysprosium doped yttrium phosphate were synthesized from aqueous solutions using rare earth chloride, phosphoric acid, and traces of ammonium hydroxide. The synthesized material was then characterized for their structural investigations using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supplemented with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The spectroscopic investigations were carried out using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermal stability was studied using differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that both yttrium phosphate and dysprosium doped yttrium phosphate belong to tetragonal system with lattice parameter Å, Å and Å, Å, respectively. The stoichiometry of the grown composition was established by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The EDAX analysis suggests the presence of water molecules. The presence of water molecules along with orthophosphate group and metallic ion group was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests that decomposition in case of yttrium phosphate takes place in three different stages and the final product stabilizes after 706°C, whereas in case of dysprosium doped yttrium phosphate the decomposition occurs in two different stages, and the final product stabilizes after 519°C.
Control of III–V nanowire crystal structure by growth parameter tuning

In this work we investigate the variation of the crystal structure of gold-seeded III–V nanowires with growth parameters, in order to gain a cohesive understanding of these effects. We investigate six III–V materials: GaAs, InAs, GaP, InP, GaSb and InSb, over a variation of growth conditions. All six of these materials exhibit a cubic zinc blende structure in bulk, but twin planes and stacking faults, as well as a hexagonal wurtzite structure, are commonly observed in nanowires. Parameters which may affect the crystal structure include growth temperature and pressure, precursor molar fraction and V/III ratio, nanowire diameter and surface density, and impurity atoms. We will focus on temperature, precursor molar fraction and V/III ratio. Our observations are compared to previous reports in the literature of the III–V nanowire crystal structure, and interpreted in terms of existing models. We propose that changes in the crystal structure with growth parameters are directly related to changes in the stable side facets.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid Resistance in the Genus Bifidobacterium

Based on our results, we observed a drastic reduction in gut microbiota diversity of children treated with antibiotics, which also affecting the abundance of Bifidobacterium, a bacterial genus commonly found in the infant gut. MIC experiments revealed that more than 98% of bifidobacterial strains tested were shown to be inhibited by the AMC antibiotic. ABSTRACT Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) is one of the most frequently prescribed antibiotic formulations in the Western world. Extensive oral use of this antimicrobial combination influences the gut microbiota. One of the most abundant early colonizers of the human gut microbiota is represented by different taxa of the Bifidobacterium genus, which include many members that are considered to bestow beneficial effects upon their host. In the current study, we investigated the impact of AMC administration on the gut microbiota composition, comparing the gut microbiota of 23 children that had undergone AMC antibiotic therapy to that of 19 children that had not been treated with antibiotics during the preceding 6 months. Moreover, we evaluated AMC sensitivity by MIC test of 261 bifidobacterial strains, including reference strains for the currently recognized 64 bifidobacterial (sub)species, as well as 197 bifidobacterial isolates of human origin. These assessments allowed the identification of four bifidobacterial strains that exhibit a high level of AMC insensitivity, which were subjected to genomic and transcriptomic analyses to identify the putative genetic determinants responsible for this AMC insensitivity. Furthermore, we investigated the ecological role of AMC-resistant bifidobacterial strains by in vitro batch cultures. IMPORTANCE Based on our results, we observed a drastic reduction in gut microbiota diversity of children treated with antibiotics, which also affected the abundance of Bifidobacterium, a bacterial genus commonly found in the infant gut. MIC experiments revealed that more than 98% of bifidobacterial strains tested were shown to be inhibited by the AMC antibiotic. Isolation of four insensitive strains and sequencing of their genomes revealed the identity of possible genes involved in AMC resistance mechanisms. Moreover, gut-simulating in vitro experiments revealed that one strain, i.e., Bifidobacterium breve PRL2020, is able to persist in the presence of a complex microbiota combined with AMC antibiotic.
Locus of Heat Resistance (LHR) in Meat-Borne Escherichia coli: Screening and Genetic Characterization

Currently, a “multiple-hurdle” approach based on a combination of different antimicrobial interventions, including heat, is being utilized during meat processing to control the burden of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Our recent study suggests that U.S. beef cattle harbor Escherichia coli that possess the locus of heat resistance (LHR). ABSTRACT Microbial resistance to processing treatments poses a food safety concern, as treatment tolerant pathogens can emerge. Occasional foodborne outbreaks caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli have led to human and economic losses. Therefore, this study screened for the extreme heat resistance (XHR) phenotype as well as one known genetic marker, the locus of heat resistance (LHR), in 4,123 E. coli isolates from diverse meat animals at different processing stages. The prevalences of XHR and LHR among the meat-borne E. coli were found to be 10.3% and 11.4%, respectively, with 19% agreement between the two. Finished meat products showed the highest LHR prevalence (24.3%) compared to other processing stages (0 to 0.6%). None of the LHR+ E. coli in this study would be considered pathogens based on screening for virulence genes. Four high-quality genomes were generated by whole-genome sequencing of representative LHR+ isolates. Nine horizontally acquired LHRs were identified and characterized, four plasmid-borne and five chromosomal. Nine newly identified LHRs belong to ClpK1 LHR or ClpK2 LHR variants sharing 61 to 68% nucleotide sequence identity, while one LHR appears to be a hybrid. Our observations suggest positive correlation between the number of LHR regions present in isolates and the extent of heat resistance. The isolate exhibiting the highest degree of heat resistance possessed four LHRs belonging to three different variant groups. Maintenance of as many as four LHRs in a single genome emphasizes the benefits of the LHR in bacterial physiology and stress response. IMPORTANCE Currently, a “multiple-hurdle” approach based on a combination of different antimicrobial interventions, including heat, is being utilized during meat processing to control the burden of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Our recent study (M. Guragain, G. E. Smith, D. A. King, and J. M. Bosilevac, J Food Prot 83:1438–1443, 2020, https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-20-103) suggests that U.S. beef cattle harbor Escherichia coli that possess the locus of heat resistance (LHR). LHR seemingly contributes to the global stress tolerance in bacteria and hence poses a food safety concern. Therefore, it is important to understand the distribution of the LHRs among meat-borne bacteria identified at different stages of different meat processing systems. Complete genome sequencing and comparative analysis of selected heat-resistant bacteria provide a clearer understanding of stress and heat resistance mechanisms. Further, sequencing data may offer a platform to gain further insights into the genetic background that provides optimal bacterial tolerance against heat and other processing treatments.
Complete Genome Sequence of Thermus thermophilus Strain HB5018, Isolated from Mine Hot Spring in Japan

We isolated Thermus thermophilus strain HB5018 from Mine Hot Spring in Japan, where the type strain HB8 was isolated nearly half a century ago. The complete genome sequence of HB5018 showed 99.1% average nucleotide identity with HB8, suggesting strict species conservation in the habitat over the past 50 years. ABSTRACT We isolated Thermus thermophilus strain HB5018 from Mine Hot Spring in Japan, where the type strain HB8 was isolated nearly half a century ago. The complete genome sequence of HB5018 showed 99.1% average nucleotide identity with HB8, suggesting strict species conservation in the habitat over the past 50 years.
Community College and University Partnerships for the Political Science Major

College-bound students have more options than ever to begin and continue their education. They can begin in high school with dual-credit classes. On high school graduation, they can enroll in a four-year public institution, a private university, or a community college. Then they can attend college traditionally using face-to-face instruction, online instruction at the college or at a remote location, or a combination of both. Today, in higher education, students are “shopping smarter” in choosing their best option. That option often is taking as many dual-credit classes as possible in high school and then attending community college before transferring to a four-year institution. Our work is cut out for us. The good news is that we are seeing an increase in enrollment in political science classes. The American Political Science Association (APSA 2018) reported slight increases from 2016–2017 to 2017–2018. Departments reported 72.5% of these increases were due to departmentaland/or institutional-related factors, and 40.9% reported it was due to a greater political interest in the 2016 election. This article highlights the importance of communication among all of the institutions contributing to students’ education and how we can collaborate to prepare and guide them toward a major in political science. First I discuss the role and importance of community colleges in the educational process. Second, I discuss current practices and suggestions to describe the partnerships being forged between high schools and community colleges, and then between community colleges and four-year universities, to increase enrollment. With more communication and enrollment, there also is potential for more political science majors. Third, I discuss unexpected benefits that could result from these partnerships.
Prospects of light management in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells

Abstract Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are regarded as a promising candidate to surpass current efficiency limits in terrestrial photovoltaics. Tandem solar cell efficiencies meanwhile reach more than 29%. However, present high-end perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells still suffer from optical losses. We review recent numerical and experimental perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell studies and analyse the applied measures for light management. Literature indicates that highest experimental efficiencies are obtained using fully planar perovskite top cells, being in contradiction to the outcome of optical simulations calling for textured interfaces. The reason is that the preferred perovskite top cell solution-processing is often incompatible with usual micropyramidal textures of silicon bottom cells. Based on the literature survey, we propose a certain gentle nanotexture as an example to reduce optical losses in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Optical simulations using the finite-element method reveal that an intermediate texture between top and bottom cell does not yield an optical benefit when compared with optimized planar designs. A double-side textured top-cell design is found to be necessary to reduce reflectance losses by the current density equivalent of 1 mA/cm2. The presented results illustrate a way to push perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell efficiencies beyond 30% by improved light management.
Nanosize Effects on Hydrogen Storage in Palladium

The size dependencies of the hydrogen-storage properties in polymer-coated Pd nanoparticles with diameters of 2.6 ± 0.4 and 7.0 ± 0.9 nm were investigated by a measurement of hydrogen pressure-composition isotherms. Their storage capacities per constituent Pd atom in the particles decreased with decreasing particle size, whereas the hydrogen concentrations in the two kinds of nanoparticles were almost the same and 1.2 times as much, respectively, as that in bulk palladium after counting zero hydrogen occupancy on the atoms in the first surface layer of the particles. Furthermore, apparent changes in hydrogen absorption behavior with decreasing particle size were observed, that is, a narrowing of the two-phase regions of solid-solution and hydride phases, the lowering of the equilibrium hydrogen pressure, and a decrease in the critical temperature of the two-phase state. By analyzing the isotherms, we quantitatively determined the heat of formation (ΔHα→β) and the entropy change (ΔSα→β) in the hydride form.
Radiomics and deep learning in liver diseases

Recently, radiomics and deep learning have gained attention as methods for computerized image analysis. Radiomics and deep learning can perform diagnostic or predictive tasks using high‐dimensional image‐derived features and have the potential to expand the capabilities of liver imaging beyond the scope of traditional visual image analysis. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of these techniques in various fields of liver imaging, including staging of liver fibrosis, prognostication of malignant liver tumors, automated detection and characterization of liver tumors, automated abdominal organ segmentation, and body composition analysis. However, because most of the previous studies were preliminary and focused mainly on technical feasibility, further clinical validation is required for the application of radiomics and deep learning in clinical practice. In this review, we introduce the technical aspects of radiomics and deep learning and summarize the recent studies on the application of these techniques in liver radiology.
Local bond average for the size and temperature dependence of elastic and vibronic properties of nanostructures

With the miniaturisation of a solid down to nanometre scale, the mechanical and optical properties of such nanomaterials are different from those of their corresponding bulk materials. A systematic understanding of the atomic origin of the unusual behaviour of mechanical and optical properties of a nanosolid is presented here towards the predictions for design and controllable growth of nanostructured materials. The Local Bond Average (LBA) approximation and Bond-Order-Length-Strength (BOLS) correlation mechanism in size, temperature and pressure domain have been developed, which enables the tunability of various measurable properties, such as elastic constants, and optical phonon frequency shift. Agreement between predictions and observations reveals that the shortened and strengthened surface bonds are responsible for the observed size dependent change of material properties, while the temperature induced bond expansion and weakening are the physical origin for the temperature dependent change of measurable material properties.