Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deterministic extractors

We study constructions of deterministic extractors for various specialized classes of sources. Deterministic extractors for a class of sources are functions such that for any random source in the class, the output of the extractor is close to uniform. Thus, we can transform weak randomness into true randomness that can be used in applications. For example, the true randomness we extract can be used in cryptographic protocols, such as generating cryptographic keys. Other applications include distributed computing and randomized algorithms. We have examined some of the most general and interesting classes of sources for which we can construct such extractors. For each class, our goal is to construct extractors with exponentially small error that extract as much of the min-entropy in the source as possible and that work even when the min-entropy in the source is small. In particular, we construct extractors for sources that only have access to a small amount of space. This construction is based on a construction for independent sources, which are sources consisting of a number of independent smaller sources. We also give results for oblivious bit-fixing and symbol-fixing sources. In such sources some of the bits (or symbols) are fixed and then the rest are chosen uniformly at random. These results also have an application in the area of exposure-resilient cryptography, giving adaptive All-Or-Nothing-Transforms. We also have results on non-oblivious bit-fixing sources and affine sources.
Emergency Department Airway Management for Status Asthmaticus With Respiratory Failure

BACKGROUND: Data are limited regarding current practice and outcomes for emergency department airway management in status asthmaticus. This paper describes the foremost methods and outcomes of airway management in patients in the emergency department who required intubation for status asthmaticus. METHODS: We analyzed all intubations with a primary indication of asthma over a 3-y period (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018) using the National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR), a 25-center, prospective, observational registry of emergency department intubations. We report the incidence of intubations for asthma, methods and medications used, devices used, peri-intubation adverse events, and intubation success and failures using univariate descriptive statistics and cluster-adjusted incidence with 95% CI. RESULTS: A total of 19,071 encounters were recorded during the study period, with 14,517 patients intubated for medical indications. Of those, 173 (1.2%, 95% CI 0.9-1.6) were intubated for asthma. The first-attempt success rate was 90.8% (95% CI 81.9–95.5), and overall intubation success was 100%. Compared to the medical registry as a whole, patients with asthma were more likely to undergo rapid-sequence intubation (96.5% [95% CI 92.9–98.3] vs 80.8% [95% CI 75.1–82.5]), preoxygenation with bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP) (62.9% [95% CI 49.6–74.6] vs 13.5% (95% CI 10.4–16.9]), and induction with ketamine (51.8% [95% CI 30.6–71.4] vs 11.6% [95% CI 7.6–16.8]). The adverse event rate in the patients with asthma was 12.14% (95% CI 8.1–17.9) compared to 11.93% (95% CI 9.79–14.12) in the medical registry. CONCLUSIONS: Status asthmaticus accounted for about 1% of emergent medical intubations. The majority of patients were intubated using rapid-sequence intubation after preoxygenation with BPAP and induction with ketamine, with the latter 2 practices being much more common for emergent intubations for status asthmaticus than for other medical indications.
Use of Factory-Calibrated Real-time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Improves Time in Target and HbA1c in a Multiethnic Cohort of Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: The MILLENNIALS Study

OBJECTIVE International type 1 diabetes registries have shown that HbA1c levels are highest in young people with type 1 diabetes; however, improving their glycemic control remains a challenge. We propose that use of the factory-calibrated Dexcom G6 CGM system would improve glycemic control in this cohort. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a randomized crossover trial in young people with type 1 diabetes (16–24 years old) comparing the Dexcom G6 CGM system and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Participants were assigned to the interventions in random order during two 8-week study periods. During SMBG, blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was worn by each participant for 10 days at the start, week 4, and week 7 of the control period. HbA1c measurements were drawn after enrollment and before and after each treatment period. The primary outcome was time in range 70–180 mg/dL. RESULTS Time in range was significantly higher during CGM compared with control (35.7 ± 13.5% vs. 24.6 ± 9.3%; mean difference 11.1% [95% CI 7.0–15.2]; P < 0.001). CGM use reduced mean sensor glucose (219.7 ± 37.6 mg/dL vs. 251.9 ± 36.3 mg/dL; mean difference −32.2 mg/dL [95% CI −44.5 to −20.0]; P < 0.001) and time above range (61.7 ± 15.1% vs. 73.6 ± 10.4%; mean difference 11.9% [95% CI −16.4 to −7.4]; P < 0.001). HbA1c level was reduced by 0.76% (95% CI −1.1 to −0.4) (−8.5 mmol/mol [95% CI −12.4 to −4.6]; P < 0.001). Times spent below range (<70 mg/dL and <54 mg/dL) were low and comparable during both study periods. Sensor wear was 84% during the CGM period. CONCLUSIONS CGM use in young people with type 1 diabetes improves time in target and HbA1c levels compared with SMBG.
Chrysosphaerella annulata n. sp., a new scale‐bearing chrysophyte

A new species, Chrysosphaerella annulata (Chrysophyceae, Paraphysomonadaceae), is described from Austria. It is also found in P. R. China, and previously reported from several places, mainly tropical, as unknown species. Its relationship to other species of Chrysosphaerella and of Spiniferomonas is discussed, and it is concluded that these two genera should be separated on silica structures rather than on unicellular or colonial habit. Accordingly, the following new combinations are proposed: Chrysosphaerella septispina and Chrysosphaerella enigmata, and the original combination Chrysosphaerella coronacircumspina has been taken up again.
Identification of analytical issues in method verification of SARS CoV-2 serology

Laboratories have recently introduced serological testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, SARS CoV-2), in response to tight deadlines. Locally (Southern Region), we have collaborated in order to ensure method verification was as complete as possible, taking into account the extensive work undertaken by Public Health England (PHE). We would like to report some early observations. Within the Southern region, both Abbott and Roche analysers are available. Samples were swapped between sites, and agreement of classification between these two methods was excellent (Cohen’s Kappa 0.928 (n1⁄4 83, GraphPad QuickCalcs). However, there was discordant classification for three samples. Two were found to be close to the positive cut-off according to the Abbott Assay at relative light units (RLU) slightly over the 1.4 threshold; they were classified as ‘not detected’ on the Roche assay. The third was positive according to the Roche assay (1.0 being the positive cut-off for this method) but negative when analysed by the Abbott assay (but close to the 1.4 cut-off).
Managing Insect Resistance to Plants Producing Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins

ABSTRACT: Insect-resistant transgenic plants have become an important tool for the protection of crops against insect pests. The acreage of insecticidal transgenic plants is expected to increase significantly in the near future. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is currently the source of insecticidal proteins in commercial insect-resistant transgenic plants and will remain the most important source during the next decade. Insect resistance to B. thuringiensis Cry toxins is the main problem. Only one species, the diamondback moth, has evolved a resistance to B. thuringiensis-based formulations under field conditions. However, many other insect species were selected for resistance under laboratory conditions, indicating that there is a potential for evolution of resistance in most major pests. Many studies were conducted to elucidate the mode of action of the Cry toxins, the mechanisms and genetics of resistance, and the various factors influencing its development. This article reviews insect resistance.
1 Composition, phytochemicals, and beneficial health effects of dried fruits: an overview

Dried fruits serve as a concentrated form of fresh fruits prepared by different drying techniques. In other words, dried fruits possess much lower moisture content as a large proportion of their original water has been removed, either naturally through sun drying or through the use of specialized dryers or dehydrators. Considering the 2011 global production of commercially important dried fruits (Table 1.1), dates rank first on a global basis with a production of 6,598,000 metric tonnes (MT), followed by raisins (1,170,999 MT), prunes (236,500 MT), apricots (198,917 MT), and figs (105,453 MT) [1]. To the best of our knowledge, little information is available about the production of other dried fruits (açai berries, apples, bananas, black currants, blackberries, cherries, citrus fruits, cranberries, gingers, goji berries, guavas, kiwis, mangoes, mulberries, nectarines, papayas, passion fruits, peaches, pears, pineapples, raspberries, star apples, and strawberries, among others). Dates, figs, prunes, raisins, apricots, peaches, apples, and pears are referred to as “conventional” or “traditional” dried fruits. On the other hand, some fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, cherries, strawberries, and mangoes are infused with sugar solutions (e.g., sucrose syrup) or fruit juice concentrates prior to drying. Some products sold as dried fruit, such as papayas and pineapples, are actually candied fruit [2]. Epidemiologic studies have found an association between dried fruit consumption and diet quality. Raisins may be among the most researched of all dried fruits showing a health benefit [3], followed by dates, prunes, figs, apricots, peaches, apples, pears, and other fruits, which together constitute nearly half of all dried fruits produced in the world each year [2]. This overview chapter summarizes the nutritional significance, phytochemical composition, and potential health benefits of dried fruit consumption and discusses their great potential as medicinal or healthy foods for a number of diseases inflicting human beings.
Cladoceran and rotifer grazing on bacteria and phytoplankton in two shallow eutrophic lakes: in situ measurement with fluorescent microspheres

Metazooplankton grazing on bacteria and on the phytoplankton of various sizes was estimated in shallow eutrophic lakes Kaiavere and Vortsjarv (Estonia) by in situ feeding experiments with fluorescent microspheres (diameters 0.5 μm for bacteria and 3, 6 and 24 μm for phytoplankton). Zooplankton community composition, abundance and food density were important factors determining grazing rates in these lakes. Cladocerans and rotifers filtering rates (FR) and ingestion rates (IR) on bacteria and phytoplankton were several times higher in Lake Kaiavere where bacterivorous rotifers and Daphnia contributed more to zooplankton assemblage. While cladocerans were generally the main phytoplankton consumers, both lakes differed with respect to the groups of bacterivores. Based on consumption of fluorescent microspheres, the metazooplankton grazing rates were relatively low and had low impact on production and standing stock of bacteria and ingestible phytoplankton (<30 μm). On average, 0.5 and 0.1% of standing stock of bacteria and 2.6 and 1.0% of standing stock of ingestible phytoplankton was grazed daily by metazooplankton in lakes Kaiavere and Vortsjarv, respectively. That corresponded to daily grazing of 4.1% of the bacterial production and 0.43% of the total primary production (PP) by metazooplankton in Lake Kaiavere compared with 4.3 and 0.06% in Lake Vortsjarv, respectively. The results suggest that the majority of consumption of the bacterial and phytoplankton PP is most likely channelled through the microbial loop.
Nongenomic actions of the steroid hormone 1α25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3

Recent studies indicate that the vitamin D hormone, 1α,25‐Dohydroxyvitamin D3 exerts rapid effects (seconds to minutes) in a variety of cell types. These rapid nongenomic actions in osteoblasts include effects on membrance voltage‐gated calcium chananels, phosphlipase C activity, and the sodium/dydrogen antiport. Since the rapid effects occur in osteoblasts that lack the neclear vitamin D receptor, it is postulated that the nongenomic responses to the hormone reflect interaction with a separate, membrane localized signalling system. Preliminary studies demonstrate the presence of a receptor on the membranes of osteoblasts that lack the neclear vitamin D. This membranes receptors recognizes 1 a, 25‐dihyrooxyvitamin D3 and its inaction 1β epimer, but not 25‐hydrovitamin D3. These rapid nongenomic actions generated by interaction with the membrane receptor modulate the effect of the hormone on gene transcription. Thus, the rapid nongenomic pathway may play a regulatory function in modulating the genomic pathways affected by 1 a 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3.
State‐of‐the‐art of measures of the obesogenic environment for children

Various measures of the obesogenic environment have been proposed and used in childhood obesity research. The variety of measures poses methodological challenges to designing new research because methodological characteristics integral to developing the measures vary across studies. A systematic review has been conducted to examine the associations between different levels of obesogenic environmental measures (objective or perceived) and childhood obesity. The review includes all articles published in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus by 31 December 2018. A total of 339 associations in 101 studies have been identified from 18 countries, of which 78 are cross‐sectional. Overall, null associations are predominant. Among studies with non‐null associations, negative relationships between healthy food outlets in residential neighbourhoods and childhood obesity is found in seven studies; positive associations between unhealthy food outlets and childhood obesity are found in eight studies, whereas negative associations are found in three studies. Measures of recreational or physical activity facilities around the participants' home are also negatively correlated to childhood obesity in nine out of 15 studies. Results differ by the types of measurement, environmental indicators and geographic units used to characterize obesogenic environments in residential and school neighbourhoods. To improve the study quality and compare reported findings, a reporting standard for spatial epidemiological research should be adopted.
Acute kidney injury in cardiogenic shock: A comprehensive review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an ominous predictor of mortality in cardiogenic shock. The present review examines the pathophysiology of AKI in cardiogenic shock (CS), summarizes the pertinent literature including the diagnostic criteria/definitions for AKI and possible role of biomarkers, and identifies risk factors and possible therapeutic interventions for AKI in CS. Our review finds that AKI is common in patients with CS and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Urinary biomarkers of renal tubular injury appear more sensitive for detection of AKI but have yet to be incorporated into daily practice. Emerging data would suggest vasopressor choices, mechanical circulatory support, and renal replacement therapy may have important therapeutic roles in the management of CS.
Nickel Ion Requirements for Autotrophic Growth of Several Marine Microalgae with Urea Serving as Nitrogen Source

Twelve marine species were tested for their competence to grow on urea as sole nitrogen source, and the influence of nickel ion on such urea utilization was determined. In those cases (six species) where good algal growth occurred in the seawater medium used without added nickel, the metal ion requirement was demonstrated by suppressing the algal growth with a chelator (citric acid) and testing for subsequent growth from addition of excess nickel. The results showed that a nickel requirement for urea utilization is of widespread occurrence among the microalgae tested. The concentrations of nickel tested in the laboratory were compared with the endogenous nickel levels reported for ocean waters, and it was concluded that these levels are generally sufficient to support an effective utilization of urea by most urease-producing algae. The value of chelation tests as a rapid, reliable method for the demonstration of the Ni2+ requirement is discussed.
Efficacy of Next-Generation EGFR-TKIs in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: The efficacy of next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have failed first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors still remains under investigation. Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the efficacy and safety profiles of next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who failed first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of several electronic databases up to September 2018 to identify clinical trials. The primary end point was overall survival, progression-free survival, disease controlled rate, objective response rate, and adverse events. Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor emergent severe adverse events (grade ≥ 3) were analyzed. Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval were utilized for main outcome analysis. Results: In total, we had 3 randomized controlled trials in this analysis. The group of next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors had significantly improved progression-free survival (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% confidence interval = 0.29-0.40, P < .00001), as well as objective response rate (odds ratio = 10.48, 95% confidence interval = 3.87-28.34, P < .00001) and disease controlled rate (odds ratio = 6.03, 95% confidence interval = 4.41-8.25, P < .00001). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival with next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (odds ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval = 0.85-1.31, P = .66). Meanwhile, the odds ratio for treatment-emergent severe adverse events (diarrhea, rash/acne, nausea, vomiting, anemia) between patients who received next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors and those who received first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors did not show safety benefit (P > .05). Conclusions: Next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors were shown to be the better agent to achieve higher response rate and longer progression-free survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer as the later-line therapy for previously treated patients with first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Meanwhile, they did not achieve benefit in overall survival and safety compared with the chemotherapy group. Further research is needed to develop a database of all EGFR mutations and their individual impacts on the various treatments.
Advances in Exosomes Derived from Different Cell Sources and Cardiovascular Diseases

Exosomes can reach distant tissues through blood circulation to communicate directly with target cells and rapidly regulate intracellular signals. Exosomes play an important role in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Different exosomes derived from different sources, and their cargos have different mechanisms of action. In addition to being biomarkers, exosomes also have a certain significance in the diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we provide a review of the up-to-date applications of exosomes, derived from various sources, in the prognosis and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
The Effects of Feed Particle Size and Floor Type on the Growth Performance, GIT Development, and Pododermatitis in Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary The use of dietary structural components like whole grains together with using different floor designs is of great interest in terms of alterations of the digestive tract, level of feed intake, growth performance and foot pad health in broilers. The current study tested the impact of feed particle size and various floor systems (litter only; litter with floor heating; 50% or 100% slatted floors) on the abovementioned parameters in broiler chickens. A finely ground diet reduced gizzard and pancreas weights compared to a coarsely ground diet. A coarse diet led to a marked higher body weight. No effect of feed particle size on foot pad health was observed. Housing broilers on different flooring designs showed no effect on gizzard and pancreas weights. Using a fully slatted floor led to a higher body weight while having no effect on reducing the incidence of foot pad dermatitis. Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of feed particle size and flooring designs on organ traits, performance and pododermatitis in broilers. A total of 480 broilers (Ross 308) of both sexes were randomly assigned to two feeding groups (finely or coarsely ground pelleted diets; with addition of 5% to 10% intact wheat in coarsely diets) and four different housing systems (litter; litter with floor heating; partially or fully slatted floor) with three subgroups each. A coarse diet increased the final gizzard and pancreas weights (p < 0.001) while decreasing the risk of Isthmus gastrici dilatation compared to a fine diet (p < 0.001). Broilers fed a coarse diet displayed an increased final body weight (p = 0.023) and led to a favourable feed conversion ratio. Final body weight was the highest (p < 0.001) for birds housed on partially or fully slatted floor. Housing birds on litter with floor heating showed the lowest pododermatitis scoring (p < 0.001). It seems to be favourable to use coarse diets for organ development, whereas slatted floors seem to foster enlargement of the Isthmus gastrici. Increasing growth performance was possible both when using coarse diets or slatted floors.
Evolutionary Optimization Under Uncertainty: The Strategies to Handle Varied Constraints for Fluid Catalytic Cracking Operation

This article studies an operational optimization problem of the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit under uncertainty. The objective of this problem is to quickly reoptimize the operating variables that control the operational condition of the FCC unit when fossil fuel yield constraints or prices change. To solve this problem, based on the challenges caused by the varied constraints, we establish a mathematical model and propose a fast adaptive differential evolution algorithm with an adaptive mutation strategy, a parameter adaptation strategy, a repaired strategy, and an enhanced strategy. In the proposed algorithm, we integrate the status information of each solution into the mutation strategy and parameter adaptation scheme to search for the best solution in the irregular feasible region of the operating variables. In addition, a repaired strategy is proposed to repair the infeasible operating variables with unknown bounds, and an enhanced strategy is presented to further improve the objective function value of the best solution. The experimental results on ten test scenarios with different fossil fuel yield constraints and prices demonstrate the robustness of the proposed algorithm for optimizing the operating variables of the FCC unit under uncertainty.