Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local characterization of transient chaos on finite times in open systems

To characterize local finite-time properties associated with transient chaos in open dynamical systems, we introduce an escape rate and fractal dimensions suitable for this purpose in a coarse-grained description. We numerically illustrate that these quantifiers have a considerable spread across the domain of the dynamics, but their spatial variation, especially on long but non-asymptotic integration times, is approximately consistent with the relationship that was recognized by Kantz and Grassberger for temporally asymptotic quantifiers. In particular, deviations from this relationship are smaller than differences between various locations, which confirms the existence of such a dynamical law and the suitability of our quantifiers to represent underlying dynamical properties in the non-asymptotic regime.
sLORETA Source Localisation of Visual Mismatch Negativity in Dyslexic Children During Malay Orthographical Lexicon Stimulations

Background While there are studies on visual lexical processing in other languages among dyslexics, no studies were done in the Malay language. The origin of visual lexical processing might be different in the Malay language. We aimed to detect the source localisation of visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) during Malay orthographic lexicon stimulations, employing an event-related potential (ERP) study. Methods Twelve dyslexic and twelve non-dyslexic children participated in this study. They pushed button ‘1’ when they saw real (meaningful) Malay words and button ‘2’ for pseudowords (meaningless). The source localisation of vMMN was performed in the grand average waveform by applying the standardised low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) method using Net Station software. Results Left occipital (BA17) and left temporal (BA37) lobes were activated during real words in the non-dyslexic and dyslexic children, respectively. During pseudowords, BA18 and BA17 areas of the left occipital lobe were activated in the non-dyslexic and dyslexic children, separately. vMMN sources were found at the left temporal (BA37) and right frontal (BA11) lobes in non-dyslexic and dyslexic children, respectively. Conclusion Right frontal lobe is the decision-making area where vMMN source was found in dyslexic children. We concluded that dyslexic children required the decision-making area to detect Malay real and pseudowords.
Sex-Specific Influence of the SCARB1 Rs5888 SNP on the Serum Lipid Response to Atorvastatin in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background Epidemiological studies have shown that there are sex differences in blood lipid levels and lipid responses to statins. Previous studies have shown that the rs5888 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) gene is associated with serum lipid levels in a sex-specific manner. The present study was undertaken to detect the sex-specific influence of the SCARB1 rs5888 SNP on the serum lipid response to atorvastatin in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of 158 unrelated ACS patients (108 males, 50 females) were enrolled, and all patients received atorvastatin 20 mg/daily after PCI. Genotyping of the rs5888 SNP was performed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Serum lipid profiles were determined before treatment and after an average follow-up time of one year. Results The baseline serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein (Apo)AI levels were higher in females than in males (P<0.05). After treatment with atorvastatin, serum TC, LDL-C, and ApoB were decreased, and ApoAI was increased (P<0.05). The effects of atorvastatin on serum lipid levels were different between males and females, and females had greater decreases in TC, LDL-C and ApoB levels than males (P<0.05). The genotypic frequencies of the rs5888 SNP were not different between males and females. The atorvastatin response was not associated with the rs5888 SNP in males (P > 0.05). Nonetheless, in female individuals carrying the rs5888 T-allele, we observed a greater reduction in TC, LDL-C, and ApoB levels after the use of 20 mg/day atorvastatin (P<0.05). Conclusion This study indicates that the SCARB1 rs5888 T-allele was associated with a greater reduction in serum TC, LDL-C, and ApoB after atorvastatin treatment in female patients with ACS undergoing PCI.
What can we do with a dental avulsion? A multidisciplinary Clinical Protocol

Purpose The aim of this case report was to explain a multidisciplinary and conservative approach carrying out the replantation of an avulsed closed apex central incisor stored in dry conditions for a 16-hour period from the moment of trauma. Case Report This report describes a case of a 28 year-old male who suffered contusion of the upper lip, avulsion of right upper central incisor, enamel cracks after trauma of left upper central incisor and upper left lateral incisor crown fracture due to an accident. Avulsed tooth was dry stored and it was replanted 16h after the trauma. The root was disinfected and the necrotic periodontal tissue removed, the endodontic treatment was done before replantation and a flexible splint was applied to tooth 13 to tooth 23. Two months later a contralateral tooth presented crown discoloration occurred due to pulp necrosis an endodontic treatment as well as bleaching were carried out. An esthetic restoration for lateral incisor crown fracture was also done. In the one year review the patient remains asymptomatic, with no signs of root resorption or ankylosis of the damaged teeth. Conclusions A conservative approach of tooth with delayed reimplantation can be a stable and functional with the appropriate treatment procedures. A clinical protocol for patients and professionals for the treatment of the avulsed tooth is proposed. Key words:Endodontics, dental avulsion, avulsed tooth protocol.
Halofuginone inhibits tumorigenic progression of 5-FU-resistant human colorectal cancer HCT-15/FU cells by targeting miR-132-3p in vitro

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy is the first-line option for patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the development of chemoresistance is the primary cause of treatment failure. Halofuginone (HF), a small molecule alkaloid derived from febrifugine, has been demonstrated to exert strong anti-proliferative effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, whether HF inhibits the progression of 5-FU-resistant human CRC HCT-15/FU cells, and the underlying mechanisms, remain unknown. In the present study, the effects of HF on HCT-15/FU cells were assessed in vitro. The results revealed that HF inhibited HCT-15/FU cell viability as demonstrated by the MTT and colony formation assays. Following treatment of HCT-15/FU cells with HF, the migratory and invasive capacities of the cells were significantly decreased. MicroRNA (miRNA/miR)-sequencing data, subsequent miRNA trend analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR all demonstrated that miR-132-3p expression was increased following treatment with HF in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated that following treatment with HF, the expression levels of proteins associated with proliferation, invasion and metastasis in cells were markedly downregulated. These results suggested that HF inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of HCT-15/FU cells by upregulating the expression levels of miR-132-3p. Therefore, miR-132-3p may serve as a molecular marker, which may be used to predict CRC resistance to 5-FU, and HF may serve as a novel clinical treatment for 5-FU-resistant CRC.
Excisional Goniotomy in Latino Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma: Outcomes Through 24 Months

Purpose To characterize the efficacy of combined phacoemulsification and excisional goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB-phaco) in eyes of Latino adults with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods Health records of consecutive Latino patients undergoing KDB-phaco were retrospectively reviewed. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication use were recorded at baseline and each postoperative visit through up to 24 months. Primary outcomes were reductions in IOP and medication use from baseline; secondary outcomes were the proportions of eyes achieving IOP reductions of ≥20% and medication reductions ≥1 medication from baseline. Subgroup analysis was conducted in eyes with high and low baseline IOP. Results Data from 44 eyes of 32 Latino patients with OAG were analyzed. Mean IOP was 17.8 (0.7) mmHg at baseline and postoperatively ranged from 12.4 to 13.8 mmHg (p≥0.0003), representing mean IOP reductions of 4.2–4.6 mmHg (19.7–23.1%). Mean medication was 1.5 (0.2) medications per eye at baseline and postoperatively ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 (p≥0.0061), representing mean medication reductions of 0.7–1.2 medications per eye (47.1–87.2%). In the low baseline IOP group (<18 mmHg), mean IOP was significantly reduced through Month 24 and medications through Month 12; in the high baseline IOP group (≥18 mmHg), IOP and medications were significantly reduced through Month 24. From Months 1–24, IOP reductions of ≥20% were achieved by 48.4–56.2% of eyes in the full cohort, by 20.0–33.3% in the low IOP group, and by 66.7–100% in the high IOP group; medication reductions of ≥1 medication were achieved by 72.0–95.6%, 64.7–94.2%, and 87.5–100% of eyes, respectively. Conclusion Combined KDB-phaco in eyes of Latino patients with glaucoma and cataract significantly lowers IOP and the need for IOP-lowering medications for up to 24 months and should be considered for such patients who warrant IOP reduction, medication reduction, or both.
Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on the Postoperative Sleep Quality and Pain of Patients After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective Postoperative sleep disturbances have serious adverse effects on postoperative outcomes. Our paper aimed to observe the effect of using transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on sleep quality and complications after surgery in patients undergoing selective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Patients and Methods Eighty-five patients were divided into the TEAS group or the control group randomly. Thirty minutes of TEAS treatment was performed on TEAS group at the following time points: the first night before surgery, at the end of surgery, and before sleeping on the second and third nights after surgery. The Portable Sleep Monitor (PSM) was performed to determine the sleep quality of the two nights before the operation (Sleep preop 2 and Sleep preop 1) and the ﬁrst and third night after surgery (Sleep POD 1 and Sleep POD 3). The visual analog scale (VAS) was performed to evaluate pain scores after surgery and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used for evaluating subjective sleep quality. Results Participants in the TEAS group had a lower AIS score and higher sleep efficiency at each time point except Sleep preop 2. Participants in the TEAS group showed significantly higher proportion of each sleep stage during Sleep-preop 1, Sleep POD 1, and Sleep POD 3. Patients in the TEAS group had significantly lower VAS scores at 2, 4, and 6 h during the first 24 h after surgery. The incidence of nausea and vomiting and dizziness in the control group was statistically higher than in the TEAS group. Conclusion Patients usually have sleep disturbances after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, such as decreased distribution of each sleep stage, lower sleep efficiency, and higher AIS score. Undergoing TEAS treatment perioperatively can improve sleep quality, and effectively promote the postoperative analgesic effect and alleviate postoperative complications.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Factors of Pediatric Septicemia in Southern Ethiopia

Background Septicemia is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients throughout the world. Drug-resistant pathogens are one of the major challenges to control. The study aimed to identify the major etiological agents, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated factors of septicemia among pediatric patients in southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on pediatric patients. Blood samples were cultured and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion techniques. Data were collected by pre-tested questionnaire to identify potential associated factors of septicemia. A bivariate logistic regression analysis was used and adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI at ≤0.05 level of significance was computed to determine the presence and strength of the association. Results Of 238 participants, 27 (11.3%) of them had a positive blood culture. Staphylococcus aureus (32.2%), coagulase negative Staphylococci (25%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.3%) were the predominant isolates. The isolated bacteria showed high rates of resistance to amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, streptomycin and ampicillin. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was observed in 82.1% of the isolates. Being infant [AOR=4.18, 95% CI, (1.3–13.0)], admission >10 days [AOR=5.54, 95% CI, (1.51–20.41)], burn [AOR=3.55, 95% CI, (1.02–12.38)] and wound cases [AOR=5.52, 95% CI, (1.50–20.34)] were associated with pediatric septicemia. Conclusion Gram positive bacteria were the predominant isolates and majority of isolates were MDR pathogens. Very young age, prolonged hospital stays, burn and wound cases were associated with pediatric septicemia. Establishing antibiotic stewardship is mandatory to minimize the high prevalence of drug resistance.
Microarray analysis of aberrant microRNA expression patterns in spinal cord gliomas of different grades

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development of several types of tumor; however, their role in spinal gliomas remains unknown. The present study aimed to identify potentially novel spinal cord gliomas (SCG)-associated miRNAs and to characterize their roles in the development and progression of SCG. miRNA expression levels in low-grade SCG (classed as stage I–II SCG based on the World Health Organization grading system), high-grade SCG (classed as stage IV SCG based on the World Health Organization grading system) and 5 control cases were measured using a miRNA expression microarray. Subsequently, blood samples from the spinal cord of patients with differing grades of SCG were screened for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). Compared with the control group, 7 upregulated and 36 downregulated miRNAs were identified in the low-grade SCG group and a total of 70 upregulated and 20 downregulated miRNAs were identified in the high-grade SCG group (P≤0.05, fold change >2). Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the regulation of cellular metabolic processes, negative regulation of biological processes and axon guidance were primarily involved. Moreover, pathway analysis showed that the target genes of DEmiRNAs were enriched in tumor-related signaling pathways, such as the MAPK and Wnt signaling pathway. The results suggest that DEmiRNAs in peripheral blood may serve as novel target markers with high specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of SCG.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to Support Adherence to Falls Prevention Clinic Recommendations: A Qualitative Study

Purpose We examined how patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) support patients’ adherence to fall prevention recommendations in a novel primary care setting – the Falls Prevention Clinic. Patients and Methods Using a patient-oriented qualitative study design, we recruited patient partners to our study team to assist in developing focus group prompts. A trained facilitator conducted five semi-structured interviews with a total of 21 Falls Prevention Clinic participants. A trained facilitator prompted participants about: their views on the EuroQol 5 domain – 5 level (EQ-5D-5L) PROM, their preferences for PROM administration and feedback, the presentation of PROM questionnaire data, the use of comparative data and the EQ-5D-5L in improving adherence to recommendations, and other information they would need to improve adherence. Participants’ responses were coded according to three stages of qualitative analysis: open, axial and selective coding using an iterative and comparative approach. Results “Opportunity” and “Development” emerged as higher-level themes for the participants’ perspectives on how the EQ-5D-5L may be helpful for their appointments. “Frequency” described how often the participants believed the EQ-5D-5L should be administered and feedback provided. “Challenges”, “Benefits”, “Patients’ Understanding”, “Relevance of Data”, and “Usefulness of Data” provided insight on how PROMs data presentation was viewed by patients. “Performance”, “Resources”, “Knowledge”, “Role in Behaviour Change” highlighted the participants’ ideas for the role of the EQ-5D-5L and additional information in supporting their adherence to falls prevention recommendations. Participants emphasized that patients would value further support information to facilitate their adherence. Conclusion This patient-oriented qualitative study, among individuals at high risk of future falls, sheds light on the importance of timely, understandable feedback, integrated with other clinical feedback in supporting adherence.
A Retrospective Data Review Confirms That Topical Preservative-Free Hydrocortisone Improves Inflammation in Dry Eye Disease

Background Inflammation is among the most important mechanisms in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease (DED), triggering the vicious circle of the disease. Reducing inflammation is an important target in dry eye disease treatment. Hydrocortisone is a low-potency corticosteroid with a low ocular penetration potential. Aim To document the effect of topical preservative-free hydrocortisone 0.335% (PFH, Softacort®, Laboratoires Théa, France) on DED. Methods Retrospective data review of patients with mild to moderate DED, treated with PFH for 15 days. Clinical evaluations at Days 0 and 15 included the assessment of the central precorneal tear film thickness (CPTFT), fluorescein tear breakup time, Schirmer test, corneal grading staining (Oxford schema), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) spatial distribution of the precorneal tear film thickness, intraocular pressure (IOP) and local tolerance. Results Data from 13 women and 2 men were collected. Mean age±SD was 51±5 years for women and 53±4 years for men. Clinical signs and symptoms significantly (all p<0.05) improved after 15 days of treatment. A significant positive correlation between the percentage of change in left eye CPTFT and that in the contralateral eye CPTFT was observed (p=0.003) as well as for both eyes and the left eye FTBUT (p=0.03). For the percentage of change in OSDI, the only significant correlation was with the percentage of change in right eye and FTBUT (p=0.03). IOP remained unchanged. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusion This retrospective data review confirms that topical PFH twice daily for 2 weeks significantly improves clinical signs and symptoms in patients with mild to moderate DED with no safety issues.
Lessons from large scale campus deployment

Large scale campus deployments in the past have resulted in energy conservation measures, data validation, and software architectures. Inspired by the success and learnings from such previous deployments, we present our work on deployment involving sensing various aspect of campus sustainability like water, electricity, solar produce, air quality, and parking lot occupancy. Our full deployment spanned more 171 days. We used 469 sensors, collecting a maximum of 190 MB of data daily. We discuss the deployment challenges and the learnings obtained from them. We address the data collection challenges by providing best practices measures and provide insights from the installation of wireless radio communication modules. Our deployment can act as a reconnaissance guide for campus deployment, especially in developing countries.
Surface Modification of Aluminium Alloy by a Silver Nanoparticle-Doped Coating and Examination of Anticorrosion Protection

Aluminium alloys are among the metals that can be easily passivated, demonstrating notable anticorrosion properties. Under aggressive environments, like in seawater, corrosion may appear though due to presence of chloride ions (pH>8.5) leading to pitting failures. The objectives of the presented research were to examine the possibility of functionalizing the surface of an aluminium alloy through a polydopamine (PDA) layer with homogeneously dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and examine the corrosion behaviour of the nanostructured coating. The development of a PDA coating provides a promising approach for immobilization of silver nanoparticles onto AA6061 substrate. Exposure to salt spray for 60 h and assessment of the corrosion status through various methods were applied. Depending on the process parameters for the fabrication of the PDA-AgNPs layer, an enhanced corrosion protection was achieved compared to the undoped with AgNPs film and the uncoated Aluminium alloy.
Identifying Causes of and Solutions for Cybersickness in Immersive Technology: Reformulation of a Research and Development Agenda

ABSTRACT Immersive technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, initially failed to live up to expectations, but have improved greatly, with many new head-worn displays and associated applications being released over the past few years. Unfortunately, ‘cybersickness’ remains as a common user problem that must be overcome if mass adoption is to be realized. This article evaluates the state of research on this problem, identifies challenges that must be addressed, and formulates an updated cybersickness research and development (R&D) agenda. The new agenda recommends prioritizing creation of powerful, lightweight, and untethered head-worn displays, reduction of visual latencies, standardization of symptom and aftereffect measurement, development of improved countermeasures, and improved understanding of the magnitude of the problem and its implications for job performance. Some of these priorities are unresolved problems from the original agenda which should get increased attention now that immersive technologies are proliferating widely. If the resulting R&D agenda is carefully executed, it should render cybersickness a challenge of the past and accelerate mass adoption of immersive technologies to enhance training, performance, and recreation.
Geomaterials as Cost Effective Sorbent to Remove Fluoride from Water

As a regulated contaminants, fluorine compounds impact the health of millions of persons around the world. Adsorption method is employed to remove fluoride ions from a synthetic water using concrete waste materials as a low cost adsorbent and to evaluate its feasibility as an alternative agent to eliminate fluoride ions in aqueous solution. Influence of pH, concrete particles dosage, agitation speed, fluoride initial concentration and contact time on F− removal were investigated by using batch mode. Fluoride removal has been obtained over a wide range (3-11). The rate of adsorption was rapid at the first 4 hours, while the equilibrium has been reached within 9 hrs. The desorption study revealed that fluoride adsorption onto concrete particles was chemical in nature. The kinetic of adsorption was fitted well with second-order rate model, while the adsorption behavior obeyed Freundlich model. This study obviously presents the applicability of concrete particles as low cost adsorbent to eliminate fluoride from water.