Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Convergence of a New Conjugate Gradient Algorithm

This paper studies the convergence of a conjugate gradient algorithm proposed in a recent paper by Shanno. It is shown that under loose step length criteria similar to but slightly different from those of Lenard, the method converges to the minimizes of a convex function with a strictly bounded Hessian. Further, it is shown that for general functions that are bounded from below with bounded level sets and bounded second partial derivatives, false convergence in the sense that the sequence of approximations to the minimum converges to a point at which the gradient is bounded away from zero is impossible.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors of UTIs in Children—A Single-Center Observation

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of childhood’s most common bacterial infections. The study aimed to determine the clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, risk factors, and etiology of different UTIs in children admitted to pediatric hospitals for three years. Methods: Patients with positive urine cultures diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis (APN) or cystitis (CYS) were analyzed for clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, risk factors, and etiology, depending on their age and sex. Results: We studied 948 children with UTIs (531 girls and 417 boys), with a median age of 12 (IQR 5–48 months). A total of 789 children had clinical symptoms; the main symptom was fever (63.4% of patients). Specific symptoms of UTIs were presented only in 16.3% of patients. Children with APN had shown significantly more frequent loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and less frequent dysuria and haematuria than children with CYS. We found significantly higher median WBC, CRP, and leukocyturia in children with APN than with CYS. The risk factors of UTIs were presented in 46.6% of patients, of which 35.6% were children with APN and 61.7% with CYS. The main risk factor was CAKUT, more frequently diagnosed in children with CYS than APN, mainly in children <2 years. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (74%). There was a higher percentage of urine samples with E. coli in girls than in boys. Other bacteria found were Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus species. Conclusions: Patients with APN were younger and had higher inflammatory markers. Often, fever is the only symptom of UTI in children, and other clinical signs are usually non-specific. The most common UTI etiology is E. coli, regardless of the clinical presentation and risk factors.
Multidrug-Resistant ESBL-Producing E. coli in Clinical Samples from the UK

Globally, cephalosporin therapy failure is a serious problem for infection control. One causative agent of cephalosporin-resistant infections is multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and/or plasmid-encoded AmpC (pAmpC) β-lactamases. We evaluated the occurrence of ESBL/pAmpC genetic determinants in phenotypically MDR E. coli isolated from clinical samples of blood, faeces, ear effusion, urine and sputum from a UK hospital. Phenotypic resistance profiling for 18 antibiotics (from seven classes) showed that 32/35 isolates were MDR, with resistance to 4–16 of the tested antibiotics. Of the isolates, 97.1% showed resistance to ampicillin, 71.4% showed resistance to co-amoxiclav, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftiofur, and 68.5% showed resistance to cefquinome. blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaOXA-1 genes were detected in 23, 13 and 12 strains, respectively, and Intl1 was detected in 17 isolates. The most common subtypes among the definite sequence types were CTX-M-15 (40%) and TEM-1 (75%). No E. coli isolates carried pAmpC genes. Significant correlations were seen between CTX-M carriage and cefotaxime, ceftiofur, aztreonam, ceftazidime and cefquinome resistance; between blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaOXA-1 carriage and ciprofloxacin resistance; and between Intl1 carriage and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance. Thus, MDR phenotypes may be conferred by a relatively small number of genes. The level and pattern of antibiotic resistance highlight the need for better antibiotic therapy guidelines, including reduced use and improved surveillance.
Igniting questions, detecting answers: Hamamatsu Photonics introduces the world’s first photon-number-resolving scientific camera

Igniting Questions, Detecting Answers; Hamamatsu Photonics introduces the world’s first photon-number-resolving scientific camera Hamamatsu introduces their scientific camera – the ORCA-Quest®, with incredibly low noise of 0.27 electrons rms and a high pixel count of 9.4 megapixels. In quantitative imaging, the photoelectric noise generated when light is converted into electrical signals is the all-important factor that determines the lower detection limit of a camera. The ORCA-Quest is able to reduce this photoelectric noise to a level below the signals generated by photons, making it the world’s first camera to achieve 2D photon-number-resolving measurement, meaning that it accurately measures the number of photons within each pixel.
On the asymptotic distribution of the maximum number of infectives in epidemic models by immigration

This paper considers the asymptotic distribution of the maximum number of infectives in an epidemic model by showing that, as the initial number of susceptibles converges to infinity, the process of infectives converges almost surely to a birth and death process. The model studied here is more general than usual (see e.g. Bailey (1975), Bharucha-Reid (1960), Keilson (1979)) in that it incorporates immigration and the limiting birth and death process is non-linear. The main novelty of the present paper is the martingale approach used to prove the above-mentioned convergence.
A Case of Left Ventricular Thrombus and Herpetic Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient With COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with thrombosis, both venous and arterial, but the mechanism behind this coagulation is not fully understood. Several cases involving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT), particularly in those with low ejection fraction, have been reported. This report describes a case of a 57-year-old male patient who presented to the hospital with altered mental status and a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. CT of the chest revealed the presence of an LVT, and transthoracic echocardiography showed a reduced ejection fraction and confirmed the presence of the thrombus. The patient also reported epigastric chest pain and several bloody bowel movements. A colonoscopy revealed internal hemorrhoids. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed the presence of multiple esophageal ulcers, and biopsy results confirmed herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The patient had no history of organ or bone marrow transplant, long-term immunosuppressive therapy, or HIV infection. He was eventually discharged on apixaban for his LVT and acyclovir for his HSV esophagitis.
Uniform Consistency of Kernel Estimators of a Regression Function under Generalized Conditions

Abstract In this article we prove uniform consistency of kernel estimators of a multivariate regression function under various assumptions on the distribution of the data. In addition to the usual assumptions that the data are iid and that the distribution of the regressors is absolutely continuous, we consider the cases that some regressors are discrete and the data are either stationary ϕ-mixing themselves or generated by a class of functions of one-sided infinite stationary ϕ-mixing sequences. Moreover, we demonstrate the performance of the kernel estimation method under these generalized conditions by a numerical example.
A novel vibration indicator to monitor gear natural fatigue pitting propagation

Fatigue pitting can reduce the gear surface durability and induce other severe failures, which will eventually lead to the complete loss of transmission function of the transmission system. Thus, monitoring fatigue pitting progression is vital to avoid unexpected economic losses and incidents. Thanks to the unique characteristics of the gear meshing process, there is a close relationship between the tribological features of fatigue pitting and gear vibration cyclostationarity. Based on the vibration cyclostationarity, this paper develops a novel second-order cyclostationary (CS2) fatigue pitting monitoring indicator, which can accurately assess the degradation status of the gear system and benefit subsequent health management. The advantage of the developed cyclostationary indicator in evaluating and monitoring the process of fatigue pitting propagation is demonstrated with the natural fatigue pitting progression test, through comparisons with other conventional indicators.
Natural Compounds and Biopolymers-Based Hydrogels Join Forces to Promote Wound Healing

Rapid and complete wound healing is a clinical emergency, mainly in pathological conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Many therapeutic tools are not resolutive, and the research for a more efficient remedial remains a challenge. Wound dressings play an essential role in diabetic wound healing. In particular, biocompatible hydrogels represent the most attractive wound dressings due to their ability to retain moisture as well as ability to act as a barrier against bacteria. In the last years, different functionalized hydrogels have been proposed as wound dressing materials, showing encouraging outcomes with great benefits in the healing of the diabetic wounds. Specifically, because of their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, natural bioactive compounds, as well as biomacromolecules such as polysaccharides and protein, are usually employed in the biomedical field. In this review, readers can find the main discoveries regarding the employment of naturally occurring compounds and biopolymers as wound healing promoters with antibacterial activity. The emerging approaches and engineered devices for effective wound care in diabetic patients are reported and deeply investigated.
Neurologic and Thrombotic Complications in the Setting of Chronic Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Nitrous oxide is a commonly used inhaled anesthetic for medical procedures, as well as a drug of abuse throughout the world. Excessive nitrous oxide inhalation has been shown to cause a functional vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, which can lead to peripheral neuropathy and hypercoagulability, respectively. While the development of neurologic toxicity from chronic nitrous oxide abuse (i.e., encephalopathy, myelopathy, and neuropathy) has been previously described, the thrombotic potential of chronic nitrous oxide abuse is less known. The authors report two cases of nitrous oxide abuse leading to both neurologic and thrombotic complications.
Sex Differences in Type A Acute Aortic Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND In acute aortic dissection (AAD) sex heterogeneity reports are not exhaustive and in part even conflicting. AIM To explore sex differences in clinical features, management and outcomes among patients with type A AAD. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature were conducted for studies (2004-2022) reporting type A AAD sex differences. Among the 1938 studies retrieved, 16 (16069 patients, 7142 women and 8927 men) fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Data were aggregated used random effects model as pooled risk ratio and mean difference. RESULTS Due to information reported by considered manuscripts, analysis were performed only among surgically treated type A AAD patients. At the time of hospital presentation type A AAD women were older than men but had lower BMI, BSA and creatinine plasma levels. Active smoking, bicuspid aortic valve and previous cardiac surgery were less common in women while diabetes mellitus was more frequent. Furthermore women experienced more frequently pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade than men. Interestingly, in-hospital surgical mortality did not differ between sexes (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.53 - 1.99; p = 0.95), whereas 5 (RR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92 - 0.97; p < 0.001) and 10-year survival (RR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74 - 0.92; p = 0.004) was higher among men. A descriptive analysis of in-hospital outcomes among medically treated type A AAD patients confirmed prohibitive high mortality for both sexes (men 58.6% vs women 53.8%, p = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS A female sex phenotype appears to be evident in type A AAD implying the need for a personalized management patient approach along with tailored preventive strategies. PROSPERO registry ID: CRD42022359072.
A Full-Wave Homogenization Technique for Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete

In steel fiber reinforced concrete, steel fibers are randomly oriented in the concrete host. This article presents a full-wave homogenization technique for the computation of the effective permittivity of perfectly conducting wires embedded in a dielectric host. The technique is illustrated with numerical examples and is compared with predictions from a classical mixing formula.
Piezoelectrically Driven Self-Excited Microbridge VOCs Sensor

Piezoelectrically driven microbridge gas sensors have been fabricated by MEMS process. We have used the resonant frequency change of the microbridge transducer upon mass increase. The sol-gel derived Pb(Zr0.52,Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) film capacitor as an actuating part was integrated into the thin SiN x bridge structure. The resonant frequency of the microbridge was in the range of 250 kHz to 260 kHz. The microbridge exhibited a mass sensitivity and gravimetric sensitivity factor of ca. 7.27 pg/Hz and 345 cm 2 /g, respectively. With the PMMA polymer sensing layer, the microbridge showed the gas sensitivity of 1.67 ppm/Hz for ethanol vapor.
Transition from longitudinal‐optical phonon scattering to surface‐optical phonon scattering in polar semiconductor superlattices

Dielectric continuum models of optical‐phonon modes predict an enhancement in the strength of the surface‐optical (SO) modes in double‐barrier heterostructures as the heterojunction‐to‐heterojunction separation is reduced. There is currently no consensus on the nature of the electron‐SO‐phonon coupling interaction. In this work, the ratio of electron scattering by the SO‐phonon modes to that by the confined longitudinal‐optical (LO) phonon modes is calculated for a GaAs/AlAs short‐period superlattice based on the assumption that the electron‐SO‐phonon interaction may be described by a scalar potential. The scaling of the ratio of electron‐SO‐phonon scattering to electron‐LO‐phonon scattering as a function of the superlattice period provides a sensitive test of the appropriateness of the scalar‐potential model.
An Exemestane Derivative, Oxymestane-D1, as a New Multi-Target Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor for Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer: Effects on Sensitive and Resistant Cell Lines

Around 70–85% of all breast cancer (BC) cases are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+). The third generation of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is the first-line treatment option for these tumors. Despite their therapeutic success, they induce several side effects and resistance, which limits their efficacy. Thus, it is crucial to search for novel, safe and more effective anti-cancer molecules. Currently, multi-target drugs are emerging, as they present higher efficacy and lower toxicity in comparison to standard options. Considering this, this work aimed to investigate the anti-cancer properties and the multi-target potential of the compound 1α,2α-epoxy-6-methylenandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (Oxy), also designated by Oxymestane-D1, a derivative of Exemestane, which we previously synthesized and demonstrated to be a potent AI. For this purpose, it was studied for its effects on the ER+ BC cell line that overexpresses aromatase, MCF-7aro cells, as well as on the AIs-resistant BC cell line, LTEDaro cells. Oxy reduces cell viability, impairs DNA synthesis and induces apoptosis in MCF-7aro cells. Moreover, its growth-inhibitory properties are inhibited in the presence of ERα, ERβ and AR antagonists, suggesting a mechanism of action dependent on these receptors. In fact, Oxy decreased ERα expression and activation and induced AR overexpression with a pro-death effect. Complementary transactivation assays demonstrated that Oxy presents ER antagonist and AR agonist activities. In addition, Oxy also decreased the viability and caused apoptosis of LTEDaro cells. Therefore, this work highlights the discovery of a new and promising multi-target drug that, besides acting as an AI, appears to also act as an ERα antagonist and AR agonist. Thus, the multi-target action of Oxy may be a therapeutic advantage over the three AIs applied in clinic. Furthermore, this new multi-target compound has the ability to sensitize the AI-resistant BC cells, which represents another advantage over the endocrine therapy used in the clinic, since resistance is a major drawback in the clinic.
Rolling motions in an inner spiral arm.

Hydrogen line observations made at low galactic latitudes for l=318degree, 326degree, 334degree, and 337degree show the presence of velocity gradients in latitude in the nearest inner spiral arm, similar to those found by other observations in different regions. Maximum velocity change is about 10 km s/sup -1/ for l=337degree. By generating synthetic line profiles constructed from a model spiral arm, several possible causes of these ''rolling motions'' were studied, such as a vertical displacement or a tilt of the arm (which failed to account for the observations) and rotation or shearing in the arm. It was futher shown that a typical arm can maintain such a motion (approx. =75 km s/sup -1/ kpc /sup -1/) with its own gravitational potential. The results are used to study the origin and tilt of Gould's Belt. (AIP)
Perceptions toward Plant-Based Milk Alternatives among Young Adult Consumers and Non-Consumers in Denmark: An Exploratory Study

The objective of this study was to determine associations among plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs), sources of information on the PBMAs used, and the consumption of PBMAs among Danish young adult consumers and non-consumers of PBMAs. An online survey was conducted in May 2019. A total of 341 participants (consumers: n = 171; non-consumers: n = 170) aged 16–35 years old completed the survey. Most consumers drank less than one glass of PBMAs per week, and oat drink was the most frequently consumed PBMAs. Oat drinks were primarily consumed with coffee/tea or porridge, while soy drinks were preferred to be consumed alone. Participants who perceived PBMAs as natural, good for health, tasty, or nutritionally equal to cow’s milk were more likely to be consumers of PBMAs. Additionally, participants who perceived PBMAs as highly processed or artificial were less likely to be consumers of PBMAs. For consumers, the most used sources of information on PBMAs were package labeling, followed by social media. The study´s results can help to improve marketing campaigns concerning the Danish retail of PBMA, whereby nutritional and sensory characteristics of PBMAs are highlighted through social networks and marketing strategies with product package labeling.
A cutting-plane method for quadratic semi infinite programming problems

A cutting plane algorithm for solving convex quadratic semi-infinite programming problems is presented. Nonbinding constraints can be dropped. Its arithmetic convergence rate is proved by taking into consideration the error of the approximate solution of the auxiliary problem to calculate the most violate constraint. An implementable variant of this method is described which is due to the adaptive discretization of the index set and its stability is shown. Computational experiments show the behaviour of the method.
Identification of genes involved in radiation‐induced G1 arrest

The advent of microarray gene expression technology permits the simultaneous analysis of the levels of expression of thousands of genes and provides large dataset requiring multivariate analysis tools. Multiple genetic factors may modulate the occurrence and magnitude of the arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle following exposure to ionizing radiation in human tumour cell lines. The ability to G1 arrest after exposure to gamma rays and the global gene expression profile, evaluated by cDNA microarray technology, have been reported for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 60 tumour cell lines panel. The sensitivity of the tumour cell lines to radiations represents an activity fingerprinting that can be correlated by partial least squares (PLS) to the transcriptional profiles of the same cell lines. VIP values obtained by the PLS method are able to detect transcripts relevant to the radiation‐induced G1 arrest. High VIP values were obtained for the basal levels of transcripts such as p21/Waf1/Cip1 and MDM2, that are well known for their roles in G1 arrest after irradiation. Novel functional relationships suggested by high VIP values can be investigated experimentally. As an example, in the present study, we report that the transcript for the FLJ11046 protein is induced dose‐dependently by gamma‐irradiation in a cell line with mutated p53, but not in cell lines with wild‐type p53. Moreover specific silencing of FLJ11046 transcript by RNA interference technology results in a block of cell growth. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In plain sight: Oppressive dynamics and learning challenges in adult ESOL programs in the United States

A previous convergent mixed methods study conducted by the author revealed that, based on their preservice preparation and access to in-service professional development, instructors of adult emergent bi/multilingual learners in the United States often felt ill-equipped to address the oppressive dynamics and learning challenges that might manifest in their adult ESOL classrooms. This follow-up interview study explored the prevalence of these oppressive dynamics, such as racism, sexism, and linguicism, and learning challenges, such as neurodiversity, and investigated how preservice preparation, continuous professional development, program administration, and the field of TESOL might address these issues more consistently and equitably. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom or over the telephone with 10 randomly selected volunteers. The findings revealed that oppressive dynamics and learning challenges are commonplace in adult ESOL programs in the United States. Recommendations included either routinely incorporating discussions and content related to these issues throughout preservice coursework and continuous professional development or creating postgraduate certificate programs to do so. Participants also felt that the field of TESOL should address these issues on a regular versus ad hoc basis through its conferences, publications, and research literature. Limitations of the study and areas for future research were also identified.
A Rare Case of Primary Purulent Pericarditis Caused by Streptococcus constellatus

Background: Bacteria-caused acute pericarditis is a very rare entity. It is usually associated with an underlying infection or compromised immune system. Primary purulent pericarditis in a previously healthy individual is highly unexpected; therefore, it is likely to have a delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes. Case: We report a case of an adult immunocompetent patient with primary bacterial pericarditis caused by a member of the commensal oral flora Streptococcus constellatus. The patient presented with septic shock and cardiac tamponade, and was further complicated with constrictive pericarditis, which was successfully treated with pericardiectomy. Conclusions: Bacterial pericarditis is a fulminant disease with a high mortality and complication rate. Fast recognition and prompt therapy are required to achieve a full recovery.