Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impact of parity and its interaction with history of preterm delivery on gestational duration

Delivering preterm is the leading cause of death in neonates and children under five years of age. Both genetics and environmental factors play a role in timing of delivery, and these influences can be unique to a single pregnancy or shared across pregnancies of the same mother. The aim of this study was to understand how gestational duration is affected by parity and how parity modifies the association between history of preterm delivery and gestational duration. To investigate this, we analysed 1 118 318 spontaneous deliveries (1990 - 2012) from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, with access to pedigrees, using linear regressions and linear mixed models. We found that parity has a modest effect on the mean and a large effect on the variance of gestational duration. Interactions with a woman's clinical and family history of preterm delivery revealed both pregnancy-specific and shared factors. For instance, the effect of a previous preterm delivery on gestational duration is present across pregnancies, but the magnitude of its effect is pregnancy specific. The access to pedigrees made it possible to apply linear mixed models, thus including all woman's pregnancies in the model and accounting for unobserved mother-specific covariates. The linear mixed models highlighted a group effect bias when using linear regression to estimate the association between parity and gestational duration, likely caused by socioeconomic factors. Our study shed light on how parity affects gestational duration and modifies the effect of well-known risk factors of preterm delivery.
Association of Cancer History with Structural Brain Aging Markers of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Risk

Background and Objectives: Cancer survivors are less likely than comparably-aged individuals without a cancer history to develop Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). We investigated the association between cancer history and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers for ADRD risk, using linear mixed-effects models to assess differences at the mean values of MRI markers and quantile regression to examine whether the association varies across the distribution of MRI markers of brain aging. Methods: Among UK Biobank participants with [≥]1 brain MRI, we considered total gray matter volume, total brain volume, hippocampal volume, white matter hyperintensity volume, and mean cortical thickness in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) signature region. Cancer history was ascertained from national registry and self-report. We first specified linear mixed models with random intercepts to assess mean differences in MRI markers according to cancer history. Next, to examine whether effects of cancer history on these markers varies across the ADRD risk distribution, we specified quantile regression models to assess differences in quantile cut-points of the distribution of MRI markers according to cancer history. Models adjusted for demographics, APOE-{varepsilon}4 status, and health behaviors. Results: The sample included 42,242 MRIs on 37,588 participants with no cancer history (mean age 64.1 years), and 6,073 MRIs on 5,514 participants with a cancer diagnosis prior to MRI (mean age 66.7 years). Cancer history was associated with smaller mean hippocampal volume (b=-19 mm3, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-36, -1) and lower mean cortical thickness in the AD signature region (b=-0.004 mm, 95% CI=-0.007, -0.000). Quantile regressions indicated cancer history had larger effects on high quantiles of white matter hyperintensities (10th percentile b=-49 mm3, 95% CI=-112, 19; 90th percentile b=552 mm3, 95% CI= 250, 1002) and low quantiles of cortical thickness (10th percentile b=-0.006 mm, 95% CI=-0.011, -0.000; 90th percentile b=0.003 mm3, 95% CI=-0.003, 0.007), indicating individuals most vulnerable to ADRD were more affected by cancer history. Discussion: We found no evidence that cancer history was associated with less ADRD-related neurodegeneration. To the contrary, adults with cancer history had worse MRI indicators of dementia risk. Adverse associations were largest in the highest-risk quantiles of neuroimaging markers.
Applications of sampling theorems in wavelet spaces to multiresolution visualization and data segmentation

Sampling `theorems' in `wavelet spaces' are very useful for the integration of `wavelet multiresolution' techniques with various time-domain methods for data processing. In this paper, the application potential of `wavelet sampling theorem' will be illustrated through a few examples of dynamical data analysis and filtering. The main results among our recent applications of the wavelet sampling principles for data processing include the `compact- harmonic wavelets' and a new technique for time-frequency analysis. This new analysis technique provides localized wavelet filters with arbitrarily adjustable frequency-resolution, and the exact reconstruction capability. These filter qualities are both useful and essential for the accurate representation of local power-spectra, and segmentation of signals. These results and underlying ideas are also applicable to the fields of imaging and data compression.
Evidence of sublaminar drag naturally occurring in a curved pipe

Steady and unsteady flows in a mildly curved pipe for a wide range of Reynolds numbers are examined with direct numerical simulation. It is shown that in a range of Reynolds numbers in the vicinity of Reb ≈ 3400, based on bulk velocity and pipe diameter, a marginally turbulent flow is established in which the friction drag naturally reduces below the laminar solution at the same Reynolds number. The obtained values for friction drag for the laminar and turbulent (sublaminar) flows turn out to be in excellent agreement with experimental measurements in the literature. Our results are also in agreement with Fukagata et al. [“On the lower bound of net driving power in controlled duct flows,” Phys. D 238, 1082 (2009)], as the lower bound of net power required to drive the flow, i.e., the pressure drop of the Stokes solution, is still lower than our marginally turbulent flow. A large-scale traveling structure that is thought to be responsible for that behaviour is identified in the instantaneous field. This mode could also be extracted using proper orthogonal decomposition. The effect of this mode is to redistribute the mean flow in the circular cross section which leads to lower gradients at the wall compared to the laminar flow.
Complete resolution of rectal cancer with liver metastases after palliative chemoradiotherapy and unplanned surgical resection—a case report

Abstract Metastatic colorectal cancer has poor prognosis for many patients at time of diagnosis with <20% 5-year survival rate. Recent advancements in palliative chemotherapy have improved patient outcomes as median survival has increased almost 2-fold. We report a 44-year-old gentleman who initially underwent palliative chemoradiotherapy and subsequently a Hartmann’s procedure for ypT3N1M1 upper rectal adenocarcinoma with multiple liver metastases. Fortuitously, he made a remarkable recovery with complete radiological resolution of liver metastasis post-operatively. The patient has remained in remission for the past 10 years.
I trust my immunity more than your vaccines: “Appeal to nature” bias strongly predicts questionable health behaviors in the COVID-19 pandemic

Health care policies often rely on public cooperation, especially during a health crisis. However, a crisis is also a period of uncertainty and proliferation of health-related advice: while some people adhere to the official recommendations, others tend to avoid them and resort to non-evidence based, pseudoscientific practices. People prone to the latter are often the ones endorsing a set of epistemically suspect beliefs, with two being particularly relevant: conspiratorial pandemic-related beliefs, and the appeal to nature bias regarding COVID-19 (i.e., trusting natural immunity to fight the pandemic). These in turn are rooted in trust in different epistemic authorities, seen as mutually exclusive: trust in science and trust in the “wisdom of the common man”. Drawing from two nationally representative probability samples, we tested a model in which trust in science/wisdom of the common man predicted COVID-19 vaccination status (Study 1, N = 1001) or vaccination status alongside use of pseudoscientific health practices (Study 2, N = 1010), through COVID-19 conspiratorial beliefs and the appeal to nature bias regarding COVID-19. As expected, epistemically suspect beliefs were interrelated, related to vaccination status, and to both types of trust. Moreover, trust in science had both a direct and indirect effect on vaccination status through both types of epistemically suspect beliefs. Trust in the wisdom of the common man had only an indirect effect on vaccination status. Contrary to the way they are typically portrayed, the two types of trust were unrelated. These results were largely replicated in the second study, in which we added pseudoscientific practices as an outcome; trust in science and the wisdom of the common man contributed to their prediction only indirectly, through epistemically suspect beliefs. We offer recommendations on how to make use of different types of epistemic authorities and how to tackle unfounded beliefs in communication during a health crisis.
Acceptability of PrEP among MSM and transgender communities—Qualitative findings from two metropolitan cities in India

Background Global evidence suggests that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) plays a pivotal role in reducing new HIV-infections among key populations (KP). However, the acceptability of PrEP differs across different geographical and cultural settings and among different KP typologies. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) communities in India have around 15–17 times higher prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than the general population. The low rates of consistent condom use and poor coverage of HIV testing and treatment among the MSM and transgender communities highlight the need for alternative HIV prevention options. Methods We used data from 20 in-depth interviews and 24 focused group discussions involving 143 MSM and 97 transgender individuals from the two metropolitan cities (Bengaluru and Delhi) in India to qualitatively explore their acceptability of PrEP as a HIV prevention tool. We coded data in NVivo and conducted extensive thematic content analysis. Results Awareness and use of PrEP were minimal among the MSM and transgender communities in both cities. However, on being provided with information on PrEP, both MSM and transgender communities expressed willingness to use PrEP as an additional HIV-prevention tool, to complement inability to consistently use condoms. PrEP was also perceived as a tool that could enhance the uptake of HIV-testing and counseling services. PrEP awareness, availability, accessibility and affordability were identified as determining factors that could influence its acceptability. Challenges such as stigma and discrimination, interrupted supply of drugs and non-community-friendly drug dispensing sites were identified barriers to continuing PrEP. Conclusions Using qualitative data from two Indian settings, this study provides community perspectives and recommendations to stakeholders and policymakers for introduction of PrEP into programs as a prevention tool among MSM and transgender communities in India.
Oxygen isotopic abundances in evolved stars. II. Eight MS and S stars

Oxygen isotope ratios have been measured in five MS stars, two S stars, and the slightly s-process--rich M giant 30 Her. Both the /sup 16/O//sup 17/O and /sup 16/O//sup 18/O ratios are found to be much larger than expected from stellar evolution theories. Both /sup 16/O//sup 17/O and /sup 16/O//sup 18/O are found to correlate well with the abundance of /sup 12/C and with the degree of neutron exposure necessary to explain the s-process element abundances. These correlations cannot be explained by current theoretical models of AGB stars, nor by simple modifications of these models. Explosive nucleosynthesis in the envelope at extremely high temperatures during the helium core flash is tentatively proposed to explain them.
Bottom-up approach for carbon nanotube interconnects

We report a bottom-up approach to integrate multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) into multilevel interconnects in silicon integrated-circuit manufacturing. MWNTs are grown vertically from patterned catalyst spots using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We demonstrate the capability to grow aligned structures ranging from a single tube to forest-like arrays at desired locations. SiO2 is deposited to encapsulate each nanotube and the substrate, followed by a mechanical polishing process for planarization. MWNTs retain their integrity and demonstrate electrical properties consistent with their original structure.
Algorithms for min-cut linear arrangements of outerplanar graphs

A linear arrangement (LA) is an embedding of an outerplanar graph G in a row of nodes. A linear-time approximation algorithm is presented to find an LA with cutwidth optimal within a constant factor. The Planar LA is an LA such that no two edges cross each other. Algorithms for this problem are also discussed. An abstraction, called a dual tree, is used to design these algorithms. <<ETX>>
Liposomal Bupivacaine Decreases Intravenous Opioid Use in Patients with Hip Fracture: A Modification to a Novel Pain Protocol

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether the administration of liposomal bupivacaine decreased opioid use and delirium in patients sustaining a hip fracture. Methods: A retrospective review of patients with hip fracture from September 2018 to October 2019 was performed through our institution's hip fracture registry. A liposomal bupivacaine cocktail was administered intraoperatively. Opioid requirement was determined for postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Delirium was identified through chart review. Visual analog scale pain scores were averaged for postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Four groups were analyzed: patients who received liposomal bupivacaine and IV acetaminophen, patients who only received IV acetaminophen, patients who only received liposomal bupivacaine, and control patients whose data were collected before this intervention. Continuous data were compared using a one-way analysis of variance or Student t-test, as applicable. Categorical data were compared using the Fisher exact test. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: One hundred nine patients met the inclusion criteria for the study with a mean age of 81.2 years. Eighty-two patients (75.2%) received intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine during the study year. Intravenous opioid requirement was markedly different among all four groups in all postoperative days. Oral opioid requirement and pain scores were not different between groups on any postoperative day. A notable decrease in IV opioid requirement in all postoperative days was seen in the Intervention groups (day 1 P < 0.001, day 2 P = 0.002, and day 3 P = 0.030). There existed a trend toward decreased delirium rates in the Intervention groups compared with the No Intervention group (23.9% vs. 32.8%, P = 0.272). Conclusion: The inclusion of liposomal bupivacaine in our institution's novel pain protocol led to notable decreases in opioid requirement in all postoperative days studied with a trend toward decreased delirium rates as well.
Meso-origami: Folding multilayer graphene sheets

Graphene features unique electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties, and the flexibility and strong attraction between graphene layers promotes the formation of self-folded nanostructures. Here we study the self-folding of mono- and multilayer graphene sheets, utilizing a coarse-grained hierarchical multiscale model derived directly from atomistic simulation. Our model, developed by enforcing assertion of energy conservation, enables the simulation of graphene folding across a range of length scales from nanometers to micrometers. Through theoretical and simulation analysis we show that the critical self-folded length is πC/γ, where C and γ are the bending stiffness per unit length and the surface energy per unit length.
The Angular Diameter of the Mira Variable R Leonis at 3.36 and 2.2 Microns

We report angular diameter determinations of the bright Mira variable R Leonis obtained by lunar occultations with broad- and narrowband filters at 2.2 and 3.36 μm, respectively. Observations were taken at the visual variability phases of 0.44 and 0.17 of the same pulsational cycle. We derive a uniform-disk (UD) diameter at 3.36 μm of 39 ± 3 mas, in good agreement with optical interferometric measurements at the same phase of an earlier cycle. From the 3.36 μm observations we derive an effective temperature of 2257 ± 110 K and a linear radius value of 478 ± 50 R⊙ using an accurate value of parallax. A UD value of 34 ± 2 mas is obtained at 2.2 μm. The 2.2 μm observations yield a physical diameter that is significantly lower (at least 20%) than the averaged optical interferometric values measured at nearly the same phase of the previous cycle. In combination with the 3.36 μm determination, this result implies that the variation in angular diameter of R Leo with phase at IR wavelengths is small (<5%), in contrast to what is observed in the optical. The linear radii derived from both the 3.36 and 2.2 μm observations seem to favor the first-overtone mode of pulsation, rather than the fundamental one.
Syphilis and dentists: The data about knowledge and awareness of clinicians in Turkey

Background: Syphilis may give pathognomonic signs in oral cavity. In order to emerge an awareness about dentists’ role in syphilis management, it was aimed to obtain the data from them about their knowledge. Methods: This survey-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 709 dentists practicing in Turkey. Participants answered 16 statements about syphilis “Transmission Routes,” “Extra-oral Clinical Features,” “Oral Findings,” and “Diagnosis & Treatment” with options yes/no/I do not know. Moreover, they responded to two 5-point Likert type questions about their comfort level and frequency of taking sexual anamnesis. The statistical significance was set at p ≤ . 05. Results: The mean age (years) and female/male ratio of the participants were 35.7 ± 10.2 and 449/260, respectively. The average of the correct answers in the survey was 10.38 ± 3.3. “Transmission Routes” had the highest ratio (50.6%) in terms of all questions in a single category that were answered correctly among groups. Dentists practicing at faculties had the highest number of correct answers (p = .003). The total number of correct answers and the number of correct answers in each category were positively related to both the level of comfort and the frequency of taking patient’s sexual anamnesis (Oral Findings p = .002; others p ≤ .001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that dentists practicing in Turkey lack a significant level of knowledge about syphilis. This highlights the need for further training and education programs for dentists in Turkey.
Quantitative approach to weak noncompactness in the polygon interpolation method

We study a quantitative approach to weak noncompactness of operators under the Cobos-Peetre polygon interpolation method for Banach TV-tuples. In the case of operators acting between two J-spaces or two if-spaces obtained by this method we prove logarithmically convex-type inequalities for certain operator seminorm vanish-ing on the subspace of weakly compact operators. Geometrically speaking, in these estimates only some triangles inscribed in the polygon are involved. For operators acting from a J-space to a K-space we prove logarithmically convex-type estimates where all polygon vertices are included. In particular, the estimates obtained here give the new proofs of the results showing the relation between distribution of weakly compact operators among polygon vertices and weak compactness of operators under interpolation.
Localization diagnosis of low back pain in a population-based study of a Japanese mountain village

Purpose The purposes of this study were to investigate 1) the location of low back pain (LBP) and 2) the relationships between the location of LBP and the LBP intensity or the quality of life (QoL) in a population-based study. Methods The location of LBP was categorized into four areas using palpation: midline of the lumbar region, paravertebral muscles, upper buttock, and sacroiliac joint. The extent of LBP in the situations/positions was assessed. The relationships between the location of LBP and the extent of LBP on the QoL were statistically analyzed. Results 174 participants (average age: 72.3 years-old) were analyzed in this study. 93 participants (53.4% of the total) who had experienced LBP in the past three months were included in the LBP-positive group. Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of the LBP-positive group were highest in the standing position. 51.6% of the LBP-positive group had LBP at the midline of the lumbar region, 40.9% at the paravertebral muscles, 28.0% at the upper buttock, and 15.1% at the sacroiliac joint. In the standing position, NRS scores of LBP at the upper buttock were significantly higher than those at the midline of the lumbar region and the paravertebral muscles (P<0.05). The Oswestry Disability Index scores of participants who had pain at the upper buttock were significantly higher than those at the midline of the lumbar region or paravertebral muscles (P<0.05). Conclusion Our study was the first report to investigate the location of LBP using palpation in a population-based study. LBP localization was significantly associated with LBP intensity and LBP-related QoL.
The Cryptococcus wall: A different wall for a unique lifestyle

Introduction The life-threatening fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are differentiated from all other human fungal pathogens by the presence of a gelatinous capsule as well as an unusual underlying cell wall. These organisms have both beenAU : Pleaseconfirmthatallheadinglevelsarerepresentedcorrectly: listed on the WHO list of fungal priority pathogens with higher disease burdens and unmet research and development needs, with C. neoformans at the top of the critical fungal priority group [1]. The aim of this review is to assess new insights into the unique attributes about Cryptococcus cell wall in relation to the pathogenic lifestyle of these important pathogens. Cryptococcus isolates have been classified into two species: C. neoformans (serotypes A, D, and AD) and C. gattii (serotypes B and C). Most studies on the Cryptococcus cell wall were performed using C. neoformans strains and, in many cases, without specifying the serotype used. For simplicity, here, I will only use the term “Cryptococcus” to indicate C. neoformans and C. gattii. Both the capsule and the cell wall contribute to the virulence properties of Cryptococcus and its ability to evade immune detection and killing (Table 1). The capsule and the cell wall are composed of different polysaccharides. While the capsule is mainly composed of glucuronoxylomannan and galactoxylomannan, the cell wall components include alphaand beta-glucans, chitin, chitosan, and mannoproteins (Table 1). The capsule is an essential virulence factor of Cryptococcus, and, as a consequence, its synthesis and function have been extensively studied (reviewed in [2,3]). In contrast, little attention has been paid to the Cryptococcus cell wall and its role in pathogenesis. Yet, the cell wall plays a crucial role in capsule synthesis and organisation [4,5], and defects in the Cryptococcus cell wall result into dramatic defects in cell division and morphology, increased sensitivity to stresses, and reduced virulence [6–9]. These observations strongly indicate that the cell wall also plays an important role in the biology of Cryptococcus and is a driver of Cryptococcus infection and disease.