Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Similarity assessment for cardinal directions between extended spatial objects

Cardinal directions are frequently used as selection criteria in spatial queries or for assessing similarities of spatial scenes. Current models for cardinal directions use crude approximations in the form of the objects' minimum bounding rectangles or their generalizations to points. To overcome the limitations of these models so that improved reasoning can be performed, the coarse direction-relation matrix is introduced. It partitions space around a reference object and records into which direction tiles an extended target object falls. The detailed direction-relation matrix captures more details by recording the ratio of the target object in each direction tile or the number of separations per tile. This multi-resolution model provides a better approximation for direction relations of complexly structured spatial objects than the approach with minimum bounding rectangles. In order to record directions between arbitrary pairs of point, line, and region objects, the model based on the coarse direction-relation matrix is extended to the deep direction-relation matrix. It additionally records information about the intersection of the target object with the boundaries of direction tiles, if necessary. This thesis demonstrates that directions recorded at smaller scales using this model are compatible with the directions recorded at larger scales. The compatibility makes this model useful for direction-based queries in spatial databases over multiple scales. To apply direction-relation matrices for the assessment of similarity between spatial scenes, this thesis develops a method to compute similarity between direction-relation matrices. The similarity between two direction-relation matrices depends on the distances between cardinal directions along a conceptual neighborhood graph, which has a node for each direction tile and edges connecting nodes corresponding to neighboring tiles. There are two types of graphs: the 4-neighborhood graph and the 8-neighborhood graph. The comparative study of the mappings from directions changes to similarity values provided by the graphs reveals that the 4-neighbohood graph provides a sounder mapping than the 8-neighborhood graph. The similarity assessment method gives cognitively plausible rankings of spatial scenes based on the cardinal direction between objects, and it is useful in retrieving spatially similar scenes in image databases, video databases, multimedia databases, and web databases.
Large Deviations of Convex Hulls of the “True” Self-Avoiding Random Walk

We study the distribution of the area and perimeter of the convex hull of the “true” self-avoiding random walk in a plane. Using a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method, we obtain the distributions also in their far tails, down to probabilities like 10−800. This enables us to test previous conjectures regarding the scaling of the distribution and the large-deviation rate function Φ. In previous studies, e.g., for standard random walks, the whole distribution was governed by the Flory exponent ν. We confirm this in the present study by considering expected logarithmic corrections. On the other hand, the behavior of the rate function deviates from the expected form. For this exception we give a qualitative reasoning.
Absence of Trichinella spp. larvae in carcasses of road-killed wild animals in Paraná state, Brazil

Abstract Trichinella spp. are zoonotic parasites that are widely distributed in warm-blooded carnivores and omnivores, including humans. Until the present moment, Brazil has been considered by World Animal Health Organization free from the domestic cycle of trichinellosis, whereas the parasite’s sylvatic cycle has the status of infection in limited zones. However, neighboring countries such as Argentina have reports of parasite larvae in the wild fauna. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in road-killed wild animals in Paraná, Brazil. Biological samples from 71 wild animals—29 Didelphis albiventris, 11 Nasua nasua, ten Cerdocyon thous, seven Dasypus novemcinctus, six Leopardus guttulus, six Sphiggurus spinosus and two Puma concolor—collected from November 2016 to November 2021 were subjected to artificial digestion, following the methodology described in the REGULATION (EC) No. 2075/2005. No Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in the carcasses of the road-killed wild animals. However, considering the wide spectrum of possible reservoirs that could act as a link between the sylvatic and domestic cycles and considering the current Brazilian status of sylvatic trichinellosis in limited zones, frequent monitoring of wild fauna remains necessary.
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection—Preparedness: Protocol for a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Viral Respiratory Infections

OBJECTIVES: Respiratory virus infections cause significant morbidity and mortality ranging from mild uncomplicated acute respiratory illness to severe complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, and death during epidemics and pandemics. We present a protocol to systematically study patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, due to respiratory viral pathogens to evaluate the natural history, prognostic biomarkers, and characteristics, including hospital stress, associated with clinical outcomes and severity. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Multicenter cohort of patients admitted to an acute care ward or ICU from at least 15 hospitals representing diverse geographic regions across the United States. PATIENTS: Patients with SARI caused by infection with respiratory viruses that can cause outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Measurements include patient demographics, signs, symptoms, and medications; microbiology, imaging, and associated tests; mechanical ventilation, hospital procedures, and other interventions; and clinical outcomes and hospital stress, with specimens collected on days 0, 3, and 7–14 after enrollment and at discharge. The primary outcome measure is the number of consecutive days alive and free of mechanical ventilation (VFD) in the first 30 days after hospital admission. Important secondary outcomes include organ failure-free days before acute kidney injury, shock, hepatic failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, 28-day mortality, adaptive immunity, as well as immunologic and microbiologic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: SARI—Preparedness is a multicenter study under the collaboration of the Society of Critical Care Medicine Discovery, Resilience Intelligence Network, and National Emerging Special Pathogen Training and Education Center, which seeks to improve understanding of prognostic factors associated with worse outcomes and increased resource utilization. This can lead to interventions to mitigate the clinical impact of respiratory virus infections associated with SARI.
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with liposarcomatous dedifferentiation: a case report

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with liposarcomatous dedifferentiation is a very extremely rare tumor and only few cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report a case of a 37-year-old woman who presented with a pain and a palpable mass in the right flank. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan found a renal tumor and the patient underwent a right radical nephrectomy with adrenal gland resection. After the histological examination of the specimen completed by immunohistochemical and molecular study, a diagnosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with liposarcomatous dedifferentiation was made. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. Afterwards, she developed bone metastasis and died 13 months after the surgery. Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with liposarcomatous dedifferentiation is a rare tumor associated with a poor prognosis and a metastatic potential.
Effectiveness of inositol, metformin and their combination in women with PCOS undergoing assisted reproduction: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective Our study aims to compare the effect of metformin, inositol and their combinations on the efficiency in improving outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies in women with PCOS. Data sources PubMed, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, MEDLINE. The search was performed on studies published before November 14, 2021, to identify articles evaluating the effectiveness of treatment metformin and inositol on ART outcomes. Study selection The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 checklist and registered in the PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021287887. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English that compared metformin or inositol or metformin + inositol treatment with placebo or no treatment in women with PCOS undergoing assisted reproduction were included. In addition, RCTs with comparison combination and single metformin or inositol treatment were also included. Data extraction and synthesis 35 RCTs were included for qualitative analysis reporting on 4668 participants. In group of Metformin treatment were included 1891 patients, in Myo-inositol group − 281, in inositol + metformin group were included 110 participants and in control group (placebo or absence of treatment) − 1865 women with PCOS. 5 meta-analyses were performed. CPR in comparison of metformin and placebo in 1312 patients were higher in metformin group (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.50, p = 0.0004). OHSS was less in metformin (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.69, p = 0.003). However, LBR were not statistically significant (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.36, p = 0.24). In comparison of inositol and no treatment there was also no difference in CPR (RR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.79 to 2.38, p = 0.26). As for metformin and inositol meta-analysis in 220 patients with PCOS, CPR were higher in inositol group (RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.18, p = 0.03). Combination treatment included only two RCTs and was illegible for meta-analysis. Conclusion To our knowledge, it is the first meta-analysis that estimates inositol treatment compared to metformin. Based on our systematic review and meta-analysis, metformin seems to be a good option for improving ART outcomes in women with PCOS. However, it is not clear whether inositol usage is adequate. Nevertheless, we need more clinical trials of good quality to answer all questions thoroughly.
Exploring the Mechanisms Linking Transformational Leadership, Perceived Organizational Support, Creativity, and Performance in Hospitality: The Mediating Role of Affective Organizational Commitment

Integrating leadership and creativity theories, this study proposed and examined a model linking transformational leadership, perceived organizational support, affective organizational commitment, creativity, and performance. Structural equation modeling was thus performed using 362 employee–supervisor dyads from the international tourist hotels in Taiwan. The results indicated that both transformational leadership and perceived organizational support were significantly and positively related to employee affective organizational commitment, creativity, and performance, while affective organizational commitment had significantly positive influences on creativity and performance. Support was also found for the significant and positive mediating relationships between affective organizational commitment and the influences of both transformational leadership and perceived organizational support on creativity and performance. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings for hospitality are also discussed.
Is cysteamine use effective in the treatment of melasma? A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Melasma is a recurrent hypermelanosis disorder characterized by the appearance of brownish and symmetrical spots on the skin. It affects the quality of life and is resistant to available treatment approaches. Cysteamine has been reported as a promising depigmenting agent for melasma treatment and following formulation enhancement, its use is being reported. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the use of depigmenting formulations containing 5% cysteamine in the treatment of patients with melasma. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, and Scielo databases until December 27, 2021, based on criteria selected by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.4 software. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials. A total of six studies containing 120 melasma patients treated with 5% cysteamine were included in this meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that 5% cysteamine is effective for the treatment of patients with melasma (MD 6.26 [95% CI 3.68–8.83], p < 0.0001, I2 = 86%). In this review, through meta‐analysis allows concluding that 5% cysteamine is effective in the treatment of melasma and presents a low probability of side or adverse effects.
Acetylenotrophic and Diazotrophic Bradyrhizobium sp. Strain I71 from TCE-Contaminated Soils

The isolation of Bradyrhizobium strain I71 expands the distribution of acetylene-consuming microbes to include a group of economically important microorganisms. Members of Bradyrhizobium are well studied for their abilities to improve plant health and increase crop yields by providing bioavailable nitrogen. ABSTRACT Acetylene (C2H2) is a molecule rarely found in nature, with very few known natural sources, but acetylenotrophic microorganisms can use acetylene as their primary carbon and energy source. As of 2018 there were 15 known strains of aerobic and anaerobic acetylenotrophs; however, we hypothesize there may yet be unrecognized diversity of acetylenotrophs in nature. This study expands the known diversity of acetylenotrophs by isolating the aerobic acetylenotroph, Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71, from trichloroethylene (TCE)-contaminated soils. Strain I71 is a member of the class Alphaproteobacteria and exhibits acetylenotrophic and diazotrophic activities, the only two enzymatic reactions known to transform acetylene. This unique capability in the isolated strain may increase the genus’ economic impact beyond agriculture as acetylenotrophy is closely linked to bioremediation of chlorinated contaminants. Computational analyses indicate that the Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 genome contains 522 unique genes compared to close relatives. Moreover, applying a novel hidden Markov model of known acetylene hydratase (AH) enzymes identified a putative AH enzyme. Protein annotation with I-TASSER software predicted the AH from the microbe Syntrophotalea acetylenica as the closest structural and functional analog. Furthermore, the putative AH was flanked by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) elements, like that of AH in anaerobic acetylenotrophs, suggesting an unknown source of acetylene or acetylenic substrate in the environment that is selecting for the presence of AH. IMPORTANCE The isolation of Bradyrhizobium strain I71 expands the distribution of acetylene-consuming microbes to include a group of economically important microorganisms. Members of Bradyrhizobium are well studied for their abilities to improve plant health and increase crop yields by providing bioavailable nitrogen. Additionally, acetylene-consuming microbes have been shown to work in tandem with other microbes to degrade soil contaminants. Based on genome, cultivation, and protein prediction analysis, the ability to consume acetylene is likely not widespread within the genus Bradyrhizobium. These findings suggest that the suite of phenotypic capabilities of strain I71 may be unique and make it a good candidate for further study in several research avenues.
RADIO ACTIVE GALAXY NUCLEI IN GALAXY CLUSTERS: HEATING HOT ATMOSPHERES AND DRIVING SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE GROWTH OVER COSMIC TIME

We estimate the average radio active galactic nucleus (AGN, mechanical) power deposited into the hot atmospheres of galaxy clusters over more than three quarters of the age of the Universe. Our sample was drawn from eight major X-ray cluster surveys and includes 685 clusters in the redshift range 0.1 < z < 0.6 that overlap the area covered by the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS). The radio-AGN mechanical power was estimated from the radio luminosity of central NVSS sources, using the relation of Cavagnolo et al. that is based on mechanical powers determined from the enthalpies of X-ray cavities. We find only a weak correlation between radio luminosity and cluster X-ray luminosity, although the most powerful radio sources reside in luminous clusters. The average AGN mechanical power of 3 × 1044 erg s−1 exceeds the X-ray luminosity of 44% of the clusters, indicating that the accumulation of radio-AGN energy is significant in these clusters. Integrating the AGN mechanical power to redshift z = 2.0, using simple models for its evolution and disregarding the hierarchical growth of clusters, we find that the AGN energy accumulated per particle in low luminosity X-ray clusters exceeds 1 keV per particle. This result represents a conservative lower limit to the accumulated thermal energy. The estimate is comparable to the level of energy needed to “preheat” clusters, indicating that continual outbursts from radio-AGN are a significant source of gas energy in hot atmospheres. Assuming an average mass conversion efficiency of η = 0.1, our result implies that the supermassive black holes that released this energy did so by accreting an average of ∼109 M☉ over time, which is comparable to the level of growth expected during the quasar era.
An orthogonal dual-regulation strategy for sensitive biosensing applications

ABSTRACT Biosensing systems based on controllable motion behaviors of droplets have attracted extensive attention, but still face challenges of insufficient sensitivity and uncontrollable dynamic range due to imprecise manipulation of droplet motion on the surfaces. Here, we report an orthogonal dual-regulation strategy for precise motion control of droplets and we demonstrate its utility as a sensitive sensing system with controllable dynamic ranges of sensing for adenosine triphosphate, miRNA, thrombin and kanamycin, as well as discrimination of five kinds of DNA. We endowed a DNA-contained bio-droplet sliding on a lubricant-infused structural surface with micro-grooves to separately adjust the resistance from liquid phase and solid phase. The resistance from liquid phase mainly depended on hydrophobic interaction between DNA and lubricant, which can be finely tuned by different DNA’s average chain length. Meanwhile, the resistance from solid surface was determined by the energy barrier from the periodic micro-grooves, which can be adjusted by varying the droplet's sliding direction on the surface. The hydrophobic interaction is conformed to be orthogonal to the micro-grooves’ anisotropic resistance by three different methods. This orthogonal dual-regulation strategy thus demonstrated its ability to precisely control bio-droplets’ motion behaviors and sensitive detection with adjustable dynamic ranges for various bio-targets. The dual-regulation strategy will provide significant insights for super-wettable biosensors, visual inspection and beyond.
Single‐molecule approaches reveal outer membrane protein biogenesis dynamics

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) maintain the viability of Gram‐negative bacteria by functioning as receptors, transporters, ion channels, lipases, and porins. Folding and assembly of OMPs involves synchronized action of chaperones and multi‐protein machineries which escort the highly hydrophobic polypeptides to their target outer membrane in a folding competent state. Previous studies have identified proteins and their involvement along the OMP biogenesis pathway. Yet, the mechanisms of action and the intriguing ability of all these molecular machines to work without the typical cellular energy source of ATP, but solely based on thermodynamic principles, are still not well understood. Here, we highlight how different single‐molecule studies can shed additional light on the mechanisms and kinetics of OMP biogenesis.
Statistical Analysis of Galaxy Surveys-II. The 3-point galaxy correlation function measured from the 2dFGRS

We present new results for the 3-point correlation function, ζ , measured as a function of scale, luminosity and colour from the ﬁnal version of the two-degree ﬁeld galaxy redshift survey (2dFGRS). The reduced three point correlation function, Q 3 ∼ ζ/ξ 2 , is estimated for diﬀerent triangle shapes and sizes, employing a full covariance analysis. The form of Q 3 is consistent with the expectations for the Λ-cold dark matter model, conﬁrming that the primary inﬂuence shaping the distribution of galaxies is gravitational instability acting on Gaussian primordial ﬂuctuations. However, we ﬁnd a clear oﬀset in amplitude between Q 3 for galaxies and the predictions for the dark matter. We are able to rule out the scenario in which galaxies are unbiased tracers of the mass at the 9- σ level. On weakly non-linear scales, we can interpret our results in terms of galaxy bias parameters. We ﬁnd a linear bias term that is consistent with unity, b 1 = 0 . 93 +0 . 10 − 0 . 08 and a quadratic bias c 2 = b 2 /b 1 = − 0 . 34 +0 . 11 − 0 . 08 . This is the ﬁrst signiﬁcant detection of a non-zero quadratic bias, indicating a small but important non-gravitational contribution to the three point function. Our estimate of the linear bias from the three point function is independent of the normalisation of underlying density ﬂuctuations, so we can combine this with the measurement of the power spectrum of 2dFGRS galaxies to constrain the amplitude of matter ﬂuctuations. We ﬁnd that the rms linear theory variance in spheres of radius 8 h − 1 Mpc is σ 8 = 0 . 88 +0 . 12 − 0 . 10 , providing an independent conﬁrmation of values derived from other techniques. On non-linear scales, where ξ > 1, we ﬁnd that Q 3 has a strong dependence on scale, colour and luminosity.
Theories-based determinants analysis of Hib-combined vaccine hesitancy in China: A multi-group structural equation modeling

ABSTRACT Objectives To explore determinants of Hib-combined vaccine hesitancy in Chinese parents, and to provide scientific intervention measures to tackle vaccine hesitancy. Methods 2,531 parents were recruited from local healthcare centers in Zhejiang Province by accidental sampling, and completed the self-developed online questionnaire with voluntary participation. Health Belief Model and Model of Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy were applied to construct the framework of research. Multi-group Structural Equation Modeling was performed to explore the effects of determinants of vaccine hesitancy across various socio-economic status (SES). Results Hib-combined vaccine hesitancy for total sample was 2.184 ± 0.777 (95%CI: 2.153–2.214), and most of them were in low (n = 1436, 56.7%) level. Low SES group (2.335 ± 0.763, 95%CI: 2.271–2.400) had significantly highest vaccine hesitancy. For total sample, Self-Efficacy and Cues to Action presented −0.517 and −0.437 of standard total effect on Vaccine Hesitancy, respectively. The Multi-group Structural Equation Model with satisfying goodness of fit in SES groups ( = 1616.074, df = 314, /df = 5.147, CFI = 0.973, TLI = 0.966, SRMR = 0.027, RMSEA = 0.041) showed that Cues to Action imposed −0.621 (95%CI: −0.867–0.389, p < .001) of major standard total effect on Vaccine Hesitancy in low SES group, while Self-Efficacy imposed −0.560 (95%CI: −0.668–0.444, p < .001) and −0.685 (95%CI: −0.841–0.454, p < .001) of principal standard total effect on Vaccine Hesitancy in middle and high SES groups, respectively. Conclusions Hib-combined vaccine hesitancy in Chinese parents was low, and the lower the SES, the higher the vaccine hesitancy. Cues to Action and Self-Efficacy played primary role in declining vaccine hesitancy for parents at low SES, and at middle and high SES, respectively.