Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A posteriori error analysis of a stabilized mixed FEM for convection-diffusion problems

We present an augmented dual-mixed variational formulation for a linear convection-diffusion equation with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. The approach is based on the addition of suitable least squares type terms. We prove that for appropriate values of the stabilization parameters, that depend on the diffusion coefficient and the magnitude of the convective velocity, the new variational formulation and the corresponding Galerkin scheme are well-posed, and a Cea estimate holds. In particular, we derive the rate of convergence when the flux and the concentration are approximated, respectively, by Raviart-Thomas and continuous piecewise polynomials. In addition, we introduce a simple a posteriori error estimator which is reliable and locally efficient. Finally, we provide numerical experiments that illustrate the behavior of the method.
A convolutional neural network algorithm developed for shielded multi-isotope identification

Identifying radioisotopes can facilitate risk-informed management decisions in nuclear security and nuclear site decommissioning applications. An artificial neural network based algorithm capable of identifying multiple radioisotopes across a range of shielded environments is presented. Five isotopes were selected to create this algorithm. Small sets of single-isotope gamma spectra were collected using a sodium iodide detector in three different shielding configurations. Each of these sets of spectra was independently augmented by combining spectra to create multi-isotope spectra. The three sets were then combined to form a training set containing 38500 spectra. Four types of neural networks were explored, optimised, and compared. Based on the results of this comparison, a multi-label convolutional neural network with five hidden layers was chosen to test on a large set of 2132 spectra using sources of the same isotopes with different activities. These testing spectra were collected experimentally and independently of the training set. Subsets of spectra were taken from the testing set and used to assess the ability of the algorithm in four different ways: to identify multiple spectra simultaneously, to adapt to different shielding configurations, to explore the decrease in performance when analysing count-starved spectra, and to analyse spectra from a different NaI detector. The precision, recall, and F1 scores were calculated on all tests. Results show a high performance with F1 scores that are typically above 0.85. Recall values were generally higher than precision when analysing shielded spectra, indicating that the algorithm tends to produce more false positives than negatives.
Immunocompetent hamsters as a model for orthobunyavirus-induced neuroinvasion and neuropathology

Background Bunyavirus infections, including those caused by Bunyamwera serogroup orthobunyaviruses, represent a significant and yet likely still vastly underappreciated cause of mild to moderate human febrile infections. In severe cases, these infections can also cause neurological disease, particularly meningitis and encephalitis, and infection can even be fatal. However, with a few exceptions, information regarding the mechanisms underlying the neuroinvasion and neuropathogenesis of such infections is limited. This is due in part to a lack of animal models to facilitate such studies. Methodology/Principal findings In an effort to develop an immunocompetent model of infection with Bunyamwera serogroup orthobunyaviruses, we infected 4-6-week-old female hamsters via either the intraperitoneal or subcutaneous route with 106 pfu/animal of Bunyamwera virus (BUNV), Batai virus or Ngari virus. Only BUNV infection resulted in clinical disease, which was characterized by weight loss, lethargy and neurological signs (i.e. tremor of the head or limbs, loss of righting reflex, “waltzing”). While symptoms were of similar severity for both routes, they occurred more frequently following subcutaneous inoculation. Consistent with these clinical signs, both antigen staining and histopathological abnormalities were found extensively throughout the brain. Conclusions/Significance The reported hamster model of BUNV infection provides a new tool for studying orthobunyavirus infection, and particularly neuroinvasion and the development of neuropathology. This model is particularly significant because it makes use of immunologically competent animals and relies on a subcutaneous inoculation route that more closely mimics the natural infection route for arboviruses, thereby providing a more authentic cellular and immunological context at the initial site of infection.
Efficacy and Safety of TACE Combined with Regorafenib versus TACE in the Third-Line Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases

Background The liver is the most common site of metastasis in colorectal cancer. In patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases, the 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. Many patients with colorectal liver metastases require effective subsequent therapy after the failure of standard first-line/second-line therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of TACE combined with Regorafenib versus TACE in the third-line treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases. Method The clinical data of 132 patients with colorectal liver metastases were collected. There were two groups: TACE + Regorafenib group (N = 63); TACE group (N = 69). TACE uses CalliSpheres® drug-loaded microspheres (loaded with irinotecan). Regorafenib is administered at a dose of 120 mg once daily. If the patient is severely intolerable, the regorafenib dose is adjusted to 80 mg once daily. Primary study endpoints were (1) to evaluate the tumor response, ORR, and DCR and (2) to evaluate OS and PFS in the two groups. Secondary study endpoints were (1) to compare the performance status, CEA, CA19-9 after treatment between the two groups and (2) to compare the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. Results There were significant differences in tumor response, ORR, DCR, OS, and PFS after treatment between the two groups. TACE combined with the Regorafenib group versus the TACE group: ORR (57.1% vs 33.3%), DCR (82.5% vs 68.1%), mOS (18.2 months vs 11.3 months), and mPFS (8.9 months vs 5.3 months). The performance status after treatment was better in the TACE + Regorafenib group than in the TACE group (P < 0.05). The CEA and CA19-9 negative rates after treatment were higher in the TACE + Regorafenib group than in the TACE group (P < 0.05). Conclusion For the third-line treatment of colorectal liver metastases, the combination of TACE + Regorafenib had better tumor response, OS, and PFS than TACE TACE + Regorafenib combination could be considered as salvage therapy for colorectal liver metastases who failed the first- and second-line standard therapy.
Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Public Sector Undergraduate Medical Students of Peshawar

Objective: To determine the effects of fasting on weight and eventually on Body Mass Index (BMI) in medical students of a Public Sector Medical College Methods: It was a prospective analytical study conducted in a Public Sector Medical College in Peshawar City from 28th March to 20th May 2022 (1443 Hijri). Convenience Sampling was used and 115 students (58 male and 57 female) of 1st Year MBBS to Final Year MBBS were enrolled. Four readings of weight were taken, one before, two during, and one after Ramadan. A well-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to inquire about basic demographic characteristics, sleep patterns during Ramadan and normal routine, and family history of obesity. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS software and a repeated measures ANOVA test was used for drawing statistical conclusions. Results: A slight increase in the mean weight was observed during the second week of Ramadan while a loss of 0.4 kg occurred during the fourth week of Ramadan, F (1, 81) = 1777.55; p < 0.0001. The same pattern was observed for BMI, F (1, 81) = 2705.18; p < 0.0001. However, the weight and the BMI were regained in two to three weeks following Ramadan. Conclusion: Ramadan offers a non-hazardous way of weight loss. Further studies across different geographical locations with larger sample sizes should be conducted to identify and quantify the association between weight and fasting and also to identify potential confounders.
Impulsive synchronization of two coupled complex networks with time-delayed dynamical nodes

In this paper, we investigate the impulsive synchronization between two coupled complex networks with time-delayed dynamical nodes. Based on the Lyapunov stability, the linear feedback control and the impulsive control theories, the linear feedback and the impulsive controllers are designed separately. By using the generalized Barbalat's lemma, the global asymptotic impulsive synchronization of the drive—response complex networks is derived and some corresponding sufficient conditions are also obtained. Numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness and the correctness of the synchronization criteria.
The TOPLESS corepressor regulates developmental switches in the bryophyte Physcomitrium patens that were critical for plant terrestrialisation

SUMMARY The plant‐specific TOPLESS (TPL) family of transcriptional corepressors is integral to multiple angiosperm developmental processes. Despite this, we know little about TPL function in other plants. To address this gap, we investigated the roles TPL plays in the bryophyte Physcomitrium patens, which diverged from angiosperms approximately 0.5 billion years ago. Although complete loss of PpTPL function is lethal, transgenic lines with reduced PpTPL activity revealed that PpTPLs are essential for two fundamental developmental switches in this plant: the transitions from basal photosynthetic filaments (chloronemata) to specialised foraging filaments (caulonemata) and from two‐dimensional (2D) to three‐dimensional (3D) growth. Using a transcriptomics approach, we integrated PpTPL into the regulatory network governing 3D growth and we propose that PpTPLs represent another important class of regulators that are essential for the 2D‐to‐3D developmental switch. Transcriptomics also revealed a previously unknown role for PpTPL in the regulation of flavonoids. Intriguingly, 3D growth and the formation of caulonemata were crucial innovations that facilitated the colonisation of land by plants, a major transformative event in the history of life on Earth. We conclude that TPL, which existed before the land plants, was co‐opted into new developmental pathways, enabling phytoterrestrialisation and the evolution of land plants.
Comparing Short-Term Knee-Related Quality of Life and Associated Clinical Outcomes Between Youth With and Without a Sport-Related Knee Injury

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Objective: To compare short-term changes in knee-related quality of life (QOL) and associated clinical outcomes between youth with and without a sport-related knee injury. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Sport medicine and physiotherapy clinics. Participants: Youth (11-19 years old) who sustained an intra-articular, sport-related knee injury in the past 4 months and uninjured youth of similar age, sex, and sport. Independent Variable: Injury history. Main Outcome Measures: Knee-related QOL (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS), knee extensor and flexor strength (dynamometry), physical activity (accelerometer), fat mass index (FMI; bioelectrical impedance), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, TSK) were measured at baseline (within 4 months of injury) and at 6-month follow-up. Wilcoxon rank sum tests assessed between-group differences for all outcomes. Regression models assessed the association between injury history and outcome change (baseline to 6-month follow-up), considering sex. The influence of injury type, baseline values, and physiotherapy attendance was explored. Results: Participants' (93 injured youth, 73 uninjured control subjects) median age was 16 (range 11-20) years and 66% were female. Despite greater improvements in KOOS QOL scores (20; 95% confidence interval, 15-25), injured participants demonstrated deficits at 6-month follow-up (z = 9.3, P < 0.01) compared with control subjects, regardless of sex. Similar findings were observed for knee extensor and flexor strength and TSK scores but not for physical activity or FMI. Lower baseline values were associated with greater outcome changes in injured youth. Conclusions: Youth have worse knee-related QOL, muscle strength, and kinesiophobia early after a sport-related knee injury than control subjects. Despite improvements, deficits persist 6 months later.
A Note Concerning the Algorithmic Analysis of Polymer Thermodynamics

In this work we study a tally counting problem arising from a discrete model of polymer thermodynamics: The Model of Self-avoiding walks constrained to lattice strips. We show that the partition function of this model can be computed in time O log 2 (n) using a polynomial number of processors The qualitative properties of some models of statistical mechanics are completely encoded into a discrete function called the partition function of the model [10]. Most thermodynamical quantities describing the dynamics and structure of those models, like for example the free energy of the system, can be computed from their partition functions: solving a discrete model of statistical mechanics means computing its partition function. Most of the time partition functions are defined as counting problems [12]. We consider, in our research, a discrete model of statistical mechanics: the self-avoiding walk model. We study the computational complexity of computing the partition function of this model, we review the known facts and we prove that there exists a O log 2 (n) parallel time algorithm that computes the number of self-avoiding walks constrained to lattice strips of fixed height.
Paired Indoor and Outdoor Nitrogen Dioxide Associated With Childhood Asthma Outcomes in a Mixed Rural-Urban Setting: A Feasibility Study

Introduction: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is known to be a trigger for asthma exacerbation. However, little is known about the role of seasonal variation in indoor and outdoor NO2 levels in childhood asthma in a mixed rural-urban setting of North America. Methods: This prospective cohort study, as a feasibility study, included 62 families with children (5-17 years) that had diagnosed persistent asthma residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Indoor and outdoor NO2 concentrations were measured using passive air samples over 2 weeks in winter and 2 weeks in summer. We assessed seasonal variation in NO2 levels in urban and rural residential areas and the association with asthma control status collected from participants’ asthma diaries during the study period. Results: Outdoor NO2 levels were lower (median: 2.4 parts per billion (ppb) in summer, 3.9 ppb in winter) than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) annual standard (53 ppb). In winter, a higher level of outdoor NO2 was significantly associated with urban residential living area (P = .014) and lower socioeconomic status (SES) (P = .027). For both seasons, indoor NO2 was significantly higher (P < .05) in rural versus urban areas and in homes with gas versus electric stoves (P < .05). Asthma control status was not associated with level of indoor or outdoor NO2 in this cohort. Conclusions: NO2 levels were low in this mixed rural-urban community and not associated with asthma control status in this small feasibility study. Further research with a larger sample size is warranted for defining a lower threshold of NO2 concentration with health effect on asthma in mixed rural-urban settings.
Addressing Current Issues in Vision Rehabilitation as a Specialty Practice of Occupational Therapy

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to examine the low number of occupational therapy practitioners in the United States that possessed specialty or advanced certification in low vision. The discussion explores possible reasons for this finding, including insufficient educational accreditation standards to prepare occupational therapy students to work with people with visual conditions, lack of clarity on the definition of low vision leading to misalignment with the profession’s scope of practice, inconsistent requirements for advanced certification, scarcity of post-professional preparation programs, and other issues. We propose several solutions to prepare occupational therapy practitioners to meet the challenges and needs of people of all ages with visual impairments.
Urinary metabolomic biomarker candidates for skeletal muscle wasting in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, leading to chronic synovial inflammation and local tissue destruction. Extra‐articular manifestations may also occur, such as changes in body composition. Skeletal muscle wasting is often observed in patients with RA, but methods for assessing loss of muscle mass are expensive and not widely available. Metabolomic analysis has shown great potential for identifying changes in the metabolite profile of patients with autoimmune diseases. In this setting, urine metabolomic profiling in patients with RA may be a useful tool to identify skeletal muscle wasting. Methods Patients aged 40–70 years with RA have been recruited according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Further, the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP) determined the disease activity. The muscle mass was measured by Dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) to generate the appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) by summing the lean mass measurements for both arms and legs and dividing them by height squared (kg/height2). Finally, urine metabolomic analysis by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy was performed and the metabolomics data set analysed using the BAYESIL and MetaboAnalyst software packages. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were applied to the 1H‐NMR data, followed by Spearman's correlation analysis. The combined receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was calculated, as well as the logistic regression analyses to establish a diagnostic model. The significance level at P < 0.05 was set for all analyses. Results The total set of subjects investigated included 90 patients with RA. Most patients were women (86.7%), with a mean age of 56.5 ± 7.3 years old and a median DAS28‐CRP of 3.0 (IQR 1.0–3.0). Fifteen metabolites were identified in the urine samples with high variable importance in projection (VIP scores) by MetaboAnalyst. Of these, dimethylglycine (r = 0.205; P = 0.053), oxoisovalerate (r = −0.203; P = 0.055), and isobutyric acid (r = −0.249; P = 0.018) were significantly correlated with ALMI. Based on the low muscle mass (ALMI ≤6.0 kg/m2 for women and ≤8.1 kg/m2 for men) a diagnostic model have been established with dimethylglycine (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.65), oxoisovalerate (AUC = 0.49), and isobutyric acid (AUC = 0.83) with significant sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions Isobutyric acid, oxoisovalerate, and dimethylglycine from urine samples were associated with low skeletal muscle mass in patients with RA. These findings suggest that this group of metabolites may be further tested as biomarkers for identification of skeletal muscle wasting.
A BA Scale Free Network Model with Inner Evolving

We propose and study an inner evolving network model,which is based on the BA(Barabasi-Albert) Scale-Free model.That is,the network is growing with not only nodes but also the links of inner part of the network.New links are added between existing nodes before adding new nodes.We design two parameters q_(1) and q_(2) in this model,and we can regulate the values of them in order to investigate the characters of network growing.We have deduced the degree distribution theoretically and proved the correctness of the theoretical result by our simulation.This improvement of BA model has more broad practical backgrounds.It can simulate and describe the evolutions and characters for many real world complex networks more exactly.
Numerical Simulation of Water Waves’ Modulational Instability under the Effects of Wind’s Stress and Gravity Force Relaxation

The waves driven by the wind do not move on the water as ordinarily done by sailboats. Indeed, the movement of the waves driven by the wind is more complex than the sailboats’ translation movement that we know. The movement of the wave in our particular case results from the chain-job done by wind’s stress and gravity forces: material is collected upstream (erosion phenomenon) and then deposited on the wave’s summit by the wind. This material deposited on the summit of the wave by the wind is then removed and dispatched on the downstream side of the wave by gravity forces. As always happens in any chain-job: if the wind works faster than gravity forces, great accumulation of material will occur at the summit of the wave that will lead to an increase in its (the wave in this case) height. If conversely the wind works more slowly, a deficit in material delivery will occur and gravity force goes directly to remove material on the wave’s summit and lead to a decrease in its height. In terms of Mechanics, we know that the main obstacle that can seriously disturb the work of the wind is the unavailability of water or so its viscosity. Given the complexity of the process to be studied, it seemed necessary for us to make a use of modulational instability theories such as the standard NLSE in order to better understand the contribution of wind and water viscosity to modulations of driven waves’ amplitudes (or phases): modulations which sometimes can accidentally trigger unpredictable rogue waves.
On the Braid Index of Kanenobu Knots

We study the braid indices of the Kanenobu knots. It is known that the Kanenobu knots have the same HOMFLYPT polynomial and the same Khovanov-Rozansky homology. The MFW inequality is known for giving a lower bound of the braid index of a link by applying the HOMFLYPT polynomial. Therefore, it is not easy to determine the braid indices of the Kanenobu knots. In our previous paper, we gave upper bounds and sharper lower bounds of the braid indices of the Kanenobu knots by applying the 2-cable version of the zeroth coefficient HOMFLYPT polynomial. In this paper, we give sharper upper bounds of the braid indices of the Kanenobu knots.
Polyethylene glycol-modified mesoporous zerovalent iron nanoparticle as potential catalyst for improved reductive degradation of Congo red from wastewater

Abstract In this study, bare zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) have been modified using polyethylene glycol (PEG) of various molecular weight in a facile technique. The synthesized nZVI modified with PEG, M.W. of 600 and 6000 was denoted by nZVI-PEG600 and nZVI-PEG6000, respectively, and compared their catalytic activity towards the reductive degradation of Congo red (CR) using NaBH4.The existence of PEG layer surrounds the nZVI core was confirmed by several characterization tools, such as XRD, FTIR, FESEM and TEM. Herein, both nZVI-PEG600 and nZVI-PEG6000 exhibited remarkable removal efficiencies of 89.6% and 99.2% within 14 min of reaction time. The optimum reaction parameters were found to be as follows: 0.2 g L−1 catalyst dose and initial dye concentration of 2 × 10−5 molL−1 etc. Kinetic studies of dye degradation were investigated which follow pseudo-1st-order kinetics. The TOC analysis confirmed the complete mineralization of CR dye by nZVI-PEG6000 nanocatalyst. GCMS analysis of plausible degraded products was performed to elucidate a probable mechanistic pathway of CR degradation. Further, we have investigated the degradation of two anionic dyes mixture, i.e., CR and methyl orange (MO) using best catalyst, i.e., nZVI-PEG6000.