Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Following Carotid Endarterectomy Using Machine Learning

Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a major vascular operation for stroke prevention that carries significant perioperative risks; however, outcome prediction tools remain limited. The authors developed machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes following CEA. Methods and Results The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted vascular database was used to identify patients who underwent CEA between 2011 and 2021. Input features included 36 preoperative demographic/clinical variables. The primary outcome was 30‐day major adverse cardiovascular events (composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death). The data were split into training (70%) and test (30%) sets. Using 10‐fold cross‐validation, 6 machine learning models were trained using preoperative features. The primary metric for evaluating model performance was area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Model robustness was evaluated with calibration plot and Brier score. Overall, 38 853 patients underwent CEA during the study period. Thirty‐day major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 1683 (4.3%) patients. The best performing prediction model was XGBoost, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90–0.92). In comparison, logistic regression had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.60–0.64), and existing tools in the literature demonstrate area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values ranging from 0.58 to 0.74. The calibration plot showed good agreement between predicted and observed event probabilities with a Brier score of 0.02. The strongest predictive feature in our algorithm was carotid symptom status. Conclusions The machine learning models accurately predicted 30‐day outcomes following CEA using preoperative data and performed better than existing tools. They have potential for important utility in guiding risk‐mitigation strategies to improve outcomes for patients being considered for CEA.
Dietary Nutrient Deficiencies and Risk of Depression (Review Article 2018–2023)

Depression is classified as one of the most common mental disorders. Its prevalence has recently increased, becoming a growing public health threat. This review focuses on clarifying the role and importance of individual nutrients in the diet and the impact of nutrient deficiencies on the risk of depression. Deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids have a significant impact on brain and nervous system function, which can affect the appearance of depressive symptoms. However, it is important to remember that diet in itself is not the only factor influencing the risk of or helping to treat depression. There are many other aspects, such as physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social support, that also play an important role in maintaining mental health. The data review observed that most of the available analyses are based on cross-sectional studies. Further studies, including prospective cohort, case-control studies, are recommended to draw more reliable conclusions.
Advances in the Research on Brown Carbon Aerosols: Its Concentrations, Radiative Forcing, and Effects on Climate

Brown carbon (BrC) are important light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere, and it is of great significance to study the climate effects of BrC for regional or global climate change. This paper reviews recent advances in research on the radiative forcing of BrC, its effects on temperature and precipitation, and snow/ice albedo. Recent research suggests that: (1) Climate effects of aerosols can be represented more accurately when including BrC absorption in climate models; the regions with the highest global mean surface BrC concentrations estimated by models are mostly Southeast Asia and South America (biomass burning), East Asia and northeast India (biofuel burning), and Europe and North America (secondary sources); estimates of BrC radiative forcing are quite erratic, with a range of around 0.03–0.57 W m –2 . (2) BrC heating lead to tropical expansion and a reduction in deep convective mass fluxes in the upper troposphere; cloud fraction and cloud type have a substantial impact on the heating rate estimates of BrC. The inclusion of BrC in the model results in a clear shift in the cloud fraction, liquid water path, precipitation, and surface flux. BrC heating decreases precipitation on a global scale, particularly in tropical regions with high convective and precipitation intensity, but different in some regions. (3) Uncertain optical properties of BrC, mixing ratio of radiation-absorbing aerosols in snow, snow grain size and snow coverage lead to higher uncertainties and lower confidence in the simulated distribution and radiative forcing of BrC in snow than BC. To reduce the uncertainty of its climate effects, future research should focus on improving model research, creating reliable BrC emission inventories, and taking into account the photobleaching and lense effects of BrC.
Eulerian-lagrangian numerical scheme for contaminant removal from cavity in horizontal channel

Numerical studies are carried out in order to investigate the phenomenon of contaminant removal from cavities in a horizontal channel using Eulerian-Lagrangian approach. The predictions are performed for three different aspect ratios of the cavity and three different upstream velocities resulting in Reynolds numbers of 50, 100 and 400, based on the channel height. Snapshots of streamline plots and distribution of solid particles for each cavity type for the aforementioned three Reynolds numbers are presented. Effect of cavity shape on flow structure and dynamics of particles within the cavity is discussed in detail. Calculated rate and percentage of removal for all cavity types reveal that low aspect ratio needs high Reynolds number while independence of Reynolds number for high aspect ratio for effective contaminant removal from cavities.
Measuring Tumour Imatinib Concentrations in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours: Relevant or Redundant?

Simple Summary It is largely unknown how imatinib distributes within gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and whether imatinib plasma concentrations correlate with tumour concentrations, whilst plasma concentrations are used to optimize treatment. In this exploratory study imatinib tumour concentrations were measured in different tumour regions after neoadjuvant treatment. The goal of this study was to reveal tumour distribution patterns and to investigate the possible correlation between plasma and tumour concentrations. Imatinib appears to accumulate in tumour tissue since tumour concentrations were higher compared to plasma concentrations. No clear distribution pattern within the tumour could be identified. Interpatient variability in tumour concentration was almost threefold higher than interindividual variability in plasma concentration. No correlation between tumour and plasma concentrations could be identified, nor with pathological treatment response. Abstract Imatinib plasma trough concentrations are associated with efficacy for patients treated for advanced or metastatic KIT-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). This relationship has not been studied for patients treated in the neoadjuvant setting, let alone its correlation with tumour drug concentrations. In this exploratory study we aimed to determine the correlation between plasma and tumour imatinib concentrations in the neoadjuvant setting, investigate tumour imatinib distribution patterns within GISTs, and analyse its correlation with pathological response. Imatinib concentrations were measured in both plasma and in three regions of the resected primary tumour: the core, middle part, and periphery. Twenty-four tumour samples derived from the primary tumours of eight patients were included in the analyses. Imatinib tumour concentrations were higher compared to plasma concentrations. No correlation was observed between plasma and tumour concentrations. Interpatient variability in tumour concentrations was high compared to interindividual variability in plasma concentrations. Although imatinib accumulates in tumour tissue, no distribution pattern of imatinib in tumour tissue could be identified. There was no correlation between imatinib concentrations in tumour tissue and pathological treatment response.
Two-wavelength Raman imaging for non-intrusive monitoring of transient temperature in microfluidic devices

The present study proposes a non-intrusive visualization technique based on two-wavelength Raman imaging for in-situ monitoring of the unsteady temperature field in microfluidic systems. The measurement principle relies on the contrasting temperature dependencies of hydrogen-bonded and non-hydrogen-bonded OH stretching modes of the water Raman band, whose intensities were simultaneously captured by two cameras equipped with corresponding bandpass filters. The temperature distributions were then determined from the intensity ratio of the simultaneously-obtained Raman images, which enables compensation for temporal fluctuation and spatial inhomogeneity of the excitation laser intensity. A calibration experiment exhibited a linear relationship between the temperature and the intensity ratio in the range 293–343 K and least-regression analysis gave an uncertainty of 1.43 K at 95% confidence level. By applying the calibration data, time series temperature distributions were quantitatively visualized in a Y-shaped milli-channel at a spatial resolution of 6.0 × 6.0 µm2 with an acquisition time of 16.5 s. The measurement result clearly exhibited the temporal evolution of the temperature field and was compared with the values obtained by thermocouples. This paper therefore demonstrates the viability of employing the two-wavelength Raman imaging technique for temperature measurements in microfluidic devices.
Implementation of the PrAISED (Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia) intervention in practice: a mixed methods study

There is a paucity of evidence relating to the implementation of dementia care. The Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) intervention is a newly developed 12-month, home-based, individually tailored rehabilitation programme, delivered by therapists and rehabilitation support workers, with a focus on strength, balance, physical activity and activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to identify what is required to implement PrAISED, or similar interventions, in routine clinical practice. PrAISED was delivered as a pilot service in one National Health Service organisation in England. Patient characteristics and the number and duration of visits were recorded by intervention delivery staff. Quantitative data were explored using descriptive statistics. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven members of staff delivering the PrAISED service (two managers, five delivery staff) and eight members of staff from other sites involved in the PrAISED Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) (four managers, four delivery staff). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to inform interview guides and conduct a codebook thematic analysis. Adaptations were needed to deliver PrAISED as a service and referrals were lower than expected. Five themes were identified from interviews relating to the pilot service: operational processes; workforce capacity; referral; intervention delivery and patient impact. A further six themes were identified regarding the wider implementation of dementia therapy programmes: the need for support post-dementia diagnosis; acceptability; effective delivery; reach/referral; intervention design and adaptability; and intervention materials and training. There is a need for interventions like PrAISED to fill a gap in support immediately post-dementia diagnosis. Future implementation will require attention to the identification of intervention funding; leadership and management; time to establish operational processes; therapists with appropriate skills and experience; providing training and resources to support intervention delivery; defining patient eligibility and referral processes; and maintaining fidelity of the intervention.
IX.—The Gravitational Field of a Distribution of Particles Rotating about an Axis of Symmetry

The generalisation to the stationary case of the solution given by Weyl (1918) of Einstein's gravitational equations in a statical axially symmetric universe, has been attempted by various writers. It has not, however, so far been possible to reduce the equations to linear form and thus to find the most general solution. A set of special solutions has been obtained by Lewis (1932), valid in a region free of matter, which contain Weyl's solution as a particular case. They depend upon an arbitrary solution of the equation
Effects of fuel Lewis number on localised forced ignition of turbulent homogeneous mixtures: A numerical investigation

The influences of fuel Lewis number LeF (ranging from 0.8 to 1.2) on localised forced ignition and early stages of combustion of stoichiometric and fuel-lean homogeneous mixtures have been analysed using simple chemistry three-dimensional compressible direct numerical simulations for different values of root-mean-square velocity fluctuation and the energy deposition characteristics (i.e. characteristic width and the duration of energy deposition by the ignitor). The localised forced ignition is modelled using a source term in the energy transport equation, which deposits energy in a Gaussian manner from the centre of the ignitor over a stipulated period of time. The fuel Lewis number LeF has been found to have significant influences on the extent of burning of stoichiometric and fuel-lean homogeneous mixtures. It has been shown that the width of ignition energy deposition and the duration over which the ignition energy is deposited have significant influences on the success of ignition and subsequent flame propagation. An increase in the width of ignition energy deposition and the duration of energy deposition for a given amount of ignition energy have been found to have detrimental effects on the ignition event, which may ultimately lead to misfire. For a given value of u ' (LeF), the rate of heat transfer from the hot gas kernel increases with increasing LeF ( u ' ) , which in turn leads to a reduction in the extent of overall burning for both stoichiometric and fuel-lean homogeneous mixtures but the detrimental effects of high values of u ' on localised forced ignition are particularly prevalent for fuel-lean mixtures. Detailed physical explanations have been provided for the observed Le F , u ' and energy deposition characteristics effects.
A randomized controlled trial of an intervention to increase cultural diversity awareness of research mentors of undergraduate students

Cultural diversity variables like race and/or ethnicity influence research mentoring relationships, but mentors may not know how to address such variables with their mentees. Using a randomized controlled trial design, we tested a mentor training intervention to increase mentors’ awareness and skill in addressing cultural diversity in research mentoring relationships, documenting its impact on mentors and their undergraduate mentees’ ratings of mentor effectiveness. Participants were a national sample of 216 mentors and 117 mentees from 32 undergraduate research training programs in the United States. Mentors in the experimental condition reported greater gains than those in the comparison condition regarding the relevance of their racial/ethnic identity to mentoring and their confidence to mentor students across diverse cultural identities. Paired mentees of mentors in the experimental group rated their mentors higher at respectfully broaching and creating opportunities to address race/ethnicity matters than those with mentors in the comparison group. Our results support the efficacy of culturally focused mentorship education.
TrpA1 is a shear stress mechanosensing channel regulating intestinal stem cell proliferation in Drosophila

Adult stem cells are essential for tissue maintenance and repair. Although genetic pathways for controlling adult stem cells are extensively investigated in various tissues, much less is known about how mechanosensing could regulate adult stem cells and tissue growth. Here, we demonstrate that shear stress sensing regulates intestine stem cell proliferation and epithelial cell number in adult Drosophila. Ca2+ imaging in ex vivo midguts shows that shear stress, but not other mechanical forces, specifically activates enteroendocrine cells among all epithelial cell types. This activation is mediated by transient receptor potential A1 (TrpA1), a Ca2+-permeable channel expressed in enteroendocrine cells. Furthermore, specific disruption of shear stress, but not chemical, sensitivity of TrpA1 markedly reduces proliferation of intestinal stem cells and midgut cell number. Therefore, we propose that shear stress may act as a natural mechanical stimulation to activate TrpA1 in enteroendocrine cells, which, in turn, regulates intestine stem cell behavior.
Cryo-EM analysis of scorpion toxin binding to Ryanodine Receptors reveals subconductance that is abolished by PKA phosphorylation

Calcins are peptides from scorpion venom with the unique ability to cross cell membranes, gaining access to intracellular targets. Ryanodine Receptors (RyR) are intracellular ion channels that control release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticulum. Calcins target RyRs and induce long-lived subconductance states, whereby single-channel currents are decreased. We used cryo–electron microscopy to reveal the binding and structural effects of imperacalcin, showing that it opens the channel pore and causes large asymmetry throughout the cytosolic assembly of the tetrameric RyR. This also creates multiple extended ion conduction pathways beyond the transmembrane region, resulting in subconductance. Phosphorylation of imperacalcin by protein kinase A prevents its binding to RyR through direct steric hindrance, showing how posttranslational modifications made by the host organism can determine the fate of a natural toxin. The structure provides a direct template for developing calcin analogs that result in full channel block, with potential to treat RyR-related disorders.
Expression of Concern: HER3, but Not HER4, Plays an Essential Role in the Clinicopathology and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

After this article was published, similarities were noted between this article [1] and submissions by other research groups which call into question the validity and provenance of the reported results. In light of these issues, the PLOS ONE Editors issue this Expression of Concern. PLOS attempted to discuss the concerns with the authors, but the authors either did not reply or could not be reached through the email addresses on file with the journal.
Unrecognized hypertension among a general adult Ghanaian population: An urban community-based cross-sectional study of prevalence and putative risk factors of lifestyle and obesity indices

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, most individuals in developing countries are unaware of their blood pressure status. We determined the prevalence of unrecognized hypertension and its association with lifestyle factors and new obesity indices among the adult population. This community-based study was conducted among 1288 apparently healthy adults aged 18–80 years in the Ablekuma North Municipality, Ghana. Sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics, blood pressure and anthropometric indices were obtained. The prevalence of unrecognized HTN was 18.4% (237 / 1288). The age groups 45–54 years [aOR = 2.29, 95% CI (1.33–3.95), p = 0.003] and 55–79 years [aOR = 3.25, 95% CI (1.61–6.54), p = 0.001], being divorced [aOR = 3.02 95% CI (1.33–6.90), p = 0.008], weekly [aOR = 4.10, 95% CI (1.77–9.51), p = 0.001] and daily alcohol intake [aOR = 5.62, 95% CI (1.26–12.236), p = 0.028] and no exercise or at most once a week [aOR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.56–3.66), p = 0.001] were independently associated with HTN. Among males, the fourth quartile (Q4) of both body roundness index (BRI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) [aOR = 5.19, 95% CI (1.05–25.50), p = 0.043] were independent determinants of unrecognized HTN. Among females, the third quartile (Q3) [aOR = 7.96, 95% CI (1.51–42.52), p = 0.015] and Q4 [aOR = 9.87 95% CI (1.92–53.31), p = 0.007] of abdominal volume index (AVI), the Q3 of both BRI and WHtR [aOR = 6.07, 95% CI (1.05–34.94), p = 0.044] and Q4 of both BRI and WHtR [aOR = 9.76, 95% CI (1.74–54.96), p = 0.010] were independent risk factors of HTN. Overall, BRI (AUC = 0.724) and WHtR (AUC = 0.724) for males and AVI (AUC = 0.728), WHtR (AUC = 0.703) and BRI (AUC = 0.703) for females yielded a better discriminatory power for predicting unrecognized HTN. Unrecognized hypertension is common among the apparently healthy adults. Increased awareness of its risk factors, screening, and promoting lifestyle modification is needed to prevent the onset of hypertension.
Nonlinear evolution of an upward propagating gravity wave: overturning, convection, transience and turbulence

Abstract A numerical simulation of the nonlinear evolution of an upward propagating gravity wave shows that over-turning (the turning over of isopotential temperature surfaces) is the mechanism responsible for limiting the growth of the wave. Wave saturation (the state in which wave amplitude is constant with height) in the mesosphere results in turbulence (random, subkilometer-scale motions), but turbulence is not responsible for limiting wave amplitude. Therefore, parameterizations of wave drag and wave-associated eddy diffusivity that derive from the turbulence model of wave saturation have no rigorous justification and could give erroneous results if employed in studies of middle atmosphere circulation and minor constituent mixing. The immediate consequence of wave overturning is small-scale convection (regular, cellular structures with length scales of several to tens of kilometers) in the moving unstable phases of the wave. Cellular convection grows at the expense of the wave and provides a stabiliz.
Validation of the generalized single-channel algorithm using Landsat 8 imagery and SURFRAD ground measurements

ABSTRACT Land surface temperature (LST) is a key parameter in land surface physics and depends on energy and water exchange processes with the atmosphere. The generalized single-channel (GSC) algorithm is an operational approach for retrieving LST from satellite sensors with only one thermal infrared channel. Until now, validations of the GSC algorithm using in situ data were limited. In this study, Landsat 8 imagery and SURFace RADiation budget network (SURFRAD) ground observations were employed to test the accuracy of the GSC algorithm. The validation results show that the GSC algorithm can obtain high LST retrieval accuracy when the total atmospheric water vapour content is between 0.5 and 3 g cm−2, with coefficient of determination (R2) between the retrieved LST and the ground LST greater than 0.97 and mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values of 1.57 K and 1.96 K, respectively.