Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Prognosis of Multiple System Atrophy Using Cluster and Principal Component Analysis

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an intractable neurodegenerative disorder with poorly understanding of prognostic factors. Objective: The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal study was to explore the main predictors of survival of MSA patients with new clinical subtypes based on cluster analysis. Methods: A total of 153 Chinese MSA patients were recruited in our study. The basic demographic data and motor and nonmotor symptoms were assessed. Cluster and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to eliminate collinearity and search for new clinical subtypes. The multivariable Cox regression was used to find factors associated with survival in MSA patients. Results: The median survival time from symptom onset to death (estimated using data from all patients by Kaplan-Meier analysis) was 6.3 (95% CI = 6.1–6.7) years. The survival model showed that a shorter survival time was associated with motor principal component (PC)1 (HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.26–2.30, p < 0.001) and nonmotor PC3 (HR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.31–2.10, p < 0.001) through PCA. Four clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (mild), Cluster 2 (mood disorder-dominant), Cluster 3 (axial symptoms and cognitive impairment-dominant), and Cluster 4 (autonomic failure-dominant). Multivariate Cox regression indicated that Cluster 3 (HR = 4.15, 95% CI: 1.73–9.90, p = 0.001) and Cluster 4 (HR = 4.18, 95% CI: 1.73–10.1, p = 0.002) were independently associated with shorter survival time. Conclusion: More serious motor symptoms, axial symptoms such as falls and dysphagia, orthostatic hypotension, and cognitive impairment were associated with poor survival in MSA via PCA and cluster analysis.
The DNA of Digital Storytelling: A Case Study from a Higher Education LSP Classroom

This case study is based on a digital storytelling project conducted with first year Biotechnology with French students at National University of Ireland, Galway. Working in small groups, the students created digital stories in French based on forensic cases in which DNA profiling was used. The study was conducted while they were learning about DNA forensics in their mainstream programme. This study provides a practical example of how Digital Storytelling (DST) can be integrated as a teaching and learning tool into the Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) classroom within a higher education context. It highlights the potential of DST to develop students’ language skills within this specialised context and facilitate the acquisition of the transferable skills needed to communicate effectively in an increasingly globalised society.
Beta 1,3-1,6 Glucans Produced by Two Novel Strains of Aureobasidium Pullulans Exert Immune and Metabolic Beneficial Effects in Healthy Middle-aged Japanese Men: Results of an Exploratory Randomized Control Study

Objectives In this pilot study, we have evaluated the specific metabolic and immune-related benefits of the AFO-202 strain and N-163 strain of black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans-produced beta 1,3-1,6 glucan in healthy human subjects. Methods Sixteen healthy Japanese male volunteers (aged 40 to 60 years) took part in this clinical trial. They were divided into four groups (n = 4 each): Group I consumed AFO-202 beta-glucan (2 sachets of 1 g each per day), IA for 35 days and IB for 21 days; Group II consumed a combination of AFO-202 beta-glucan (2 sachets of 1 g each) and N-163 beta-glucan (1 sachet of 15 g gel each per day), IIA for 35 days and IIB for 21 days. Results Decrease in HbA1C and glycated albumin (GA), significant increase of eosinophils and monocytes and marginal decrease in D-dimer levels, decrease in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), with an increase in the lymphocyte-to-CRP ratio (LCR) and leukocyte-to-CRP ratio (LeCR) was observed in Group I between pre- and post-treatment. Decrease in total and LDL cholesterol, a decrease of CD11b, serum ferritin, galectin-3 and fibrinogen were profound in Group II between pre- and post-treatment. However, there was no statistically significant difference between day 21 and day 35 among the groups. Conclusion This outcome warrants larger clinical trials to explore the potentials of these safe food supplements in the prevention and prophylaxis of diseases due to dysregulated metabolism, such as fatty liver disease, and infections such as COVID-19 in which balanced immunomodulation are of utmost importance, besides their administration as an adjunct to existing therapeutic approaches of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Development and Validation of Prediction Models for All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in China

Purpose This study aimed to develop two predictive nomograms for the assessment of long-term survival status in hemodialysis (HD) patients by examining the prognostic factors for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular (CVD) event mortality. Patients and methods A total of 551 HD patients with an average age of over 60 were included in this study. The patients’ medical records were collected from our hospital and randomly allocated to two cohorts: the training cohort (n=385) and the validation cohort (n=166). We employed multivariate Cox assessments and fine-gray proportional hazards models to explore the predictive factors for both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular event mortality risk in HD patients. Two nomograms were established based on predictive factors to forecast patients’ likelihood of survival for 3, 5, and 8 years. The performance of both models was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis. Results The nomogram for all-cause mortality prediction included seven factors: age ≥ 60, sex (male), history of diabetes and coronary artery disease, diastolic blood pressure, total triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC). The nomogram for cardiovascular event mortality prediction included three factors: history of diabetes and coronary artery disease, and total cholesterol (TC). Both models demonstrated good discrimination, with AUC values of 0.716, 0.722 and 0.725 for all-cause mortality at 3, 5, and 8 years, respectively, and 0.702, 0.695, and 0.677 for cardiovascular event mortality, respectively. The calibration plots indicated a good agreement between the predictions and the decision curve analysis demonstrated a favorable clinical utility of the nomograms. Conclusion Our nomograms were well-calibrated and exhibited significant estimation efficiency, providing a valuable predictive tool to forecast prognosis in HD patients.
Intention to Saving of Z Generation at Islamic Bank in Bandung Raya

A phenomenon the low number of customers using Islamic banking compared to conventional banking in Indonesia, where the majority of the population is a Muslim. Then, potential islamic bank customer groups are students or people with an age range between 18 to 24 years, which is the potential of West Java Province as the largest population of Z generation. The research objective to analyze the factors that influence individual behavioral intentions to saving in islamic bank by using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). 100 questionnaires were distributed to people belonging to the Z generation category in Bandung Raya. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results explain there is a positive effect of intention on saving behavior, positive effect of subjective norms on intention, positive effect of PBC on intention, the effect of religiosity on intention, and positive effect of costumer satisfaction on saving behavior.
Novel two-dimensional ferroelectric PbTe under tension: A first-principles prediction

Enhanced ferroelectricity in two-dimensional (2D) SnTe exhibiting a higher transition temperature (Tc) than its bulk counterpart was recently discovered [Chang et al., Science 353(6296), 274–278 (2016)]. Herein, we report that nonferroelectric PbTe can be transformed into a ferroelectric phase by downsizing to two dimensions with suitable equi-biaxial tension. The crystal structure of the ferroelectric phase of 2D PbTe was determined using evolutionary algorithms and density functional theory. The dynamic stabilities of the predicted new phases were investigated using phonon calculations. To validate our results obtained using PbTe, we have also studied the ferroelectricity in GeTe and SnTe at the 2D level and compared them with the literature. The unequal lattice constants and the relative atomic displacements are found to be responsible for ferroelectricity in 2D GeTe, SnTe, and strained PbTe. This study facilitates the development of new 2D ferroelectrics via strain engineering and promotes the integra.
Exploring the effects of rhythmic afferent alpha and gamma range electrical stimulation on processing mechanisms in a tone discrimination dual-task paradigm

Neural oscillations are the changes in the action potentials and the local field potentials (LFPs) of the central nervous system (CNS). Synchrony is when cell populations in different parts of the brain are activated together to achieve a task. The synchrony of brain oscillatory activity could modulate information processing. Synchrony of different oscillatory frequencies can have effects on cognition, motor skills and behaviour. Faster reaction times are correlated with neural oscillations in the alpha (8-12 Hz) or gamma (30-80 Hz) ranges. Rhythmic afferent electrical stimulation in these ranges could influence neural oscillators for speed of processing or task organization. Our aim is to identify how rhythmic electrical stimulation influences performance in a dual-task paradigm using postural and reaction time tasks. Twelve subjects had a transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) protocol applied to their median nerve, in 5 frequency conditions while discerning between two auditory stimuli and maintaining stable balance. Center of pressure (CoP) data were collected under 3 postural conditions. Reaction times, response correctness, CoP excursion and range were measured. There was a main effect of TENS frequency on reaction time; reaction times were longer during a 10 Hz TENS condition. There was a main effect of postural condition; the eyes closed, sway referenced condition had larger excursion and range. Alpha-range TENS lengthened reaction times and had an effect on postural dual-task performance. Further research could identify how afferent rhythmic stimulation affects processing mechanisms.
The energy distribution of the first supernovae

The nature of the first Pop III stars is still a mystery and the energy distribution of the first supernovae is completely unexplored. For the first time we account simultaneously for the unknown initial mass function (IMF), stellar mixing, and energy distribution function (EDF) of Pop III stars in the context of a cosmological model for the formation of a MW-analogue. Our data-calibrated semi-analytic model is based on a N-body simulation and follows the formation and evolution of both Pop III and Pop II/I stars in their proper timescales. We discover degeneracies between the adopted Pop III unknowns, in the predicted metallicity and carbonicity distribution functions and the fraction of C-enhanced stars. Nonetheless, we are able to provide the first available constraints on the EDF, $dN/dE_\star \propto E_{\star }^{-\alpha _e}$ with 1 ≤ αe ≤ 2.5. In addition, the characteristic mass of the Pop III IMF should be mch < 100 M⊙, assuming a mass range consistent with hydrodynamical simulations (0.1-1000 M⊙). Independent of the assumed Pop III properties, we find that all $\rm [C/Fe]>+0.7$ stars (with $\rm [Fe/H]<-2.8$) have been enriched by Pop III supernovae at a $>20\%$ level, and all $\rm [C/Fe]>+2$ stars at a $>95\%$ level. All very metal-poor stars with $\rm [C/Fe]<0$ are predicted to be predominantly enriched by Pop III hypernovae and/or pair instabillity supernovae. To better constrain the primordial EDF, it is absolutely crucial to have a complete and accurate determination of the metallicity distribution function, and the properties of C-enhanced metal-poor stars (frequency and [C/Fe]) in the Galactic halo.
Advances in minimal invasive treatment for esophageal perforation

can be fastened to the esophageal mucosa by endoscopic clips, a technically easy but often non-functioning strategy. Secondly, over-the-scope clips, providing more force, have been suggested. This somewhat more demanding approach has been demonstrated to reduce stent migration (8.3% vs. 35.4% without fixation) but at a higher cost (9,10). Moreover, the clip can be difficult to remove, and this process might require special equipment. Thirdly
On the rate of convergence of empirical barycentres in metric spaces: curvature, convexity and extendible geodesics

This paper provides rates of convergence for empirical (generalised) barycenters on compact geodesic metric spaces under general conditions using empirical processes techniques. Our main assumption is termed a variance inequality and provides a strong connection between usual assumptions in the field of empirical processes and central concepts of metric geometry. We study the validity of variance inequalities in spaces of non-positive and non-negative Aleksandrov curvature. In this last scenario, we show that variance inequalities hold provided geodesics, emanating from a barycenter, can be extended by a constant factor. We also relate variance inequalities to strong geodesic convexity. While not restricted to this setting, our results are largely discussed in the context of the $2$-Wasserstein space.
The coefficient of variation chart with measurement error

Abstract This paper proposes one-sided coefficient of variation (CV) charts with a linearly covariate error model. The one-sided CV charts are the downward and upward CV charts, which detect decreasing and increasing shifts, respectively. Ignoring the presence of measurement error leads to erroneous conclusions regarding the average run length, especially for small number of measurements per item. However, when measurement error is not ignored in computing the control limits, the performance between the CV charts with and without measurement error is similar. It is recommended to adopt the methods proposed in this paper as a general procedure since in the absence of measurement error, the control limits can be set by letting the size of the measurement error to be zero, whereas traditional methods which assume no measurement error will result in dubious results in the presence of measurement error. Finally, the proposed chart is applied on an illustrative example.
On Necessary Optimality Conditions for Singular Controls in Dynamical Systems with a Delay in Control

Abstract In this article, an optimal control problem with a delay in control is considered. The second-order necessary condition is obtained for the optimality of singular (in the sense of the maximum principle) control. Also, the notion of degenerate singular control of order k (k ≥ 1) is introduced and for optimality of this, the high-order necessary condition is obtained. Moreover, while studying the problem, one of the strengthened version of an analog of the maximum principle is shown. Finally, the rich content of the obtained results is illustrated by specific examples.
Recommendations on the Sample Sizes for Multilevel Latent Class Models

A multilevel latent class model (MLCM) is a useful tool for analyzing data arising from hierarchically nested structures. One important issue for MLCMs is determining the minimum sample sizes needed to obtain reliable and unbiased results. In this simulation study, the sample sizes required for MLCMs were investigated under various conditions. A series of design factors, including sample sizes at two levels, the distinctness and the complexity of the latent structure, and the number of indicators were manipulated. The results revealed that larger samples are required when the latent classes are less distinct and more complex with fewer indicators. This study also provides recommendations about the minimum required sample sizes that satisfied all four criteria—model selection accuracy, parameter estimation bias, standard error bias, and coverage rate—as well as rules of thumb for sample size requirements when applying MLCMs in data analysis.
How could runners rotate their bodies about the vertical axis so that the whole-body orientation could be maintained along a curved path?

The purpose of the present study was to determine how runners sprinting along a curved path could rotate their whole body about the vertical axis to maintain their stance so that they continually faced the ever-changing running direction. Ten healthy men were asked to run at 5 m/s along a straight path (RS) and a curved path with a 5-m radius (RC). The running direction during RC was counterclockwise as viewed from above (CCW). A motion capture system (240 Hz) was used to record the three-dimensional coordinates of the re‰ective markers attached to each subject. The changing patterns of the angular momentum of each segment and the average angular momentum of the whole body in each contact and ‰ight phase were compared between the two movements. In all the phases, the average angular momentum during RC was signiˆcantly directed more toward the CCW direction than that during RS. In contrast, the angular momentum of the head and trunk during RS changed periodically from positive to negative values, while that during RC continued to exhibit positive values throughout the stride cycle. The changing pattern of the angular momentum of the left leg during RC was in the phase opposite to that during RS because the subjects swung the left leg on their right side. The left leg moved in an elliptical trajectory in a direction opposite to the rotation of the whole body on the horizontal plane during RC; this presumably generated reactional rotation eŠects on the other segments to maintain stance that allowed the subject to keep facing the running direction.
Variability in additively manufactured turbine cooling features

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows for the rapid fabrication of complex components relative to conventional fabrication methods aiding in the development and testing of advanced turbine cooling methods. The repeatability of printed geometric features in the same part is required to maintain part quality, flow, and heat transfer. It is widely understood as to the impact that the additional roughness of AM provides with regards to part quality, but part variability also leads to differences in performance either locally in considering a single airfoil or globally when considering an entire stage. Previous studies have shown the importance of certain process parameters, build directions, and feature sizes on the part quality when printing a part using AM. As processes have continued to evolve, other artifacts of AM have arisen such as the location on the build plate. This article highlights the progress that has been made on printing commonly used cooling features by either considering simple straight coupons or a curved vane leading edge. Also discussed is the variability that exists and the resulting convective heat transfer and pressure losses. Results indicate that the variation of roughness between components and the part-to-part variations increased the further the component was from the laser source on the build plate. Similarly, the variation and levels in the pressure loss and heat transfer of the cooling channels also increased when samples were placed further from the laser source on the build plate.
Oxygen-Sensing Protein Cysteamine Dioxygenase from Mandarin Fish Involved in the Arg/N-Degron Pathway and Siniperca chuatsi Rhabdovirus Infection

Mammalia cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol) dioxygenase (ADO) controls the stability of the regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) through the Cys branch of the Arg/N-degron pathway, thereby affecting the response of the body to hypoxia. However, the oxygen-sensing function of ADO remains unknown in teleost fish. Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is one of the most important freshwater economic fishes in China. As the scale of the rearing density continues to increase, hypoxia has become an important factor threatening the growth of mandarin fish. Herein, the molecular characterization, the oxygen-sensing enzyme function, and the role in virus infection of ADO from mandarin fish (scADO) were explored. Bioinformation analysis results showed that scADO had all the molecular foundations for achieving thiol dioxygenase function: three histidine residues coordinated with Fe(II), PCO/ADO domain, and a “jelly roll” β-barrel structure. The expression pattern analysis showed that scAdo was highly expressed in the immune-related tissues, liver, and kidneys and responded to hypoxia on the expression level. Protein degradation experiment results revealed that scADO could lead to the degradation of RGS4 protein through the Cys branch of the Arg/N-degron pathway. Furthermore, the expression levels of scADO responded to fish virus infection. scADO could significantly promote the replication of Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus, and this was associated with its thiol dioxygenase activity. These findings not only demonstrate scADO as an oxygen-sensing protein in teleost fish, but are also of considerable importance for clarifying the contribution of the mechanism of hypoxia to the outbreaks of fish viruses.
Telmisartan versus metformin in downregulating myostatin gene expression and enhancing insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscles of type 2 diabetic rat model

Objective: Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that specifically blocks angiotensin II type-1 receptors (AT1R). Telmisartan has been proven to have antidiabetic effects via a variety of mechanisms, and it can be utilized in some diabetic patients due to its dual benefit for hypertensive patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) and when the other oral antidiabetic medications are intolerable or contraindicated. However, its precise underlying hypoglycemic mechanism is still obscure. Aim of work: We sought to establish a link between telmisartan administration and myostatin expression in skeletal muscles of T2DM rat model as a potential hypoglycemic mechanism of telmisartan. Materials and Methods: 32 male albino rats were included in the study; 8 rats served as controls (group I). T2DM was inducted in the other 24 rats, which were then randomly subdivided into 3 groups (8 in each): (group II) the Diabetic group and (groups III and IV) which were treated with either telmisartan (8 mg/kg/day) or metformin (250 mg/kg/day) respectively via oral gavage for a 4-week period. Results: Telmisartan administration resulted in a significant improvement in OGTT, HOMA-IR, glucose uptake, and muscle mass/body ratios in Telmisartan group as compared to Diabetic group (p < 0.05). Additionally, telmisartan induced a significant boost in adiponectin and IL-10 serum levels with a substantial drop in TNF-α and IL-6 levels in Telmisartan group compared to diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, telmisartan significantly boosted SOD and GSH, and decreased MDA levels in the skeletal muscles of telmisartan group. Furthermore, a significant downregulation of myostatin and upregulation of insulin receptor, IRS-1, and IRS-3 genes in the skeletal muscles of Telmisartan group were also detected. Histologically, telmisartan attenuated the morphological damage in the skeletal muscle fibers compared to diabetic rats, as evidenced by a considerable decrease in the collagen deposition area percentage and a reduction in NF-kB expression in the muscle tissues of group III. Conclusion: Telmisartan administration dramatically reduced myostatin and NF-kB expressions in skeletal muscles, which improved insulin resistance and glucose uptake in these muscles, highlighting a novel antidiabetic mechanism of telmisartan in treating T2DM.