Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of catastrophizing and basic psychological needs satisfaction on health-related quality of life and pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation

Introduction Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common conditions associated with functional disability, affecting patients’ quality of life (QOL). Disability can be affected by cognitive factors, such as pain catastrophizing. Similarly, unfulfilled basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) are associated with biases in pain perception and QOL. Using the fear-avoidance model and the self-determination theory, this study investigates: (1) the separate contribution of pain-related variables and basic psychological needs satisfaction in predicting QOL in patients proposed for LDH surgery; (2) pre- and post-surgical differences in pain catastrophizing and basic psychological needs satisfaction. Methods First, we used hierarchical regression on 193 patients (Mage = 46.10, SDage = 11.40) to identify predictors of QOL. Second, we performed paired t-tests on 55 patients to investigate pre- and post-surgical differences in pain catastrophizing and basic psychological needs satisfaction. Results Hierarchical regression showed that the model predicts 27% of the variance in QOL; medium pain level, age, pain catastrophizing, and basic psychological needs satisfaction were significant predictors. Also, pain catastrophizing significantly decreased after surgery [t (54) = 6.07, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.81], but basic psychological needs satisfaction did not modify significantly. Discussion This research confirms the importance of pain perception and pain catastrophizing for LDH patients’ QOL and broadens the applicability of the self-determination theory for spinal patients.
Synthesis and characterization of visible-light-driven novel CuTa2O6 as a promising practical photocatalyst

In this work, the novel CuTa2O6 phase was successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal and followed by the calcination process. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the formation of different phases. At a low temperature, CuTa2O6 exhibits the orthorhombic phase, whereas, at a higher temperature, it underwent a phase transition to a cubic crystal structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic results suggest the presence of all the elements (Cu, Ta, and O). The optical studies were carried out using a UV-Vis DRS spectrophotometer. FESEM images confirm the spherical-shaped particles for the sample annealed at a high temperature. The local atomic and electronic structures around Cu and the contribution of the Cu oxidation state in the CuTa2O6 system were determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. To investigate the effective usage of CuTa2O6 in treating wastewater, its photocatalytic activity was investigated by evaluating its use in the photodegradation of MO dye under visible light irradiation. Moreover, the prepared CuTa2O6 photocatalyst exhibits significant photocatalytic activity in the degradation of MO dye and shows excellent stability; it is therefore a promising material for potential use in a practical photocatalyst. The CuTa2O6 photocatalyst suggests an alternative avenue of research into effective photo-catalysts for solar hydrogen water splitting.
Absolute quantification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in infected patients by droplet digital PCR to track disease severity and treatment efficacy

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common causative pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia. An accurate and sensitive detection method is important for evaluating disease severity and treatment efficacy. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) is a competent method enabling the absolute quantification of DNA copy number with high precision and sensitivity. We established ddPCR for M. pneumoniae detection, using clinical specimens for validation, and this showed excellent specificity for M. pneumoniae. The limit of detection of ddPCR was 2.9 copies/reaction, while that for real-time PCR was 10.8 copies/reaction. In total, 178 clinical samples were used to evaluate the ddPCR assay, which correctly identified and differentiated 80 positive samples, whereas the real-time PCR tested 79 samples as positive. One sample that tested negative in real-time PCR was positive in ddPCR, with a bacterial load of three copies/test. For samples that tested positive in both methods, the cycle threshold of real-time PCR was highly correlated with the copy number of ddPCR. Bacterial loads in patients with severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia were significantly higher than those in patients with general M. pneumoniae pneumonia. The ddPCR showed that bacterial loads were significantly decreased after macrolide treatment, which could have reflected the treatment efficacy. The proposed ddPCR assay was sensitive and specific for the detection of M. pneumoniae. Quantitative monitoring of bacterial load in clinical samples could help clinicians to evaluate treatment efficacy.
Editorial: Neurotechnologies and brain-computer interaction for neurorehabilitation

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Vourvopoulos, Fleury, Tonin and Perdikis. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Editorial: Neurotechnologies and brain-computer interaction for neurorehabilitation
Exploring the potential common denominator pathogenesis of system lupus erythematosus with COVID-19 based on comprehensive bioinformatics analysis

Objective Evidences show that there may be a link between SLE and COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to screen out the diagnostic biomarkers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with COVID-19 and explore the possible related mechanisms by the bioinformatics approach. Methods SLE and COVID-19 datasets were extracted separately from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The limma package in R was used to obtain the differential genes (DEGs). The protein interaction network information (PPI) and core functional modules were constructed in the STRING database using Cytoscape software. The hub genes were identified by the Cytohubba plugin, and TF-gene together with TF-miRNA regulatory networks were constructed via utilizing the Networkanalyst platform. Subsequently, we generated subject operating characteristic curves (ROC) to verify the diagnostic capabilities of these hub genes to predict the risk of SLE with COVID-19 infection. Finally, a single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) algorithm was used to analyze immune cell infiltration. Results A total of 6 common hub genes (CDC6, PLCG1, KIF15, LCK, CDC25C, and RASGRP1) were identified with high diagnostic validity. These gene functional enrichments were mainly involved in cell cycle, and inflammation-related pathways. Compared to the healthy controls, abnormal infiltration of immune cells was found in SLE and COVID-19, and the proportion of immune cells linked to the 6 hub genes. Conclusion Our research logically identified 6 candidate hub genes that could predict SLE complicated with COVID-19. This work provides a foothold for further study of potential pathogenesis in SLE and COVID-19.
Bacterial distribution and drug resistance in blood samples of children in Jiangxi Region, 2017–2021

Objective This study aims to investigate the distribution and drug resistance of bacteria in clinical blood culture specimens from children in Jiangxi province in recent years and to provide a foundation for preventing and treating bloodstream infection diseases in children. Methods The study involved a statistical analysis of the isolation and drug resistance of bacterial strains obtained from blood culture specimens of children in Jiangxi province between 2017 and 2021. The analysis was performed using the WHONET 5.6 software. Results A total of 7,977 bacterial strains were isolated from the blood samples of children between 2017 and 2021. Of these, 2,334 strains (29.3%) were identified as Gram-negative bacteria, and 5,643 strains (70.7%) were identified as Gram-positive bacteria. The most commonly isolated pathogens were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Among the Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (840 strains, 36.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (385 strains), Salmonella (283 strains), Acinetobacter baumannii (137 strains), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (109 strains) were the most prevalent. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (3,424 strains, 60.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (679 strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (432 strains), Enterococcus sp. (292 strains), and Streptococcus agalactiae (192 strains) were the most common. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (cefotaxime/ceftriaxone) was observed in 45.9% and 56.0% of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, respectively, while resistance to carbapenems was observed in 4.6% and 20.3% of these strains, respectively. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (cefotaxime/ceftriaxone) was observed in 15.5% of Salmonella strains, while resistance to imipenem was absent. Carbapenem resistance was observed in 17.1% (20/117) and 13% (14/108) of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, respectively. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 32.7% of the strains, while methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was detected in 64.3% of the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus strains. No Staphylococcus bacteria resistant to vancomycin were detected. Four strains of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium were detected over the 5-year period, and one strain of linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis was detected. Conclusion Gram-positive cocci were the most commonly isolated clinical pathogens in blood specimens from children in Jiangxi province. The composition of the pathogen species showed a slight change over the years. The detection ratios of pathogens varied with age group and season. Although the isolation rate of common carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter bacteria has decreased, it remains high. It is necessary to monitor the antimicrobial resistance of pathogens causing bloodstream infections in children more closely, and antimicrobial agents should be used with caution.
Petrology and geochemistry of Li-bearing pegmatites and related granitic rocks in southern Thailand: implications for petrogenesis and lithium potential in Thailand

Lithium (Li) can be found in many minerals, including lepidolite. Lepidolite is found in pegmatite-related tin deposits in the Phang Nga area in southern Thailand. According to their field occurrence, petrography, mineral chemistry, and whole-rock geochemistry, the Li-bearing pegmatites and the granitic rocks in the study area can be linked to tin deposits in southern Thailand as part of the SE Asian tin belt. The Li-bearing pegmatites are characterized by an abundance of lepidolite, K-feldspar, plagioclase, and quartz with some accessory minerals of fluorite, cassiterite, apatite, monazite, and beryl. The granitic rocks show various compositions, including porphyritic biotite–muscovite granite, biotite granite, and muscovite—tourmaline granite with different proportions of K-feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, biotite, muscovite, and tourmaline. Whole-rock geochemistry indicates that both the Li-bearing pegmatites and granitic rocks have a close relationship rooted in their peraluminous S-type granite affinity. The Li-bearing pegmatites evolved from highly fractionated S-type granitic rocks comparable with the Western Belt Granite of Thailand. The enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb and K) and the depletion of Ba, Nb, and Ti together with similar rare Earth element patterns reflect the collisional setting indicating the Sibumasu–West Burma and West Burma—Indo-Burma collisions during the Cretaceous to the Eocene. The crystallization pressure—temperature conditions of these rocks were 3.49–4.25 kbar and 622°C–675°C, respectively, with an emplacement depth of 13–15 km. The Li-bearing pegmatites had a relatively high average Li grade compared with those of other Li-bearing pegmatites in the world.
Silage additives improve fermentation quality, aerobic stability and rumen degradation in mixed silage composed of amaranth and corn straw

The objective of this research was to investigate effects of different additives on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and rumen degradation of mixed silage composed of amaranth and corn straw. The mixture ratio of amaranth to corn straw was 78%: 22%. Three additives were selected in this study and five groups were as follows: control group (CON, without additive), lactic acid bacteria group (LAB, 5 mg/kg, Lactobacillus plantarum ≥ 1.6×1010 CFU/g and L. buchneri ≥ 4.0×109 CFU/g), glucose group (GLU, 30 g/kg), cellulase group (CEL, 2 mg/kg) and lactic acid bacteria, glucose and cellulase group (LGC, added at the same levels as in individual group). The period of ensiling was 60 days. Fermentation quality, chemical composition and aerobic stability of mixed silage were analyzed. Four cows with permanent ruminal fistula were selected as experimental animals. Nylon bag technique was used to study rumen degradation characteristic of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of mixed silage. Compared with CON group, the addition of different silage additives could improve mixed silage quality of amaranth and corn straw to some extent. Combining three additives significantly increased (P < 0.05) the DM, CP and lactic acid contents, whereas decreased (P < 0.05) the ADF and NDF contents as well as pH and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen. Moreover, the aerobic stability and rumen degradation of DM, CP and NDF were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in LGC group when compared to other groups. In conclusion, the combined addition of lactic acid bacteria, glucose and cellulase increased DM, CP and lactic acid contents as well as lactic acid bacteria count, decreased NDF and ADF contents and aerobic bacteria and mold counts, improved aerobic stability and rumen degradation of amaranth and corn straw mixed silage.
Mendelian randomization analysis identified tumor necrosis factor as being associated with severe COVID-19

Background: Observational studies have shown that anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy may be beneficial for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, because of the methodological restrictions of traditional observational studies, it is a challenge to make causal inferences. This study involved a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal link between nine TNFs and COVID-19 severity using publicly released genome-wide association study summary statistics. Methods: Summary statistics for nine TNFs (21,758 cases) were obtained from a large-scale genome-wide association study. Correlation data between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and severe COVID-19 (18,152 cases vs. 1,145,546 controls) were collected from the COVID-19 host genetics initiative. The causal estimate was calculated by inverse variance-weighted (IVW), MR–Egger, and weighted median methods. Sensitivity tests were conducted to assess the validity of the causal relationship. Results: Genetically predicted TNF receptor superfamily member 6 (FAS) positively correlated with the severity of COVID-19 (IVW, odds ratio = 1.10, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.19, p = 0.026), whereas TNF receptor superfamily member 5 (CD40) was protective against severe COVID-19 (IVW, odds ratio = 0.92, 95% confidence interval = 0.87–0.97, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Genetic evidence from this study supports that the increased expression of FAS is associated with the risk of severe COVID-19 and that CD40 may have a potential protective effect against COVID-19.
Statistical Analysis of Wind Velocity in an Easterly Wave over West Africa

Abstract Results of a statistical analysis of wind data collected in West Africa during the summer of 1974 (GATE) are presented. A comparison of the wind meridional components in Bamako and Dakar shows that the easterly wave velocities at 700 mb during the period 30 August–20 September 1974 are approximately equal to those at 200 mb and that the waves are in phase opposition at these two levels. It is suggested that these wave features are favorable to the existence of cloud system formations which were observed in a greater number during GATE's third active phase than during the two previous phases.
The faint extragalactic radio sky

The radio sky covers a large range of sources, from small single galaxies to large clusters of galaxies and the space between them. These sources consist of some of the most powerful objects in the Universe, as well as diffuse weak emitters. Understanding the radio sky tells us about how galaxies have evolved over time, the different kinds of galaxy populations, the star formation history of the Universe, and the role of magnetism, as well as details of large-scale structure and clustering. Advancements in radio telescopes now allow us to push observational limits to new depths, probing fainter galaxies and farther back in cosmic time. We use a multi-pronged approach to examine several aspects of the faint extragalactic radio sky. Using new deep data from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array telescope, combined with the confusion analysis technique of P(D), we obtain the deepest estimates of the source count of individual radio galaxies and their contribution to the cosmic radio background temperature. Additionally, these data are used to catalogue the individual galaxies in order to study characteristics such as source size, spectral dependence, galaxy type, and redshift. We then examine the contribution from extended large-scale diffuse emission to the radio sky using data from the Australia Telescope Compact Array. This yields constraints on the total emission from such sources, including galactic halos, galaxy cluster halos and relics, and the interand intra-cluster medium. Finally, we investigate the radio angular power spectrum using interferometric data. These measurements show the fluctuations coming from the unresolved radio background as a function of angular scale. Together these studies present the deepest constraints available for the faint radio sky across a range of statistical areas. The measurements obtained here provide
The Stratosphere as a Chemical Sink for Carbon Monoxide

Abstract Past and recent data on atmospheric CO levels indicate no significant increase of average concentrations- despite the increasing anthropogenic emission rate-so that one or more natural sinks for CO seem to be operative. It is shown that the stratosphere provides a sink for CO on account of the reaction OH + CO → CO2 + H. The radical OH is produced photochemically in a moist ozonosphere with a time constant several orders of magnitude less than that of the CO oxidation reaction, so that almost all the CO entering the stratosphere will be destroyed. The rate limiting factor is the transport of CO rich air through the tropopause. To determine the significance of the stratosphere sink, two theoretical models for the tropospheric CO behavior are considered. Although the theory provides several constraints for the rate of CO removal from the atmosphere, it is found that the uncertainties concerning measurements and source functions preclude the derivation of a reliable value for the total CO removal ra.
Construction of some mixed two- and four-level regular designs with GMC criterion

ABSTRACT General minimum lower-order confounding (GMC) criterion is to choose optimal designs, which are based on the aliased effect-number pattern (AENP). The AENP and GMC criterion have been developed to form GMC theory. Zhang et al. (2015) introduced GMC 2n4m criterion for choosing optimal designs and constructed all GMC 2n41 designs with N/4 + 1 ⩽ n + 2 ⩽ 5N/16. In this article, we analyze the properties of 2n41 designs and construct GMC 2n41 designs with 5N/16 + 1 ⩽ n + 2 < N − 1, where n and N are, respectively, the numbers of two-level factors and runs. Further, GMC 2n41 designs with 16-run, 32-run are tabulated.
A quasi-optical polarization-independent diplexer for use in the beam feed system of millimeter-wave antennas

The theory and performance of a quasi-optical Fabry-Perot diplexer employing two rectangular meshes and capable of polarization-independent operation at large angles of incidence are presented. The diplexer is suitable for use in a dual-polarization dual-frequency beam feed system for millimeter-wave antennas. An experimental diplexer operating at an angle of incidence of 56.5\deg \pm 1\deg was found to separate two 1.1-GHz bands centered at 21 and 31.5 GHz with a loss of less than 0.3 dB in either band and a cross-polarization discrimination of more than 40 dB in the higher band and 30 dB in the lower band.
A Climatology of Freezing Rain in the Great Lakes Region of North America

Abstract A 15-yr climatology of freezing rain surrounding the Great Lakes region of North America has been constructed using data from rawinsondes, surface stations, and gridded reanalyses from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. This climatology reveals that there is a general increase in the freezing-rain frequency from west to east; however, the distribution shows large spatial and temporal variability. Most freezing-rain events are short lived and occur near sunrise between the months of December and March. Continuous freezing rain typically lasts less than 1 h, with 7% of events lasting longer than 5 h. Most freezing rain is associated with extratropical cyclones, occurring northeast of the cyclone center in the presence of midlevel upward vertical motion, and air that is nearly saturated at low and midlevels, subfreezing near the surface, and warm (>0°C) at low levels (≈850 hPa). The location of the mean extratropical cyclone track during freezing-rain events in the Great Lakes region.
All-optical ultracompact photonic crystal AND gate based on nonlinear ring resonators

We have proposed an ultracompact all-optical photonic crystal AND gate based on nonlinear ring resonators, consisting of two Kerr nonlinear photonic crystal ring resonators inserted between three parallel line defects. We have employed a Si nanocrystal as the nonlinear material for its appropriate nonlinear properties. The gate has been simulated and analyzed by finite difference time domain and plane wave expansion methods. The proposed logic gate can operate with a bit rate of about 120 Gbits/s.
Analysis of EWOM Credibility Antecedents on Twitter and Their Impact on Brand Image and Online Purchase Intention of Local Skincare Products

This study investigates the determinative aspects of online purchase intention of Twitter social media users towards local skincare products in Indonesia by researching several interconnected factors, including Homophily, Trust, Recommendation, eWOM Credibility, and Brand Image. Purposive samplings used to obtain samples from 326 respondents in DKI Jakarta using questionnaire. SEM-PLS method was utilized to analyze the data. This research aims to help local skincare companies to increase consumer trust through social media marketing by highlighting key factors that influence Online Purchase Intention for local skincare products. According to the findings of this study, Homophily, Trust, and Recommendation constitute the occurrence of eWOM Credibility on Twitter social media. Additionally, the presence of eWOM Credibility affects the product’s Brand Image, which in turn influences the consumer’s intent to purchase.