Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of cognitive impairment in newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease with normal cognition at baseline: A 5-year cohort study

Background and objective Cognitive impairment (CI) is a substantial contributor to the disability associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed to assess the clinical features and explore the underlying biomarkers as predictors of CI in patients with newly diagnosed PD (NDPD; less than 2 years). Methods We evaluated the cognitive function status using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and a battery of neuropsychological tests at baseline and subsequent annual follow-up for 5 years from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. We assessed the baseline clinical features, apolipoprotein (APO) E status, β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutation status, cerebrospinal fluid findings, and dopamine transporter imaging results. Using a diagnosis of CI (combined mild cognitive impairment and dementia) developed during the 5-year follow-up as outcome measures, we assessed the predictive values of baseline clinical variables and biomarkers. We also constructed a predictive model for the diagnosis of CI using logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 409 patients with NDPD with 5-year follow-up were enrolled, 232 with normal cognitive function at baseline, and 94 patients developed CI during the 5-year follow-up. In multivariate analyses, age, current diagnosis of hypertension, baseline MoCA scores, Movement disorder society Unified PD Rating Scale part III (MDS-UPDRS III) scores, and APOE status were associated with the development of CI. Predictive accuracy of CI using age alone improved by the addition of clinical variables and biomarkers (current diagnosis of hypertension, baseline MoCA scores, and MDS-UPDRS III scores, APOE status; AUC 0.80 [95% CI 0.74–0.86] vs. 0.71 [0.64–0.77], p = 0.008). Cognitive domains that had higher frequencies of impairment were found in verbal memory (12.6 vs. 16.8%) and attention/processing speed (12.7 vs. 16.9%), however, no significant difference in the prevalence of CI at annual follow-up was found during the 5-year follow-up in NDPD patients. Conclusion In NDPD, the development of CI during the 5-year follow-up can be predicted with good accuracy using a model combining age, current diagnosis of hypertension, baseline MoCA scores, MDS-UPDRS III scores, and APOE status. Our study underscores the need for the earlier identification of CI in NDPD patients in our clinical practice.
A Paternal Fish Oil Diet Preconception Reduces Lung Inflammation in a Toxicant-Driven Murine Model of New Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

New bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a neonatal disease that is theorized to begin in utero and manifests as reduced alveolarization due to inflammation of the lung. Risk factors for new BPD in human infants include intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), premature birth (PTB) and formula feeding. Using a mouse model, our group recently reported that a paternal history of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure increased his offspring’s risk of IUGR, PTB, and new BPD. Additionally, formula supplementation of these neonates worsened the severity of pulmonary disease. In a separate study, we reported that a paternal preconception fish oil diet prevented TCDD-driven IUGR and PTB. Not surprisingly, eliminating these two major risk factors for new BPD also significantly reduced development of neonatal lung disease. However, this prior study did not examine the potential mechanism for fish oil’s protective effect. Herein, we sought to determine whether a paternal preconception fish oil diet attenuated toxicant-associated lung inflammation, which is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of new BPD. Compared to offspring of standard diet TCDD-exposed males, offspring of TCDD-exposed males provided a fish oil diet prior to conception exhibited a significant reduction in pulmonary expression of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators (Tlr4, Cxcr2, Il-1 alpha). Additionally, neonatal lungs of pups born to fish oil treated fathers exhibited minimal hemorrhaging or edema. Currently, prevention of BPD is largely focused on maternal strategies to improve health (e.g., smoking cessation) or reduce risk of PTB (e.g., progesterone supplementation). Our studies in mice support a role for also targeting paternal factors to improve pregnancy outcomes and child health.
The number of polygons on a lattice

In this paper an n-stepped self-avoiding walk is defined to be an ordered sequence of n + 1 mutually distinct points, each with (positive, negative, or zero) integer coordinates in d-dimensional Euclidean space (where d is fixed and d ≥ 2), such that any two successive points in the sequence are neighbours, i.e. are unit distance apart. If further the first and last points of such a sequence are neighbours, the sequence is called an (n + 1)-sided self-avoiding polygon. Clearly, under this definition a polygon must have an even number of sides. Let f(n) and g(n) denote the numbers of n-stepped self-avoiding walks and of n-sided self-avoiding polygons having a prescribed first point. In a previous paper (3), I proved that there exists a connective constant K such that Here I shall prove the truth of the long-standing conjecture that I shall also show that (2) is a particular case of an expression for the number of n-stepped self-avoiding walks with prescribed end-points, a distance o(n) apart, this being another old and popular conjecture.
High-performance InAs quantum-dot infrared photodetectors grown on InP substrate operating at room temperature

The authors report a room temperature operating InAs quantum-dot infrared photodetector grown on InP substrate. The self-assembled InAs quantum dots and the device structure were grown by low-pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The detectivity was 2.8×1011cmHz1∕2∕W at 120K and a bias of −5V with a peak detection wavelength around 4. 1μm and a quantum efficiency of 35%. Due to the low dark current and high responsivity, a clear photoresponse has been observed at room temperature, which gives a detectivity of 6.7×107cmHz1∕2∕W.
Epidemiological Analysis of the Emergency Vascular Access in Pediatric Trauma Patients: Single-Center Experience of Intravenous, Intraosseous, Central Venous, and Arterial Line Placements

Vascular access in severely injured pediatric trauma patients is associated with time-critical circumstances and low incidences, whereas only scarce literature on procedure performance is available. The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance of different vascular access procedures from the first contact at the scene until three hours after admission. Intubated pediatric trauma patients admitted from the scene to a single Level I trauma center between 2008 and 2019 were analyzed regarding intravenous (IV) and intraosseous (IO) accesses, central venous catheterization (CVC) and arterial line placement. Sixty-five children with a median age of 14 years and median injury severity score of 29 points were included, of which 62 (96.6%) underwent successful prehospital IV or IO access by emergency medical service (EMS) physicians, while it failed in two children (3.1%). On emergency department (ED) admission, IV cannulas of prehospital EMS had malfunctions or were dislodged in seven of 55 children (12.7%). IO access was performed in 17 children without complications, and was associated with younger age, higher injury severity and higher mortality. Fifty-two CVC placements (58 attempts) and 55 arterial line placements (59 attempts) were performed in 45 and 52 children, respectively. All CVC and arterial line placements were performed in the ED, operating room (OR) and intensive care unit (ICU). Ten mechanical complications related to CVC placement (17.8%) and seven related to arterial line placement (10.2%) were observed, none of which had outcome-relevant consequences. This case series suggests that mechanical issues of vascular access may frequently occur, underlining the need for special preparedness in prehospital, ED, ICU and OR environments.
The Evolution of Stellar Mass in Galaxies in the NICMOS Ultra Deep Field

We measure the buildup of the stellar mass of galaxies from z = 6 down to z = 1. Using 15 band multicolor imaging data in the NICMOS Ultra Deep Field we derive photometric redshifts and masses for 796 galaxies down to HAB = 26.5 mag. The derived evolution of the global stellar mass density of galaxies is consistent with previous star formation rate density measurements over the observed range of redshifts. Beyond the observed range, maintaining consistency between the global stellar mass and the observed star formation rate suggests the epoch of galaxy formation was z = 16.
Mechanical Properties, Corrosion Behavior, and In Vitro Cell Studies of the New Ti-25Ta-25Nb-5Sn Alloy

This study aims to characterize a new Ti-25Ta-25Nb-5Sn alloy for biomedical application. Microstructure, phase formation, mechanical and corrosion properties, along with the cell culture study of the Ti-25Ta-25Nb alloy with Sn content 5 mass% are presented in this article. The experimental alloy was processed in an arc melting furnace, cold worked, and heat treated. For characterization, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microhardness, and Young’s modulus measurements were employed. Corrosion behavior was also evaluated using open-circuit potential (OCP) and potentiodynamic polarization. In vitro studies with human ADSCs were performed to investigate cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Comparison among the mechanical properties observed in other metal alloy systems, including CP Ti, Ti-25Ta-25Nb, and Ti-25Ta-25-Nb-3Sn showed an increase in microhardness and a decrease in the Young’s modulus when compared to CP Ti. The potentiodynamic polarization tests indicated that the corrosion resistance of the Ti-25Ta-25Nb-5Sn alloy was similar to CP Ti and the experiments in vitro demonstrated great interactions between the alloy surface and cells in terms of adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Therefore, this alloy presents potential for biomedical applications with properties required for good performance.
Efficiency bounds for a generalization of ranked-set sampling

Abstract Partially rank-ordered set sampling (PROSS) is a generalization of ranked-set sampling (RSS) in which the ranker is not required to give a full ranking in each set. In this paper, we compare the efficiency of the sample mean as an estimator of the population mean under PROSS, RSS, and simple random sampling (SRS). We find that for fixed set size and total sample size, the efficiency of PROSS falls between that of SRS and that of RSS. We also develop a method for finding a sharp upper bound on the efficiency of PROSS relative to SRS for a particular design.
Recent progress in the conductivity reconstruction in Calderón’s problem

In this work, we study a nonlinear inverse problem for an elliptic partial differential equation known as the Calderón problem or the inverse conductivity problem. We give a short survey on the reconstruction question of conductivity from measurements on the boundary by covering the main currently known results regarding the isotropic problem with full data in two and higher dimensions. We present Nachman’s reconstruction procedure and summarize the theoretical progress of the technique to more recent results in the field. An open problem of significant interest is proposed to check whether it is possible to extend the method for Lipschitz conductivities.
Linear evolution equations du/dt+A(t)u=0 : a case where A(t) is strongly uniform-measurable

where $Y$ is a Banach space dense in $X$ and $-A(t)$ is the generator of a $(C_{0})$ semigroup of bounded linear operators on $X$ for each $t$ . He proved a basic existence theorem (Theorem 4.1 of [1]) of the solution for the Cauchy problem when the family $A=\{A(t)\}$ is stable (see P. 244 of [1]) and $A(\cdot)$ is $(Y, X)$ normcontinuous, $i$ . $e. ,$ $A(t)$ belongs to $B(Y, X)$ and it is continuous in the norm of
Energetic ions in ITER plasmas

This paper discusses the behaviour and consequences of the expected populations of energetic ions in ITER plasmas. It begins with a careful analytic and numerical consideration of the stability of Alfven Eigenmodes in the ITER 15 MA baseline scenario. The stability threshold is determined by balancing the energetic ion drive against the dominant damping mechanisms and it is found that only in the outer half of the plasma (r/a>0.5) can the fast ions overcome the thermal ion Landau damping. This is in spite of the reduced numbers of alpha-particles and beam ions in this region but means that any Alfven Eigenmode-induced redistribution is not expected to influence the fusion burn process. The influence of energetic ions upon the main global MHD phenomena expected in ITER's primary operating scenarios, including sawteeth, neoclassical tearing modes and Resistive Wall Modes, is also reviewed. Fast ion losses due to the non-axisymmetric fields arising from the finite number of toroidal field coils, the inclusio.
The unique Late Paleolithic artifactual bone assemblage from the Volchia Griva site, Western Siberia

Abstract In 2020, a unique bone assemblage was found at the Late Paleolithic site Volchia Griva. Its base is made of a distal mammoth femur minus epiphysis, in which a cavity has been hollowed out. Impact notches along the edges of the cavity and holes in the metaphysis prove the human-made nature of this specimen. A portion of a polar fox cranium, half of a fox hemimandible, a fox tooth, and a large mammal rib fragment were enclosed in the cavity. The mammoth femur was previously used as a retoucher, as evinced by the impressions and cut marks. Incisions were detected on the polar fox cranium, indicating skinning. According to two 14C dates, the age of the remains is 19.3–19.1 ka BP. Palynological analysis of the cavity fill shows a forb-grass steppe at that time. The assemblage, which has no known analogues, is a reflection of prehistoric culture. This extraordinary find most likely is evidence of the ritual behavior of people who lived in the south of Western Siberia during the last glacial maximum. The assemblage was accompanied by a large number of fox remains, and lithic artifacts identical to bladelet-based Late Paleolithic industries of Siberia and the Middle Urals.
The use of computer algebra software in teaching intermediate and college algebra

Two groups of students in an intermediate algebra course as well as two groups of students in acollege algebracourse were compared with respect tothe use/non-use of computer algebra software in the courses. In both courses, the students using the software outperformed the students not using the software on a common final exam. For the intermediate algebracourse, the experimental group (the one using the software) had a mean equal to 80.8, the control group had a mean equal to 76.1, and the p-value was 0.13. For the college algebra course, the experimental group had amean equal to 75.1, the control group had amean equal to 69.4, and the p-value was 0.22. Furthermore, the experimental groups expressed very positive feelings about the use of the software in the course. In addition, the instructors in the experimental groups received their best student evaluations ever when teaching algebra courses.
Autochthonous Apple Cultivars from the Campania Region (Southern Italy): Bio-Agronomic and Qualitative Traits

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is an important fruit crop widely spread in the cold and mild climates of temperate regions in the world, with more than 93 million tons harvested worldwide in 2021. The object of this work was to analyze thirty-one local apple cultivars of the Campania region (Southern Italy) using agronomic, morphological (UPOV descriptors) and physicochemical (solid soluble content, texture, pH and titratable acidity, skin color, Young’s modulus and browning index) traits. UPOV descriptors highlighted similarities and differences among apple cultivars with a depth phenotypic characterization. Apple cultivars showed significant differences in fruit weight (31.3–236.02 g) and physicochemical trait ranging from 8.0 to 14.64° Brix for solid soluble content, 2.34–10.38 g malic acid L−1 for titratable acidity, and 15–40% for browning index. Furthermore, different percentages in apple shape and skin color have been detected. Similarities among the cultivars based on their bio-agronomic and qualitative traits have been evaluated by cluster analyses and principal component analyses. This apple germplasm collection represents an irreplaceable genetic resource with considerable morphological and pomological variabilities among several cultivars. Nowadays, some local cultivars, widespread only in restricted geographical areas, could be reintroduced in cultivation contribution to improving the diversity of our diets and contemporary to preserve knowledge on traditional agricultural systems.
Deferiprone and Iron–Maltol: Forty Years since Their Discovery and Insights into Their Drug Design, Development, Clinical Use and Future Prospects

The historical insights and background of the discovery, development and clinical use of deferiprone (L1) and the maltol–iron complex, which were discovered over 40 years ago, highlight the difficulties, complexities and efforts in general orphan drug development programs originating from academic centers. Deferiprone is widely used for the removal of excess iron in the treatment of iron overload diseases, but also in many other diseases associated with iron toxicity, as well as the modulation of iron metabolism pathways. The maltol–iron complex is a recently approved drug used for increasing iron intake in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, a condition affecting one-third to one-quarter of the world’s population. Detailed insights into different aspects of drug development associated with L1 and the maltol–iron complex are revealed, including theoretical concepts of invention; drug discovery; new chemical synthesis; in vitro, in vivo and clinical screening; toxicology; pharmacology; and the optimization of dose protocols. The prospects of the application of these two drugs in many other diseases are discussed under the light of competing drugs from other academic and commercial centers and also different regulatory authorities. The underlying scientific and other strategies, as well as the many limitations in the present global scene of pharmaceuticals, are also highlighted, with an emphasis on the priorities for orphan drug and emergency medicine development, including the roles of the academic scientific community, pharmaceutical companies and patient organizations.
Characterization of Ly108-H1 Signaling Reveals Ly108-3 Expression and Additional Strain-Specific Differences in Lupus Prone Mice

Ly108 (SLAMF6) is a homophilic cell surface molecule that binds SLAM-associated protein (SAP), an intracellular adapter protein that modulates humoral immune responses. Furthermore, Ly108 is crucial for the development of natural killer T (NKT) cells and CTL cytotoxicity. Significant attention has been paid towards expression and function of Ly108 since multiple isoforms were identified, i.e., Ly108-1, Ly108-2, Ly108-3, and Ly108-H1, some of which are differentially expressed in several mouse strains. Surprisingly, Ly108-H1 appeared to protect against disease in a congenic mouse model of Lupus. Here, we use cell lines to further define Ly108-H1 function in comparison with other isoforms. We show that Ly108-H1 inhibits IL-2 production while having little effect upon cell death. With a refined method, we could detect phosphorylation of Ly108-H1 and show that SAP binding is retained. We propose that Ly108-H1 may regulate signaling at two levels by retaining the capability to bind its extracellular as well as intracellular ligands, possibly inhibiting downstream pathways. In addition, we detected Ly108-3 in primary cells and show that this isoform is also differentially expressed between mouse strains. The presence of additional binding motifs and a non-synonymous SNP in Ly108-3 further extends the diversity between murine strains. This work highlights the importance of isoform awareness, as inherent homology can present a challenge when interpreting mRNA and protein expression data, especially as alternatively splicing potentially affects function.
Biofuel Ash Aging in Acidic Environment and Its Influence on Cd Immobilization

Biofuel ash (BFA), which is the ash generated by biomass combustion in a biomass power plant, can be prepared as a heavy metal immobilizer and have a good immobilization effect on Cd in the soil environment of southern China, but the long-term effects of BFA on Cd immobilization remained unclear. Therefore, research about BFA aging and its influence on Cd immobilization was conducted in the paper. BFA was naturally aged into BFA-Natural aging (BFA-N) in the soil environment of southern China, and to simulate BFA-N, BFA was also artificially acid aged into BFA-Acid aging (BFA-A). The result indicated that BFA-A could partially simulate BFA-N in physicochemical properties. The Cd adsorption capacity of BFA reduced after natural aging and the decrease was more obvious in BFA-A according to Qm in Langmuir equation and qe from the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption processes of BFA before and after aging were mainly controlled by chemical action rather than physical transport. The immobilization of Cd included adsorption and precipitation, and adsorption was the dominant factor; the precipitation proportion was only 12.3%, 18.8%, and 1.7% of BFA, BFA-N, and BFA-A, respectively. Compared with BFA, both BFA-N and BFA-A showed Ca loss, and BFA-A was more obvious than BFA-N. Ca content level was consistent with Cd adsorption level among BFA, BFA-N, and BFA-A. It could be inferred that the main immobilization mechanism of Cd by BFA before and after aging was consistent and closely related to Ca. However, the adsorption mechanism of electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, and hydroxyl complexation changed to varying degrees in BFA-N and BFA-A.
Thoracic Ultrasound in Lung Transplantation—Insights in the Field

The use of thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is a novel and dynamic diagnostic and monitoring modality that has shown remarkable advances within the last decade, with several published papers investigating its role within the field of lung transplantation. The aim of this current opinion review is to review the existing literature on the role of TUS in all stages of LTx, from in-donor lung evaluation to graft assessment on ex vivo lung perfusion and in the short- and long-term follow-up after LTx.