Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inappropriate Expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 Checkpoints in Myeloma Patients Is More Pronounced at Diagnosis: Implications for Time to Progression and Response to Therapeutic Checkpoint Inhibitors

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by severely profound immune dysfunction. Therefore, the efficacy of drugs targeting the immune environments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), is of high clinical importance. However, several clinical trials evaluating ICIs in MM in different therapeutic combinations revealed underwhelming results showing a lack of clinical efficacy and excessive side effects. The underlying mechanisms of resistance to ICIs observed in the majority of MM patients are still under investigation. Recently, we demonstrated that inappropriate expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on CD4 T cells in active MM is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and treatment status. The aim of the current study was to determine the usefulness of immune checkpoint expression assessment as a predictive biomarker of the response to therapeutic inhibitors. For this purpose, along with checkpoint expression estimated by flow cytometry, we evaluated the time to progression (TTP) of MM patients at different clinical stages (disease diagnosis and relapse) depending on the checkpoint expression level; the cut-off point (dividing patients into low and high expressors) was selected based on the median value. Herein, we confirmed the defective levels of regulatory PD-1, CTLA-4 receptors, and the CD69 marker activation in newly diagnosed (ND) patients, whereas relapsed/refractory patients (RR) exhibited their recovered values and reactivity. Additionally, substantially higher populations of senescent CD4+CD28− T cells were found in MM, primarily in NDMM subjects. These observations suggest the existence of two dysfunctional states in MM CD4 T cells with the predominance of immunosenescence at disease diagnosis and exhaustion at relapse, thus implying different responsiveness to the external receptor blockade depending on the disease stage. Furthermore, we found that lower CTLA-4 levels in NDMM patients or higher PD-1 expression in RRMM patients may predict early relapse. In conclusion, our study clearly showed that the checkpoint level in CD4 T cells may significantly affect the time to MM progression concerning the treatment status. Therefore, when considering novel therapies and potent combinations, it should be taken into account that blocking PD-1 rather than CTLA-4 might be a beneficial form of immunotherapy for only a proportion of RRMM patients.
Safety Profile of Homologous and Heterologous Booster COVID-19 Vaccines in Physicians in Quito-Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study

More than 600 healthcare workers died due to COVID-19 infection until January 2022 in Ecuador. Even though the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, local and systemic reactions were reported among physicians. This study aims to analyze the adverse events of COVID-19 with an emphasis on comparing the homologous and heterologous booster doses in physicians that received three approved vaccines in Ecuador. An electronic survey was performed in Quito, Ecuador, directed at physicians who were vaccinated with the three doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 210 participants were analyzed after administering any dose of the vaccines. At least one AE was identified in 60.0% (126/210) of the sample after the first dose, 52.40% (110/210) after the second dose, and 75.2% (158/210) after the booster dose. The most frequent AEs were localized pain, myalgia, headache, and fever. At least one drug was used in 44.3% of the population after the first dose, 37.1% after the second dose, and 63.8% in the booster dose. Heterologous booster produces more AEs compared with homologous booster (80.1% vs. 53.8%), and 77.3% of participants reported that interfered with daily activities. Similar studies agree that reactogenicity occurs mainly with heterologous vaccination compared to homologous vaccination. This situation affected physicians’ performance in daily activities and led them to use medication for the symptoms. In the future, it is recommended to perform cohort studies, where adverse events that are associated with vaccine boosters in the general population can be analyzed longitudinally, thus improving the level of evidence of the results.
Emotional Expectancies and Hostile Attributions as Predictors of Adolescents’ Expressions of Emotion with Parents

The present study examined associations between adolescents’ Emotional Expectancies (EE), Hostile Attributions of Intent (HAI), and emotions expressed during interactions with their mother and father. Data were collected from 96 14- to 16-year-olds (27 African Americans, 38 European Americans, and 31 Latinos; a total of 51 girls and 45 boys) and their parents over a period of 2 years. Questionnaires completed by adolescents were used to assess emotional expectancies and hostile attributions of parents’ behavior. In both year one and year two, adolescent emotional expressiveness with parents was observed in a laboratory interaction session. Data revealed that both adolescents’ EE and HAI in reaction to ambiguous situations predicted their expression of positive emotion with their mother and father 1 year later. EE of happiness were positively related and EE of anger were negatively related to the expression of positive emotion with their mother and father. HAI were negatively related to the expression of positive emotion. Only HAI were related to a higher expression of anger with their mother and father. The findings indicate that HAI and EE represent distinct cognitive-emotional processes that contribute to individual differences in adolescents’ expressions of emotion with parents.
Interior and Near-Wall Ion Velocity Distribution Functions in the H6 Hall Thruster

This paper presents the results of a two-axis laser-induced fluorescence velocimetry study of singly charged xenon in the interior and near the channel walls of the H6 Hall thruster. The thruster has a nominal operating discharge power of 6 kW and has been operated for ∼330 h before testing. It is operated under seven conditions spanning discharge voltages of 150–600 V and anode mass flow rates of 10–30 mg/s. The mean velocity of the near-wall ion populations varies from 0.5 to 25 km/s with an angle of incidence relative to the wall surface that varies from 30 to 80 deg. In general, the mean velocity and angle of incidence are strongly correlated with the discharge voltage and weakly correlated with the anode mass flow rate. There is strong correlation between the axial locations where high energy (greater than a few tens of electron volts) ions exist and where erosion is discernible in the channel profile. This evidence supports the notion that erosion is negligible below a certain energy threshold. P.
Instability of the salinity profile during the evaporation of saline groundwater

In this paper we investigate salt transport during the evaporation and upflow of saline groundwater. We describe a model in which a sharp evaporation–precipitation front separates regions of soil saturated with an air–vapour mixture and with saline water. We then consider two idealized problems. We first investigate equilibrium configurations of the freshwater system when the depth of the soil layer is finite, obtaining results for the location of the front and the upflow of water induced by the evaporation. We then develop a solution for a propagating front in a soil layer of infinite depth and investigate the gravitational stability of the salinity profile which develops below the front, obtaining marginal linear stability conditions in terms of a Rayleigh number and a dimensionless salt saturation parameter. Applying our findings to realistic parameter regimes, we predict that salt fingering is unlikely to occur in low-permeability soils, but is likely in high-permeability (sandy) soils under conditions of relatively low evaporative upflow.
Function Space Controllability of Linear Retarded Systems: A Derivation from Abstract Operator Conditions

Controllability of linear retarded systems is investigated by using the abstract representation of such systems given by $\dot x = \tilde Ax + \tilde Bu$, where x belongs to Hilbert space $R^n \times L_2 ([ - h,0],R^n )$ denoted as $M_2 $, and $\tilde A$ generates a $C_0 $-semigroup. It is shown that useful, practically verifiable conditions can be obtained by this approach.The following problems are investigated: approximate controllability in the space $M_2 $ and its subspace, $L_2 $, exact Euclidean $(R^n )$ controllability, spectral controllability, feedback stabilizability and a relation between pointwise degeneracy and function space controllability. Starting from the abstract functional analytic framework, the analysis is carried down to the matrix theory level, through the crucial intermediate role of the theory of entire functions.
Constant Wideband Compressive Spectrum Sensing for Sparse and Nonsparse Signals With Low-Rank Matrix Recovering and Prior Knowledge Mining

In cognitive radios (CR), compressive spectrum sensing (CSS) is a promising technique to detect wideband spectrum holes with reduced sampling rate requirement of analog-to-digital converter (ADC). It is implied in compressive sensing (CS) that the minimum sampling rate is determined by the sparsity order of the observed wideband signal. Unfortunately, the sparsity order is previously unknown and dynamically varies. Meanwhile, CS technology fails to work efficiently for the nonsparse spectrum case. For example, the CSS performance degenerates significantly for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) scenarios since the observed signal becomes nonsparse in frequency domain. To overcome the above-mentioned challenges, we propose a novel CSS algorithm with temporally-correlated prior knowledge mining (TPKM-CSS) to detect spectrum holes without a prior sparsity order information. The proposed scheme can handle both the sparse and nonsparse spectrum cases. The proposed solution has three contributions: firstly, CR implements multiple parallel sampling simultaneously to acquire wireless spectrum signals, which have a low-rank spectrum matrix. Secondly, the temporal correlation between continuous CS data is further exploited to improve the estimation accuracy of the current spectrum. Finally, the theoretical performance of the proposed TPKM-CSS is evaluated, wherein the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the spectrum reconstruction error is derived in the closed form. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme works well for both sparse and nonsparse spectrum scenarios. Compared with the CSS schemes that are based on low-rank matrix recovery (LMR-CSS), maximizing correlation (MC), iterative compressive filtering (ICF), or Bayesian CS (BCS), the proposed scheme yields the superior performance in terms of the probability of detection and the probability of false alarm, especially for nonsparse signals. Furthermore, the simulated statistical performance of the spectrum reconstruction error matches well the theoretical CDF curve.
High frequency ultrasound with an eigen-decomposition filter to assess the effect of laser cyclophotocoagulation treatment on blood flow

We use high frequency ultrasound to assess the effect of laser cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) on blood flow in the anterior segment of the eye. We show that laser CPC treatment applied to the rabbit eye provides a unique way to interrupt blood flow in the ciliary body, thus serving as a new method for evaluating clutter rejection performance in the microcirculation with and without an ultrasound contrast agent. We apply a recently developed eigendecomposition-based clutter rejection filter with modifications to deal with high blood-to-clutter ratio's (BCR) encountered at high frequencies, particularly with ultrasound contrast agents. In vivo results are presented to illustrate treatment effects, clutter rejection, and contrast agent enhancement.
Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Questionnaire: Validation of the Erotic Fantasy Inventory Scale (SDEF3) in Italian Adults

Background: Erotic fantasies are the most common sexual experiences and provide valuable clinical material for understanding individual and relational emotional dynamics. The primary objective of this study is to validate the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire (SDEF) Part 3–Inventory of Erotic Fantasies. This questionnaire was designed to be a sex-positive and inclusive measure of the content of erotic fantasies, accessible to individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship/romantic status, and sexual behaviors. Methods: The SDEF3 was completed by 1773 Italian participants (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 participants identifying as other genders). Two factorial structures were presented and discussed: a 20-dimension structure for clinical and explorative use and a 6-dimension structure for research purposes. Results: The six-factor version was preferred due to its robust statistical properties and its ability to differentiate between sexually clinical and functional men and women, based on cut-off scores from the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Differences in the frequency of themes in fantasies between gender and sexual orientation were reported and discussed. Conclusions: The current study indicates that the SDEF3 is a valuable and comprehensive measure for assessing various scenarios related to fantasizing activity. It has potential applications in both clinical practice and scientific research.
Determinants of Equity in Coverage of Measles-Containing Vaccines in Wales, UK, during the Elimination Era

In the context of the WHO’s measles and rubella elimination targets and European Immunization Agenda 2030, this large cross-sectional study aimed to identify inequalities in measles vaccination coverage in Wales, UK. The vaccination status of individuals aged 2 to 25 years of age, alive and resident in Wales as of 31 August 2021, was ascertained through linkage of the National Community Child Health Database and primary care data. A series of predictor variables were derived from five national datasets and all analysis was carried out in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank at Swansea University. In these 648,895 individuals, coverage of the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (due at 12–13 months of age) was 97.1%, and coverage of the second dose (due at 3 years and 4 months) in 4 to 25-year-olds was 93.8%. In multivariable analysis, excluding 0.7% with known refusal, the strongest association with being unvaccinated was birth order (families with six or more children) and being born outside of the UK. Living in a deprived area, being eligible for free school meals, a lower level of maternal education, and having a recorded language other than English or Welsh were also associated with lower coverage. Some of these factors may also be associated with refusal. This knowledge can be used to target future interventions and prioritise areas for catch up in a time of limited resource.
On the black hole mass–radio luminosity relation for flat-spectrum radio-loud quasars

A new analysis of the connection between black hole mass and radio luminosity in radioselected flat-spectrum quasars (FSQs) is presented. In contrast to recent claims in the literature, we find no evidence that the black hole masses of radio-selected FSQs are systematically lower than those of luminous optically selected radio-loud quasars. The black hole masses of the FSQs are estimated via the virial black hole mass estimator which utilizes the linewidth of the Hβ emission line as a tracer of the central gravitational potential. By correcting for the inevitable effects of inclination, incurred as a result of the FSQs being viewed close to the line of sight, we find that the black hole masses of the FSQs with intrinsically powerful radio jets are confined, virtually exclusively, to Mbh > 10 8 M� . This is in good agreement with previous studies of optically selected FSQs and steep-spectrum radio-loud quasars. Finally, following the application of a realistic Doppler boosting correction, we find that the FSQs occupy a wide range in intrinsic radio luminosity, and that many sources would be more accurately classified as radio-intermediate or radio-quiet quasars. This range in radio luminosity suggests that the FSQs are fully consistent with an upper boundary on radio power of the form L 5 GHz ∝ M 2.5 bh .
Habitat changes and catch rate variability for greater amberjack in the Taiwan Strait: The effects of El Niño–southern oscillation events

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a crucial oceanographic phenomenon that leads to interannual fluctuations in the climate and ecosystem productivity of tropical and subtropical areas. These fluctuations affect the suitability of habitats for many commercial fish species. However, detailed information on the effects of this major phenomenon and the resulting environmental changes on the habitat and catch rates of the economically and ecologically crucial species of the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in the Taiwan Strait (TS) is lacking. In this study, we employed a weighted habitat suitability index (HSI) modeling method and used remotely sensed marine environmental data as well as data from recorders in Taiwanese fishing vessels (in 2014–2019) to understand the effects of ENSO events on the habitat suitability and catch rates for greater amberjack in the TS. Analysis of variance revealed that environmental factors substantially influenced greater amberjack habitats and catch rates during ENSO events across seasons. The catch rates were high in spring and summer in the southern and northern TS and in autumn and winter in the southern TS. The catch rates were higher in spring, summer, and autumn (>9.0 kg/h) in El Niño years, and in winter, the catch rates were higher in normal years (>12.0 kg/h) and lower in La Niña years. The predicted HSI for the southern and northern TS revealed that greater amberjack populations were predominantly distributed at 20–24°N and 24–28°N, respectively. Opposite habitat suitability was synchronously found in spring and summer during ENSO events, with higher HSI values recorded in spring in El Niño and normal years and higher HSI values recorded in summer in La Niña years. In winter, the HSI values of the southern and northern TS were higher in El Niño and normal years and substantially lower in La Niña years. Habitat suitability was extremely low in autumn. These findings imply that ENSO events play a key role in regulating environmental conditions and affect the catch rates and habitat suitability for the greater amberjack in the TS.
Interface engineering of a ZrO2/SiO2/Si layered structure by in situ reoxidation and its oxygen-pressure-dependent thermal stability

Reactions at ZrO2/SiO2/Si interfaces during fabrication and postannealing have been studied in detail. The layered structures were fabricated by deposition of a thin Zr layer on a chemical oxide, followed by oxidation in an UHV chamber without air exposure (i.e., in situ reoxidation). On-line x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to show that in situ reoxidation can be used for precisely designing interfacial structures. It was found that the thermal stability of ZrO2/SiO2/Si interfaces crucially depends on oxygen ambient; that is, while the interfaces are stable up to 900 °C under UHV conditions, annealing in 1×10−4 Torr oxygen results in formation of interfacial Zr silicate. Moreover, the ZrO2 overlayer was found to accelerate the interfacial oxidation reaction.
The home language environment and early language ability in rural Southwestern China

Using premier Language Environment Analysis technology to measure and analyze the home language environment, this observational study aims to describe the home language environment and child language ability, drawing on empirical data from 77 households with children aged 18–24 months from rural China. The results show large variation in measures of the home language environment and early language ability, similar to other rural Chinese samples. Results also demonstrate significant correlations between child age and the home language environment, maternal employment and the home language environment, father’s educational attainment and the home language environment, adult–child conversations and early language ability, and child vocalizations and early language ability.
Low-light-level spin–orbit splitting via structured light cross-Kerr interaction in coherent atomic media

We explore the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) mechanism for structured light in coherent atomic media with low-light-level cross-Kerr nonlinearity. Using the five-level M-type electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) system as a prototype, we show that spin–orbit splitting for a weak spinor image can be generated by a weak trigger field carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) at low-light intensity. By quantum-optical analogy, the paraxial focusing and defocusing of the two pseudo-spin states in the spinor image can be governed by a Pauli-like equation. More importantly, by changing the EIT parameters, especially the topological charge of the weak trigger field, the SOC-induced radial quantization of the spinor image can be rather significant, giving rise to positive or negative OAM-OAM mode separation in free space. This suggests that the separation can be flexibly controlled due to strong image-vortex interaction based on few-photon cross-Kerr modulation. Our findings may have the potential for all-optical OAM multiplexing and demultiplexing of structured light fields toward few-photon quantum control and multimode communication.
Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional robotic resection for patients with colorectal neoplasms

Background Laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has been widely used in colorectal neoplasms. However, only a few studies have focused on robotic NOSES. This study compared the short-term clinical outcomes and long-term survival outcomes between robotic NOSES and conventional robotic resection (CRR) groups. Methods From March 2016 to October 2018, a consecutive of 143 patients who underwent robotic sigmoid and rectal resection at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, were considered for inclusion in this study. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was conducted to account for differences in the baseline characteristics. After PSM, 39 patients were included in the robotic NOSES group, and 39 patients in the CRR group. The baseline characteristics between the two groups were all balanced and comparable. Results Patients in the NOSES group experienced less intraoperative blood loss (p=0.001), lower requirements for additional analgesia (p=0.020), shorter time to first flatus (p=0.010), and a shorter time to first liquid diet (p=0.003) than the CRR group. The 3-year overall survival rates (NOSES: 92.3% vs. CRR: 89.7% p=1.000) and 3-year disease-free survival rates (NOSES: 82.1% vs. CRR: 84.6% p=0.761) between the two groups were comparable. Conclusion Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery is a safe and feasible surgery for patients with colorectal neoplasms. Robotic NOSES is associated with better short-term clinical outcomes and similar long-term survival outcomes to conventional robotic resection.