Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and clinical effects of subclinical leaflet thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Aims The number of trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure is increasing; However, the incidence of leaflet thrombosis is higher in TAVR than in surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). In this study, the risk factors for leaflet thrombosis after TAVR and its effects on hemodynamics and clinical course were investigated. Methods and results Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed at 1year after TAVR in 94 patients from January 2015 to October 2020 at Samsung Medical Center in South Korea. Among the 94 patients, subclinical leaflet thrombosis occurred in 20 patients, and risk factors were analyzed. In addition, the difference in aortic valve (AV) hemodynamics between the two groups was examined and clinical outcomes compared. Indexed mean sinus of Valsalva (SOV) diameter, AV calcium volume, and post-procedure effective orifice area (EOA) were predictive of subclinical leaflet thrombosis with the area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.670 (P-value = 0.020), 0.695 (P-value = 0.013), and 0.665 (P-value = 0.031), respectively. In echocardiography performed at the time of follow-up CT, the value of AV max velocity and AV mean pressure gradient were higher in the thrombosis group and the EOA and Doppler velocity index values were lower in the thrombosis group than in the no thrombosis group. Clinical outcome was not significantly different between the two groups (log-rank P-value = 0.26). Conclusion Larger indexed SOV diameter, higher AV calcium volume, and smaller post-procedure AV EOA were risk factors for subclinical leaflet thrombosis after TAVR. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis has a benign course when properly managed.
MORE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE: CHEMISTRY AND SUBSTRUCTURES IN THE GALACTIC THICK DISK

We present a study of the chemical abundances of solar neighborhood stars associated with dynamical structures in the Milky Way's (thick) disk. These stars were identified as an overdensity in the eccentricity range 0.3 < ϵ < 0.5 in the Copenhagen–Geneva Survey by Helmi et al. We find that stars with these dynamical characteristics do not constitute a homogeneous population. A relatively sharp transition in dynamical and chemical properties appears to occur at a metallicity of [Fe/H] ∼ −0.4. Stars with [Fe/H] > −0.4 have mostly lower eccentricities, smaller vertical velocity dispersions, are α-enhanced, and define a rather narrow sequence in [α/Fe] versus [Fe/H], clearly distinct from that of the thin disk. Stars with [Fe/H] < −0.4 have a range of eccentricities, are hotter vertically, and depict a larger spread in [α/Fe]. We also found tentative evidence of a substructure possibly associated with the disruption of a metal-rich star cluster. The differences between these populations of stars is also present in, e.g., [Zn/Fe], [Ni/Fe], and [SmII/Fe], suggesting a real physical distinction.
On Noncommutative Levi-Civita Connections

We make some observations about Rosenberg's Levi-Civita connections on noncommutative tori, noting the non-uniqueness of torsion-free metric-compatible connections without prescribed connection operator for the inner *-derivations, the nontrivial curvature form of the inner *-derivations, and the validity of the Gauss-Bonnet theorem for two classes of non-conformal deformations of the flat metric on the noncommutative two-tori, including the case of non-commuting scalings along the principal directions of a two-torus.
Odd-frequency superconductivity in a nanowire coupled to Majorana zero modes

Here, the authors argue that the recent experimental discovery of Majorana zero modes in topological superconductors may be the key to realizing an elusive state of matter, the odd-frequency superconductor, in which Cooper pairing is entirely dynamical in nature. Via an exactly soluble model, it is shown that when Majorana zero modes couple to a spin-polarized metallic system, equal-spin $s$-wave odd-frequency pairing is generically induced in the spin-polarized metal. The key properties of odd-frequency superconductivity, such as a vanishing static superconducting order parameter and a paramagnetic Meissner effect, are demonstrated in this system by explicit calculations.
The combination of SMRT sequencing and Illumina sequencing highlights organ-specific and age-specific expression patterns of miRNAs in Sika Deer

Due to the lack of high-quality Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) transcriptome and sRNAome across multiple organs or development stages, it is impossible to comprehensively analyze the mRNA and miRNA regulatory networks related to growth, development and immunity response. In this study, we used single molecule-real time sequencing (SMRT-seq) and Illumina sequencing methods to generate transcriptome and sRNAome from ten tissues and four age groups of Sika Deer to help us understand molecular characteristics and global miRNA expression profiles. The results showed that a total of 240,846 consensus transcripts were generated with an average length of 2,784 bp. 4,329 Transcription factors (TFs), 109,000 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and 18,987 Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) were identified. Meanwhile, 306 known miRNAs and 143 novel miRNAs were obtained. A large number of miRNAs showed organ-specific and age-specific differential expression patterns. In particular, we found that the organ-specific miRNAs were enriched in the brain, some of which shared only between the brain and adrenal. These miRNAs were involved in maintaining specific functions within the brain and adrenal. By constructing miRNA96mRNA interaction networks associated with Sika Deer immunity, we found that miRNAs (miR-148a, miR-26a, miR-214, let-7b, etc.) and mRNAs (CD6, TRIM38, C3, CD163, etc.) might play an important role in the immune response of Sika Deer spleen. Together, our study generated an improved transcript annotation for Sika Deer by SMRT-seq and revealed the role of miRNA in regulating the growth, development and immunity response of Sika Deer.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in camels recently imported to Egypt from Sudan and a global systematic review

Introduction Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related intracellular protozoan parasites of medical and veterinary concern by causing abortions and systemic illness. Limited or ambiguous data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camels triggered us to conduct this study. Methods Camels (n = 460) recently imported from Sudan and destined mainly for human consumption, were tested for specific antibodies against these protozoans using commercially available ELISAs. From the two only quarantine stations for camels from Sudan, 368 camels were sampled between November 2015 and March 2016 in Shalateen, Red Sea governorate, and 92 samples were collected between September 2018 and March 2021 from Abu Simbel, Aswan governorate. Results & Discussion Overall, seropositive rates in camels were 25.7%, 3.9% and 0.8% for T. gondii, N. caninum and mixed infection, respectively. However, marked differences were found between the two study sites and/or the two sampling periods: For T. gondii, a higher rate of infection was recorded in the Red Sea samples (31.5%, 116/368; odds ratio 20.7, 5.0-85.6; P<0.0001) than in those collected in Aswan (2.2%, 2/92). The opposite was found for N. caninum with a lower rate of infection in the Red Sea samples (0.82%, 3/368; odds ratio 23.7, 6.7-83.9; P<0.0001) than in the samples from Aswan (16.3%, 15/92). Additionally, our systematic review revealed that the overall published seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum was 28.6% and 14.3% in camels worldwide, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first record of seroprevalence of both T. gondii and N. caninum in recently imported camels kept under quarantine conditions before delivery to other Egyptian cities and regions. In addition, our review provides inclusive data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camel globally. This knowledge provides basic data for the implementation of strategies and control measures against neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.
Predictors of Portuguese teachers’ use of Information and Communication Technologies in literacy classes

In the last years, the teaching and learning of literacy has changed due to the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The use of ICT in the classroom depends largely on teachers, who are the key players in its integration. However, several factors influence teachers’ decisions to use ICT in their classroom, both internal (e.g., self-efficacy) and external (e.g., school support). Indeed, despite the potential benefits of using ICT, not all teachers use them in their teaching practice. In the present study, we examined which are the main factors influencing teachers’ effective use of ICT in literacy classrooms. A total of 125 teachers lecturing Portuguese Language in grades 5–12 participated in this study (M = 50.00 years, SD = 7.88; 89% women). Teachers filled in an online survey, comprising sociodemographic questions (viz., age, gender, education, years of teaching experience, teaching level, school type, and geographical area) and four questionnaires related to ICT and teaching. Results showed that effective use of ICT was predicted by both internal (ICT’ self-efficacy and constructivist conception of teaching) and external (lack of access and support, and gatekeepers) factors. These findings may help in the identification of key targets to facilitate the effective use of ICT in literacy classrooms.
Individual differences in processing ability to transform visual stimuli during the mental rotation task are closely related to individual motor adaptation ability

Mental rotation (MR) is a well-established experimental paradigm for exploring human spatial ability. Although MR tasks are assumed to be involved in several cognitive processes, it remains unclear which cognitive processes are related to the individual ability of motor adaptation. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between the response time (RT) of MR using body parts and the adaptive motor learning capability of gait. In the MR task, dorsal hand, palmar plane, dorsal foot, and plantar plane images rotated in 45° increments were utilized to measure the RTs required for judging hand/foot laterality. A split-belt treadmill paradigm was applied, and the number of strides until the value of the asymmetrical ground reaction force reached a steady state was calculated to evaluate the individual motor adaptation ability. No significant relationship was found between the mean RT of the egocentric perspectives (0°, 45°, and 315°) or allocentric perspectives (135°, 180°, and 225°) and adaptive learning ability of gait, irrespective of body parts or image planes. Contrarily, the change rate of RTs obtained by subtracting the RT of the egocentric perspective from that of the allocentric perspective in dorsal hand/foot images that reflect the time to mentally transform a rotated visual stimulus correlated only with adaptive learning ability. Interestingly, the change rate of RTs calculated using the palmar and plantar images, assumed to reflect the three-dimensional transformation process, was not correlated. These findings suggest that individual differences in the processing capability of visual stimuli during the transformation process involved in the pure motor simulation of MR tasks are precisely related to individual motor adaptation ability.
Andreev reflection mediated by Majorana zero modes in T-shaped double quantum dots

We theoretically study the Andreev reflection processes in T-shaped double quantum dots (TDQDs) in terms of the nonequilibrium Green’s function technique. It is considered that one of the TDQDs is coupled to the Majorana zero modes (MZMs) prepared at the ends of a topological superconductor nanowire and simultaneously to one metallic and one superconductor lead. Our numerical results show that the in-gap state originated from the proximity effect due to the superconductor lead being sensitive to the existence of MZMs. The local density of states (LDOS) of the spin-up electrons, which are directly coupled to the MZMs, has a Fano antiresonance at the in-gap state. Meanwhile, the local density of the spin-down electrons, which are free from hybridization to the MZMs due to the helical property of the latter, has a Lorentzian resonance at the same state. The differential Andreev conductance of both the spin directions exhibits Fano-type resonance but with different tails’ directions. The in-gap state is also significantly influenced by the energy level and coupling strength of the other side-coupled dot, as well as the MZM–MZM interaction.
The effect of body mass index on neonatal outcomes in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Aim This study aimed to explore the effect of body mass index (BMI) on neonatal outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome following the frozen embryo transfer (FET). Methods This study included 1,676 singletons born from mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after FET between 1 Jan 2007 and 31 Dec 2019. BMI was categorized into three groups: underweight (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2), and overweight (BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m2). Logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were used for clustering by patients to explore the effect of BMI on neonatal outcomes. Results When compared to normal-weight mothers, the rate of large for gestational age (LGA) babies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.22–0.93) significantly decreased for underweight mothers and significantly increased (aOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.38–2.41) for overweight mothers. The rate of high birth weight among infants from overweight mothers (aOR 1.75, 95%CI 1.15–2.65) was significantly higher than those from normal-weight mothers after adjusting for known confounding factors. The rate of small for gestational age (SGA) singleton (aOR 2.37, 95%CI 1.14–4.93) was lower among underweight mothers than normal-weight mothers. Conclusion Maternal underweight was a significant protective factor against LGA infants for singletons born from patients with PCOS after FET, whereas maternal overweight was an adverse factor for LGA infants.
Establishment of lung adenocarcinoma classification and risk model based on necroptosis-related genes

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most widely known histological subtype of lung cancer. Its classification is significant for the characteristic evaluation of patients. The aim of this research is to assess the categorization of LUAD and its risk model based on necroptosis and to investigate its potential regulatory mechanisms for diagnosing and treating LUAD. According to the expression profile data along with the clinical information related to LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we constructed a consistency matrix through consistency clustering, and used the ConsensusClusterPlus as the measurement distance to cluster and subtype the samples, and performed gene set enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression was utilized for obtaining prognostic significant necroptosis phenotype-related genes. Finally, we measured each patient’s riskscore (RS) and build a risk model, and predicted the effect of immunotherapy for different groups of risk factors in the model. Three molecular subtypes of LUAD were obtained by cluster analysis of necroptosis-related genes in LUAD samples. Compared with C1, C3 had a better prognosis and higher immune cell infiltration. The prognosis of the C1 subtype was poor and had a high clinical grade. The proportion of Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV was much more in comparison with that of the other two subtypes. TP53 gene had a high mutation frequency in the C1 subtype. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that the aberrant pathways in the C1 and C3 subtypes mainly included some cell cycle-related pathways. In addition, seven genes were identified as related genes of necroptosis phenotype affecting prognosis. High RS had a poor prognosis, while low RS had a good prognosis. The RS was verified to have a strong ability to predict survival. LUAD can be classified by the genes linked with cell necrosis and apoptosis. The difference among various types is helpful to deepen the understanding of LUAD. In addition, a risk model was constructed based. In conclusion, this study provides potential detection targets and treatment methods for LUAD from a new perspective.
A high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of Pelteobagrus vachelli provides insights into its environmental adaptation and population history

Pelteobagrus vachelli is a freshwater fish with high economic value, but the lack of genome resources has severely restricted its industrial development and population conservation. Here, we constructed the first chromosome-level genome assembly of P. vachelli with a total length of approximately 662.13 Mb and a contig N50 was 14.02 Mb, and scaffolds covering 99.79% of the assembly were anchored to 26 chromosomes. Combining the comparative genome results and transcriptome data under environmental stress (high temperature, hypoxia and Edwardsiella. ictaluri infection), the MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and apelin signaling pathway play an important role in environmental adaptation of P. vachelli, and these pathways were interconnected by the ErbB family and involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Population evolution analysis showed that artificial interventions have affected wild populations of P. vachelli. This study provides a useful genomic information for the genetic breeding of P. vachelli, as well as references for further studies on fish biology and evolution.
Ethylene: Management and breeding for postharvest quality in vegetable crops. A review

Ethylene is a two-carbon gaseous plant growth regulator that involved in several important physiological events, including growth, development, ripening and senescence of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental crops. The hormone accelerates ripening of ethylene sensitive fruits, leafy greens and vegetables at micromolar concentrations, and its accumulation can led to fruit decay and waste during the postharvest stage. Several strategies of crops management and techniques of plant breeding have been attempted in the last decades to understand ethylene regulation pathways and ethylene-dependent biochemical and physiological processes, with the final aim to extend the produce shelf-life and improve the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. These investigation approaches involve the use of conventional and new breeding techniques, including precise genome-editing. This review paper aims to provide a relevant overview on the state of the art related to the use of modern breeding techniques focused on ethylene and ethylene-related metabolism, as well as on the possible postharvest technological applications for the postharvest management of ethylene-sensitive crops. An updated view and perspective on the implications of new breeding and management strategies to maintain the quality and the marketability of different crops during postharvest are given, with particular focus on: postharvest physiology (ethylene dependent) for mature and immature fruits and vegetables; postharvest quality management of vegetables: fresh and fresh cut products, focusing on the most important ethylene-dependent biochemical pathways; evolution of breeding technologies for facing old and new challenges in postharvest quality of vegetable crops: from conventional breeding and marker assisted selection to new breeding technologies focusing on transgenesis and gene editing. Examples of applied breeding techniques for model plants (tomato, zucchini and brocccoli) are given to elucidate ethylene metabolism, as well as beneficial and detrimental ethylene effects.
Fast transitionless expansions of Gaussian anharmonic traps for cold atoms: Bang-singular-bang control

Combining invariant-based inverse engineering, perturbation theory, and Optimal Control Theory, we design fast, transitionless expansions of cold neutral atoms or ions in Gaussian anharmonic traps. Bounding the possible trap frequencies and using a "bang-singular-bang" control we find fast processes for a continuum of durations up to a minimum time that corresponds to a purely bang-bang (stepwise frequency constant) control.
Other-Regarding Preferences and Altruistic Punishment: A Darwinian Perspective

Altruistic punishment - the punishment of norm violators at one's own cost without material benefit - is frequently observed in experimental economics, field studies and in people's everyday life. The existence of this ostensibly irrational behavior is often linked to other-regarding preferences in humans, which relate a person's decision to her social environment. Economists have begun incorporating other-regarding preferences in their utility frameworks to better capture empirical evidence. While these theoretical additions seem intuitive, their evolutionary foundation is poorly documented and the origin of altruistic punishment remains puzzling. Using a new approach, that closely integrates empirical results from a public goods experiment with punishment together with an evolutionary agent-based simulation model, enables us to identify the underlying key mechanism of this puzzling behavior. We design the agent-based model by means of a limited set of behavioral patterns observed in the experimental data. We validate our results by comparing our quantitative predictions of the punishment behavior and its effect on the level of cooperation with the corresponding empirical observations. Unlike descriptive theories, our approach provides a broad explanatory solution for the emergence and existence of altruistic punishment behavior in public goods game experiments: Altruistic punishment emerges spontaneously from a population of agents who are initially non-punishers, if variants of inequality or inequity aversion are the predominant preference sets. In particular we find, that a weaker, asymmetric variant of inequity aversion quantitatively explains the level of punishment observed in contemporary experiments: Our evolutionary model shows that disadvantageous inequity aversion cause altruistic punishment behavior to evolve to a level that precisely matches the empirical observations in public goods experiments.