Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Separability of Hermitian tensors and PSD decompositions

Hermitian tensors are natural generalizations of Hermitian matrices, while possessing rather different properties. A Hermitian tensor is separable if it has a Hermitian decomposition with only positive coefficients, i.e. it is a sum of rank-1 psd Hermitian tensors. This paper studies how to detect the separability of Hermitian tensors. It is equivalent to the long-standing quantum separability problem in quantum physics, which asks to tell if a given quantum state is entangled or not. We formulate this as a truncated moment problem and then provide a semidefinite relaxation algorithm to solve it. Moreover, we study psd decompositions of separable Hermitian tensors. When the psd rank is low, we first flatten them into cubic order tensors and then apply tensor decomposition methods to compute psd decompositions. We prove that this method works well if the psd rank is low. In computation, this flattening approach can detect the separability for much larger-sized Hermitian tensors. This method is a good starting point to determine psd ranks of separable Hermitian tensors.
On the Performance of Downlink NOMA in Underlay Spectrum Sharing

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and spectrum sharing are two potential technologies for providing massive connectivity in beyond fifth-generation (B5G) networks. In this paper, we present the performance analysis of a multi-antenna-assisted two-user downlink NOMA system in an underlay spectrum sharing system. We derive closed-form expressions for the average achievable sum-rate and outage probability of the secondary network under a peak interference constraint and/or peak power constraint, depending on the availability of channel state information (CSI) of the interference link between secondary transmitter (ST) and primary receiver (PR). For the case where the ST has a fixed power budget, we show that performance can be divided into two specific regimes, where either the interference constraint or the power constraint primarily dictates the performance. Our results confirm that the NOMA-based underlay spectrum sharing system significantly outperforms its orthogonal multiple access (OMA) based counterpart, by achieving higher average sum-rate and lower outage probability. We also show the effect of information loss at the ST in terms of CSI of the link between the ST and PR on the system performance. Moreover, we also present closed-form expressions for the optimal power allocation coefficient that minimizes the outage probability of the NOMA system for the special case where the secondary users are each equipped with a single antenna. A close agreement between the simulation and analytical results confirms the correctness of the presented analysis.
Free Boundary Problems via Da Prato-Grisvard Theory

In this article, an L_1 maximal regularity theory for parabolic evolution equations inspired by the pioneering work of Da Prato and Grisvard is developed. Besides of its own interest, the approach yields a framework allowing global-in-time control of the change of Eulerian to Lagrangian coordinates in various problems related to fluid mechanics. This property is of course decisive for free boundary problems. As an application, a global well-posedness resul} for the free boundary value problem for incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is established in the case where the initial domain coincides with the half-space, and the initial velocity is small with respect to a suitable scaling invariant norm.
Time and Space Optimal Exact Majority Population Protocols

In this paper we study population protocols governed by the {\em random scheduler}, which uniformly at random selects pairwise interactions between $n$ agents. The main result of this paper is the first time and space optimal {\em exact majority population protocol} which also works with high probability. The new protocol operates in the optimal {\em parallel time} $O(\log n),$ which is equivalent to $O(n\log n)$ sequential {\em pairwise interactions}, where each agent utilises the optimal number of $O(\log n)$ states. The time optimality of the new majority protocol is possible thanks to the novel concept of fixed-resolution phase clocks introduced and analysed in this paper. The new phase clock allows to count approximately constant parallel time in population protocols.
Risk Assessment and Prediction of Severe or Critical COVID-19 Illness in Older Adults

Purpose This study is to investigate the risk prediction of severe or critical events of COVID-19 in older adults in China and provide the evidence to support the management of older adults with COVID-19. Materials and Methods The clinical data of older adults with COVID-19 admitted to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center during January 20, 2020 to March 16, 2020 were collected. The possible risk factors of severe or critical illness were investigated with Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression models for univariate and multivariate analyses to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For the prediction indicators, optimum cut-off points were determined by calculating Youden’s index. The efficacy of risk prediction of severe or critical illness was examined through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results A total of 110 older adults with COVID-19 were included, in which 21 (19.1%) patients had severe or critical illness of COVID-19. Multivariable regression analysis showed that CD4 cells and D-dimer were independent risk factors. D-dimer, CD4 cells, and CD cells/D-dimer ratio with cut-off values of 0.65 (mg/L), 268 (cell/µL) and 431 were in the prediction of severe or critical illness of older adults with COVID-19. The AUC value of D-dimer, CD4 cells, CD4 cells/D-dimer ratio, the tandem combination and the parallel combination to predict severe or critical illness of the older adults with COVID-19 were 0.703, 0.804, 0.794, 0.812 and 0.694, respectively. Conclusion D-dimer and CD4 cells either by themselves or in combination have demonstrated predictive value in risk stratification as well as established the prognosis of severe or critical illness in older adults with COVID-19.
Resistance and Overcoming Resistance in Breast Cancer

Abstract The incidence and mortality of breast cancer (BC) have increased in recent years, and BC is the main cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. One of the most significant clinical problems in the treatment of patients with BC is the development of therapeutic resistance. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in drug resistance is critical. The therapeutic decision for the management of patients with BC is based not only on the assessment of prognostic factors but also on the evaluation of clinical and pathological parameters. Although this has been a successful approach, some patients relapse and/or eventually develop resistance to treatment. This review is focused on recent studies on the possible biological and molecular mechanisms involved in both response and resistance to treatment in BC. Additionally, emerging treatments that seek to overcome resistance and reduce side effects are also described. A greater understanding of the mechanisms of action of treatments used in BC might contribute not only to the enhancement of our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of resistance but also to the optimization of the existing treatment regimens.
Resolvin D3 controls mouse and human TRPV1-positive neurons and preclinical progression of psoriasis

Rationale: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by a complex interplay between the immune and nervous systems with recurrent scaly skin plaques, thickened stratum corneum, infiltration and activation of inflammatory cells, and itch. Despite an increasing availability of immune therapies, they often have adverse effects, high costs, and dissociated effects on inflammation and itch. Activation of sensory neurons innervating the skin and TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) are emerging as critical components in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, but little is known about their endogenous inhibitors. Recent studies have demonstrated that resolvins, endogenous lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids, are potent inhibitors of TRP channels and may offer new therapies for psoriasis without known adverse effects. Methods: We used behavioral, electrophysiological and biochemical approaches to investigate the therapeutic effects of resolvin D3 (RvD3), a novel family member of resolvins, in a preclinical model of psoriasis consisting of repeated topical applications of imiquimod (IMQ) to murine skin, which provokes inflammatory lesions that resemble human psoriasis. Results: We report that RvD3 specifically reduced TRPV1-dependent acute pain and itch in mice. Mechanistically, RvD3 inhibited capsaicin-induced TRPV1 currents in dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons via the N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (i.e. ALX/FPR2), a G-protein coupled receptor. Single systemic administration of RvD3 (2.8 mg/kg) reversed itch after IMQ, and repeated administration largely prevented the development of both psoriasiform itch and skin inflammation with concomitant decreased in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in DRG neurons. Accordingly, specific knockdown of CGRP in DRG was sufficient to prevent both psoriasiform itch and skin inflammation similar to the effects following RvD3 administration. Finally, we elevated the translational potential of this study by showing that RvD3 significantly inhibited capsaicin-induced TRPV1 activity and CGRP release in human DRG neurons. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a novel role for RvD3 in regulating TRPV1/CGRP in mouse and human DRG neurons and identify RvD3 and its neuronal pathways as novel therapeutic targets to treat psoriasis.
Glycinergic Transmission in the Presence and Absence of Functional GlyT2: Lessons From the Auditory Brainstem

Synaptic transmission is controlled by re-uptake systems that reduce transmitter concentrations in the synaptic cleft and recycle the transmitter into presynaptic terminals. The re-uptake systems are thought to ensure cytosolic concentrations in the terminals that are sufficient for reloading empty synaptic vesicles (SVs). Genetic deletion of glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) results in severely disrupted inhibitory neurotransmission and ultimately to death. Here we investigated the role of GlyT2 at inhibitory glycinergic synapses in the mammalian auditory brainstem. These synapses are tuned for resilience, reliability, and precision, even during sustained high-frequency stimulation when endocytosis and refilling of SVs probably contribute substantially to efficient replenishment of the readily releasable pool (RRP). Such robust synapses are formed between MNTB and LSO neurons (medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, lateral superior olive). By means of patch-clamp recordings, we assessed the synaptic performance in controls, in GlyT2 knockout mice (KOs), and upon acute pharmacological GlyT2 blockade. Via computational modeling, we calculated the reoccupation rate of empty release sites and RRP replenishment kinetics during 60-s challenge and 60-s recovery periods. Control MNTB-LSO inputs maintained high fidelity neurotransmission at 50 Hz for 60 s and recovered very efficiently from synaptic depression. During 'marathon-experiments' (30,600 stimuli in 20 min), RRP replenishment accumulated to 1,260-fold. In contrast, KO inputs featured severe impairments. For example, the input number was reduced to ~1 (vs. ~4 in controls), implying massive functional degeneration of the MNTB-LSO microcircuit and a role of GlyT2 during synapse maturation. Surprisingly, neurotransmission did not collapse completely in KOs as inputs still replenished their small RRP 80-fold upon 50 Hz | 60 s challenge. However, they totally failed to do so for extended periods. Upon acute pharmacological GlyT2 inactivation, synaptic performance remained robust, in stark contrast to KOs. RRP replenishment was 865-fold in marathon-experiments, only ~1/3 lower than in controls. Collectively, our empirical and modeling results demonstrate that GlyT2 re-uptake activity is not the dominant factor in the SV recycling pathway that imparts indefatigability to MNTB-LSO synapses. We postulate that additional glycine sources, possibly the antiporter Asc-1, contribute to RRP replenishment at these high-fidelity brainstem synapses.
Role of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in North American Patients With Severe Acute Liver Injury

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the role of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in a large cohort of prospectively enrolled patients with severe acute liver injury (ALI). METHODS: Serum samples from 594 consecutive adults enrolled between 2008 and 2018 in the US Acute Liver Failure Study Group ALI registry were tested for anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG levels. Those with detectable anti-HEV IgM underwent further testing for HEV RNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 38 years; 41% were men and 72% Caucasian. Etiologies of ALI included acetaminophen hepatotoxicity (50%), autoimmune hepatitis (8.9%), hepatitis B virus (8.9%), and idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (7.9%). Overall, 62 patients (10.4%) were negative for anti-HEV IgM but positive for IgG, whereas only 3 men (0.5%) were positive for both anti-HEV IgM and IgG. These 3 cases were initially diagnosed as having indeterminate, HEV, and hepatitis B virus-related ALI. One of these patients had detectable HEV RNA genotype 3, and another anti-HEV IgM+ patient had detectable HEV antigens by immunohistochemistry on liver biopsy. On multivariate modeling, older (odds ratio: 1.99) and non-Caucasian subjects (odds ratio: 2.92) were significantly more likely to have detectable anti-HEV IgG (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Acute HEV infection is an infrequent cause of ALI in hospitalized North American adults. The anti-HEV IgG+ patients were significantly older and more likely to be non-Caucasian. These data are consistent with other population-based studies that indicate exposure to HEV in the general US population is declining over time and might reflect a cohort effect.
Solanine Inhibits Immune Escape Mediated by Hepatoma Treg Cells via the TGFβ/Smad Signaling Pathway

Objective To observe the inhibitory effect of solanine on regulatory T cells (Treg) in transplanted hepatoma mice and to study the mechanism of solanine inhibiting tumor growth. Methods The levels of Treg cells and IL-2, IL-10, and TGFβ in the blood of patients with liver cancer were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. A mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) graft model was established and randomly divided into four groups: control group, solanine group, TGFβ inhibitor group (SB-431542), and solanine +TGFβ inhibitor combined group. Tumor volume of each group was recorded, tumor inhibition rate was calculated, and tumor metastasis was counted. The proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg in transplanted tumor tissues was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of Foxp3 and TGFβ in transplanted tumor tissues were detected by quantitative fluorescence PCR. Results Compared with healthy people, Treg cells and IL-2, IL-10, and TGFβ contents in peripheral blood of liver cancer patients were increased. The results of the transplanted tumor model in mice showed that the tumor volume of the transplanted mice in the solanine group and the TGFβ inhibitor mice was reduced compared with the control group. The combined group had the smallest tumor volume. The proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg in the transplanted tumor tissues of mice in the solanine treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The expressions of Foxp3 and TGFβ in the transplanted tumor tissues of mice in the solanine group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion Solanine may enhance the antitumor immune response by downregulating the proportion of CD4+CD25+ Treg and the expression of Foxp3 and TGFβ in tumor tissues.
Predicting Venous Thromboembolic Events in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Requiring Hospitalization: an Observational Retrospective Study by the COVIDIC Initiative in a Swiss University Hospital

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in profound changes in blood coagulation. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and predictors of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) among patients with COVID-19 requiring hospital admission. Subjects and Methods. We performed a retrospective study at the Lausanne University Hospital with patients admitted because of COVID-19 from February 28 to April 30, 2020. Results Among 443 patients with COVID-19, VTE was diagnosed in 41 patients (9.3%; 27 pulmonary embolisms, 12 deep vein thrombosis, one pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, one portal vein thrombosis). VTE was diagnosed already upon admission in 14 (34.1%) patients and 27 (65.9%) during hospital stay (18 in ICU and nine in wards outside the ICU). Multivariate analysis revealed D-dimer value > 3,120 ng/ml (P < 0.001; OR 15.8, 95% CI 4.7-52.9) and duration of 8 days or more from COVID-19 symptoms onset to presentation (P 0.020; OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-18.3) to be independently associated with VTE upon admission. D-dimer value ≥ 3,000 ng/l combined with a Wells score for PE ≥ 2 was highly specific (sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 91.6%) in detecting VTE upon admission. Development of VTE during hospitalization was independently associated with D-dimer value > 5,611 ng/ml (P < 0.001; OR 6.3, 95% CI 2.4-16.2) and mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001; OR 5.9, 95% CI 2.3-15.1). Conclusions VTE seems to be a common COVID-19 complication upon admission and during hospitalization, especially in ICU. The combination of Wells ≥ 2 score and D − dimer ≥ 3,000 ng/l is a good predictor of VTE at admission.
Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Syzygium nervosum

Syzygium nervosum, which belongs to the Myrtaceae plant family, is widely distributed and cultivated in South East Asian countries. The decoction of S. nervosum leaves and flower buds has been consumed regularly as a beverage among the Vietnamese and Chinese communities. In addition, it has also been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, notably for influenza, skin diseases, and digestive conditions. To date, there has been a considerable number of publications on chemical profiling and pharmacological activities of S. nervosum crude extract and pure isolated compounds. Our analysis indicated the characteristic chemical scaffolds and potential bioactivities on cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases of this plant. The review aims to summarize up-to-date past study results and suggest future research direction on this species, in order to promote clinical applications of S. nervosum.
Identification of Prognosis-Related Genes in Bladder Cancer Microenvironment across TCGA Database

Background Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common urothelial malignancy. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database allows for an opportunity to analyze the relationship between gene expression and clinical outcomes in bladder cancer patients. This study is aimed at identifying prognosis-related genes in the bladder cancer microenvironment. Methods Immune scores and stromal scores were calculated by applying the ESTIMATE algorithm. We divided bladder cancer patients into high and low groups based on their immune/stromal scores. Then, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in bladder cancer patients based on the TCGA database. We evaluated the correlation between immune/stromal scores and clinical characteristics as well as prognosis. Finally, we validated identified genes associated with bladder cancer prognosis through a cohort study in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Results A higher stromal score was associated with female (vs. malep = 0.037), age > 65 (vs.age ≤ 65 p = 0.015), T3/4 (vs. T1/2,p < 0.001), N status(p = 0.016), and pathological high grade (vs. low gradeP < 0.001). By analyzing DEGs, there were 1125 genes commonly upregulated, and 209 genes were commonly downregulated. Protein-protein interaction networks further showed the important protein that may be involved in the biological behavior and prognosis of BCa, such as FN1, CXCL12, CD3E, LCK, and ZAP70. A total of 14 DEGs were found to be associated with overall survival of bladder cancer. After validation by a cohort of 165 BCa cases with detailed follow-up information from GSE13507, 10 immune-associated DEGs were demonstrated to be predictive of prognosis in BCa. Among them, 5 genes have not been reported previously associated with the prognosis of BCa, including BTBD16, OLFML2B, PRRX1, SPINK4, and SPON2. Conclusions Our study elucidated tight associations between stromal score and clinical characteristics as well as prognosis in BCa. Moreover, we obtained a group of genes closely related to the prognosis of BCa in the tumor microenvironment.
Natural Exogenous Antioxidant Defense against Changes in Human Skin Fibroblast Proteome Disturbed by UVA Radiation

Daily exposure of the skin to UVA radiation causes oxidative modifications to cellular components and biomolecules. These include proteins involved in the metabolism and cytoprotection of fibroblasts, and their modification can contribute to the disruption of cell function and the development of skin disorders. Therefore, there remains a need for highly active cytoprotective compounds with antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid on the activity of rutin against UVA-induced changes in the proteome of human fibroblasts. All analyses were carried out on fibroblasts cultured in a three-dimensional system exposed to UVA radiation and incubated with rutin and ascorbic acid. Their proteomic profile was analyzed using nano-HPLC, which revealed 150 proteins whose expression was significantly altered between treatment conditions. UVA radiation led to changes in the expression of 82 proteins. However, some of these changes were mitigated by rutin and ascorbic acid separately (23 and 25 proteins, respectively) and rutin and ascorbic acid together (23 proteins). UVA radiation has led to the upregulation of proteins involved in gene expression, catalytic processes and antioxidant pathways, and downregulation of proteins with binding activity. Nevertheless, rutin and ascorbic acid used separately or together have countered these changes to varying degrees. Moreover, rutin and ascorbic acid stimulated fibroblasts irradiated by UVA to increase the expression of the signalling molecules responsible for the opening of the transmembrane channels. In the context of the results obtained, the observed cytoprotective effect of the cooperation of rutin and ascorbic acid results not only from the overlapping properties of the compounds. The effect of rutin alone is probably inhibited by its limited bioavailability. Therefore, its interaction with ascorbic acid increases membrane penetration and improves the cytoprotective effect on skin fibroblasts.