Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features of Human Brucellosis and Risk Factors for Focal Complications: A Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary-Care Hospital in Beijing, China

Purpose Brucellosis is an ongoing zoonotic disease in China, but there are few data in Beijing. This study was designed to illustrate clinical characteristics of patients with brucellosis in Beijing, China and explore the risk factors for focal brucellosis. Patients and Methods Data of patients with brucellosis were retrospectively collected from the patients’ electronic medical records in Beijing Youan Hospital during 2010 to 2021, including epidemiological, demographic and clinical features. Risk factors for focal brucellosis were identified by multivariable logistic regression models. Results A total of 197 patients were included in the study, with 165 (83.8%) cases in acute phase and 32 (16.2%) cases in chronic phase. Patients in acute phase were more likely to have splenomegaly (24.2% vs 3.1%, p=0.007) than those in chronic phase, but had less arthralgia (62.4% vs 81.3%, p=0.040). The median level of alanine aminotransferase (36.9 vs 20.7, p=0.001) was higher in patients at acute stage than those at chronic stage. Of all the patients, 76 (38.6%) were reported with focal complications, including 16 (8.1%) peripheral arthritis, 36 (18.3%) spondylitis, 17 (8.6%) epididymoorchitis, 8 (4.1%) meningitis and 3 (1.3%) endocarditis. Additionally, male (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.15–6.64, p = 0.023), arthralgia (OR 6.23, 95% CI 2.36–16.43, p < 0.001) and higher level of platelets (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, p < 0.001) were the independent risk factors for focal brucellosis. Conclusion The control of human brucellosis still cannot be ignored due to the re-emerging cases in Beijing, which are more likely to present splenomegaly and abnormal liver function in acute phase. Moreover, male, arthralgia and high level of platelets were the independent risk factors for focal brucellosis.
Small Extracellular Vesicles and Their Involvement in Cancer Resistance: An Up-to-Date Review

In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer. Thanks to advancements in molecular biology, it has been found that the fraction of EVs called exosomes or small EVs (sEVs) modulates the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by delivering molecularly active non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). An in-depth analysis shows that two main molecular mechanisms are involved in exosomal modified chemoresistance: (1) translational repression of anti-oncogenes by exosomal microRNAs (miRs) and (2) lack of translational repression of oncogenes by sponging of miRs through long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). At the cellular level, these processes increase the proliferation and survival of cancer cells and improve their ability to metastasize and resist apoptosis. In addition, studies in animal models have shown enhancing tumor size under the influence of exosomal ncRNAs. Ultimately, exosomal ncRNAs are responsible for clinically significant chemotherapy failures in patients with different types of cancer. Preliminary data have also revealed that exosomal ncRNAs can overcome chemotherapeutic agent resistance, but the results are thoroughly fragmented. This review presents how exosomes modulate the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Understanding how exosomes interfere with chemoresistance may become a milestone in developing new therapeutic options, but more data are still required.
DNA Storage Monitoring with a CMOS Capacitive Sensor

This paper reports a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) capacitive sensor for monitoring dried DNA mass. The experimental results have successfully shown the capability of this sensor to detect down to $45\ \text{ng}/\upmu \mathrm{L}$ mass of dried DNA in the detection range of sub-pico Mol. Our experiments suggest that the proposed sensor can be used to monitor the physical storage of dried DNA material in emerging DNA memory technologies.
Domain-Specific Cognitive Prosthesis for Face Memory and Recognition

The present study proposes a cognitive prosthesis device for face memory impairment as a proof-of-concept for the domain-specific cognitive prosthesis. Healthy subjects (n = 6) and a patient with poor face memory were enrolled. An acquaintance face recognition test with and without the use of cognitive prosthesis for face memory impairment, face recognition tests, quality of life, neuropsychological assessments, and machine learning performance of the cognitive prosthesis were followed-up throughout four weeks of real-world device use by the patient. The healthy subjects had an accuracy of 92.38 ± 4.41% and reaction time of 1.27 ± 0.12 s in the initial attempt of the acquaintance face recognition test, which changed to 80.48 ± 6.23% (p = 0.06) and 2.11 ± 0.20 s (p < 0.01) with prosthesis use. The patient had an accuracy of 74.29% and a reaction time of 6.65 s, which improved to 94.29% and 3.28 s with prosthesis use. After four weeks, the patient’s unassisted accuracy and reaction time improved to 100% and 1.23 s. Functional MRI study revealed activation of the left superior temporal lobe during face recognition task without prosthesis use and activation of the right precentral motor area with prosthesis use. The prosthesis could improve the patient’s performance by bypassing the brain area inefficient for facial recognition and employing the area more efficiently for the cognitive task.
Unlocking Pathways to Mobile Payment Satisfaction and Commitment

ABSTRACT Although mobile payment services are unlikely to become obsolete, their market dominance has been challenged following the intensified market competition. A research model is developed to uncover the drivers of users’ hedonic and utilitarian motivations (i.e., application, marketing, and internal stimuli) as the key to fostering satisfaction and commitment toward mobile payment services. Data were gathered from a survey and analyzed via the dual-stage Structural Equation Modeling-Artificial Neural Network (SEM-ANN) technique to capture both linear and non-linear relationships. The findings suggested that information value, monetary value, self-congruence, and reward and recognition drive hedonic and/or utilitarian motivations, which in turn promote users’ satisfaction and commitment toward mobile payment services. The ANN analysis reveals the existence of a non-linear hidden attribute. The research provides theoretical insights and practical implications for the field of mobile payment services.
Investigating Programming Students Problem Comprehension Ability and its Association With Learning Performance

Contribution: Students’ problem-understanding abilities and their relationship with programming learning were investigated using a methodology little explored in the existing literature. Background: Problem comprehension is an ability used during software development. Current research points to conflicting results on students’ ability to interpret problems, which calls for further research. In addition, the influence of this skill in programming learning also deserves additional studies. Research Questions: The following research questions were developed: RQ1) Can introductory programming students correctly interpret the statement of programming questions? RQ2) Is the student’s problem comprehension ability associated with creating correct programs? Methodology: Forty-eight students enrolled in an online introductory programming course participated in the investigation. Students’ problem-understanding externalizations were analyzed, and statistical tests were performed to assess the association of this ability with programming learning performance. Findings: Most students externalized a satisfactory degree of problem-understanding competency. The cases in which students’ misinterpreted the problem were associated with creating faulty software. However, a closer analysis suggests that there are other factors that must also be considered.
Code domain NOMA in 3GPP specifications: 5G or 6G?

The article is devoted to non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) schemes with code division within 3GPP standardization. Various companies have proposed a great variety of NOMA schemes for 5G and 6G systems. The scope and main advantages of NOMA technology are briefly illustrated. The most popular varieties of code domain NOMA and their features are considered, their structure, prospects and implementation problems are analyzed.
Nutritional Predictors of Mortality after 10 Years of Follow-Up in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at a Multidisciplinary Unit of Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Nutritional monitoring in advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) units provides personalized care and improves clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify mortality risk factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on nutritional follow-up in the multidisciplinary ACKD unit. A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 307 CKD patients’ stage 3b, 4–5 followed-up for 10 years. Clinical and nutritional monitoring was performed by malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS), biochemical parameters (s-albumin, s-prealbumin, and serum C-reactive protein (s-CRP), body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometry, and handgrip strength measurements. The sample was classified into non-survivors, survivors, and censored groups. Of the 307 CKD patients, the prevalence of protein-energy wasting (PEW) was 27.0% using MIS > 5 points, s-CRP > 1 mg/dL was 19.20%, and 27.18% died. Survivors had higher significant body cell mass (BCM%) and phase angle (PA). Survival analyses significantly showed that age > 72 years, MIS > 5 points, s-prealbumin ≤ 30 mg/dL, PA ≤ 4°, and gender-adjusted handgrip strength (HGS) were associated with an increased risk of mortality. By univariate and multivariate Cox regression, time on follow-up (HR:0.97), s-prealbumin (HR:0.94), and right handgrip strength (HR:0.96) were independent predictors of mortality risk at 10 years of follow-up in the ACKD unit. Nutritional monitoring in patients with stage 3b, 4–5 CKD helps to identify and treat nutritional risk early and improve adverse mortality prognosis.
Effects of different parameters on the flow field of peripheral ported rotary engines

The performance of rotary engines is significantly influenced by the flow field. In this study, a detailed mathematical model was integrated into the simulation software FLUENT to investigate the gas flow field in a peripheral ported rotary engine by including a dynamic mesh model and a turbulent flow model. The models were also validated by experimental data. The basic flow mechanism in the combustion chamber was numerically studied. Meanwhile, the effects of the three major parameters on the flow field inside the combustion chamber, namely, rotating speed, intake shape, and intake angle, were also investigated. Results showed that a constantly changing swirl was formed in the combustion chamber during the intake and compression strokes as a result of the combined effects of the pocket of the rotor and the swirls in the combustion chamber. The swirl eventually broke into a unidirectional flow near the top dead center because of the significant decrease in combustion chamber volume. Furthermore, with the change in rotating speed, intake shape, and intake angle, significant differences in flow speed, inertia, and distribution were observed when the fluid entered the combustion chamber, which, in turn, led to obvious differences in the flow field, volume coefficient, and average turbulence kinetic energy in the combustion chamber.
Impact of Body Composition Parameters on Lung Function in Athletes

Background: Given the potential risk of unhealthy weight management, the monitoring of body composition in athletes is advised. However, limited data reveal how body composition measurements can benefit athlete health and, in particular, respiratory function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of body composition on pulmonary function in a population of adult athletes. Methods: Data from 435 competitive adult athletes regarding body compositions parameters and spirometry are retrospectively analyzed. Results: Our study population consists of 335 males and 100 female athletes. Muscle mass and fat-free mass are significantly and positively associated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in the male and female population, while waist-to-height ratio is negatively associated with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC in the male population. In multivariable analysis, muscle mass and fat-free mass show significant association with FEV1 and FVC in both males and females (p < 0.05), and waist-to-height ratio is significantly and inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC in males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fat-free mass and muscle mass are positively and independently associated with FEV1 and FVC in athletes of both genders, and waist-to-height ratio is inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC only among male athletes. These findings suggest that body composition in athletes may be helpful in monitoring respiratory function.
The topology, stability, and instability of learning-induced brain network repertoires in schizophrenia

Abstract There is a paucity of graph theoretic methods applied to task-based data in schizophrenia (SCZ). Tasks are useful for modulating brain network dynamics, and topology. Understanding how changes in task conditions impact inter-group differences in topology can elucidate unstable network characteristics in SCZ. Here, in a group of patients and healthy controls (n = 59 total, 32 SCZ), we used an associative learning task with four distinct conditions (Memory Formation, Post-Encoding Consolidation, Memory Retrieval, and Post-Retrieval Consolidation) to induce network dynamics. From the acquired fMRI time series data, betweenness centrality (BC), a metric of a node’s integrative value was used to summarize network topology in each condition. Patients showed (a) differences in BC across multiple nodes and conditions; (b) decreased BC in more integrative nodes, but increased BC in less integrative nodes; (c) discordant node ranks in each of the conditions; and (d) complex patterns of stability and instability of node ranks across conditions. These analyses reveal that task conditions induce highly variegated patterns of network dys-organization in SCZ. We suggest that the dys-connection syndrome that is schizophrenia, is a contextually evoked process, and that the tools of network neuroscience should be oriented toward elucidating the limits of this dys-connection.
Monitoring of Ex Vivo Cyclosporin a Activity in Healthy Volunteers Using T Cell Function Assays in Relation to Whole Blood and Cellular Pharmacokinetics

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of calcineurin inhibitors (i.e., tacrolimus and cyclosporin A) is standard of care after solid organ transplantation. Although the incidence of acute rejection has strongly decreased, there are still many patients who experience severe side effects or rejection after long-term treatment. In this healthy volunteer study we therefore aimed to identify biomarkers to move from a pharmacokinetic-based towards a pharmacodynamic-based monitoring approach for calcineurin inhibitor treatment. Healthy volunteers received a single dose of cyclosporine A (CsA) or placebo, after which whole blood samples were stimulated to measure ex vivo T cell functionality, including proliferation, cytokine production, and activation marker expression. The highest whole blood concentration of CsA was found at 2 h post-dose, which resulted in a strong inhibition of interferon gamma (IFNy) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and expression of CD154 and CD71 on T cells. Moreover, the in vitro effect of CsA was studied by incubation of pre-dose whole blood samples with a concentration range of CsA. The average in vitro and ex vivo CsA activity overlapped, making the in vitro dose–effect relationship an interesting method for prediction of post-dose drug effect. The clinical relevance of the results is to be explored in transplantation patients on calcineurin inhibitor treatment.
Models of wealth distributions: a perspective

A class of conserved models of wealth distributions are studied where wealth (or money) is assumed to be exchanged between a pair of agents in a population like the elastically colliding molecules of a gas exchanging energy. All sorts of distributions from exponential (Boltzmann-Gibbs) to something like Gamma distributions and to that of Pareto's law (power law) are obtained out of such models with simple algorithmic exchange processes. Numerical inevstigations, analysis through transition matrix and a mean field approach are employed to understand the generative mechanisms. A general scenario is examined wherefrom a power law and other distributions can emerge.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of a Diverse Population of Picea sitchensis Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing

Picea sitchensis, Sitka spruce, is of interest to forestry as both a conservation species and a highly productive crop. Its native range stretches from Alaska to California, and it is hence distributed across a large environmental cline with areas of local adaptation. The IUFRO collection, established in 1968–1970, consists of 81 provenances of commercial and scientific interest spanning this native range. We used genotyping-by-sequencing on 1177 genotypes, originating from 80 of the IUFRO provenances which occupy 19 geographic regions of the Pacific Northwest, resulting in an SNP database of 36,567 markers. We detected low levels of genetic differentiation across this broad environmental cline, in agreement with other studies. However, we discovered island effects on geographically distant populations, such as those on Haida Gwaii and Kodiak Island. Using glaciation data, alongside this database, we see apparent post-glacial recolonization of the mainland from islands and the south of the range. Genotyping the IUFRO population expands upon the use of the collection in three ways: (i) providing information to breeders on genetic diversity which can be implemented into breeding programs, optimizing genetic gain for important traits; (ii) serving a scientific resource for studying spruce species; and (iii) utilizing provenances in breeding programs which are more tolerant to climate change.
HMGB1 promotes the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer by regulating androgen receptor activation

AR signalling pathway reactivation plays a key role in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). High-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) is an important factor involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumours by regulating gene transcription. In the present study, the association between HMGB1 and prostate cancer (PCa) and the effects of HMGB1 on androgen receptor (AR) transcription and signalling pathway reactivation in PCa cells in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. A bioinformatics method was used to determine the mRNA expression level of HMGB1 in PCa specimens and its correlation with the mRNA expression of AR. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of these proteins in clinical PCa samples. Reporter gene and ChIP assays were performed to determine the activity of AR and the effect of HMGB1 on the ability of AR to bind to the promoters of prostate specific antigen and transmembrane protease, serine 2. A bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay was employed to observe the direct interaction between HMGB1 and AR protein. Additionally, a castrated nude mouse xenograft tumour model was established to verify the effect of HMGB1 on PCa. The results revealed that HMGB1 expression was significantly increased in PCa specimens, which may have a strong correlation with AR expression. Moreover, HMGB1 could reactivate the AR signalling pathway, directly interact with AR, and promote the development of CRPC in an androgen-independent manner. The results of the present study indicated that HMGB1 promoted the development of CRPC by interacting with AR, which inferred that decreasing the expression of HMGB1 may be a potential effective method for CRPC prevention and treatment.
Evaluation of the PID-5 depressivity personality dimensions and depressive symptomatology in a community sample

The alternative model for the classification of personality disorders presented in the DSM-5 is based on the hypothesis of continuity between normal personality and personality disorders. The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between depressive symptomatology and the domains and facets of the PID-5, especially the Depressivity facet. A convenience sample of the general population (N = 453) was used. Participants responded to the PID-5 and the CES-D. In a multiple regression model including all the PID-5 facets, only Depressivity and Anhedonia had a significant individual effect on predicting the CES-D score. Correlation analysis suggested that Depressivity and Anhedonia could be considered as defining the depressive traits of personality disorders and supported the continuity between these disorders and depressive symptomatology. A Taxometric Analysis with the Depressivity facet and CES-D score as indicators supported the dimensional nature of depressivity in a broad sense (depressive traits/ depressive symptomatology). El modelo alternativo para la clasificación de los trastornos de la personalidad presentado en el DSM-5 se basa en la hipótesis de continuidad entre la personalidad normal y los trastornos de la personalidad. El objetivo principal de este estudio es analizar la relación entre la sintomatología depresiva y los dominios y facetas del PID-5, especialmente la faceta Depresión. Se utilizó una muestra de conveniencia de la población general (N = 453). Los participantes respondieron al PID-5 y a la CES-D. En un modelo de regresión múltiple que incluía todas las facetas de PID-5, solo la Depresión y la Anhedonia tuvieron un efecto individual significativo en la predicción de la puntuación CES-D. El análisis de correlación sugirió que la Depresión y la Anhedonia podrían considerarse como la definición de los rasgos depresivos de los trastornos de la personalidad y apoyó la continuidad entre estos trastornos y la sintomatología depresiva. Un análisis taxométrico con la faceta Depresión y la puntuación CES-D como indicadores respaldó la naturaleza dimensional de la depresión en un sentido amplio (rasgos depresivos / sintomatología depresiva).
Looking Toward the Field: A Systematic Review to Inform Current and Future School Takeover Policy

The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of race in the research discourse surrounding school takeover. This study utilized a framework of color evasiveness to better understand this policy phenomenon. Through a systematic review of 32 peer referred articles four themes emerged: race and racism, political (dis)empowerment, market-based reforms, and takeover effectiveness. Ultimately, while race was present in the literature to varying degrees a nuanced view of how race plays a role in school takeover was on average lacking