Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Tensor-Based Frequency Features Combination Method for Brain–Computer Interfaces

With the development of the brain-computer interface (BCI) community, motor imagery-based BCI system using electroencephalogram (EEG) has attracted increasing attention because of its portability and low cost. Concerning the multi-channel EEG, the frequency component is one of the most critical features. However, insufficient extraction hinders the development and application of MI-BCIs. To deeply mine the frequency information, we proposed a method called tensor-based frequency feature combination (TFFC). It combined tensor-to-vector projection (TVP), fast fourier transform (FFT), common spatial pattern (CSP) and feature fusion to construct a new feature set. With two datasets, we used different classifiers to compare TFFC with the state-of-the-art feature extraction methods. The experimental results showed that our proposed TFFC could robustly improve the classification accuracy of about 5% ( ${p} < 0.01$ ). Moreover, visualization analysis implied that the TFFC was a generalization of CSP and Filter Bank CSP (FBCSP). Also, a complementarity between weighted narrowband features (wNBFs) and broadband features (BBFs) was observed from the averaged fusion ratio. This article certificates the importance of frequency information in the MI-BCI system and provides a new direction for designing a feature set of MI-EEG.
Influence of maternal vomiting during early pregnancy on school‐age respiratory health

Hyperemesis gravidarum, a clinical entity characterized by severe nausea and excess vomiting, might lead to a suboptimal maternal nutritional status during pregnancy and subsequently to adverse respiratory health in the offspring. The role of common vomiting symptoms on offspring's respiratory health is unclear. We examined the associations of maternal daily vomiting during early pregnancy with childhood respiratory outcomes, and potential explaining factors.
Cabozantinib beyond progression improves survival in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients: the CABEYOND study (Meet-URO 21)

ABSTRACT Background Cabozantinib improves survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) after prior antiangiogenics. The best treatment at disease progression (PD) is unknown. Being also a AXL/MET inhibitor, involved in acquired resistance, we hypothesized a prolonged tumor growth control in patients continuing cabozantinib despite PD. Research Design and Methods This retrospective multicenter study enrolled patients receiving cabozantinib after the first line between 2014 and 2020. We compared patients maintaining cabozantinib after first PD due to clinical benefit and good tolerability with those who changed therapy. The postprogression survival (PPS) of both was our primary endpoint. Results We analyzed 89 patients: 45 received cabozantinib beyond PD and 44 switched therapy. 40.4%, 31.5%, and 28.1% of patients received 1, 2, or >2 prior treatment, respectively. 84.3% were intermediate-poor International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database risk. Patients continuing cabozantinib showed a higher response rate to cabozantinib before PD (46.7% vs 25%, p = 0.03) and were more heavily pretreated. Continuing cabozantinib showed a significantly longer PPS compared with switching therapy (median PPS 16.9 vs 13.2 months, HR 0.66, 95%CI 0.48–0.92, p = 0.011). Conclusions We observed longer PPS in patients continuing cabozantinib beyond PD, suggesting that this could be an effective option.
Interplay of cell proliferation and tissue remodelling in colorectal cancer

Human cancers can be classified based on gene expression signatures quantifying the degree of cell proliferation and a feature we term tissue remodelling. Yet, specific factors regulating the gene expression programs of cell proliferation and tissue remodelling are not well understood. In this work, I address this question using colorectal cancer as a case study. In an initial evaluation of clinical outcome prediction in the case study cohort, our classification based on cell proliferation and tissue remodelling signatures delivers a better patient stratification than a recently reported consensus molecular subtyping (CMS). Although the CMS scheme predicts a worse prognosis for patients with a mesenchymal signature (a feature that strongly overlaps with tissue remodelling), it cannot differentiate the remaining patients based on clinical outcome. I show that cell proliferation is the missing factor, which is associated with good prognosis. In the analyses of specific factors driving the tissue remodelling programme, I identify transcription factor KLF4 and microRNA mir-22 as putative regulators. Concordant with KLF4 role in immune cell regulation, KLF4 activity scores are significantly higher in colorectal tumours with predicted myeloid cells infiltration, suggesting its association with myeloid cell infiltration and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. However, mir-22 is not associated with immune cell infiltration, suggesting it may be expressed in the tumour stroma as well. Lastly, I propose a network that may be regulated by IRF8, SPI1, KLF4 and mir-22 in monocyte differentiation and in colorectal cancer. The correlation analysis suggests a negative feedback loop, whereby mir-22 may repress Irf8 gene to control the rate of IRF8 transcription. Taken together, I have identified specific regulators driving remodelling processes and their association with immune cell infiltration. In the future, it will be beneficial to conduct further studies to understand the mechanisms driving myeloid cell infiltration in colorectal cancer, particularly to propose treatments for patients exhibiting poor prognosis.
Effects of a Partially Supervised Conditioning Program in Cystic Fibrosis: An International Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial (ACTIVATE-CF)

Rationale The long-term effects of vigorous physical activity (PA) on lung function in cystic fibrosis are unclear. Objectives To evaluate effects of a 12-month partially supervised PA intervention using motivational feedback. Methods In a parallel-arm multicenter randomized controlled trial (ACTIVATE-CF), relatively inactive patients aged at least 12 years were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to an intervention group or control group. The intervention group consented to add 3 hours of vigorous PA per week, whereas the control group was asked not to change their PA behavior. Primary endpoint was change in percent predicted FEV1 (ΔFEV1) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included PA, exercise capacity, exercise motives, time to first exacerbation and exacerbation rates, quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, and blood glucose control. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models. Measurements and Main Results A total of 117 patients (40% of target sample size) were randomized to an intervention (n = 60) or control group (n = 57). After 6 months, ΔFEV1 was significantly higher in the control group compared with the intervention group (2.70% predicted [95% confidence interval, 0.13–5.26]; P = 0.04). The intervention group reported increased vigorous PA compared with the control group at each study visit, had higher exercise capacity at 6 and 12 months, and higher PA at 12 months. No effects were seen in other secondary outcomes. Conclusions ACTIVATE-CF increased vigorous PA and exercise capacity, with effects carried over for the subsequent 6 months, but resulted in better FEV1 in the control group.
A group I WRKY transcription factor regulates mulberry mosaic dwarf‐associated virus‐triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana

Abstract Geminiviruses constitute the largest group of known plant viruses and cause devastating losses to a wide range of crops and woody plants globally. Mulberry mosaic dwarf‐associated virus (MMDaV), identified from Chinese mulberry trees via small RNA‐based deep sequencing, is a divergent monopartite geminivirus belonging to the genus Mulcrilevirus of the family Geminiviridae. Previous studies have shown that plants employ multiple layers of defence to protect themselves from geminivirus infection. The interplay between plant and MMDaV is nevertheless less studied. This study presents evidence that MMDaV triggers hypersensitive response (HR)‐mediated antiviral defence in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. We show that the RepA protein of MMDaV is engaged in HR‐type cell death induction. We find that the RepA mutants with compromised nuclear localization ability impair their capabilities of cell death induction. Virus‐induced gene silencing of the key components of the R protein‐mediated signalling pathway reveals that down‐regulation of the nucleus‐targeting NbWRKY1 alleviates the cell death induction activity of RepA. We further demonstrate that RepA up‐regulates the transcript level of NbWRKY1. Furthermore, expression of RepA in N. benthamiana confers plant resistance against two begomoviruses. We propose that plant resistance against RepA can be potentially used to improve plant defence against geminiviruses in crops.
Utilizing the Emergence of Android Smartphones for Public Welfare by Providing Advance Accident Detection and Remedy by 108 Ambulances

As increasing road networks, road accidents are matter of concern; this application is designed to sense the accident using the sensors in the Android Smartphone. After sensing the accident, application automatically generates the geographical information by GPS and sends location information via pre-recorder voice message to 108 ambulance emergency response service. Index Terms – 108, Ambulance, GPS, Road Accident, Emergency Service, Android Application.
First-principles study of borophene/phosphorene heterojunction as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

It is urgent to explore high-capacity and efficient anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. For borophene and phosphorene, two configurations are considered to form a heterojunction: twist angles of 0° (I) and 90° (II). There is a less degree of mismatch and larger formation energy in the formation of a B/P heterojunction, implying that borophene and phosphorene form the stable heterojunction. The heterojunctions of these two configurations demonstrate good conductivity, and the electrons near the Fermi level are mainly provided by borophene. Very importantly, the low energy barrier for interlayer migration of Li is observed in configuration I (0.14eV) and II (0.06 eV), and the migration of Li on the borophene and phosphorene side of the heterojunction still maintains its original energy barrier in bare monolayer. Moreover, the two configurations show the theoretical capacity as high as 738.69 and 721.86 mA h g−1, respectively, which is comparable to bare phosphorene. Furthermore, compared with bare phosphorene, the average voltage is greatly reduced after the formation of heterojunction. Hence, the overall electrochemical properties of the B/P heterojunction have been enhanced by combining the advantages of the individual phosphorene and borophene monolayers, which guarantees the B/P heterojunction as a good candidate for the anode material used in Li-ion batteries.
Couples' experiences managing young-onset dementia early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic created unexpected stressors for society, and could disproportionately impact more vulnerable groups. One such group is couples facing young-onset dementia (YOD), who experience pandemic-induced stressors alongside ongoing YOD-related stressors (e.g., progressive symptoms, increased caregiving needs). Using a qualitative design, our objective was to characterize the experiences of couples living with YOD early in the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on couples' relationship and wellbeing. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Couples (N = 23) of persons with YOD and their spousal caregivers participated in a one-hour live video, joint interview during the early COVID-19 pandemic. We used a hybrid inductive-deductive coding approach to thematic analysis to extract findings within two a-priori domains: (1) psychosocial stressors experienced during the early pandemic and (2) the impact of early pandemic stressors on couples' relationships and wellbeing. RESULTS Thematic analyses revealed 6 main themes: (1) increased caregiving responsibilities, (2) increased uncertainty, (3) increased social isolation and disruptions in social support and medical care, (4) loss of meaningful activities and routines, (5) changes to the couple's relationship, and (6) heightened emotional distress. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated relationship strain and distress among couples managing This population may face negative outcomes due to the dual-impact of YOD- and pandemic-related stressors. It is imperative to provide timely resources and psychosocial support to couples facing YOD to mitigate the negative impact of such stressors on individual health and wellbeing and the couples' relationship together.
Renal outcomes in Asian patients receiving oral anticoagulants for non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) may be prescribed warfarin or a non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC). There is increasing evidence that NOACs are superior to warfarin in terms of renal function preservation. This study aimed to compare renal outcomes in Chinese patients with NVAF between patients receiving NOACs and patients receiving warfarin. METHODS In total, 600 Chinese patients with NVAF receiving oral anticoagulant therapy were retrospectively identified from an administrative database. The renal outcomes (≥30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], doubling of serum creatinine, and kidney failure) were compared among four propensity-weighted treatment cohorts (warfarin, n=200; rivaroxaban, n=200; dabigatran, n=100; and apixaban, n=100). RESULTS The mean follow-up period across all groups was 1000 ± 436 days. Compared with warfarin, the three NOACs (pooled for consideration as a single unit) had significantly lower risks of ≥30% decline in eGFR (hazard ratio [HR]=0.339; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.276-0.417) and doubling of serum creatinine (HR=0.550; 95% CI=0.387-0.782). Dabigatran and rivaroxaban users both had lower risks of ≥30% decline in eGFR (both P<0.001) and doubling of serum creatinine (both P<0.05). Apixaban was only significantly associated with a lower risk of ≥30% decline in eGFR (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Compared with warfarin, NOACs may be associated with a significantly lower risk of decline in renal function among Chinese patients with NVAF.
A complex adaptive system approach to forecasting hurricane tracks

Abstract : Forecast hurricane tracks using a multi-model ensemble that consists of linearly combining the individual model forecasts have greatly reduced the average forecast errors when compared to individual dynamic model forecast errors. In this experiment, a multi-agent system, the Tropical Agent Forecaster (TAF), is created to fashion a "smart" ensemble forecast. The TAF uses autonomous agents to assess the historical performance of individual models and model combinations, called predictors, and weights them based on their average error compared to the best track information. Agents continually monitor themselves and determine which predictors, for the life of the storm, perform the best in terms of the distance between forecast and best-track positions. A TAF forecast is developed using a linear combination of the highest weighted predictors. When applied to the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season, the TAF system, with a requirement to contain a minimum of three predictors, consistently outperformed the consensus forecast (CONU) at 72 and 96 hours for a homogeneous data set, although the differences were not statistically significant. But at 120 hours, the TAF system significantly decreased the average forecast errors when compared to the CONU. The multi-agent system (MAS) approach opens the door for statistically significant forecast improvement. This thesis was submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science.
Imaging human engrams using 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging

The investigation of the physical traces of memories (engrams) has made significant progress in the last decade due to optogenetics and fluorescent cell tagging applied in rodents. Engram cells were identified. The ablation of engram cells led to the loss of the associated memory, silent memories were reactivated, and artificial memories were implanted in the brain. Human engram research lags behind engram research in rodents due to methodological and ethical constraints. However, advances in multivariate analysis techniques of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and machine learning algorithms allowed the identification of stable engram patterns in humans. In addition, MRI scanners with an ultrahigh field strength of 7 Tesla (T) have left their prototype state and became more common around the world to assist human engram research. Although most engram research in humans is still being performed with a field strength of 3T, fMRI at 7T will push engram research. Here, we summarize the current state and findings of human engram research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying 7 versus 3T fMRI to image human memory traces.
Symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations in healthy neonatal foals and mares

Abstract Background Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a renal biomarker correlated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Objectives Describe changes in SDMA in clinically healthy foals and their mares during the first month postfoaling. Animals Convenience sampling of healthy periparturient Thoroughbred mares and their full‐term foals from a population of client‐owned horses. Methods Serum and EDTA whole blood samples were collected from mares in their last month of pregnancy and then from mares and foals at approximately <12 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, and 30 days postbirth. Samples were processed at a commercial reference laboratory for CBC and serum biochemistry, including SDMA concentrations. Results A total of 125 foals and 104 mares were included. Upper limits for SDMA concentrations in foals were above the adult horse reference interval for the first 20 or more days of life. Median SDMA concentrations decreased from 70 μg/dL (range, 7‐100 μg/dL) to 18 μg/dL (range, 6‐27 μg/dL) during the first 3 to 4 weeks of life. At birth, the SDMA concentration reference range was established as 0 to 100 μg/dL (upper limit of the assay); 0 to 85 μg/dL for 1 to 4 days old, 0 to 36 μg/dL for 5 to 10 days old, and 0 to 24 μg/dL for 20 to 30 days old. The upper reference limits for SDMA concentrations in mares did not differ from the general reference interval for adult horses. No correlation was identified between mare and foal SDMA concentrations (ρ = .06, P = .58). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Foal SDMA concentrations remained higher than the upper limit of the adult reference range and foals require a different reference range dependent on age.
Serotonin transporter-mediated molecular axis regulates regional retinal ganglion cell vulnerability and axon regeneration after nerve injury

Molecular insights into the selective vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in optic neuropathies and after ocular trauma can lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving RGCs. However, little is known about what molecular contexts determine RGC susceptibility. In this study, we show the molecular mechanisms underlying the regional differential vulnerability of RGCs after optic nerve injury. We identified RGCs in the mouse peripheral ventrotemporal (VT) retina as the earliest population of RGCs susceptible to optic nerve injury. Mechanistically, the serotonin transporter (SERT) is upregulated on VT axons after injury. Utilizing SERT-deficient mice, loss of SERT attenuated VT RGC death and led to robust retinal axon regeneration. Integrin β3, a factor mediating SERT-induced functions in other systems, is also upregulated in RGCs and axons after injury, and loss of integrin β3 led to VT RGC protection and axon regeneration. Finally, RNA sequencing analyses revealed that loss of SERT significantly altered molecular signatures in the VT retina after optic nerve injury, including expression of the transmembrane protein, Gpnmb. GPNMB is rapidly downregulated in wild-type, but not SERT- or integrin β3-deficient VT RGCs after injury, and maintaining expression of GPNMB in RGCs via AAV2 viruses even after injury promoted VT RGC survival and axon regeneration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the SERT-integrin β3-GPNMB molecular axis mediates selective RGC vulnerability and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury.
Improvement of optical setup for microcirculation imaging and flow analysis in septic shock rats

Microcirculation plays an important role in maintaining our lives. Observing the microcirculation has been considered important in understanding the disease mechanisms and diagnosing diseases. Sidestream dark-field (SDF) imaging is one of the methods to observe the microcirculation. However, the SDF imaging has several problems for instance artifacts caused by pressure and heat. Measurement points is under pressure because SDF imaging requires direct contact with measurement points, which may affect hemodynamics. Therefore, we construct a non-contact setup. Furthermore, at the early stage of sepsis, it is known that the microcirculation is impaired. To investigate the relationship between the flow of red blood cells (RBCs) and septic shock, we conducted an experiment using the setup to observe septic model rats and sham rats. Moreover, we calculated the blood velocity to estimate the flow of RBCs by using acquired motion pictures. We confirmed that the sham rats showed slight change in lactate value during the observation and improved the blood velocity compared with just after abdominal closure. However, lactate value of the septic model rats increased and the blood velocity of septic model rats decreased. This finding suggests that microcirculatory alteration may be a sign of sepsis and septic shock progression.