Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxygenation-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke Using T2′/R2′ Mapping: Influence of Relative Cerebral Blood Volume

Background and Purpose— Quantitative T2′/R2′ mapping detect locally increased concentrations of deoxygenated hemoglobin—causing a decrease of T2′ and increase of R2′—and might reflect increased cerebral oxygen extraction fraction. Because increases of (relative) cerebral blood volume (rCBV) may influence T2′ and R2′ through accumulation of deoxygenated hemoglobin, we aimed to investigate the impact of rCBV on T2′/R2′ in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods— Data from patients with acute internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery occlusion were analyzed. T2′, R2′, and rCBV were measured within the ischemic core, slightly and severely hypoperfused areas, and their relationship was examined. Results— A strong negative correlation with rCBV was found for R2′ (r=−0.544; P=0.002), and T2′ correlated positively with rCBV (r=0.546; P=0.001) in time-to-peak–delayed areas. T2′/R2′ within hypoperfused tissue remained unchanged at normal or elevated rCBV levels. Conclusions— T2′ decrease/R2′ increase within hypoperfused areas in ischemic stroke is not caused by local elevations of rCBV but most probably only by increased cerebral oxygen extraction fraction. However, considering rCBV is crucial to assess extent of oxygen extraction fraction changes by means of T2′/R2′.
Quantum Hall valley nematics

Two-dimensional electron gases in strong magnetic fields provide a canonical platform for realizing a variety of electronic ordering phenomena. Here we review the physics of one intriguing class of interaction-driven quantum Hall states: quantum Hall valley nematics. These phases of matter emerge when the formation of a topologically insulating quantum Hall state is accompanied by the spontaneous breaking of a point-group symmetry that combines a spatial rotation with a permutation of valley indices. The resulting orientational order is particularly sensitive to quenched disorder, while quantum Hall physics links charge conduction to topological defects. We discuss how these combine to yield a rich phase structure, and their implications for transport and spectroscopy measurements. In parallel, we discuss relevant experimental systems. We close with an outlook on future directions.
Development and validation of the family management scale for children with asthma (FMSCA)

Abstract Objective: This study aims to develop and validate the Family Management Scale for Children with Asthma (FMSCA) in China context. Methods: Based on the Family Management Style Framework (FMSF) model, an original 89 items were generated from literature review and interviews with 15 caregivers of children with asthma. The preliminary scale was refined to 82 items through two rounds of experts’ evaluation and a pilot study, then administered to 329 caregivers of children with asthma for testing between April and July 2013. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed to screen the items, reliability and validity analysis were tested using psychometric techniques (internal consistency, split-half reliability, test-retest reliability, content validity, and construct validity). Confirmatory factor analysis was adopted to further evaluate the construct validity of the scale in an additional 600 children with asthma and their parents from August 2014 to December 2015. Results: A final 57-item FMSCA from 8 subscales (children identity, view of condition, management mindset, parental mutuality, parenting philosophy, management approach, family focus, and future expectation) were generated. The excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.918), very good split-half reliability (r = 0.802, p < 0.01) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.857, p < 0.01) indicate a satisfactory reliability of the FMSCA. The Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) of the scale ranged 0.8 3 ～1.00, Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) was 0.807, indicating a good content validity. Construct validity was established by accepted correlation coefficient of item-to-subscale (r range = 0.513–0.865, P < 0.01), intersubscale (r range = 0.195–0.604, p < 0.01), and subscale-to-total (r range = 0.408–0.876, p < 0.01), respectively. Additionally, the factors accounted for 51.586%∼74.063% of the variance in each subscale, confirmatory factor analysis indicated the confirmatory model fitted data well and the scale had adequate construct validity. Conclusions: The study demonstrates FMSCA can serve as a valid and reliable measure of family management level for Chinese children with asthma.
Dual-site high-density 4Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation applied over auditory and motor cortical speech areas does not influence auditory-motor mapping

Background Verbal repetition of auditory speech requires the mapping of a sensory acoustic input onto articulatory motor plans (auditory-motor mapping). Recent evidence indicates that auditory-motor mapping could rely on low frequency neural synchronization (i.e., theta oscillatory phase coupling) between sensory and motor speech areas. Objective In the present study, we apply dual-site high-density (HD) Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (TACS) above the auditory and motor cortex to induce, or disrupt, theta phase coupling between the two areas. We predicted that functionally coupling the two areas would strengthen auditory-motor mapping, compared with functionally decoupling them. We assessed the strength of auditory-motor mapping using a verbal repetition task. Results We found no significant effect of TACS-induced theta phase coupling on auditory-motor mapping as indexed by verbal repetition performance. Conclusion Auditory-motor mapping may rely on a different mechanism than we hypothesized, for example, oscillatory phase-coupling outside the theta range. Alternatively, modulation of interregional theta-phase coupling may require more effective stimulation protocols, for example, TACS at higher intensities.
Optical Sensors Based on II-VI Quantum Dots

Fundamentals of quantum dots (QDs) sensing phenomena show the predominance of these fluorophores over standard organic dyes, mainly because of their unique optical properties such as sharp and tunable emission spectra, high emission quantum yield and broad absorption. Moreover, they also indicate no photo bleaching and can be also grown as no blinking emitters. Due to these properties, QDs may be used e.g., for multiplex testing of the analyte by simultaneously detecting multiple or very weak signals. Physico-chemical mechanisms used for analyte detection, like analyte stimulated QDs aggregation, nonradiative Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) exhibit a number of QDs, which can be applied in sensors. Quantum dots-based sensors find use in the detection of ions, organic compounds (e.g., proteins, sugars, volatile substances) as well as bacteria and viruses.
The use of artificial neural network analysis can improve the risk‐stratification of patients presenting with suspected deep vein thrombosis

Artificial neural networks are machine‐learning algorithms designed to analyse data without a pre‐existing hypothesis as to any associations that may exist. This technique has not previously been applied to the risk stratification of patients referred with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Current assessment is usually with a points‐based clinical score, which may be combined with a D‐dimer blood test. A neural network was trained to risk‐stratify patients presenting with suspected DVT and its performance compared with existing tools. Data from 11 490 cases of suspected DVT presenting consecutively between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2017 were analysed, and 7080 for whom all components of the Wells’ score, a D‐dimer and an ultrasound result were available were included in the analysis. The data were broken into a training set of 5270 patients, used to develop the algorithm, and a testing set of 1810 patients to assess performance of the trained algorithm. This network was able to exclude DVT without the need for ultrasound in significantly more patients than existing risk assessment scores, whilst retaining very low false negatives rates. More generally, this approach may improve the analysis of complex data to support decision‐making in other areas of clinical medicine.
PC 12 Pheochromocytoma Cell Response to Super High Frequency Terahertz Radiation from Synchrotron Source

High frequency (HF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been widely used in many wireless communication devices, yet within the terahertz (THz) range, their effects on biological systems are poorly understood. In this study, electromagnetic radiation in the range of 0.3–19.5 × 1012 Hz, generated using a synchrotron light source, was used to investigate the response of PC 12 neuron-like pheochromocytoma cells to THz irradiation. The PC 12 cells remained viable and physiologically healthy, as confirmed by a panel of biological assays; however, exposure to THz radiation for 10 min at 25.2 ± 0.4 °C was sufficient to induce a temporary increase in their cell membrane permeability. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed cell membrane permeabilization via visualisation of the translocation of silica nanospheres (d = 23.5 ± 0.2 nm) and their clusters (d = 63 nm) into the PC 12 cells. Analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed the formation of atypically large (up to 1 µm) blebs on the surface of PC 12 cells when exposed to THz radiation. Long-term analysis showed no substantial differences in metabolic activity between the PC 12 cells exposed to THz radiation and untreated cells; however, a higher population of the THz-treated PC 12 cells responded to the nerve growth factor (NGF) by extending longer neurites (up to 0–20 µm) compared to the untreated PC12 cells (up to 20 µm). These findings present implications for the development of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery and gene therapy strategies since THz irradiation can promote nanoparticle uptake by cells without causing apoptosis, necrosis or physiological damage, as well as provide a deeper fundamental insight into the biological effects of environmental exposure of cells to electromagnetic radiation of super high frequencies.
Systematic review on outcome of free functioning muscle transfers for elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries

Elbow flexion is widely regarded as the most important function to restore in brachial plexus injuries. Free functioning muscle transfer surgery is indicated in patients with delayed presentation or failure of other primary procedures. Results of the transfer surgeries have been reported in the form of case series, but no further studies are available. This systematic review aims to provide a deeper understanding of this complex surgery and consists of 19 articles that include 364 patients. Data on injury characteristics, surgical techniques, complications as well as outcome measures were analysed. Our results show that functional muscle transfer for elbow flexion enables 87% and 65% of patients to achieve a useful power grade of ≥ 3 and ≥ 4, respectively, although other important outcome factors should be considered.
Results of positron emission tomography guidance and reassessment of the utility of and indications for stereotactic biopsy in children with infiltrative brainstem tumors.

OBJECT Most intrinsic infiltrative brainstem lesions diagnosed in children are gliomas, and these carry a very bad prognosis. Although the utility and risk of stereotactically guided biopsy procedures in intrinsic infiltrative brainstem lesions have been widely questioned, the neuroimaging diagnosis may be inaccurate in approximately 25% of cases, and the consequences of empirical therapy should not be underestimated. Stereotactic biopsy sampling is still performed in many centers, but the reported diagnostic yield ranges from 83 to 96%. The authors integrated positron emission tomography (PET) images into the planning for stereotactic biopsy procedures to direct the biopsy needle's trajectory to hypermetabolic foci of intrinsic infiltrative brainstem lesions. Their aim was to assess the benefit of the technique in terms of target selection and diagnostic yield. METHODS Twenty children with newly diagnosed intrinsic infiltrative brainstem lesions underwent a PET-guided stereotactic biopsy procedure. The PET tracer was(18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) in six cases, (11)C-methionine in eight, and both agents were used in six. A single biopsy target was selected in the area of highest PET tracer uptake in all cases. The PET data were compared with diagnoses and outcome. RESULTS Use of PET guidance improved target selection and provided tumor diagnosis in all trajectories and in all children (high-grade glioma was diagnosed in 10, low-grade glioma in five, and nonglial tumor in five). The PET-guided trajectories provided a higher diagnostic yield than those guided by magnetic resonance imaging alone, which allowed the sampling to be reduced to a single trajectory. The PET data might also carry a prognostic value that could be useful for oncological management. CONCLUSIONS These data support the suggestion that PET guidance improves the diagnostic yield of stereotactic biopsy sampling, allows the practitioner to reduce the number of sampling procedures, and might lead to a reassessment of the utility of and indications for stereotactic biopsy in children with intrinsic infiltrative brainstem lesions.
Forest giants on different evolutionary branches: Ecomorphological convergence in helicopter damselflies *

The convergent evolution of analogous features is an evolutionary process occurring independently across the tree of life. From the evolution of echolocation, prehensile tail, viviparity, or winged flight, environmental factors often drive this astonishing phenomenon. However, convergent evolution is not always conspicuous or easily identified. Giant damselflies count among the largest flying insects on Earth, and have astonishing ecologies including orb‐web spider plucking and oviposition in phytotelmata. One species occurs in the Afrotropics and 18 species are found in the Neotropics. Convergent evolution was historically hypothesized based on the ecological and morphological affinities of these two geographically distant lineages but was not supported by earlier phylogenetic inferences supporting their monophyly. Using a molecular supermatrix approach and a large selection of outgroups, we revisit and reject the monophyly of Afrotropical and Neotropical giant damselflies that is otherwise supported by a morphological phylogeny. Molecular divergence time estimation suggests an origin of Afrotropical giant damselflies in the late Paleogene, and of Neotropical ones at the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary, thereby rejecting a long‐standing West Gondwana vicariance hypothesis. The strong ecological and morphological resemblances between these two independent lineages represents an astonishing case of Amphi‐Atlantic tropical convergent evolution.
A review of non-fullerene polymer solar cells: from device physics to morphology control

The rise in power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices over the last few years has been driven by the emergence of new organic semiconductors and the growing understanding of morphological control at both the molecular and aggregation scales. Non-fullerene OPVs adopting p-type conjugated polymers as the donor and n-type small molecules as the acceptor have exhibited steady progress, outperforming PCBM-based solar cells and reaching efficiencies of over 15% in 2019. This review starts with a refreshed discussion of charge separation, recombination, and VOC loss in non-fullerene OPVs, followed by a review of work undertaken to develop favorable molecular configurations required for high device performance. We summarize several key approaches that have been employed to tune the nanoscale morphology in non-fullerene photovoltaic blends, comparing them (where appropriate) to their PCBM-based counterparts. In particular, we discuss issues ranging from materials chemistry to solution processing and post-treatments, showing how this can lead to enhanced photovoltaic properties. Particular attention is given to the control of molecular configuration through solution processing, which can have a pronounced impact on the structure of the solid-state photoactive layer. Key challenges, including green solvent processing, stability and lifetime, burn-in, and thickness-dependence in non-fullerene OPVs are briefly discussed.
CDK11p110 plays a critical role in the tumorigenicity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells and is a potential drug target

ABSTRACT Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a serious malignancy with limited options for targeted therapy. The exploration of novel targeted therapies for combating ESCC is urgently needed. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play important roles in the progression of cancers; however, the function of CDK11p110 (cyclin-dependent kinase 11p110) in ESCC is still unknown. Here, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of CDK11p110 in the proliferation and growth of ESCC by examining the expression of CDK11p110 in ESCC tissues and by detecting phenotypic changes in ESCC cells after CDK11p110 knockdown or overexpression in vitro and in vivo. According to the tissue microarray analysis, compared with its expression level in normal tissues, the expression level of CDK11p110 was significantly elevated in ESCC tissues; this result was in concordance with the data in TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) datasets. In addition, RNAi-mediated CDK11p110 silencing exerted a substantial inhibitory effect on the proliferation, clonogenicity and migration ability of ESCC cells. Further study indicated that CDK11p110 knockdown arrested ESCC cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, stable shRNA-mediated CDK11p110 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in an ESCC xenograft model, and overexpression of CDK11p110 enhanced tumor growth. In addition, the Ki67 proliferation index was closely associated with the elevation or depletion of CDK11p110 in vivo. In summary, this study provides evidence that CDK11p110 play a critical role in the tumorigenicity of ESCC cells, which suggests that CDK11p110 may be a promising therapeutic target in ESCC. Abbreviations: CDKs: cyclin-dependent kinases; CDK11: Cyclin-dependent kinase 11; CDK11p110: Cyclin-dependent kinase 11p110, the larger isomer of cyclin-dependent kinase 11; ESCC: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; FACS: fluorescence-activated cell sorting; FDA: the Food and Drug Administration; TCGA: The Cancer Genome Atlas; TMA: tissue microarray.
Effect of esmolol and lidocaine on agitation in awake phase of anesthesia among children: a double-blind, randomized clinical study

Background: Sevoflurane is widely used to anesthetize children because of its rapid action with minimal irritation of the airways. However, there is a high risk of agitation after emergence from anesthesia. Strabismus surgery, in particular, can trigger agitation because patients have their eyes covered in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not esmolol and lidocaine could decrease emergence agitation in children. Methods: Eighty-four patients aged 3 to 9 years undergoing strabismus surgery were randomly assigned to a control group (saline only), a group that received intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg, and a group that received intravenous esmolol 0.5 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg. Agitation was measured using the objective pain score, Cole 5-point score, and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score at the end of surgery, on arrival in the recovery room, and 10 and 30 min after arrival. Results: The group that received the combination of esmolol and lidocaine showed lower OPS and RASS scores than the other two groups when patients awoke from anesthesia (OPS = 0 (0–4), RASS = –4 [(–5)–1]) and were transferred to the recovery room (OPS = 0 (0–8), RASS = –1 [(–5)–3]) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the severity of agitation among the three groups at other time points (P > 0.05). Conclusions: When pediatric strabismus surgery is accompanied by sevoflurane anesthesia, an intravenous injection of esmolol and lidocaine could alleviate agitation until arrival in the recovery room. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service, No. KCT0002925; https://cris.nih. go.kr/cris/en/search/search_result_st01. jsp? seq=11532
Complete mitogenome sequences of the pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) and the spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus gutattus)

Abstract The structure of the mitochondrial genome for the Pacific red snapper, Lutjanus peru, and the spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus gutattus, of specimens collected in the eastern Pacific is similar to the reported for other teleosts and shares the same configuration with other members of the family Lutjanidae. It has a total length of 16 502 and 16 508 base pairs (bp) for Lutjanus peru and L. gutattus, respectively; on average the base composition was A (27.9%), T (24.8%) C (30.9%), and G (16.4%), containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes; and the leucine (Leu) tRNA is duplicated.
Oncology patient preferences for depression care: A discrete choice experiment

Using a vignette‐style DCE in a sample of oncology patients, this study explored: (1) the relative influence of the patient's level of concern about their depression on preferences for care, (2) the relative influence of depression severity according to a mental health checklist on preferred treatment‐seeking options, and (3) whether patient age and gender were associated with depression care preference.
Increased expression of CD40/TRAF1 and activation of nuclear factor-κκB-dependent proinflammatory gene expression in collagen-induced arthritis

Objective: Genetic studies have implicated both CD40 and tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-1 (TRAF1) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CD40 signalling is known to be associated with TRAF1 expression, directly or indirectly; however, the detailed mechanisms of these interactions are not clear in RA, and in particular in fibroblast-like synoviocytes. This study aims to investigate this pathway and the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in a mouse model of RA. Method: We utilized the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in DBA/1 mice. CD40, TRAF1, and NF-κB p65 were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry in serum and tissue, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to measure NF-κB-related gene expression, including cytokines [tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and adhesion molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)]. Results: The severity of arthritis by clinical and histological assessments peaked on day 35 and decreased thereafter. Serum levels of CD40, TRAF1, and NF-κB p65 paralleled this time-course. The tissue expression of the CD40, TRAF1, total NF-κB p65, and phospho-NF-κB p65 proteins, as well as NF-κB-related gene expression, including cytokines (TNFα, IL-6) and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), were markedly upregulated within 25–50 days after CIA. Conclusion: Our data identify a cellular/molecular mechanism of the CD40/TRAF1 signalling pathway involved in CIA: increased expression of CD40 and its adaptor TRAF1 proteins and activation of the NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory pathway. These correlations implicate possible mechanistic pathways in this model that may also operate in human RA and thus provide rationales for new therapeutic modalities.