Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does An ENSO-Conditional Skill Mask Improve Seasonal Predictions?

AbstractThe National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Prediction Center uses statistical tools together with the Climate Forecast System (CFS) to produce forecasts for seasonal outlooks of U.S. temperature and precipitation. They are combined using an optimal weighting procedure that depends on a skill mask consisting of the average historical forecast skill of each tool. However, it is likely that skill during El Nino–Southern Oscillation events is higher and the use of this information in developing forecasts could lead to improved seasonal predictions. This study explores the potential to improve the skill of seasonal predictions by developing an ENSO-conditional skill mask. The conditional masks are developed in a perfect-model framework using the CFS version 2 hindcasts and two indices of ENSO. The skill of the indices in forecasting variations in conditional skill is evaluated. The ENSO-conditional skill masks provide improvements in correlation skill over the unconditional mask when ave.
Effects of delayed hospitalization on the 3‐year clinical outcomes of patients with or without diabetes who had non‐ST‐segment‐elevation myocardial infarction and underwent new‐generation drug‐eluting stent implantation

Clinical outcomes after non‐ST‐segment‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with (symptom‐to‐door time [SDT] ≥ 24 h) or without (SDT < 24 h) delayed hospitalization among patients with or without diabetes were compared. From the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry‐National Institute of Health, a total of 4517 patients with NSTEMI who underwent new‐generation drug‐eluting stents implantation were recruited and they were classified into the diabetes mellitus (DM) and non‐DM groups. These two groups were subdivided into groups with and without delayed hospitalization. The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as all‐cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, repeat coronary revascularization, and stroke. The secondary clinical outcome was the occurrence of individual components of MACCE and stent thrombosis. Although after multivariable and propensity score‐adjusted analyses in the DM group, the primary and secondary clinical outcomes between the SDT < 24 h and SDT ≥ 24 h groups were similar; in the non‐DM group, all‐cause (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively) and cardiac (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively) death rates were significantly higher in the SDT ≥ 24 h group than in the SDT < 24 h group. Our results suggested that there was no significant difference in prognosis between diabetic patients with and without delayed SDT, but delayed SDT was associated with poor prognosis in nondiabetic patients.
A Lyapunov-type Bound in Rd

Let $X_1,\ldots,X_n$ be independent random vectors taking values in ${\bf R}^d$ such that ${{\bf E} X_k =0}$ for all k. Write $S=X_1+\cdots+X_n$. Assume that the covariance operator, say $C^2$, of S is invertible. Let Z be a centered Gaussian random vector such that covariances of S and Z are equal. Let ${\cal C}$ stand for the class of all convex subsets of ${\bf R}^d$. We prove a Lyapunov-type bound for $\Delta =\sup_{A\in{\cal C}}|{\bf P}\{S\in A\}-{\bf P}\{Z\in A\}|$. Namely, ${\Delta \le c d^{1/4} \beta}$ with $\beta = \beta_1+\cdots+\beta_1$ and ${\beta_k={\bf E} |C^{-1}X_k|^3}$, where c is an absolute constant. If the random variables $X_1,\ldots,X_n$ are independent and identically distributed and $X_k$ has identity covariance, then the bound specifies to ${\Delta \le c d^{1/4} {\bf E} |X_1|^3/\sqrt{n}}$. Whether one can remove the factor $d^{1/4}$ or replace it with a better one (eventually by 1) remains an open question.
Fabrication of large arrays of metallic nanowires on V‐grooved substrates

Large arrays of Au nanowires down to 50 nm in width are fabricated on V‐grooved InP substrates. Holographic laser interference exposure of photoresist and anisotropic etching are used to pattern the surface of InP(001) substrates into V‐shaped grooves with a 200 nm period. Next, the patterned substrates are covered with a thin Au film, which is subsequently structured into nanowires using a well controlled wet etching process. Initial characterization confirms that the wires are electrically continuous.
On t-invertibility

c/o Department ofMathematics, University College London, LondonTo cite this Article Malik, Saroj, Mott, Joe L. and Zafrullah, Muhammad(1988) 'On t-invertibility', Communications inAlgebra, 16: 1, 149 — 170To link to this Article: DOI: 10.1080/00927878808823566URL: http://dx.doi. org/10.1080/00927878808823566
Undeclared pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) use among syphilis-positive blood donors, England, 2020 to 2021

An individualised blood donor selection policy was implemented in the United Kingdom from summer 2021. We have investigated the impact of this policy by comparing the extent of undeclared use of HIV pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) before and after this change. The rate of PrEP usage in syphilis-positive male blood donors has not changed since individualised donor assessment was implemented but provides continuing evidence of undisclosed PrEP use which may be associated with current or past higher-risk sexual behaviours.
A harmonized protocol for an international multicenter prospective study of nanotechnology workers: the NanoExplore cohort

Abstract Nanotechnology applications are fast-growing in many industrial fields. Consequently, health effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) should be investigated. Within the EU-Life project NanoExplore, we developed a harmonized protocol of an international multicenter prospective cohort study of workers in ENM-producing companies. This article describes the development of the protocol, sample size calculation, data collection and management procedures and discusses its relevance with respect to research needs. Within this protocol, workers’ ENM exposure will be assessed over four consecutive working days during the initial recruitment campaign and the subsequent follow-up campaigns. Biomonitoring using noninvasive sampling of exhaled breath condensate (EBC), exhaled air, and urine will be collected before and after 4-day exposure monitoring. Both exposure and effect biomarkers, will be quantified along with pulmonary function tests and diagnosed diseases reported using a standardized epidemiological questionnaire available in four languages. Until now, this protocol was implemented at seven companies in Switzerland, Spain and Italy. The protocol is well standardized, though sufficiently flexible to include company-specific conditions and occupational hygiene measures. The recruitment, to date, of 140 participants and collection of all data and samples, enabled us launching the first international cohort of nanotechnology workers. All companies dealing with ENMs could join the NanoExplore Consortium, apply this harmonized protocol and enter in the cohort, concieved as an open cohort. Its protocol meets all requirements of a hypotheses-driven prospective study, which will assess and reassess effects of ENM exposure on workers’ health by updating the follow-up of the cohort. New hypothesis could be also considered.
Mapping of cholera hotspots in Kenya using epidemiologic and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) indicators as part of Kenya’s new 2022–2030 cholera elimination plan

Cholera is an issue of major public health importance. It was first reported in Kenya in 1971, with the country experiencing outbreaks through the years, most recently in 2021. Factors associated with the outbreaks in Kenya include open defecation, population growth with inadequate expansion of safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, population movement from neighboring countries, crowded settings such as refugee camps coupled with massive displacement of persons, mass gathering events, and changes in rainfall patterns. The Ministry of Health, together with other ministries and partners, revised the national cholera control plan to a multisectoral cholera elimination plan that is aligned with the Global Roadmap for Ending Cholera. One of the key features in the revised plan is the identification of hotspots. The hotspot identification exercise followed guidance and tools provided by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC). Two epidemiological indicators were used to identify the sub-counties with the highest cholera burden: incidence per population and persistence. Additionally, two indicators were used to identify sub-counties with poor WASH coverage due to low proportions of households accessing improved water sources and improved sanitation facilities. The country reported over 25,000 cholera cases between 2015 and 2019. Of 290 sub-counties, 25 (8.6%) sub-counties were identified as a high epidemiological priority; 78 (26.9%) sub-counties were identified as high WASH priority; and 30 (10.3%) sub-counties were considered high priority based on a combination of epidemiological and WASH indicators. About 10% of the Kenyan population (4.89 million) is living in these 30-combination high-priority sub-counties. The novel method used to identify cholera hotspots in Kenya provides useful information to better target interventions in smaller geographical areas given resource constraints. Kenya plans to deploy oral cholera vaccines in addition to WASH interventions to the populations living in cholera hotspots as it targets cholera elimination by 2030.
Rutaecarpine attenuates high glucose‐induced damage in AC16 cardiomyocytes by suppressing the MAPK pathway

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a common diabetic complication, resulting in heart failure. Rutaecarpine is an active compound with cardiovascular protective effects. However, the function of rutaecarpine in diabetic cardiomyopathy is largely unknown. The aim of this research was to study the effect and action mechanism of rutaecarpine in high glucose (HG)‐induced cardiomyocyte damage. The overlapping genes of diabetic cardiomyopathy and rutaecarpine were analyzed according to GeneCards, DisGeNet, and SwissTargetPrediction. Cell damage was investigated by determining apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in HG‐stimulated AC16 cells. The expression of proteins involved in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was measured using Western blotting. Totally seven overlapping genes of diabetic cardiomyopathy and rutaecarpine were screened out and predicted to be associated with the MAPK signaling. Rutaecarpine protected against HG‐induced cardiomyocyte damage by enhancing cell viability and reducing cell apoptosis, caspase‐3 activity, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Rutaecarpine mitigated HG‐induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes through decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and malondialdehyde (MDA) level and elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) level. Rutaecarpine alleviated HG‐induced inflammatory response via reducing the level of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and IL‐8. Moreover, rutaecarpine inhibited HG‐induced activation of the MAPK pathway. Treatment with MAPK signaling agonist reversed the suppressive effect of rutaecarpine on HG‐induced damage. In conclusion, rutaecarpine alleviated HG‐induced cardiomyocyte damage through decreasing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response by inactivating the MAPK pathway.
A systematic review of sarcopenia prevalence and associated factors in people living with human immunodeficiency virus

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) appear to be at an increased risk of sarcopenia, which can have a devastating effect on their life due to consequences such as physical disability, poor quality of life, and finally death. This systematic review examined sarcopenia prevalence and its associated factors in PLWH. A systematic search was conducted using the keywords in the online databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases from the dates of inception up to May 2022. The retrieved articles underwent a two‐step title/abstract and full‐text review process, and the eligible papers were selected and included in the qualitative synthesis. Data relating to the study population, purpose of study, gender, age, race, body mass index, medical history, paraclinical results and antiretroviral therapy as associated factors of sarcopenia were extracted. In addition, the prevalence of sarcopenia in PLWH and its promoting and reducing factors were also extracted. We reviewed the 14 related studies for identifying of sarcopenia prevalence and its associated factors in PLWH. The total number of PLWH in all the reviewed studies was 2592. There was no criterion for the minimum number of people with HIV and the lowest number of PLWH was 27, and the highest number was 860. Some studies reported a significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia in HIV‐infected individuals compared with HIV‐negative controls as follows: 24.2–6.7%, 15–4% and 10–6%, respectively. We showed that, age (30–50 years), being female, >5 years post‐HIV diagnosis, multiple vertebral fractures, cocaine/heroin use and lower gamma‐glutamyl transferase level were the main promoting factors of sarcopenia. Higher educational level, employment, physical exercise, calf circumference >31 cm, and gait speed >0.8 m/s were also factors to reduce sarcopenia. Sarcopenia prevalence in PLWH is higher than HIV‐negative population. Given the importance and prevalence of sarcopenia among PLWH and its associated consequences (i.e., mortality and disability), determining its risk factors is of great importance.
Statistical thermodynamic expression for the Soret coefficient

The thermodynamic Soret coefficient for diluted mixtures expressed through the temperature derivative of the particle chemical potential at constant pressure is calculated using statistical mechanics. The local pressure distribution is obtained using the condition of the local thermodynamic equilibrium around an isolated particle. The Laplace contribution to the local pressure distribution within the layer of the liquid around the particle is accounted. The calculations yield results equivalent to the hydrodynamic approach and add a new kinetic term to the Soret coefficient. This term is related to the difference in the thermal velocities between the particles with different mass. The kinetic contribution to thermodiffusion explains the isotope thermodiffusion effect observed in molecular systems. The theory describes most of the experimental data on thermodiffusion of the isolated molecular and colloid particles placed in non-electrolyte liquids.
Self-Reported Cycling Performance and Impact on Falls in Persons With Bilateral Vestibulopathy

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate cycling skills, cycling difficulties, fall concern, and fall history while cycling in persons with bilateral vestibulopathy. Design: Fifty-one persons with bilateral vestibulopathy and 51 healthy control subjects filled out a questionnaire about cycling abilities. This questionnaire consisted of four parts: (1) general information about audiovestibular function, vision, and physical activity; (2) general cycling abilities, history, and difficulties; (3) fall concern while cycling in various situations; and (4) fall history. Results: Out of the 51 patients, 61% found riding a bicycle difficult, 29% were not able to cycle anymore, and 10% reported not having any problems riding a bicycle. Their mean cycling time decreased from 3.15 hrs weekly before to 1.27 hrs weekly after disease onset (p = 0.002). The latter also differed significantly from the mean cycling time of 3.51 hrs weekly in control subjects (p < 0.001). The main complaints while cycling were not being able to look behind (88%), having difficulties with visually stabilizing the environment (65%), and not being able to ride in a straight line (61%). The fall concern was significantly higher in the patient group, with cycling in the dark and at dusk, and turning the head as their main concerns (p < 0.001). Falls and near-falls were respectively reported in 50% and 65% of the patient group. Only the latter differed significantly from the control group. However, the number of reported falls differed significantly between both groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrates cycling difficulties in persons with bilateral vestibulopathy, related to problems with postural control and gaze stabilization. Knowledge about specific complaints and triggers is important to prevent future falls. A combination of coping strategies and aids, with vestibular rehabilitation focused on gaze stabilization might be considered, as well as avoidance of cycling in specific cases.
Effect of Posterior Tibial Slopes on Graft Survival Rates at 10 Years After Primary Single-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Recent biomechanical studies have reported that stress on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) graft increases as the posterior tibial slope (PTS) decreases (flattened) in knees with single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle PCL reconstruction. Clinical studies of SB PCL reconstruction have shown that a flattened PTS is associated with a lesser reduction in posterior tibial translation. There is no long-term study on the clinical outcomes and graft survival rates of SB PCL reconstruction based on the medial and lateral PTSs measured on magnetic resonance imaging. Hypothesis: Flattened medial and lateral PTSs are associated with poor clinical outcomes and graft survival rates at a minimum 10-year follow-up after SB PCL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In this cohort study, we retrospectively reviewed 46 patients (mean age, 28.8 ± 9.9 years) who underwent primary SB PCL reconstruction between 2000 and 2009. They were followed up for a minimum of 10 years. The medial and lateral PTSs were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. As a previous study reported that a steeper medial or lateral PTS showed a higher risk of anterior tibial translation at thresholds of 5.6° and 3.8°, respectively, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the cutoff values of both the medial (≤5.6° vs >5.6°) and lateral (≤3.8° vs >3.8°) PTSs. Clinical scores (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score), radiological outcomes (side-to-side difference [SSD] on stress radiography and osteoarthritis progression), and graft survival rates were compared between the groups at the last follow-up. Results: All clinical scores and the progression of osteoarthritis demonstrated no significant difference between the 2 subgroups of both the medial and lateral PTS groups. The mean SSD on stress radiography after SB PCL reconstruction was significantly greater in patients with a medial PTS ≤5.6° than in patients with a medial PTS >5.6° (8.4 ± 3.9 vs 5.1 ± 2.9 mm, respectively; P = .030), while the lateral PTS subgroups after SB PCL reconstruction demonstrated no significant difference. The minimum 10-year graft survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a medial PTS ≤5.6° (68.4% vs 92.6%, respectively; P = .029) and a lateral PTS ≤3.8° (50.0% vs 91.7%, respectively; P = .001). Conclusion: A flattened medial PTS (≤5.6°) was associated with an increased SSD on stress radiography, and both flattened medial (≤5.6°) and lateral (≤3.8°) PTSs resulted in lower graft survival rates at a minimum 10-year follow-up after primary SB PCL reconstruction.
Cognitive behavioural therapy to treat stress and insomnia: A randomized wait list‐controlled trial of two online courses

This randomized, wait list‐controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the cognitive behavioural therapy‐based online e‐learning course stressfit for better stress management and the cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia‐based online course SweetDreams for coping with insomniac problems. The course modules offer state of the art psychoeducation and cognitive behavioural strategies concerning different aspects of stress, sleep and insomnia. They provide practice‐oriented exercises for self‐reflection, as well as a variety of evidence‐based methods and measures to increase self‐efficacy when dealing with stress or insomnia. Study participants were randomly assigned to the three test conditions stressfit, SweetDreams or a wait list. Participants filled in questionnaires on a wide range of scales relevant to stress and insomnia at three points in time (before, 4 weeks after, and 3 months after the treatment). Of the 588 participants in total, data from 347 participants (59%) were finally included in the data analyses. Data analyses showed that both courses yielded significant positive effects compared with the wait list condition 4 weeks and to some degree 3 months after completion in relation to insomnia symptoms, physical and psychological wellbeing, life satisfaction and general health (General Health Questionnaire), as well as on satisfaction with and effectiveness of coping with stress and sleep disorders. In conclusion, SweetDreams and stressfit proved to be feasible and effective online cognitive behavioural therapy (for insomnia) tools to reduce insomnia and stress symptoms on a broad variety of scales at the 4‐weeks measurement point as well as at the 3‐months follow‐up.
Structural basis for the tRNA-dependent activation of the terminal complex of selenocysteine synthesis in humans

Abstract O-Phosphoseryl-tRNASec selenium transferase (SepSecS) catalyzes the terminal step of selenocysteine (Sec) synthesis in archaea and eukaryotes. How the Sec synthetic machinery recognizes and discriminates tRNASec from the tRNA pool is essential to the integrity of the selenoproteome. Previously, we suggested that SepSecS adopts a competent conformation that is pre-ordered for catalysis. Herein, using high-resolution X-ray crystallography, we visualized tRNA-dependent conformational changes in human SepSecS that may be a prerequisite for achieving catalytic competency. We show that tRNASec binding organizes the active sites of the catalytic protomer, while stabilizing the N- and C-termini of the non-catalytic protomer. Binding of large anions to the catalytic groove may further optimize the catalytic site for substrate binding and catalysis. Our biochemical and mutational analyses demonstrate that productive SepSecS•tRNASec complex formation is enthalpically driven and primarily governed by electrostatic interactions between the acceptor-, TΨC-, and variable arms of tRNASec and helices α1 and α14 of SepSecS. The detailed visualization of the tRNA-dependent activation of SepSecS provides a structural basis for a revised model of the terminal reaction of Sec formation in archaea and eukaryotes.