Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcranial direct-current stimulation enhances Pavlovian tendencies during intermittent loss of control

Introduction Pavlovian bias is an innate motivational tendency to approach rewards and remain passive in the face of punishment. The relative reliance on Pavlovian valuation has been found to increase when the perceived control over environmental reinforcers is compromised, leading to behavior resembling learned helplessness (LH). Methods Sixty healthy young adults underwent a Go-NoGo reinforcement learning task and received anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the medial prefrontal/dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in our randomized, double-blind, sham- controlled study. Furthermore, we evaluated changes in cue-locked mid-frontal theta power derived from simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG). We hypothesized that active stimulation would reduce Pavlovian bias during manipulation of outcome controllability, and the effect would be accompanied by stronger mid-frontal theta activity, representing arbitration between choice strategies in favor of instrumental relative to Pavlovian valuation. Results We found a progressive decrease in Pavlovian bias during and after loss of control over feedback. Active HD-tDCS counteracted this effect while not affecting the mid-frontal theta signal. Discussion The results were at odds with our hypotheses but also with previous findings reporting LH-like patterns during and after loss of control without brain stimulation. The discrepancy may be related to different protocols for the controllability manipulation. We argue that the subjective evaluation of task controllability is crucial in mediating the balance between Pavlovian and instrumental valuation during reinforcement learning and that the medial prefrontal/dorsal anterior cingulate cortex is a key region in this respect. These findings have implications for understanding the behavioral and neural underpinnings of LH in humans.
Identifying genetic variants associated with amphotericin B (AMB) resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus via k-mer-based GWAS

Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common pathogenic fungi, which results in high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Amphotericin B (AMB) is used as the core drug for the treatment of triazole-resistant A. fumigatus. Following the usage of amphotericin B drugs, the number of amphotericin B-resistant A. fumigatus isolates showed an increasing trend over the years, but the mechanism and mutations associated with amphotericin B sensitivity are not fully understood. In this study, we performed a k-mer-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 98 A. fumigatus isolates from public databases. Associations identified with k-mers not only recapitulate those with SNPs but also discover new associations with insertion/deletion (indel). Compared to SNP sites, the indel showed a stronger association with amphotericin B resistance, and a significant correlated indel is present in the exon region of AFUA_7G05160, encoding a fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) family protein. Enrichment analysis revealed sphingolipid synthesis and transmembrane transport may be related to the resistance of A. fumigatus to amphotericin B. The expansion of variant types detected by the k-mer method increases opportunities to identify and exploit complex genetic variants that drive amphotericin B resistance, and these candidate variants help accelerate the selection of prospective gene markers for amphotericin B resistance screening in A. fumigatus.
Triple bottom line aspects and sustainable supply chain resilience: A structural equation modelling approach

The purpose of this paper is to investigate which of sustainability elements, in the context of triple bottom line (TBL), are used to build sustainable supply chain resilience. This paper presents a new body of knowledge and contribution to the literature by relating the triple bottom line (TBL) context to the building of sustainable supply chain resilience using structural equation modelling. The research were used to understand that individual sustainability factors matter and play a role in the context of supply chain resilience. A survey questionnaire was designed to collect this data from the research respondents. To statistical analysis was first Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) conducted and used, then for the analysis and interpretation structural equation model. The findings indicate that individual sustainability factors matter and play a role in the context of supply chain resilience. A number of previous studies have developed broad catalogues of sustainability factors influencing supply chains, however, to date no convincing evidence has been presented as to which of the range of elements identified, and how they influence supply chain resilience building. Despite the large number of publications on sustainable supply chain and resilience building, there is still a gap and lack of proper consideration of TBL-related criteria as elements that can determine mechanisms for building supply chain resilience in the context of sustainable development. This paper operationalizes a using the structural research model to using a structural research model to investigate how and in which relationships the different elements of the triple bottom line influence the resilience of supply chains.
Reversible binding of divalent cations to Ductin protein assemblies—A putative new regulatory mechanism of membrane traffic processes

Ductins are a family of homologous and structurally similar membrane proteins with 2 or 4 trans-membrane alpha-helices. The active forms of the Ductins are membranous ring- or star-shaped oligomeric assemblies and they provide various pore, channel, gap-junction functions, assist in membrane fusion processes and also serve as the rotor c-ring domain of V-and F-ATPases. All functions of the Ductins have been reported to be sensitive to the presence of certain divalent metal cations (Me2+), most frequently Cu2+ or Ca2+ ions, for most of the better known members of the family, and the mechanism of this effect is not yet known. Given that we have earlier found a prominent Me2+ binding site in a well-characterised Ductin protein, we hypothesise that certain divalent cations can structurally modulate the various functions of Ductin assemblies via affecting their stability by reversible non-covalent binding to them. A fine control of the stability of the assembly ranging from separated monomers through a loosely/weakly to tightly/strongly assembled ring might render precise regulation of Ductin functions possible. The putative role of direct binding of Me2+ to the c-ring subunit of active ATP hydrolase in autophagy and the mechanism of Ca2+-dependent formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore are also discussed.
Micro-seismic events detection and its tectonic implications in Northeastern Hainan Province

In this paper, we combine the U-net-based phase picking method (PhaseNet) with Graphics Processing Unit-Based Match and Locate technology (GPU-M&L) and a deep-learning-based seismic signal de-noising method (DeepDenoiser) as a workflow for automatically extracting micro-seismic information from continuous raw seismic data. PhaseNet is first used to detect missed seismic phases by scanning through the 5-year continuous waveform data recorded at five broad-band stations in Hainan province. Then Rapid Earthquake Association and Location method (REAL), VELEST program (1-D inversion of velocities and hypocenter locating) and HypoDD (a double-difference locating method) are applied to associate seismic phases with events and to locate, respectively. This initially established catalogue can be served as the template for the following match-filter work. We choose events with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as templates and apply GPU-M&L to detect more small earthquakes which are difficult to pick by routine methods due to the low SNR. Then, a deep learning-based noise reduction technique named DeepDenoiser is applied to extract seismic signal from noise to provide a better picking of arrival time and then to improve the relocation effects. Finally, we use HypoDD to relocate these events with P- and S- wave arrival times picked by PhaseNet. Compared with the five events listed in the China Earthquake Networks Center routine catalogue, in this study, we detect and locate 977 earthquakes by following the above procedure. Our relocation results illustrate quite a complex distribution pattern of events due to the complicated fault system in the northeastern part of Hainan Province.
Functional integral representations for quantum many-particle systems

Formal functional integrals are commonly used as theoretical tools and as sources of intuition for predicting phase transitions of many-body systems in Condensed Matter Physics. In this thesis, we derive rigorous versions of these functional integrals for two types of quantum many-particle systems. We begin with a brief review of quantum statistical mechanics in Chapter 2 and the formalism of coherent states in Chapter 3, which form the basis for our analysis in Chapters 4 and 5. In Chapter 4, we study a mixed gas of bosons and/or fermions interacting on a finite lattice, with a general Hamiltonian that preserves the total number of particles in each species. We rigorously derive a functional integral representation for the partition function, which employs a large-field cutoff for the boson fields. We then expand the resulting “action” in powers of the fields and find a recursion relation for the coefficients. In the case of a two-body interaction (such as the Coulomb interaction), we also find bounds on the coefficients, which give a domain of analyticity for the action. This domain is large enough for use of the action in the functional integral, provided that the large-field cutoffs are taken to grow not too quickly. In Chapter 5, we study a system of electrons and phonons interacting in a finite lattice, using the Holstein Hamiltonian. Again, we rigorously derive a coherent-state functional integral representation for the partition function of this system and then prove that the “action” in the functional integral is an entire-analytic function of the fields. However, since the Holstein Hamiltonian does not preserve the total number of bosons, the approach from Chapter 4 requires some modification. In particular, we repeatedly use Duhamel expansions in powers of the interaction, rather than sums over particle numbers.
Reimagining informal STEM learning opportunities to foster STEM identity development in underserved learners

Informal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities offer great potential to position learners as insiders to STEM and to foster their positive STEM identity development. Despite their goal to create equal insights and access to STEM learning for all, however, these informal STEM learning opportunities often fail to reach underserved students, hindering their STEM identity development and perpetuating inequity. To address this issue, out-of-school programs need to be designed with underserved students in mind, and concepts, as well as practical approaches that foster STEM identity development, need to be identified. In this article, we review 13 peer-reviewed publications that investigate informal STEM learning opportunities for underserved learners at a young age. We synthesize concepts such as competence, performance, recognition, supportive relationships, sense of belonging, agency, interest, and attitudes that influence underserved learners’ STEM identity development, and corresponding practical approaches such as personal relationships, role models, authentic settings, hands-on-activities, and non-stereotypical structures fostering agency. We also discuss theoretical frameworks for underserved learners’ STEM identity development. We suggest that recognition, a sense of belonging, supportive relationships, and agency play important roles in fostering STEM identity development in underserved students. The paper concludes with recommendations to change traditional patterns in informal and formal STEM education to empower underserved students to construct their own STEM identity as agentic individuals.
The pathogenesis of DLD-mediated cuproptosis induced spinal cord injury and its regulation on immune microenvironment

Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe central nervous system injury that leads to significant sensory and motor impairment. Copper, an essential trace element in the human body, plays a vital role in various biological functions and is strictly regulated by copper chaperones and transporters. Cuproptosis, a novel type of metal ion-induced cell death, is distinct from iron deprivation. Copper deprivation is closely associated with mitochondrial metabolism and mediated by protein fatty acid acylation. Methods In this study, we investigated the effects of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) on disease progression and the immune microenvironment in acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) patients. We obtained the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood leukocytes from ASCI patients using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We performed differential gene analysis, constructed protein-protein interaction networks, conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and built a risk model. Results Our analysis revealed that dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), a regulator of copper toxicity, was significantly associated with ASCI, and DLD expression was significantly upregulated after ASCI. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) showed abnormal activation of metabolism-related processes. Immune infiltration analysis indicated a significant decrease in T cell numbers in ASCI patients, while M2 macrophage numbers were significantly increased and positively correlated with DLD expression. Discussion In summary, our study demonstrated that DLD affects the ASCI immune microenvironment by promoting copper toxicity, leading to increased peripheral M2 macrophage polarization and systemic immunosuppression. Thus, DLD has potential as a promising biomarker for ASCI, providing a foundation for future clinical interventions. Graphical Abstract The graphical abstract is divided into two main sections, upper and lower. The upper section comprises three subsections, from left to right, which respectively represent the peripheral blood immune microenvironment in non-spinal cord injury, the involved biological processes and genes, and the peripheral blood immune microenvironment after spinal cord injury. The lower section also contains three subsections, from left to right, which respectively represent the legend for immune cells, the application of artificial intelligence in the field of spinal cord injury, and the specific trends of changes in the peripheral blood immune microenvironment after spinal cord injury.
Gene mutation landscape of a rare patient with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia after treatment of intracranial germ cell tumor

Introduction It was first reported that germ cell tumor patients suffer from hematologic malignancies 37 years ago. Since then, the number of relevant reports has increased each year, with most cases being mediastinal germ cell tumor. Theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, including a shared origin of progenitor cells, the effects of treatment, and independent development. However, up to now, no widely accepted explanation exists. The case with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia and intracranial germ cell tumor has never been reported before and the association is far less known. Methods We used whole exome sequencing and gene mutation analysis to study the relationship between intracranial germ cell tumor and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia of our patient. Results We report a patient who developed acute megakaryoblastic leukemia after treatment for an intracranial germ cell tumor. Through whole exome sequencing and gene mutation analysis, we identified that both tumors shared the same mutation genes and mutation sites, suggesting they originated from the same progenitor cells and differentiated in the later stage. Discussion Our findings provide the first evidence supporting the theory that acute megakaryoblastic leukemia and intracranial germ cell tumor has the same progenitor cells.
Mental health state and its determinants in German university students across the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from three repeated cross-sectional surveys between 2019 and 2021

Background Students were at an increased risk for elevated mental symptoms during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. As universities remained closed much longer than anticipated, the mental burden was expected to persist through the second year of the pandemic. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mental distress from 2019 through 2021 and identify risk factors for elevated mental burden, focusing on gender. Methods We analyzed three cross-sectional online surveys among students at the University of Mainz, conducted in 2019 (n = 4,351), 2020 (n = 3,066), and 2021 (n = 1,438). Changes in the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and loneliness were calculated using Pearson's chi-square tests and analyses of variance. Multiple linear regressions yielded associated risk factors. Results The proportion of students with clinically relevant depressive symptoms was significantly higher during the pandemic (38.9% in 2020, and 40.7% in 2021), compared to pre-pandemic (29.0% in 2019). Similarly, more students reported suicidal ideation and generalized anxiety during the pandemic with a peak in the second pandemic year (2021). The level of loneliness was significantly higher in 2020, compared to 2019, and remained at a high level in 2021 (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.142). Female and diverse/open gender, being single, living alone, and being a first-year student were identified as risk factors associated with mental burden during the pandemic. Discussion Mental burdens remained elevated among students through the second year of the pandemic and were associated with socio-demographic risk factors and pandemic-related concerns. Future research should monitor recovery and evaluate the need for psychosocial support.
Whole-exome identifies germline variants in families with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (OMIM #107650) is characterized by complete or partial obstruction of the upper airways, resulting in periods of sleep associated apnea. OSAS increases morbidity and mortality risk from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. While heritability of OSAS is estimated at ∼40%, the precise underlying genes remain elusive. Brazilian families with OSAS that follows as seemingly autosomal dominant inheritance pattern were recruited. Methods: The study included nine individuals from two Brazilian families displaying a seemingly autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of OSAS. Whole exome sequencing of germline DNA were analyzed using Mendel, MD software. Variants selected were analyzed using Varstation® with subsequent analyses that included validation by Sanger sequencing, pathogenic score assessment by ACMG criteria, co-segregation analyses (when possible) allele frequency, tissue expression patterns, pathway analyses, effect on protein folding modeling using Swiss-Model and RaptorX. Results: Two families (six affected patients and three unaffected controls) were analyzed. A comprehensive multistep analysis yielded variants in COX20 (rs946982087) (family A), PTPDC1 (rs61743388) and TMOD4 (rs141507115) (family B) that seemed to be strong candidate genes for being OSAS associated genes in these families. Conclusion: Sequence variants in COX20, PTPDC1 and TMOD4 seemingly are associated with OSAS phenotype in these families. Further studies in more, ethnically diverse families and non-familial OSAS cases are needed to better define the role of these variants as contributors to OSAS phenotype.
The dichotomy problem for homogeneous Banach algebras

Let A(T) denote the algebra of absolutely convergent Fourier series, and let C(T) denote the algebra of continuous functions on the circle group T. A classical result of Katznelson asserts that only analytic functions operate on A(T). On the other hand, all continuous functions operate on C(T). In this note, we construct a Banach algebra which is natural in the sense of harmonic analysis, but which enjoys a far different symbolic calculus. Specifically, we show the existence of a strongly homogeneous Banach algebra B so that (1) A(T) ! ; B ; C(T) and (2) non-analytic functions operate on B. Our results provide a negative solution to the "dichotomy problem" in the context of homogeneous Banach algebras (see [4] and [5]). The construction, as well as some notations and further comments, will appear in the succeeding sections. 1. Let B be a commutative, semi-simple, self-adjoint Banach algebra with maximal ideal space T. We view B as an algebra of continuous functions on T. B will be called homogeneous provided the following two properties hold: ( 1 ) For every a e T, the mapping f(x) -4 f(x + a) is an isometry of B into itself. ( 2 ) For every f e B, we have lima0 I | (x + a) f(x) lB 0. B will be called strongly homogeneous provided we also have ( 3 ) For every integer k, the operator f(x) -f(kx) maps B into itself and is of norm 1. Let B1 and B, be homogeneous Banach algebras. A function F: [-1, 1]->C is said to operate from B1 into B, provided the following obtains: For every f e B, with -1 ? f ? 1, we have Fof e B2. In case B1 = B2, we say simply that F operates on B1. We will prove the following theorem. THEOREM 1. There exists a strongly homogeneous Banach algebra B
Skill-Mix Changes Targeting Health Promotion and Prevention Interventions and Effects on Outcomes in all Settings (Except Hospitals): Overview of Reviews

Objectives: Skill-mix changes to step up health promotion and prevention are increasing, but there is limited evidence on their effects. Methods: Overview of reviews, based on a protocol. The search was carried out in six databases, screening was performed ensuring high interrater reliability. All countries, health professions and lay workers in all settings (except hospitals) were included, quality appraisals performed. Results: A total of 31 systematic reviews were included. Expanded roles performing outreach (e.g., home visits) had mostly positive effects on access and health outcomes, primarily for hard-to-reach groups. Task-shifting in colorectal or skin cancer screenings (performed by advanced practice nurses) were suggested effective; supporting roles (by community health workers) increased uptake in screenings, but based on limited evidence. Expanded roles of various professions focusing on lifestyle modification showed promising effects in most reviews, including weight, diet, smoking cessation and physical activity. Reviews on cost-effectiveness were based on limited evidence. Conclusion: Promising skill-mix changes included expanded roles providing lifestyle modifying interventions, task-shifting, and outreach roles for hard-to-reach groups, whereas evidence on costs was limited.