Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symptoms during pregnancy in primiparous women with congenital heart disease.

Background: As more women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are reaching childbearing age, it becomes more common for their symptoms to be evaluated during pregnancy. However, pregnancy-related symptoms are similar to those caused by heart disease. This study investigated the prevalence of factors associated with symptoms during pregnancy in women with CHD. Methods: The national birth register was searched for primiparous women with CHD who were registered in the national quality register for patients with CHD. Results: Symptoms during the third trimester were reported in 104 of 465 evaluated women. The most common symptom was palpitations followed by dyspnea. Factors associated with symptoms were tested in a univariable model; higher NYHA classification (>1) (OR 11.3, 95%CI 5.5-23.2), low physical activity (≤3 h/week) (OR 2.1 95%CI 1.3-3.6) and educational level ≤ 12 years (OR 1.9 95%CI 1.2-3.0) were associated with having symptoms. In multivariable analysis, low physical activity level (OR 2.4 95%CI 1.2-5.0) and higher NYHA class (OR 11.3 95%CI 5.0-25.6) remained associated with symptoms during pregnancy. There were no cases with new onset of impaired systemic ventricular function during pregnancy. Conclusion: Symptoms during pregnancy are common in women with CHD but are often already present before pregnancy. Because ordinary symptoms during pregnancy often overlap with symptoms of heart disease, it is important to know if symptoms were present before pregnancy and if they became worse during pregnancy. These results should be included in pre-pregnancy counselling and considered in the monitoring during pregnancy.
Exosomes derived from bladder epithelial cells infected with uropathogenic Escherichia coli increase the severity of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by impairing macrophage function

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the primary causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in humans. Moreover, as one of the most common bacterial pathogens, UPEC imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Epithelial cells and macrophages are two major components of the innate immune system, which play critical roles in defending the bladder against UPEC invasion. Yet, the routes of communication between these cells during UTI pathogenesis are still not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of membrane-bound nanovesicles (exosomes) in the communication between bladder epithelial cells and macrophages during UPEC infection, using an array of techniques such as flow cytometry, miRNA profiling, RNA sequencing, and western blotting. Moreover, our in vitro findings were validated in a mouse model of UPEC-induced cystitis. We found that UPEC infection induced the bladder epithelial MB49 cell line to secrete large numbers of exosomes (MB49-U-Exo), which were efficiently absorbed by macrophages both in vivo and in vitro. Assimilation of MB49-U-Exo induced macrophages to produce proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α. Exposure of macrophages to MB49-U-Exo reduced their phagocytic activity (by downregulating the expression of phagocytosis-related genes) and increased their rate of apoptosis. Mechanistically, we showed that MB49-U-Exo were enriched in miR-18a-5p, which induced TNFα expression in macrophages by targeting PTEN and activating the MAPK/JNK signaling pathway. Moreover, administration of the exosome secretion inhibitor GW4869 or a TNFα-neutralizing antibody alleviated UPEC-mediated tissue damage in mice with UPEC-induced cystitis by reducing the bacterial burden of the bladder and dampening the associated inflammatory response. Collectively, these findings suggest that MB49-U-Exo regulate macrophage function in a way that exacerbates UPEC-mediated tissue impairment. Thus, targeting exosomal -release or TNFα signaling during UPEC infection may represent promising non-antibiotic strategies for treating UTIs.
Growth-inhibiting effects of the unconventional plant APYRASE 7 of Arabidopsis thaliana influences the LRX/RALF/FER growth regulatory module

Plant cell growth involves coordination of numerous processes and signaling cascades among the different cellular compartments to concomitantly enlarge the protoplast and the surrounding cell wall. The cell wall integrity-sensing process involves the extracellular LRX (LRR-Extensin) proteins that bind RALF (Rapid ALkalinization Factor) peptide hormones and, in vegetative tissues, interact with the transmembrane receptor kinase FERONIA (FER). This LRX/RALF/FER signaling module influences cell wall composition and regulates cell growth. The numerous proteins involved in or influenced by this module are beginning to be characterized. In a genetic screen, mutations in Apyrase 7 (APY7) were identified to suppress growth defects observed in lrx1 and fer mutants. APY7 encodes a Golgi-localized NTP-diphosphohydrolase, but opposed to other apyrases of Arabidopsis, APY7 revealed to be a negative regulator of cell growth. APY7 modulates the growth-inhibiting effect of RALF1, influences the cell wall architecture and -composition, and alters the pH of the extracellular matrix, all of which affect cell growth. Together, this study reveals a function of APY7 in cell wall formation and cell growth that is connected to growth processes influenced by the LRX/RALF/FER signaling module.
Association between outdoor light at night and hypertension and high‐normal blood pressure: A nationwide cross‐sectional study among Chinese adults

Abstract The authors aimed to investigate the association between outdoor light at night (LAN) intensity and blood pressure. The study included 13 507 participants aged 45 and above from the 2011–2012 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study baseline survey. Blood pressure measurements were obtained by averaging the last two readings recorded (three measurements with an interval of 45–60 s between each measurement) during the survey. Outdoor LAN intensity was assessed using Defense Meteorological Satellite Program data. The study categorized participants based on quartiles of outdoor LAN intensity and employed statistical methods like linear regression, restricted cubic splines, and logistic models to analyze the connections. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher levels of outdoor LAN intensity were associated with increase in systolic blood pressure (0.592 mmHg/interquartile range [IQR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.027,1.157), diastolic blood pressure (0.853 mmHg/IQR, 95% CI: 0.525,1.180) and mean arterial pressure (0.766 mmHg/IQR, 95% CI: 0.385,1.147). Interestingly, the relationship between LAN intensity and odds of hypertension followed a non‐linear pattern, resembling a reverse “L” shape on cubic splines. Participants with the highest quartile of outdoor LAN intensity had 1.31‐fold increased odds of hypertension (95% CI: 1.08–1.58) compared to the lowest quartile. Additionally, there was an observable trend of rising odds for high‐normal blood pressure with higher levels of LAN intensity in the crude model, but no statistically significant differences were observed after adjusting for confounding factors. In conclusion, this study underscores a significant connection between outdoor LAN intensity and the prevalence of hypertension.
Bayesian optimization of gradient trajectory for parallel-transmit pulse design.

PURPOSE Spoke pulses improve excitation homogeneity in parallel-transmit MRI. We propose an efficient global optimization algorithm, Bayesian optimization of gradient trajectory (BOGAT), for single-slice and simultaneous multislice imaging. THEORY AND METHODS BOGAT adds an outer loop to optimize kT -space positions. For each position, the RF coefficients are optimized (e.g., with magnitude least squares) and the cost function evaluated. Bayesian optimization progressively estimates the cost function. It automatically chooses the kT -space positions to sample, to achieve fast convergence, often coming close to the globally optimal spoke positions. We investigated the typical features of spokes cost functions by a grid search with field maps comprising 85 slabs from 14 volunteers. We tested BOGAT in this database, and prospectively in a phantom and in vivo. We compared the vendor-provided Fourier transform approach with the same magnitude least squares RF optimizer. RESULTS The cost function is nonconvex and seen empirically to be piecewise smooth with discontinuities where the underlying RF optimum changes sharply. BOGAT converged to within 10% of the global minimum cost within 30 iterations in 93% of slices in our database. BOGAT achieved up to 56% lower flip angle RMS error (RMSE) or 55% lower pulse energy in phantoms versus the Fourier transform approach, and up to 30% lower RMSE and 29% lower energy in vivo with 7.8 s extra computation. CONCLUSION BOGAT efficiently estimated near-global optimum spoke positions for the two-spoke tests, reducing flip-angle RMSE and/or pulse energy in a computation time (˜10 s), which is suitable for online optimization.
Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity‐2 Predicts Mortality and Right Heart Failure in Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device

Background Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 (sST2) predicts mortality in patients with heart failure. The predictive value of sST2 in patients with a left ventricular assist device remains unknown. Therefore, we studied the relationship between sST2 and outcome after left ventricular assist device implantation. Methods and Results sST2 levels of patients with a left ventricular assist device implanted between January 2015 and December 2022 were included in this observational study. The median follow‐up was 25 months, during which 1573 postoperative sST2 levels were measured in 199 patients, with a median of 29 ng/mL. Survival of patients with normal and elevated preoperative levels was compared using Kaplan‐Meier analysis, which did not differ significantly (P=0.22) between both groups. The relationship between postoperative sST2, survival, and right heart failure was evaluated using a joint model, which showed a significant relationship between the absolute sST2 level and mortality, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.10–1.130; P<0.01) and an HR of 1.22 (95% CI, 1.07–1.39; P=0.01) for right heart failure, both per 10‐unit sST2 increase. The sST2 instantaneous change was not predictive for survival or right heart failure (P=0.99 and P=0.94, respectively). Multivariate joint model analysis showed a significant relationship between sST2 with mortality adjusted for NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide), with an HR of 1.19 (95% CI, 1.00–1.42; P=0.05), whereas the HR of right heart failure was not significant (1.22 [95% CI, 0.94–1.59]; P=0.14), both per 10‐unit sST2 increase. Conclusions Time‐dependent postoperative sST2 predicts all‐cause mortality after left ventricular assist device implantation after adjustment for NT‐proBNP. Future research is warranted into possible target interventions and the optimal monitoring frequency.
Multi-level Bayesian analysis of monk parakeet contact calls shows dialects between European cities

Geographic differences in vocalisations provide strong evidence for animal culture, with patterns likely arising from generations of social learning and transmission. The current knowledge on the evolution of vocal variation has predominantly focused on fixed repertoire, territorial song in passerine birds. The study of vocal communication in open-ended learners and in contexts where vocalisations serve other functions is therefore necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of vocal dialect evolution. Parrots are open-ended vocal production learners that use vocalisations for social contact and coordination. Geographic variation in parrot vocalisations typically take the form of either distinct regional variations known as dialects or graded variation based on geographic distance known as clinal variation. In this study, we recorded monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) across multiple spatial scales (i.e. parks and cities) in their European invasive range. We then compared calls using a multi-level Bayesian model and sensitivity analysis, with this novel approach allowing us to explicitly compare vocalisations at multiple spatial scales. We found support for founder effects and/or cultural drift at the city level, consistent with passive cultural processes leading to large scale dialect differences. We did not find a strong signal for dialect or clinal differences between parks within cities, suggesting that birds did not actively converge on a group level signal, as expected under the group membership hypothesis. We demonstrate the robustness of our findings and offer an explanation that unifies the results of prior monk parakeet vocalisation studies.
Facial growth and development trajectories based on three-dimensional images: geometric morphometrics with a deformation perspective

Developmental changes of facial shape are commonly investigated through geometric morphometrics. A limitation with this approach is the inability to investigate patterns of morphological changes at local scale. This could be addressed through quantifying the deformation required to deform one shape to another. This study aimed to investigate changes in mean, rate and variance of facial shape at local scale using geometric morphometrics through deformation perspective. A total of 2112 Europeans 3 to 40 years old from the three-dimensional Facial Norms project were included. Shape and rate trajectories from partial least-squares regressions revealed that the developmentally protrusive nasal bridge was due to local expansion in surrounding tissues as opposed to shape changes in nasal bridge per se. Local expansion of the supraorbital region, in particular the medial part in males, resulted in the sloping forehead and deep-situated eyes with development. Facial shape variation increased nonlinearly with age (p < 0.05), with features having larger rate of change becoming more developmentally diversified. In summary, our deformation perspective facilitates unravelling morphogenetic processes underlying shape changes. Our extended analytical scope inspires novel measures worthy of consideration while establishing facial growth charts. The analytical framework in this study is broadly applicable for analysis of shape changes in general.
Localized pattern formation: semi-strong interaction asymptotic analysis for three components model

We investigate a three-component system involving the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction in water-in-oil microemulsions. Our goal is to investigate the connection between homoclinic snaking and semi-strength interaction in a three-variable reaction–diffusion system. A two-parameter bifurcation diagram of homogeneous, periodic and localized patterns is obtained numerically, and a natural asymptotic scaling for semi-strong interaction theory is found where an activator source term a=O(δ1) and b=O(δ1), with δ1≪1 being the diffusion ratio. Under this regime, singular perturbation techniques are used to construct localized steady-state patterns, and new types of non-local eigenvalue problems (NLEP) are derived to determine the stability of these patterns to O(1) time-scale instabilities. We extend the scope of the NLEP by considering a general scenario where both time-scaling parameters are non-zero. All analytical results are found to agree with numerics. Further numerical results are presented on the location of various types of breathing Hopf instability for localized patterns.
Species- and sex-specific chemical composition from an internal gland-like tissue of an African frog family

Intraspecific chemical communication in frogs is understudied and the few published cases are limited to externally visible and male-specific breeding glands. Frogs of the family Odontobatrachidae, a West African endemic complex of five morphologically cryptic species, have large, fatty gland-like strands along their lower mandible. We investigated the general anatomy of this gland-like strand and analysed its chemical composition. We found the strand to be present in males and females of all species. The strand varies in markedness, with well-developed strands usually found in reproductively active individuals. The strands are situated under particularly thin skin sections, the vocal sac in male frogs and a respective area in females. Gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis revealed that the strands contain sex- and species-specific chemical profiles, which are consistent across geographically distant populations. The profiles varied between reproductive and non-reproductive individuals. These results indicate that the mandibular strands in the Odontobatrachidae comprise a so far overlooked structure (potentially a gland) that most likely plays a role in the mating and/or breeding behaviour of the five Odontobatrachus species. Our results highlight the relevance of multimodal signalling in anurans, and indicate that chemical communication in frogs may not be restricted to sexually dimorphic, apparent skin glands.
Experimental investigation of flow-induced vibration and flow field characteristics of a flexible triangular cylinder

Abstract Flow-induced vibration (FIV) of a flexible cylinder with a triangular cross-section, allowed to oscillate in the cross-flow, inline and torsional direction, is studied experimentally through water tunnel tests. The dynamic response of the cylinder was studied for three different angles of attack ($0^\circ, 30^\circ, 60^\circ$), at reduced velocities of 0.9–16.27, corresponding to Reynolds numbers of 364–3600. At the angle of attack of $0^\circ$, vortex-induced vibration at low reduced velocity was observed, which transitioned to galloping at higher reduced velocities. At the angles of attack of $30^\circ$ and $60^\circ$, galloping-type response was observed over the range of the reduced velocities tested. Our results show that the cylinder's torsional oscillation breaks the system's symmetry and affects the structural response at higher reduced velocities regardless of the angle of attack. The FIV response of the flexible triangular cylinder is distinct from that of a rigid flexibly mounted triangular cylinder due to torsional oscillation, spanwise flexibility and the two fixed boundary conditions limiting the amplitude of oscillation. Flow field analysis in the wake of the cylinder was done qualitatively and quantitatively using hydrogen bubble flow visualisation and time-resolved volumetric particle tracking velocimetry techniques, respectively. Our results show the existence of highly three-dimensional vortex structures in the wake of the cylinder. We studied the coupling between the vortex shedding modes in the wake of the cylinder and the structural vibration modes through the spatiotemporal mode analysis using the proper orthogonal decomposition technique to distinguish between different types of the FIV response observed.
Beyond traffic jam alleviation: evaluating the health and health equity impacts of New York City’s congestion pricing plan

New York City (NYC) is slated to be the first jurisdiction in the USA to implement a cordon-based congestion tax, which will be levied on vehicles entering its Central Business District. Several cities around the world, for example, London and Stockholm, have had similar cordon-based pricing programmes, defined as road pricing that charges drivers a fee for entering a specified area (typically a congested urban centre). In addition to reducing congestion and creating revenue, projections suggest the NYC congestion pricing plan may yield meaningful traffic-related air quality improvements that could result in health benefits. NYC is a large city with high air pollution and substantial racial/ethnic and socioeconomic health inequities. The distinct geography and meteorological conditions of the city also suggest that the policy’s impact on air quality may extend beyond the NYC metropolitan area. As such, the potential breadth, directionality and magnitude of health impacts on communities who might be heavily affected by the nation’s first congestion pricing plan should be empirically investigated. We briefly review evaluation studies of other cordon-based congestion pricing policies and argue that implementation of this policy provides an excellent opportunity to employ a quasi-experimental study design to evaluate the policy’s impacts on air quality and health outcomes across population subgroups using a health equity lens. We discuss why real-time evaluations of the NYC congestion pricing plan can potentially help optimise benefits for communities historically negatively affected by traffic-related air pollution. Assessing intended and unintended impacts on health equity is key to achieving these goals.
A Survey on Network Attack Surface Mapping

Network services are processes running on a system with network exposure. A key activity for any network defender, penetration tester, or red team is network attack surface mapping, the act of detecting and categorizing those services through which a threat actor could attempt malicious activity. Many tools have arisen over the years to probe, identify, and classify these services for information and vulnerabilities. In this paper, we survey network attack surface mapping by reviewing several prominent tools and their features and then discussing recent works reflecting unique research using those tools. We conclude by covering several promising directions for future research.
Visual Algorithm Research Based on One-click Image Size Fast Measurement Platform

This article primarily introduces a design and algorithm system of a one-click measuring platform, which can quickly and accurately measure the size and dimensions of parts. Accomplishing by combining a camera and an algorithm, the one-click detection function effectively lowers the measurement time and labor costs in industrial production, increasing production efficiency. The platform's algorithm system is based on the Halcon platform and may employ various algorithms depending on the form, size, and backdrop of the gathered photos to extract models and highlight data. This essay concludes by summarizing the various operators utilized in the algorithm design and implementation process of the platform, including threshold segmentation techniques, binary image processing, grayscale processing, and contrast-increasing techniques.