Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Altered Sex Differences in Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Schizophrenia

Objective: The hippocampus is a heterogenous brain structure that differs between the sexes and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric illnesses. Here, we explored sex and diagnostic group differences in hippocampal subfield volumes, in individuals with schizo-phrenia spectrum disorder (SZ), bipolar disorders (BD) and healthy controls. Methods: 1,521 participants underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SZ, n = 452, mean age 30.7 {+/-} 9.2 [SD] years, males 59.1%; BD, n = 316, 33.7 {+/-} 11.4, 41.5%; healthy controls, n = 753, 34.1 {+/-} 9.1, 55.6%). Total hippocampal, subfield, and intracranial volumes were estimated with Freesurfer (v6.0.0). Analysis of covariance and multiple regression models were fitted to examine sex-by-diagnostic (sub)group interactions in volume. In SZ and BD, separately, associations between volumes and clinical as well as cognitive measures were exam-ined between the sexes using regression models. Results: Significant sex-by-group interactions were found for the total hippocampus, dentate gyrus, molecular layer, presubiculum, fimbria, HATA, and CA4, indicating a larger volumetric deficit in male patients relative to female patients when compared with same-sex healthy con-trols. Subgroup analyses revealed that this interaction was driven by males with schizophrenia. Effect sizes were overall small (partial {eta}2 < 0.02). We found no significant sex differences in the associations between hippocampal volumes and clinical or cognitive measures in SZ and BD. Conclusions: Using a well-powered sample, our findings indicate that the pattern of morpho-logical sex differences in hippocampal subfields is altered in individuals with schizophrenia relative to healthy controls, due to higher volumetric deficits in males.
Effectiveness of a chatbot in improving the mental wellbeing of health workers in Malawi during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized, controlled trial

After the deleterious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare worker mental health, we tested the effectiveness of an interactive chatbot, Vitalk, for improving wellbeing and resilience among healthcare workers in Malawi, a country with few mental health professionals. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to investigate our hypothesis that Vitalk is more effective in improving mental health and resilience outcomes than passive Internet resources. For our 2-arm, 8-week, parallel RCT (ISRCTN Registry: trial ID ISRCTN16378480), we recruited participants from 8 professional cadres from public and private healthcare facilities. The treatment arm used Vitalk; the control arm received links to Internet resources. Of 1,584 participants, 512 completed baseline and endline assessments. Six assessments provided outcome measures for: anxiety (GAD-7); depression (PHQ-9); burnout (OLBI); loneliness (ULCA); resilience (RS-14); and resilience-building activities. We analyzed effectiveness using mixed-effects linear models, effect size estimates, and reliable change in risk levels. Results from mixed-model analyses support our hypothesis. Difference-in-differences estimators showed that Vitalk reduced: depression (-0.68 [95% CI -1.15 to -0.21]); anxiety (-0.44 [95% CI -0.88 to 0.01]); and burnout (-0.58 [95% CI -1.32 to 0.15]). Changes in resilience (1.47 [95% CI 0.05 to 2.88]) and resilience-building activities (1.22 [95% CI 0.56 to 1.87]) were significantly greater in the treatment group. We observed no treatment effect on loneliness. Our RCT produced a medium effect size. This is the first RCT of a mental health app for healthcare workers during the pandemic in Southern Africa combining multiple mental wellbeing outcomes, and measuring resilience and resilience-building activities. A significant number of participants could have benefited from mental health support (1 in 8 reported anxiety and depression; 3 in 4 suffered burnout; and 1 in 4 had low resilience). Such help is not readily available in Malawi. Vitalk has the potential to fill this gap.
Deep neural networks reveal novel sex-specific electrocardiographic features relevant for mortality risk

Abstract Aims Incorporation of sex in study design can lead to discoveries in medical research. Deep neural networks (DNNs) accurately predict sex based on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and we hypothesized that misclassification of sex is an important predictor for mortality. Therefore, we first developed and validated a DNN that classified sex based on the ECG and investigated the outcome. Second, we studied ECG drivers of DNN-classified sex and mortality. Methods and results A DNN was trained to classify sex based on 131 673 normal ECGs. The algorithm was validated on internal (68 500 ECGs) and external data sets (3303 and 4457 ECGs). The survival of sex (mis)classified groups was investigated using time-to-event analysis and sex-stratified mediation analysis of ECG features. The DNN successfully distinguished female from male ECGs {internal validation: area under the curve (AUC) 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96, 0.97]; external validations: AUC 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.90), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.94)}. Sex-misclassified individuals (11%) had a 1.4 times higher mortality risk compared with correctly classified peers. The ventricular rate was the strongest mediating ECG variable (41%, 95% CI: 31%, 56%) in males, while the maximum amplitude of the ST segment was strongest in females (18%, 95% CI: 11%, 39%). Short QRS duration was associated with higher mortality risk. Conclusion Deep neural networks accurately classify sex based on ECGs. While the proportion of ECG-based sex misclassifications is low, it is an interesting biomarker. Investigation of the causal pathway between misclassification and mortality uncovered new ECG features that might be associated with mortality. Increased emphasis on sex as a biological variable in artificial intelligence is warranted.
Surface waves in an incompressible fluid - Resonant instability due to velocity shear

The effects of velocity shear on the resonance absorption of incompressible MHD surface waves are studied. It is found that there are generally values of the velocity shear for which the surface wave decay rate becomes zero. In some cases, the resonance absorption goes to zero even for very small velocity shears. It is also found that the resonance absorption can be strongly enhanced at other values of the velocity shear, so the presence of flows may be generally important for determining the effects of resonance absorption, such as might occur in the interaction of p-modes with sunspots. Resonances leading to instability of the global surface mode can exist, and instability can occur for velocity shears significantly below the Kelvin-Helmholtz threshold. These instabilities may play a role in the development or turbulence in regions of strong velocity shear in the solar wind or the earth's magnetosphere. 27 refs.
Astrometric observations of triton

Astrometric positions of the Neptunian Satellite Triton are given for the opposition of Neptune for the years 1996, 2003, 2005 and 2006. The 943 observed positions were obtained at the Cassegrain focus of a 156-cm reflector. In our reduction, the up-to-date catalogue of stars UCAC2 was chosen to ensure a proper astrometric calibration. Our observed positions are compared to theoretical positions provided from JPL and IMCCE ephemerides. The observed minus calculated residuals have s.d. values of the order of 0.04 arcsec.
Astrocytoma and IDH1-Wildtype Glioblastoma (GBM) Cells Colonize Tumor Vessels and Deploy Vascular Mimicry

Gliomas are the most prevalent type of malignant brain tumors with a very dismal prognosis. Angiogenesis in glioma has recently gotten more attention and its molecular aspects have been published; however, these were not complemented with ultrastructural evidence. Our ultrastructural examination of glioma vessels reveals several unique and critical features related to their mechanisms of progression and metastasis strategy. The detailed ultrastructural survey of 18 IDH1-wildtype glioblastomas (GBM) and 12 IDH1-mutant High-grade gliomas indicated that tumor vessels of both types had undergone deformities such as the thickening of the vessel wall (VW) and proliferation of the basement membrane, contour distortions, abnormal and discontinuous basal lamina, tumor cells’ invasion and colonization of VW, disappearance of endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and smooth muscle cells, as well as the formation of a continuous ring of tumor cells attached to the luminal side of VW in numerous cases. The latter feature is a clear sign of vascular mimicry (VM) that was previously suggested in gliomas but never shown by TEM. Additionally, the vascular invasion was carried out by a large number of tumor cells and was accompanied by the accumulation of tumor lipids in the vessels’ lumina and VWs; these two features are distinct for gliomas and may alter the course of the clinical presentation and overall prognosis. This raises the issue of how to specifically target tumor cells involved in vascular invasion in order to optimize prognosis and overcome these mechanisms employed by the tumor cells.
Experimental Investigation of an Index-Mismatched Multiphase Flow Using Optical Techniques

An experimental investigation of multiphase flow involving a liquid (water) and a gas (air) is performed. The results for three different scenarios are presented: fixed bubble, ascending bubble, and dispersed-bubble turbulent pipe flow. This study involves a comparison of statistical data collected using two sensing systems, a wavefront sensor and a high-speed video camera. A signal analysis technique based on signal attenuation is developed for data collected using the wavefront sensor. The three experiments performed provide experimental evidence that the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, operating on signal attenuation, is a viable method for the study of multiphase bubble flows.
Thickness‐Shear and Flexural Vibrations of Crystal Plates

The theory of flexural motions of elastic plates, including the effects of rotatory inertia and shear, is extended to crystal plates. The equations are solved approximately for the case of rectangular plates excited by thickness‐shear deformation parallel to one edge. Results of computations of resonant frequencies of rectangular, AT‐cut, quartz plates are shown and compared with experimental data. Simple algebraic formulas are obtained relating frequency, dimensions, and crystal properties for resonances of special interest in design.
Engineering edgeless human skin with enhanced biomechanical properties

Despite the advancements in skin bioengineering, 3D skin constructs are still produced as flat tissues with open edges, disregarding the fully enclosed geometry of human skin. Therefore, they do not effectively cover anatomically complex body sites, e.g., hands. Here, we challenge the prevailing paradigm by engineering the skin as a fully enclosed 3D tissue that can be shaped after a body part and seamlessly transplanted as a biological clothing. Our wearable edgeless skin constructs (WESCs) show enhanced dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and mechanical properties compared to conventional constructs. WESCs display region-specific cell/ECM alignment, as well as physiologic anisotropic mechanical properties. WESCs replace the skin in full-thickness wounds of challenging body sites (e.g., mouse hindlimbs) with minimal suturing and shorter surgery time. This study provides a compelling technology that may substantially improve wound care and suggests that the recapitulation of the tissue macroanatomy can lead to enhanced biological function.
Space-filling Patch Antennas with CPW Feed

In this paper, the performances of some space-filling monopole antennas with coplanar waveguide have been investigated. It may be contended that the bends and corners of these geometries would add to the radiation efficiency of the antenna, thereby improving its gain. Advantage of these configurations is that they lead to mutiband conformal antennas. A new version of Gosper curve patch antenna is introduced and its performance has been compared to conventional Gosper curve patch antenna.
Getting to the roots of N, P, K uptake.

The soil contributes to the main pool of essential mineral nutrients for plants. These mineral nutrients are critical elements for the building blocks of plant biomolecules, play fundamental roles in cell processes, and act in various enzymatic reactions. The roots are the main entry point for mineral nutrients used within the plant to grow, develop, and produce seeds In this regard, a suite of plant nutrient transport systems, sensors, and signaling proteins function in acquiring mineral nutrients through the roots. Mineral nutrients from chemical fertilizers, composed mainly of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK), are added to agricultural land to maximize crop yields, worldwide. However, improving nutrient uptake and use within crops is critical for economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture. Therefore, we review the molecular basis for N, P, and K nutrient uptake into the roots. Remarkably, plants are responsive to heterogeneous nutrient distribution and align root growth and nutrient uptake with nutrient-rich patches. We highlight the relationship between nutrient distribution in the growth environment and root system architecture. We discuss the exchange of information between the root and shoot systems through the xylem and phloem, which coordinates nutrient uptake with photosynthesis. The size and structure of the root system, along with the abundance and activity of nutrient transporters, largely determine the nutrient acquisition rate. Lastly, we discuss connections between N, P, and K uptake and signaling.
X‐ray detection using a superconducting transition‐edge sensor microcalorimeter with electrothermal feedback

We have developed a new type of x‐ray detector based on a superconducting transition‐edge thermometer operated near 100 mK. A superconducting quantum interference device is used to measure the current through the thermometer, and negative electrothermal feedback is used to improve the energy resolution and shorten the thermal time constant. We have used a detector mounted on a scanning electron microscope to measure the energy of titanium Kα (4.5 keV) fluorescence x rays with a resolution better than 14 eV full width at half‐maximum. Using two other devices, we have measured an energy resolution for Joule heat pulses of 2.6 eV at 1 keV and 0.2 eV at 4 eV, the best reported for any calorimeter. An electrical noise equivalent power of 3×10−18 W/√Hz was also measured, suggesting the use of these detectors as infrared bolometers.
Does Bupropion Increase Anxiety?

Abstract Purpose/Background There has long been a clinical belief that bupropion exacerbates anxiety. The purpose of the current retrospective study is to compare anxiety severity over time in those prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) versus bupropion. Methods/Procedures Archival data (N = 8457) from patients receiving psychiatric care from a national tele-mental health company were used. Propensity matching was used to create SSRI and bupropion groups using 17 covariates. These samples were then compared using repeated measures analysis of variance on Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 scores at start of treatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Findings/Results The SSRI and bupropion groups were significantly different across a number of variables. In the entire sample, the bupropion group had significantly greater anxiety levels. However, for propensity-matched comparisons, there were no significant interactions between group and time (ie, groups did not differ and improved comparably over time). Implications/Conclusions Using propensity matching, there were no differences in anxiety outcome between those prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor versus bupropion across 12 weeks of treatment.
Impact of small molecule‐mediated inhibition of ammonia detoxification on lung malignancies and liver metabolism

Dear Editor, Metabolically induced cancer heterogeneity creates a large source of novel potential targets towards an enhanced therapeutic window alone and in combination with classic chemoand radiotherapy [1, 2]. This is of particular interest for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for more than 80% of all lung tumor types characterized by limited responses to current treatment options [3–5]. Genetically-defined KRAS/LKB1-mutant NSCLC tumors exploit the proximal urea cycle enzyme carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) as an intermediate step for pyrimidine biosynthesis, thereby contrasting its crucial hepatic role in ammonia detoxification [6–8]. Thus, CPS1 could serve as a novel target for NSCLC susceptibility (Figure 1A). In this study, we investigated the metabolic changes observed in both NSCLC and healthy hepatic systems following the identification, characterization and application of a small molecule inhibitor of ectopic CPS1 functionality.
The Determining Factors for Outcome of Pediatric Intensive Care Admitted Children After Stem Cell Transplantation

Introduction: Requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission relates to high mortality and morbidity in patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the indications for PICU admission, treatments, and the determining risk factors for morbidity and mortality in patients who had allogeneic HSCT from various donors. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled to patients who required the PICU after receiving allogeneic HSCT at our Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit between 2005 and 2020. We evaluated to indication to PICU admission, applications, mortality rate, and the determining factors to outcomes. Results: Thirty-three (7%) patients had 47 PICU admissions and 471 patients underwent bone marrow transplantation during 16-year study period. Also, 14 repeated episodes were registered in 9 different patients. The median age of PICU admitted patients was 4 (0.3 to 18) years and 29 (62%) were male. The main reasons for PICU admission were a respiratory failure, sepsis, and neurological event in 20, 8, and 7 patients, respectively. The average length of PICU stay was 14.5 (1 to 80) days, 14 (43%) of patients survived and the mortality rate was 57%. Multiple organ failure (P=0.001), need for respiratory support (P=0.007), inotrope agents (P=0.001), and renal replacement therapy (P=0.013) were found as significant risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: Allogeneic HSCT recipients need PICU admission because of its related different life-threatening complications. But there is a good chance of survival with quality PICU care and different advanced organ support methods.
A linear matrix inequality approach to peak‐to‐peak gain minimization

In this paper we take a new approach to the problem of peak-to-peak gain minimization (the L1 or induced L∞ problem). This is done in an effort to circumvent the complexity problems of other approaches. Instead of minimizing the induced L∞ norm, we minimize the * -norm, the best upper bound on the induced L∞ norm obtainable by bounding the reachable set with inescapable ellipsoids. Controller and filter synthesis for * -norm minimization reduces to minimizing a continuous function of a single real variable. This function can be evaluated, in the most complicated case, by solving a Riccati equation followed by an LMI eigenvalue problem. We contend that synthesis is practical now, but a key computational question-is the function to be minimized convex? —remains open. The filters and controllers that result from this approach are at most the same order as the plant, as in the case of LQG and H∞ design.
Dynamic crosstalk between hematopoietic stem cells and their niche from emergence to aging

The behavior of somatic stem cells is regulated by their niche. Interaction between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their niches are a representative model to understand stem cell‐niche interplay. Here, we provide an overview of crosstalk between HSCs and their niches in bone marrow and extramedullary organs following the life journey of HSCs from emergence, development, maturation until aging. We highlight the unique differences of HSC niches in different life stages within various organs focusing on recent literature to propose new speculations and hypotheses.
Dielectric relaxation, lattice dynamics and polarization mechanisms in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based lead-free ceramics

In 0.95[0.94Bi0. 5Na0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3]-0.05CaTiO3 ceramics, the temperature TS (dielectric permittivity shoulder at about 125 °C) represents a transition between two different thermally activated dielectric relaxation processes. Below TS, the approximately linear decrease of the permittivity with the logarithm of frequency was attributed to the presence of a dominant ferroelectric phase. Above TS, the permittivity shows a more complicated dependence of the frequency and Raman modes indicate a sudden increase in the spatial disorder of the material, which is ascribed to the presence of a nonpolar phase and to a loss of interaction between polar regions. From 30 to 150 °C, an increase in the maximum polarization with increasing temperature was related to three possible mechanisms: polarization extension favoured by the simultaneous presence of polar and non-polar phases; the occurrence of electric field-induced transitions from weakly polar relaxor to ferroelectric polar phase; and the enhanced polarizabili.
Relationship between psychosocial and psychiatric risk factors and poor long‐term outcome following mild traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has an estimated worldwide incidence of >60 million per year, and long‐term persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) are increasingly recognized as being predicted by psychosocial variables. Patients at risk for PPCS may be amenable to closer follow‐up to treat modifiable symptoms and prevent chronicity. In this regard, similarities seem to exist with psychosocial risk factors for chronicity in other health‐related conditions. However, as opposed to other conditions, no screening instruments exist for mTBI.
Exome/Genome Sequencing in Undiagnosed Syndromes

Exome sequencing (ES) and genome sequencing (GS) have radically transformed the diagnostic approach to undiagnosed rare/ultrarare Mendelian diseases. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), the technology integral for ES, GS, and most large (100+) gene panels, has enabled previously unimaginable diagnoses, changes in medical management, new treatments, and accurate reproductive risk assessments for patients, as well as new disease gene discoveries. Yet, challenges remain, as most individuals remain undiagnosed with current NGS. Improved NGS technology has resulted in long-read sequencing, which may resolve diagnoses in some patients who do not obtain a diagnosis with current short-read ES and GS, but its effectiveness is unclear, and it is expensive. Other challenges that persist include the resolution of variants of uncertain significance, the urgent need for patients with ultrarare disorders to have access to therapeutics, the need for equity in patient access to NGS-based testing, and the study of ethical concerns. However, the outlook for undiagnosed disease resolution is bright, due to continual advancements in the field.