Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Heart Structure on Ventricular Fibrillation in the Rabbit: A Simulation Study

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a lethal condition that affects millions worldwide. The mechanism underlying VF is unstable reentrant electrical waves rotating around lines called filaments. These complex spatio-temporal patterns can be studied using both experimental and numerical methods. Computer simulations provide unique insights including high resolution dynamics throughout the heart and systematic control of quantities such as fiber orientation and cellular kinetics that are not feasible experimentally. Here we study filament dynamics using two bi-ventricular 3-D high-resolution rabbit heart geometries, one with detailed fine structure and another without fine structure. We studied filament dynamics using anisotropic and isotropic conductivities, and with four cellular action potential models with different recovery kinetics. Spiral wave dynamics observed in isotropic two-dimensional sheets were not predictive of the behavior in the whole heart. In 2-D the four cell models exhibited stable reentry, meandering spiral waves, and spiral-wave breakup. In the whole heart with fine structure, all simulation results exhibited complex dynamics reminiscent of fibrillation observed experimentally. In the whole heart without fine structure, anisotropy acted to destabilize filament dynamics although the number of filaments was reduced compared to the heart with structure. In addition, in isotropic hearts without structure the two cell models that exhibited meandering spiral waves in 2-D, stabilized into figure-of-eight surface patterns. We also studied the sensitivity of filament dynamics to computer system configuration and initial conditions. After large simulation times, different macroscopic results sometimes occurred across different system configurations, likely due to a lack of bitwise reproducibility. The study conclusions were insensitive to initial condition perturbations, however, the exact number of filaments over time and their trends were altered by these changes. In summary, we present the following new results. First, we provide a new cell model that resembles the surface patterns of VF in the rabbit heart both qualitatively and quantitatively. Second, filament dynamics in the whole heart cannot be predicted from spiral wave dynamics in 2-D and we identified anisotropy as one destabilizing factor. Third, the exact dynamics of filaments are sensitive to a variety of factors, so we suggest caution in their interpretation and their quantitative analyses.
Molecular Characterization of Monocyte Subsets Reveals Specific and Distinctive Molecular Signatures Associated With Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives: This study, developed within the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking project PRECISESADS framework, aimed at functionally characterize the monocyte subsets in RA patients, and analyze their involvement in the increased CV risk associated with RA. Methods: The frequencies of monocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of 140 RA patients and 145 healthy donors (HDs) included in the PRECISESADS study were determined by flow cytometry. A second cohort of 50 RA patients and 30 HDs was included, of which CD14+ and CD16+ monocyte subpopulations were isolated using immuno-magnetic selection. Their transcriptomic profiles (mRNA and microRNA), proinflammatory patterns and activated pathways were evaluated and related to clinical features and CV risk. Mechanistic in vitro analyses were further performed. Results: CD14++CD16+ intermediate monocytes were extended in both cohorts of RA patients. Their increased frequency was associated with the positivity for autoantibodies, disease duration, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and the presence of atheroma plaques, as well as with the CV risk score. CD14+ and CD16+ monocyte subsets showed distinctive and specific mRNA and microRNA profiles, along with specific intracellular signaling activation, indicating different functionalities. Moreover, that specific molecular profiles were interrelated and associated to atherosclerosis development and increased CV risk in RA patients. In vitro, RA serum promoted differentiation of CD14+CD16− to CD14++CD16+ monocytes. Co-culture with RA-isolated monocyte subsets induced differential activation of endothelial cells. Conclusions: Our overall data suggest that the generation of inflammatory monocytes is associated to the autoimmune/inflammatory response that mediates RA. These monocyte subsets, -which display specific and distinctive molecular signatures- might promote endothelial dysfunction and in turn, the progression of atherosclerosis through a finely regulated process driving CVD development in RA.
Frequency, presentation, and outcome of Takayasu arteritis in Western Australia

Abstract Objectives: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is large-vessel vasculitis that predominantly affects young women. There is worldwide variation in the frequency of TAK depending on genetic and/or environmental factors. With Australian data lacking, we describe the epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes of TAK in Western Australia (WA). Methods: Retrospective case cohort study of incident TAK cases between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2015 in WA identified from multiple sources. Data on disease presentation and outcome were extracted from medical records. Results: Eighteen patients received a clinical diagnosis with thirteen cases meeting 1990 ACR criteria for TAK (all female, 77% Caucasian, age at diagnosis 39 years) included in this analysis. Per million inhabitants the annual incidence and prevalence (2015) was 0.3 and 3.2 for Caucasians and 1.1 and 15 for Asians. Limb claudication and bruit were commonest symptoms; ESR or CRP was raised in 61% at diagnosis while aortic involvement Hata type IIb most prevalent (30%). Despite general combination therapy with corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs, four patients suffered a stroke, two patients developed myocardial infarction, and five patients required vascular intervention. Three Caucasian patients died during the study period. Conclusion: TAK is much more prevalent in the Asian than Caucasian population of WA and associates with significant long-term morbidity and mortality despite standard therapy.
Action of peroxidases on protein hydroperoxides

Abstract Protein hydroperoxides constitute a potential hazard to living organisms because of their direct reactivity with a variety of biomolecules and the ability to decompose to free radicals. This study addressed the possibility of enzymatic removal of hydroperoxide groups from proteins, peptides and amino acids peroxidized by gamma radiation. At neutral pH and 37°C, selenium glutathione peroxidase accelerated reduction of peroxidized insulin and valine, but was ineffective with the larger BSA and lysozyme molecules. The enzyme also increased the rate of glutathione-induced reduction of peroxidized BSA after treatment with proteinase K, suggesting that size of the peroxidized molecule plays a role in the catalysis. Phospholipid glutathione peroxidase, lactoperoxidase and ebselen did not accelerate the decomposition of protein or amino acid hydroperoxides. Cysteine and methionine were the only 2 of 20 amino acids tested able to increase the rates of spontaneous decay of the protein hydroperoxides. It appears that much of the slow decay of protein hydroperoxides generated in cells exposed to hydroxyl or peroxyl radicals may be due to intramolecular reactions, with little assistance from peroxidases.
Impaired Self-Other Distinction and Subcortical Gray-Matter Alterations Characterize Socio-Cognitive Disturbances in Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Recent studies of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have revealed disturbances in distinct components of social cognition, such as impaired mentalizing and empathy. The present study investigated this socio-cognitive profile in MS patients in more detail, by examining their performance on tasks measuring more fundamental components of social cognition and any associated disruptions to gray-matter volume (GMV). Methods: We compared 43 patients with relapse-remitting MS with 43 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) on clinical characteristics (depression, fatigue), cognitive processing speed, and three aspects of low-level social cognition; specifically, imitative tendencies, visual perspective taking, and emotion recognition. Using voxel-based morphometry, we then explored relationships between GMV and these clinical and behavioral measures. Results: Patients exhibited significantly slower processing speed, poorer perspective taking, and less imitation compared with HCs. These impairments were related to reduced GMV throughout the putamen, thalami, and anterior insula, predominantly in the left hemisphere. Surprisingly, differences between the groups in emotion recognition were not significant. Conclusion: Less imitation and poorer perspective taking indicate a cognitive self-bias when faced with conflicting self- and other-representations. This suggests that impaired self-other distinction, and an associated subcortical pattern of GM atrophy, might underlie the socio-cognitive disturbances observed in MS.
The academic–practitioner gap in Spanish library and information science: An analysis of authorship and collaboration in two leading national publications

It is not unusual to hear that a significant separation or divergence exists between the interests of library and information science professionals who work in library and information services and those who are university teachers. This division results in limited cooperation between the two communities and further debilitates already weak international collaboration in the discipline. This article first conducts a qualitative review of the various types of literary evidence that address the divergence and lack of cooperation, and subsequently presents quantitative evidence for the Spanish geographical context.
Intralocus Sexual Conflict over Wing Length in a Wild Migratory Bird

Intralocus sexual conflict (ISC) occurs when males and females have different adaptive peaks but are constrained from evolving sexual dimorphism because of shared genes. Implications of this conflict on evolutionary dynamics in wild populations have not been investigated in detail. In comprehensive analyses of selection, heritability, and genetic correlations, we found evidence for an ISC over wing length, a key trait for flight performance and migration, in a long-term study of wild great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus). We found moderate sexual dimorphism, high heritability, moderate sexually antagonistic selection, and strong positive cross-sex genetic correlation in wing length, together supporting the presence of ISC. A negative genetic correlation between male wing length and female fitness indicated that females inheriting alleles for longer wings from their male relatives also inherited lower fitness. Moreover, cross-sex genetic correlations imposed constraint on the predicted microevolutionary trajectory of wing length (based on selection gradients), especially in females where the predicted response was reversed. The degree of sexual dimorphism in wing length did not change over time, suggesting no sign of conflict resolution. Our study provides novel insight into how an ISC over a fitness trait can affect microevolution in a wild population under natural selection.
T-EDGE: Temporal WEighted MultiDiGraph Embedding for Ethereum Transaction Network Analysis

Recently, graph embedding techniques have been widely used in the analysis of various networks, but most of the existing embedding methods omit the network dynamics and the multiplicity of edges, so it is difficult to accurately describe the detailed characteristics of the transaction networks. Ethereum is a blockchain-based platform supporting smart contracts. The open nature of blockchain makes the transaction data on Ethereum completely public and also brings unprecedented opportunities for transaction network analysis. By taking the realistic rules and features of transaction networks into consideration, we first model the Ethereum transaction network as a Temporal Weighted Multidigraph (TWMDG) where each node is a unique Ethereum account and each edge represents a transaction weighted by amount and assigned a timestamp. We then define the problem of Temporal Weighted Multidigraph Embedding (T-EDGE) by incorporating both temporal and weighted information of the edges, the purpose being to capture more comprehensive properties of dynamic transaction networks. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed embedding method, we conduct experiments of node classification on real-world transaction data collected from Ethereum. Experimental results demonstrate that T-EDGE outperforms baseline embedding methods, indicating that time-dependent walks and the multiplicity characteristic of edges are informative and essential for time-sensitive transaction networks.
A randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial with vitamin D3 as an add on treatment to interferon β-1b in patients with multiple sclerosis

Objectives To study the safety and efficacy of vitamin D3 as an add on therapy to interferon β-1b (IFNB) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods 1 year, double blind, placebo controlled, randomised study in 66 MS patients. The primary outcomes were T2 burden of disease (BOD) on MRI scans, proportion of patients with serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) ≥85 nmol/l or intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) ≤20 ng/l, and number of adverse events. Secondary outcomes were number of MRI enhancing T1 lesions and new T2 lesions, annual relapse rate, changes in the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, timed 25 foot walk test and timed 10 foot tandem walk tests. Results Median change in BOD was 287 mm3 in the placebo group and 83 mm3 in the vitamin D group (p=0.105). Serum levels of 25(OH)D increased from a mean of 54 (range 19–82) nmol/l to 110 (range 67–163) nmol/l in the vitamin D group. 84% of patients reached a serum 25(OH)D level >85 nmol/l in the vitamin D group and 3% in the placebo group (p<0.0001). Patients in the vitamin D group showed fewer new T2 lesions (p=0.286) and a significantly lower number of T1 enhancing lesions (p=0.004), as well as a tendency to reduced disability accumulation (p=0.071) and to improved timed tandem walk (p=0.076). There were no significant differences in adverse events or in the annual relapse rate. Conclusion Vitamin D3 add on treatment to IFNB reduces MRI disease activity in MS. Trial registration number EudraCT number 2007-001958-99 and ClinicalTrialsGov number NCT01339676.
Seven-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque in the Significantly Stenosed Carotid Artery: A Feasibility Study

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of carotid vessel wall imaging at 7.0 for T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a series of patients with a symptomatic greater than 70% stenosis of the internal carotid artery. Materials and MethodsFirst, a series of 6 healthy volunteers were scanned at 3.0 T and 7.0 T MRI to perform a signal-to-noise ratio comparison between these 2 field strengths. Second, in patients with a greater than 70% stenosed carotid artery, a 7.0 T MRI protocol, consisting of a dual-echo turbo spin echo sequence (echo times of 45 and 150 milliseconds) and a T1-weighted turbo spin echo sequence, was obtained. Lumen and vessel wall were delineated for interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility, and signal intensity distribution in the most severely stenosed part of the internal carotid artery was correlated with different plaque components on histopathologic findings. ResultsThe mean (SD) signal-to-noise ratio in the vessel wall was 42 (12) at 7.0 T and 24 (4) at 3.0 T. Nineteen patients were included, but technical issues yielded carotid MRI data of 14 patients available for the final analysis. Of these patients, 4 were diagnosed with stroke, 7 were diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack, and 3 were diagnosed with amaurosis fugax. Intraclass correlation coefficient of the agreements of lumen and vessel wall determination between 2 observers and between the repeated measures of 1 observer were above 0.80 in both 3.0 T and 7.0 T data sets of the healthy volunteers and also in the 7.0 T data set of the patients. Signal hyperintensity in the 7.0 T magnetic resonance images was inversely proportional to calcification. Other correlations between plaque components and signal intensity could not be confirmed. ConclusionsThis first series of patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque who were scanned at 7.0 T MRI shows that 7.0 T MRI enables to adequately determine lumen and vessel wall areas. Signal hyperintensity in these 7.0 T magnetic resonance images was inversely proportional to calcification. However, at this stage, no other correlations between histologic findings and vessel wall contrast were found. Implementation of in vivo high-resolution 7.0 T MRI of plaque components for risk stratification remains challenging. Future development of hardware and software is still needed to attain a more robust setup and to enable complete plaque characterization, similar to what is currently possible with multiple MRI sequences at 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI.
Minimal Achievable Sufficient Statistic Learning

We introduce Minimal Achievable Sufficient Statistic (MASS) Learning, a training method for machine learning models that attempts to produce minimal sufficient statistics with respect to a class of functions (e.g. deep networks) being optimized over. In deriving MASS Learning, we also introduce Conserved Differential Information (CDI), an information-theoretic quantity that - unlike standard mutual information - can be usefully applied to deterministically-dependent continuous random variables like the input and output of a deep network. In a series of experiments, we show that deep networks trained with MASS Learning achieve competitive performance on supervised learning and uncertainty quantification benchmarks.
Glycemic index and glycemic load of selected Chinese traditional foods.

AIM To determine the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values of Chinese traditional foods in Hong Kong. METHODS Fifteen healthy subjects (8 males and 7 females) volunteered to consume either glucose or one of 23 test foods after 10-14 h overnight fast. The blood glucose concentrations were analyzed immediately before, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after food consumption using capillary blood samples. The GI value of each test food was calculated by expressing the incremental area under the blood glucose response curve (IAUC) value for the test food as a percentage of each subject's average IAUC value for the glucose. The GL value of each test food was calculated as the GI value of the food multiplied by the amount of the available carbohydrate in a usual portion size, divided by 100. RESULTS Among all the 23 Chinese traditional foods tested, 6 of them belonged to low GI foods (Tuna Fish Bun, Egg Tart, Green Bean Dessert, Chinese Herbal Jelly, Fried Rice Vermicelli in Singapore-style, and Spring Roll), 10 of them belonged to moderate GI foods (Baked Barbecued Pork Puff, Fried Fritter, "Mai-Lai" Cake, "Pineapple" Bun, Fried Rice Noodles with Sliced Beef, Barbecue Pork Bun, Moon Cakes, Glutinous Rice Ball, Instant Sweet Milky Bun, and Salted Meat Rice Dumpling), the others belonged to high GI foods (Fried Rice in Yangzhou-Style, Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf, Steamed Glutinous Rice Roll, Jam and Peanut Butter Toast, Plain Steamed Vermicelli Roll, Red Bean Dessert, and Frozen Sweet Milky Bun). CONCLUSION The GI and GL values for these Chinese traditional foods will provide some valuable information to both researchers and public on their food preference.
User-Specific Channel Selection Method to Improve SSVEP BCI Decoding Robustness Against Variable Inter-Stimulus Distance

Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) are responses elicited when a user is presented with a repetitive visual stimulus. Change in stimuli proximity has been shown to have an influence on the performance of SSVEP-based BCI, where the inter-stimulus distance has a positive correlation with the overall performance. This limits the flexibility in stimulus design by imposing a constraint on the acceptable inter-stimulus distance, consequently limiting the range of applicability for SSVEP-based BCIs in real-world applications. Another limitation that needs to be addressed is the required number of EEG channels. In this study, we investigated these two challenges. A process of selecting optimal user-specific channel set was proposed. We demonstrated that the user-specific channel set is more robust against variable inter-stimulus distance. A significant improvement in accuracy (p=10−3) of 5% and a reduction in variation (p=10−3) of 55% was achieved on average when compared to the performance using the classic 3-channel set (O1, O2, Oz) and 6-channel set (O1, O2, Oz, PO3, PO4, POz).
Sensorimotor rhythm modulation depends on resting-state oscillations and cortex integrity in severely paralyzed stroke patients

Alpha oscillatory activity and its dynamics have a key role in motor and sensory functions. Stroke affects different brain structures, which can result in pathological changes in alpha oscillations. We studied the relationship between the amplitude of alpha oscillations in resting state and their modulation during the attempt of movement in 37 patients with severe paralysis after stroke. As previously observed in healthy subjects, resting-state alpha activity significantly correlated with the alpha event-related desynchronization (ERD) during the attempt of movement of the paralyzed hand. Further, alpha ERD correlated with the presence or absence of damage in cortical structures, but resting-state alpha power did not. This result provides new insights on the understanding of the brain changes after stroke, which may help in future therapies to help the patients to recover their lost motor function.
Control of a robotic prosthesis simulation by a closed-loop intracortical brain-machine interface

Closed-loop brain-machine interfaces may help restore the autonomy of amputees and tetraplegic patients. However, additional efforts are needed towards their real-world use with prostheses. Here we have interfaced a highly versatile closed-loop mouse BMI with an online model of a real-world prosthetic arm. We describe this setup and illustrate how it allows to explore the efficiency of different input and output coding strategies given a realistic modelling of the interactions between a commercial bidirectional prosthesis and its environment.