Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Task Partition with Delay Requirement in Mobile Crowdsourcing

Mobile crowdsourcing takes advantage of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets to process data for a lot of applications (e.g., geotagging for mobile touring guiding monitoring and spectrum sensing). In this paper, we propose a mobile crowdsourcing paradigm to make a task requester exploit encountered mobile workers for high-quality results. Since a task may be too complex for a single worker, it is necessary for a task requester to divide a complex task into several parts so that a mobile worker can finish a part of the task easily. We describe the task crowdsourcing process and propose the worker arrival model and task model. Furthermore, the probability that all parts of the complicated task are executed by mobile workers is introduced to evaluate the result of task crowdsourcing. Based on these models, considering computing capacity and rewards for mobile workers, we formulate a task partition problem to maximize the introduced probability which is used to evaluate the result of task crowdsourcing. Then, using a Markov chain, a task partition policy is designed for the task requester to realize high-quality mobile crowdsourcing. With this task partition policy, the task requester is able to divide the complicated task into precise number of parts based on mobile workers’ arrival, and the probability that the total parts are executed by mobile workers is maximized. Also, the invalid number of task assignment attempts is analyzed accurately, which is helpful to evaluate the resource consumption of requesters due to probing potential workers. Simulations show that our task partition policy improves the results of task crowdsourcing.
Impact and healthcare-seeking behaviour of premenstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhoea.

Objective: Determine the impact and healthcare-seeking behaviour of women with dysmenorrhoea. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Medical college, nursing college, hospital (staff and patient attendants), schools and suburbs of Islamabad. Population: 1236 women aged 16–50. Exclusion criteria: pregnancy; gynaecological or medical condition. Methods: Structured-questionnaire interviews. Main outcome measures: Impact, healthcare-seeking behaviour, and response to treatment. Results: Prevalence of premenstrual symptoms was: low back pain 879 (72%), depressed mood 484 (40%), headache 268 (22%), premenstrual fluid retention (body swelling) 218 (18%), and nausea 218 (18%). Predictors of pain score (linear regression coefficients) were: low back pain (0.39), headache (0.25), depressed mood (0.17) and nausea (0.17). Premenstrual symptoms affected household chores in 441 women (37%), household income 129 (11%) and social obligations 395 (33%). Students and self-employed women, 282 (63%) and 38 (63%) respectively, reported one or more days missed from school/work. Treatments sought were: conventional medicine by 496 women (56%); household remedies, 285 (32%); herbal 90 (10%); and homeopathic 125 (14%). Self-reported effectiveness of treatments was: conventional medicine (OR 13, 95% CI 8.7–21); household remedies (OR 6.5, 95% CI 4.1–11); herbal (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.2–7.7). Homeopathic treatment was not felt to be effective (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.89–2.6). Conclusions: Low back pain and headache contributed the most to severity of dysmenorrhoea. Headache and body swelling (fluid retention) were predictive of days unable to work. Conventional medicine was used by more educated women and was perceived to be effective more often than other modalities.
Executive, language and fluency dysfunction are markers of localised TDP-43 cerebral pathology in non-demented ALS

Objective Approximately 35% of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibit mild cognitive deficits in executive functions, language and fluency, without dementia. The precise pathology of these extramotor symptoms has remained unknown. This study aimed to determine the pathological correlate of cognitive impairment in patients with non-demented ALS. Methods In-depth neuropathological analysis of 27 patients with non-demented ALS who had undergone cognitive testing (Edinburgh Cognitive and Behaviour ALS Screen (ECAS)) during life. Analysis involved assessing 43 kDa Tar-DNA binding protein (TDP-43) accumulation in brain regions specifically involved in executive functions, language functions and verbal fluency to ascertain whether functional deficits would relate to a specific regional distribution of pathology. Results All patients with cognitive impairment had TDP-43 pathology in extramotor brain regions (positive predictive value of 100%). The ECAS also predicted TDP-43 pathology with 100% specificity in brain regions associated with executive, language and fluency domains. We also detected a subgroup with no cognitive dysfunction, despite having substantial TDP-43 pathology, so called mismatch cases. Conclusions Cognitive impairment as detected by the ECAS is a valid predictor of TDP-43 pathology in non-demented ALS. The profile of mild cognitive deficits specifically predicts regional cerebral involvement. These findings highlight the utility of the ECAS in accurately assessing the pathological burden of disease.
Determinants of Suicide-related Ideation in Late Life Depression: Associations with Perceived Stress

ABSTRACT Objectives: Perceived stress is emerging as a potential contributing factor in suicide-related ideation in older adults. We hypothesized higher levels of perceived stress would be associated with increased self-reported suicidal ideation independent of depressive symptom severity. Methods: This study used data from community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 with a current diagnosis of major depression. Eligible participants completed measures of depression symptom severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 item), current suicidal ideation (Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Results: Participants were 225 older adults with a mean age of 71.4 (SD = 5.6). Sixty-five percent of the sample was female. Fifteen percent of the variance in suicidal ideation was accounted for by lower education (p = .03), male sex (p = .03) and higher current perceived stress (p < .001). Specifically, stress accounted for 12% of the variance. Conclusions: Perceived stress is an important avenue to increase identification of individuals with a higher risk of suicide-related ideation among older adults with a current diagnosis of major depression. Clinical Implications: Screening for perceived stress may allow for improved screening and prevention of suicidal activity in depressed older adults.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in the Posterior Cingulate and Precuneus and the Entorhinal Cortical Atrophy Score Differentiate Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Due to Alzheimer Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Alzheimer disease is the most common degenerative dementia affecting humans and mild cognitive impairment is considered the forerunner of this devastating illness with variable progression. Differentiating between them has become all the more essential with the advent of disease-modifying medications. The aim of this study was to test the utility of the entorhinal cortical atrophy score in combination with quantitative CBF in the posterior cingulate and precuneus using arterial spin-labeling to differentiate mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed MR imaging from a prospective data base of 3 age-matched groups: 21 cognitively healthy controls, 20 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 19 patients with early Alzheimer disease. The highest entorhinal cortical atrophy score and an atlas-based measurement of CBF in the posterior cingulate and precuneus were estimated in these groups. Statistical comparison was performed among the groups for disease-prediction probability with these parameters independently and in combination using a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The entorhinal cortical atrophy score performed well in distinguishing AD from HC, with a predicted probability of . 887 (area under the curve, P < .001). The mean CBF of the posterior cingulate and precuneus was also found to be a useful discriminator (area under the curve, 0.810, P = < .001). Combining the entorhinal cortical atrophy score and CBF was the best predictor (area under the curve, 0.957, P < .001). In distinguishing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease, entorhinal cortical atrophy also did well with an area under the curve of 0.838 (P < .001). However regional CBF was not useful in differentiating them (area under the curve = 0.589, P = .339). Entorhinal cortical atrophy scored poorly in distinguishing mild cognitive impairment from healthy controls (AUC = 0.571, P = .493), but CBF fared well, with an area under the curve of 0.776 (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Combining entorhinal cortical atrophy and regional CBF could be a potential imaging biomarker in distinguishing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease.
Evaluation of the preventive and therapeutic effects of a recombinant vector co‐expressing prostate‐specific stem cell antigen and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin on prostate cancer in rats

The effects of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) and prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) on cancer prevention or treatment have been previously studied separately. For the first time, here we have elaborated a recombinant vector to co‐express and study the cumulative effects of both of these factors on prostate cancer (PCa) in an animal model. The recombinant pBudCE4.1‐cpe‐PSCA vector was constructed in large scale. Rats were vaccinated by vector or vector plus chitosan nanoparticles before or after induction of PCa (preventive or therapeutic studies) by N‐methyl N‐nitrosurea and testosterone. Prostate tumors were weighed and histologically examined. Tumors and infusion site tissues as well as blood samples of all rats were collected and assessed by serological and molecular tests. We showed that vaccination with vector (along with or without nanoparticles) led to lower PCa incidence and tumor weight. The L‐1β, IL6, and TNF‐α serum levels and their gene expression accompanied by C‐CAM1 gene expression in vaccinated groups were significantly higher than controls while no difference was seen in CK20 expression among all groups. Our findings showed that vector could effectively stimulate the immune system of rats to either prevent or suppress the PCa tumors. Adding chitosan nanoparticles did not affect the results significantly.
New Strategy for High-Performance Integrated Catalysts for Cracking Hydrocarbon Fuels.

In this study, we described the synthesis, characterization, and application of hyperbranched polymer-encapsulated metal nanoparticles (HEMNs) as integrated catalysts for supercritical cracking of hydrocarbon fuels. The metal precursor was extracted into the organic phase using a hydrocarbon-soluble hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) (CPAMAM) and then reduced in situ by NaBH4 to produce HEMNs with virtually a single-size distribution. The monitoring of the preparation process by UV-vis demonstrated the feasibility of this encapsulation approach, and the successful synthesis of three different types of HEMNs, Metal (Pd, Pt, Au)@CPAMAM, reflected the universality of this method. Compared with the existing catalyst octadecylamine-stabilized Pd nanoparticle-Pd@18N, HEMNs were superior in every aspect. The new encapsulation method allowed metal NPs to have a smaller particle size beneficial to its overall specific surface area and a higher proportion of active-surface atoms for a better catalytic activity. Moreover, the space-limiting effect of the polymer allowed the three HEMNs to be highly dispersed in decalin and exhibited admirable stability under storage tests for up to 12 months and high temperature stability tests at 180 °C. During the supercritical cracking of decalin, Pd@CPAMAM possessed much better catalytic performance than Pd@18N and CPAMAM (which can also be used as a macroinitiator). To obtain the same heat sink of 3.02 MJ/kg, the temperature could be lowered from 725 °C to 701 °C, 693 °C, 699 °C for Pd, Pt, Au HEMNs, respectively. Pt HEMEN turned out to be the best due to its excellent catalytic dehydrogenation/cracking performance, with the conversion of decalin increasing from 22.3% to 50.7% and the heat sink rising from 2.18 MJ/kg to 2.62 MJ/kg with the existence of 50ppm Pt@CPAMAM, at 675 °C. The significant enhancements were ascribed to the synergistic catalysis through the remarkable abilities of nanometals to catalyze dehydrogenation/cracking of fuel, supercritical stabilization effects from CPAMAM, and the initiation effects of hyperbranched polymer CPAMAM.
Speckle tracking derived reference values of myocardial deformation and impact of cardiovascular risk factors – Results from the population-based STAAB cohort study

Aims We aimed to provide reference values for speckle-tracking derived systolic and diastolic myocardial deformation markers, and to determine their relation with age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods and results The Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure STAges A/B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) cohort study recruited a representative sample of the population of Würzburg, Germany, aged 30–79 years. In a sample of 1818 participants (52% female, mean age 54±12 years) global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GL-PSS, n = 1218), systolic (GL-SSR, n = 1506), and early (GL-EDSR, n = 1506) and late diastolic strain rates (GL-LDSR, n = 1500) were derived from 2D speckle tracking analysis. From a subgroup of 323 individuals without any cardiovascular risk factor, sex- and age-specific reference values were computed. GL-PSS, GL-SSR, and GL-EDSR were associated with sex, GL-EDSR decreased and GL-LDSR increased with age. In the total sample, dyslipidemia was associated with altered GL-PSS, GL-SSR, and GL-EDSR in women but not in men, whereas obesity was associated with less favorable GL-PSS and GL-EDSR in either sex. Hypertension impacted more adversely on systolic and diastolic myocardial deformation in women compared to men (all p<0.01). Conclusion The female myocardium appeared more vulnerable to high blood pressure and dyslipidemia when compared to men, while obesity was associated with adverse myocardial deformation in either sex. The reference values for echocardiographic myocardial deformation provided for a non-diseased population and their here reported associations with cardiovascular risk factors will inform future observational and intervention studies regarding i) effect sizes and power calculation, ii) cross-study comparisons, and iii) categorization of myocardial deformation in specific patient groups.
Spatiotemporal gait characteristics of Huntington’s disease during dual-task walking

Abstract Purpose: Huntington’s disease (HD) is an neurodegenerative genetic disorder with characteristic gait changes. HD also results in a range of cognitive impairments, such as difficulties to divide attention, or simultaneously monitoring two tasks. Aim: The impact of cognitive and/or motor tasks on HD gait has not been fully elucidated. The aim was to examine gait in HD patients while performing motor and/or cognitive dual-task walking. Methods: Gait was measured with and without performing concurrent cognitive and/or motor tasks. Sixteen HD patients and 24 healthy control (HC) subjects performed a self-paced basic walking task, a dual motor, a dual mental and a combined motor and mental task while walking. Results: Base walk gait parameters are significantly different between HD and HC groups. Same is true for motor, mental and combined tasks comparisons of HD and HC subjects. Gait velocity is also significantly reduced in HD compared to HC for all experimental conditions. Comparison of base walk and mental task performance showing differences in cycle time, stride length, double support time and CV of stride length, while base walk to motor task comparison is different only in stride length. No differences were found when motor and combined tasks were compared to mental task in HD patients. Conclusion: Gait pattern in HD patients while performing motor and/or cognitive dual tasks walking is remarkably preserved. Gait parameters are changed in order to reduce possible falls, and lack of differences of dual tasks gait parameters variability is attributed that patients minimizing risk of falling and preserving stability.
Self-Transcendence, Well-Being, and Vulnerability in Healthcare Mission Participants

The purpose of the study was to investigate the presence and relationship of self-transcendence and spiritual well-being in persons who have participated in short-term, faith-based, foreign, healthcare missions. This was a descriptive correlational study with the addition of open-ended questions. The mean Self-Transcendence Scale score for this sample was higher than mean scores of comparison studies and scores for women were higher than mean scores for men. Qualitative data provided rich accounts of the central concepts of Reed’s self-transcendence theory. Reed’s theory of self-transcendence was extended to a new and different population.
Pharmacokinetics of Co-encapsulated Antiretrovirals with Ingestible Sensors.

We investigated the use of a system with an ingestible sensor (Proteus Digital Health Feedback system) co-encapsulated with antiretrovirals (ARVs) to measure real-time adherence. To assess the safety and impact, if any, co-encapsulation might have on ARV concentrations, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics of ARVs co-encapsulated with an ingestible sensor for eight commonly used fixed-dose combination ARVs: emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF); FTC/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF); efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF; abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC); dolutegravir (DTG)/ABC/3TC; rilpivirine (RPV)/TAF/FTC; elvitegravir (EVG)/cobicistat (COBI)/FTC/TAF; and bictegravir (BIC)/FTC/TAF. The steady-state apparent peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) were determined from plasma concentrations measured at pre-dose, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours post dose, and compared with literature values. A total of 49 unique patients on stable regimens for at least 12 weeks with undetectable viral loads were recruited. Cmax and AUC values were not statistically significant different from literature values for all of the formulations except the Cmax of FTC/TDF, Cmax of BIC, and the Cmax of RPV. In a subsequent evaluation of FTC/TDF and BIC/FTC/TAF using a crossover design, the geometric mean ratio (GMR) between the co-encapsulated and the un-encapsulated formulations for FTC/TDF were: FTC, 84.6% (90% CI 66.6%-107.4%) for AUC and 77.5% (60.1%-99.9%) for Cmax. For tenofovir (TFV) the GMR was 96.2% (90% CI 89.2%-103.8%) for AUC and 87.3% (64.2%-118.7%) for Cmax. The GMR for BIC (from the BIC/FTC/TAF formulation) was 98.0% (90% CI 84.5%-113.5%) for AUC and 89.9% (84.5%-95.7%) for Cmax. The observed deviation in FTC/TDF (Truvada) may be due to participant characteristics, fasted/fed conditions, and/or random variation and may warrant further investigations with a larger sample size. These findings provide assurance for use of co-encapsulated ARVs for future HIV treatment-adherence research.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of SQUAMOSA-Promoter Binding Protein-Like Gene FvSPL10 from Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

SQUAMOSA-promoter binding protein-like (SPL) proteins are plant-specific transcript factors that play essential roles in plant growth and development. Although many SPL genes have been well characterized in model plants like Arabidopsis, rice and tomato, the functions of SPLs in strawberry are still largely elusive. In the present study, we cloned and characterized FvSPL10, the ortholog of AtSPL9, from woodland strawberry. Subcellular localization shows FvSPL10 localizes in the cell nucleus. The luciferase system assay indicates FvSPL10 is a transcriptional activator, and both in vitro and in vivo assays indicate FvSPL10 could bind to the promoter of FvAP1 and activate its expression. Ectopic expression of FvSPL10 in Arabidopsis promotes early flowering and increases organs size. These results demonstrate the multiple regulatory roles of FvSPL10 in plant growth and development and lay a foundation for investigating the biological functions of FvSPL10 in strawberry.
Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of Illness Cognition Questionnaire

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability characteristics of the Illness Cognition Questionnaire (ICQ). Methods: A total of 205 patients who had pain related to chronic musculoskeletal diseases were referred to the study. In order to test the validity, Short Disease Perception Scale (SDPS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered together with the ICQ. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to measure the construct validity of the ICQ, and convergent and divergent validities were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. In order to achieve the test-retest reliability of the questionnaire, 81 patients re-applied the questionnaire after two days. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency and test-retest reliability coefficients were calculated to determine the reliability level of the questionnaire. Results: The factor loadings of the ICQ helplessness subscale ranged from 0.784 to 0.853, the acceptance subscale ranged from 0.583 to 0.855, and the perceived benefits subscale ranged from 0.733 to 0.794. Internal consistency coefficients of the ICQ were found α = 0.929 for the helplessness subscale, α = 0.868 for the acceptance subscale, and α = 0.896 for perceived benefits subscale. The results of the analysis showed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the initial measurement of helplessness sub-scale and the retest helplessness subscale at 0.697 level (p < .05). A statistically significant positive correlation was determined between the test and the retest of acceptance sub-scale at 0.465 level (p < .05). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the first test of the perceived benefits sub-scale and the retest test at the 0.661 level. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the ICQ was found to be valid and reliable. It is a measurement tool that could be used easily in clinics because of its short application time and easy to understand. We think that ICQ which provides a new awareness in the perception of disease in Turkish society should be examined in different diseases and age groups.