Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Environment-Invariant Core Body Temperature Estimation for High Sensitivity and Specificity Fever Screening

We propose a novel concept for core body temperature estimation to improve sensitivity and specificity of a fever screening system under different environmental conditions based on an infrared thermal camera. The conventional approach of setting low temperature thresholds to determine presence of fever to increase sensitivity has led to highly-degraded specificity due to the low accuracy in core body temperature estimation. Two main causes are the moderate correlation between core body temperature and surface temperature data used to determine it, and the estimation algorithm that does not consider changes in the environment. Hence, in our novel concept, we eliminate the environmental effects by using direct and correcting temperature data, and thus improve the accuracy in estimating core body temperature. The direct data contain rich information about core body temperature through maximum temperatures obtained from the mouth, ear, around the eye and forehead, while the correcting data contain information related to the surroundings such as the cheek and nose temperatures to compensate for the environmental effect on the former. Since direct data can be easily affected by the environment and noise, multiple direct data are taken to minimize this problem. Through improved accuracy, both sensitivity and specificity will be automatically increased and the trade-off between them when adjusting the threshold values will be greatly relaxed. Analysis of the results shows improvement in both sensitivity and specificity from78.9% and 87.0%, respectively, in the conventional approach, to 84.2% and 91.3% in the proposed method when 37.5$^{o}\text{C}$ was set as the threshold. Data in the present study was obtained from a wide spectrum of ages (between 22 and 58 years), ethnicities (seven) and core body temperatures (36.0$^{o}\text{C}$ to 39.5$^{o}\text{C}$). Data were also collected at variable room temperatures ranging from 20.2$^{o}\text{C}$ to 30.8$^{o}\text{C}$.
Legacy Effects of Climate Extremes in Alpine Grassland

Climate change is particularly apparent in many mountainous regions, with warming rates of more than twice the global average being reported for the European Alps. As a result, the probability of climate extremes has increased and is expected to rise further. In an earlier study, we looked into immediate impacts of experimentally imposed heat waves in alpine grassland, and found that these systems were able to cope with heat as long as enough water was available. However, concomitant drought led to increased stress, and reduced aboveground biomass production and green plant cover. Here, we studied the legacy effects (lag-effects) of the imposed climate extreme to see whether delayed responses occurred and how fast the alpine grassland could rebound from the initial changes. Green cover continued to be suppressed the two following years in communities that had been exposed to the most intense hot drought, while aboveground biomass production had returned to control levels by year 2. The initial lower resistance of the forb fraction in the communities was not compensated by faster recovery later on. This resulted in alpine communities that became (and remained) relatively enriched with graminoids, which resisted the original extreme better. The responses of alpine grassland to heat extremes with or without drought observed in this study resemble those typically found in lowland grassland in the short term. However, alpine grassland exhibited longer legacy effects from an annual perspective, with delayed recovery of aboveground production and persistent changes in community composition. This suggests that once initial resistance thresholds are exceeded, impacts may be longer-lasting in alpine grassland, where recovery is constrained by both the short growing season and difficult seedling establishment.
Random Planar Maps and Graphs with Minimum Degree Two and Three

We find precise asymptotic estimates for the number of planar maps and graphs with a condition on the minimum degree, and properties of random graphs from these classes. In particular we show that the size of the largest tree attached to the core of a random planar graph is of order $c \log(n)$ for an explicit constant $c$. These results provide new information on the structure of random planar graphs.
Evaluation of a Goalkeeper-Specific Adaptation to the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1: Reliability and Variability

Abstract Ehlert, AM, Cone, JR, Wideman, L, and Goldfarb, AH. Evaluation of a goalkeeper-specific adaptation to the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1: reliability and variability. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 819–824, 2019—The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) has been shown to be a reliable test with strong correlations to physical match performance in field soccer players. However, the YYIR1 has less goalkeeper (GK) specificity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of a goalkeeper-specific adaptation of the YYIR1 (YYIR1-GK). Sixteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate GKs (8 men and 8 women) performed the YYIR1-GK test twice (>4 and <7 days apart) to determine its reliability and variability. Subjects were tested at the same time of day and in a controlled indoor environment. Heart rate using polar monitors and rating of perceived exertion were obtained at the end of each stage of the YYIR1-GK. Test-retest reliability for each test was assessed by Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and coefficient of variation (CV). The YYIR1-GK was shown to have a strong test-retest reliability and low variability for male (r = 0.981, ICC = 0.980, CV = 5.82%) and female (r = 0.969, ICC = 0.956, CV = 9.60%) NCAA GKs, respectively. Male GKs performed significantly more stages and therein covered a greater distance in the YYIR1-GK than the female GKs (p = 0.05). This study suggests that the YYIR1-GK is a consistent assessment of intermittent fitness with high test-retest reliability and low variability in male and female NCAA GKs. It is suggested that larger numbers of GKs of various skill levels be evaluated in the future.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers at Age 60 to 64 Years

Background We examined associations of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary time with cardiovascular disease biomarkers at age 60 to 64 years. This included investigation of sex differences and the extent to which associations may be mediated by adiposity. Methods and Results Participants were 795 men and 827 women aged 60 to 64 years from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development. Combined heart rate and movement sensors worn for 5 consecutive days were used to derive overall PA energy expenditure, kJ/kg per day) and time spent sedentary (<1.5 metabolic equivalent of tasks), in light PA (1.5–3 metabolic equivalent of tasks) and moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA (>3 metabolic equivalent of tasks). Linear regression models were used to relate each PA parameter to inflammatory (C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6), endothelial (tissue‐plasminogen activator, E‐selectin) and adipokine (leptin, adiponectin) markers extracted from fasting blood samples. Greater time in light PA and moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA and less sedentary time were associated with more favorable biomarker levels. For C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, and leptin, these differences were greater among women than men. For example, % differences (95% confidence intervals) in leptin for men and women per SD increases in sedentary time: 7.9 (2.7, 13.0) and 20.6 (15.3, 25.8); moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA: −3.8 (−8.9, 12.7) and −17.7 (−23.1, −12.4), moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA: −12.9 (−17.9, −8.0) and −18.3 (−23.4, −13.1). Fat mass mediated a greater proportion of these associations in women than men. Conclusions Greater light PA and moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA and less sedentary time in early old age were associated with more favorable cardiovascular biomarker profiles. Fat mass partially mediated these associations but more strongly in women than men, which explained sex differences.
Evaluation of the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of once‐weekly semaglutide versus dulaglutide for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the UK

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists are appealing as glucose‐lowering therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as they also reduce body weight and are associated with low rates of hypoglycaemia. This analysis assessed the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of semaglutide 0.5 and 1 mg vs dulaglutide 1.5 mg (two once‐weekly GLP‐1 receptor agonists) from a UK healthcare payer perspective, based on the head‐to‐head SUSTAIN 7 trial, to inform healthcare decision making.
Adjuvant Pelvic Radiation “Sandwiched” Between Paclitaxel/Carboplatin Chemotherapy in Women With Completely Resected Uterine Serous Carcinoma: Long-term Follow-up of a Prospective Phase 2 Trial

Objective We prospectively evaluated patients with completely resected uterine serous carcinoma (USC) treated with radiation “sandwiched” between carboplatin/paclitaxel (C/T). The primary objective was to determine the safety profile, and the secondary outcome was to evaluate progression-free and overall survival. Methods Surgically staged patients with completely resected USC were enrolled to receive 3 cycles of paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin (area under the curve, 6–7.5) every 21 days, followed by radiotherapy and an additional 3 cycles of T/C at area under the curve of 5–6 (6 cycles + radiotherapy). Toxicity was graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 4.03. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare survival probabilities. Results One hundred forty patients were enrolled, of which 132 were evaluable, completed at least 3 cycles of chemotherapy and radiation. One hundred seven (81%) completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy and radiation. Patients with early-stage (I/II) disease have survival probabilities of 0.96 and 0.81 at 2 and 5 years. Patients with stage I USC and lymphovascular invasion have considerably worse overall survival, with 2.7 times’ higher risk of death than those without lymphovascular invasion. Patients with late-stage (III/IV) disease had overall survival probabilities of 0.64 and 0.18 at 2 and 5 years, which is far higher survival than what has been reported in single-modality trials. Interestingly, and different than what is reported in other studies, there is no difference in survival in African Americans versus whites/other races who were evaluable. Of the 779 cycles administered, 22% and 14% of cycles were associated with grades 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities, respectively. Grades 3 and 4 nonhematologic toxicities occurred in 6.9% of cycles. Conclusions The long-term follow-up in this study demonstrates that “sandwich” therapy is an efficacious, well-tolerated treatment approach with acceptable toxicities. Lymphovascular invasion (LVSI) is a significantly poor prognostic factor in stage I USC. Multimodal “sandwich” therapy should be considered in all USC patients who have undergone complete surgical resection and staging.
Efficacy and Safety of Edoxaban in Patients With Active Malignancy and Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis of the ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 Trial

Background Anticoagulation in patients with malignancy and atrial fibrillation is challenging because of enhanced risks for thrombosis and bleeding and the frequent need for invasive procedures. Data on direct oral antagonists in such patients are sparse. Methods and Results The ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 (Effective Anticoagulation With Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study 48) trial randomized 21 105 patients with atrial fibrillation to edoxaban or warfarin. Patients with malignancy, defined as a postrandomization new diagnosis or recurrence of remote cancer, were followed up over a median of 2.8 years. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of edoxaban versus warfarin. Over a median of 495 days (interquartile range, 230–771 days), 1153 patients (5.5%) were diagnosed with new or recurrent malignancy, most commonly involving the gastrointestinal tract (20.6%), prostate (13.6%), and lung (11.1%). Malignancy was associated with increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.78–3.50) and major bleeding (adjusted HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.07–2.89), but not stroke/systemic embolism (adjusted HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.83–1.42). Relative outcomes with higher‐dose edoxaban versus warfarin were consistent regardless of malignancy status for stroke/systemic embolism (HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.31–1.15] for malignancy versus HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.76–1.05] for no malignancy; interaction P=0.25) and major bleeding (HR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.69–1.40] for malignancy versus HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.69–1.05] for no malignancy; interaction P=0.31). There was, however, a significant treatment interaction for the composite ischemic end point (ischemic stroke/systemic embolism/myocardial infarction), with greater efficacy of higher‐dose edoxaban versus warfarin in patients with malignancy (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31–0.93) compared with no malignancy (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.88–1.18; interaction P=0.026). Conclusions In patients with atrial fibrillation who develop malignancy, the efficacy and safety profile of edoxaban relative to warfarin is preserved, and it may represent a more practical alternative.
Unethical Aspects of Open Access

ABSTRACT In this article, we identify and discuss several ethically problematic aspects of open access scientific publishing. We conclude that, despite some positive effects, paid open access has at least three unethical aspects: it discriminates against researchers, creates an editorial conflict of interest, and diverts funding from the actual conduct of research. To be truly open access, all researchers must be able to access its benefits.
Longitudinal Neuropsychological Study of Presymptomatic c.709-1G>A Progranulin Mutation Carriers

Abstract Objective: The assessment of individuals from families affected by familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) allows the evaluation of preclinical or pre-diagnosis disease markers. The current work aims to investigate the existence of a cognitive phase in GRN mutation carriers before overt clinical symptoms begin. Methods: We performed a longitudinal neuropsychological analysis (three assessments in 4 years) in a group of presymptomatic c.709-1G>A progranulin (GRN) (n=15) mutation carriers and non-carrier relatives (n=25) from seven FTD families. Results: GRN mutation carriers showed subtle decline over the longitudinal follow-up in several different domains (namely, attention, facial affect recognition, decision-making, language, and memory). The differences between groups were most marked in the facial affect recognition test, with improvement in the non-carrier group and decline in the GRN mutation carrier group, with very large effect sizes. Conclusions: Facial affect recognition may decline before clinical diagnosis and makes the adapted version of the Picture of Facial Affect a potential candidate for early detection of GRN-associated FTD. (JINS, 2019, 25, 39–47)
Structural covariance across the lifespan: Brain development and aging through the lens of inter‐network relationships

Recent studies have revealed that brain development is marked by morphological synchronization across brain regions. Regions with shared growth trajectories form structural covariance networks (SCNs) that not only map onto functionally identified cognitive systems, but also correlate with a range of cognitive abilities across the lifespan. Despite advances in within‐network covariance examinations, few studies have examined lifetime patterns of structural relationships across known SCNs. In the current study, we used a big‐data framework and a novel application of covariate‐adjusted restricted cubic spline regression to identify volumetric network trajectories and covariance patterns across 13 networks (n = 5,019, ages = 7–90). Our findings revealed that typical development and aging are marked by significant shifts in the degree that networks preferentially coordinate with one another (i.e., modularity). Specifically, childhood showed higher modularity of networks compared to adolescence, reflecting a shift over development from segregation to desegregation of inter‐network relationships. The shift from young to middle adulthood was marked by a significant decrease in inter‐network modularity and organization, which continued into older adulthood, potentially reflecting changes in brain organizational efficiency with age. This study is the first to characterize brain development and aging in terms of inter‐network structural covariance across the lifespan.
Technology-aided leisure and communication support in extensive neuro-motor and communication impairments: case series.

BACKGROUND Individuals with extensive neuro-motor impairment and lack of speech are known to remain fairly isolated and rely on others. Yet, there is only limited evidence as to how one can help them reach a level of independence in relevant areas such as leisure and communication. This study assessed a program based on everyday technology to support leisure and communication engagement in six of those individuals. CASE SERIES REPORT The six cases (adults) were non-ambulatory and had no speech or functional active communication. Their neurological damage was due to extensive left hemispheric hemorrhagic or ischemic lesion and to critical illness polyneuropathy aggravating a condition of neonatal encephalopathy. A smartphone-based program was developed and successfully used to enable them to access leisure activities (e.g., listening to music) and communication (e.g., sending text messages or calling the caregiver). CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT Cases like those presented in this study may reach independent and functional engagement if supported via specific, technology-aided intervention programs.
Congruent Visual Stimulation Facilitates Auditory Frequency Change Detection: An ERP Study

Exploring effective methods to improve the ability of frequency change detection for normal-hearing listeners and hearing-impaired patients is important to enhance their auditory perception, particularly in noise. This work studied the effect of congruent visual stimulation on facilitating auditory frequency change detection. Specially, an event-related potential (ERP) experiment was designed to investigate the functional mechanism underlying the audiovisual integration ability. Subjects were stimulated in three types of modalities, i.e., auditory-only, visual-only, and audiovisual. ERP components (e.g., N1 and P2) were compared among the three modalities. Results showed that the congruent visual stimulation significantly improved the perceptual ability of auditory frequency change detection. Compared with the other two unimodal modalities, the audiovisual modality yielded larger amplitudes in N1 and P2 components. This work provided neurophysiological evidence supporting that the ability of frequency change detection could be facilitated by the congruent visual stimulation.
Association between the morphology and thickness of bony components of the temporomandibular joint and gender , age and remaining teeth on cone-beam CT images

Results. There were significant differences between the right and left sides only in terms of the height of the articular eminence (p = 0.008 and p ≤ 0.001 on the right and left side, respectively). There were significant differences between both sides in the slope of articular eminence depending on the number of teeth (p = 0.01 and p = 0.008 on the right and left side, respectively). The height of the articular eminence on the left side differed significantly depending on age (p = 0.005) and the number of remaining teeth (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in any other cases.
Performance Evaluation of the Vereos PET/CT System According to the NEMA NU2-2012 Standard

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical performance of the Vereos whole-body PET/CT system according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU2-2012 standard and to compare it with other state-of-the-art PET/CT systems. Methods: Spatial resolution, sensitivity, count-rate performance, count rate accuracy, and image quality were assessed. Specifically, spatial resolution was measured using an 18F point-source. System sensitivity was calculated from acquisitions of an 18F line source inside aluminum tubes of varying thickness. Assessment of count rate performance and count rate accuracy was based on measurements of an 18F line source inside a 20-cm-diameter polyethylene cylinder. PET image quality was assessed using a NEMA IQ phantom. All measurements were performed according to the predefined and implemented NEMA NU2-2012 acquisition protocols at a clinical installation of a Vereos PET/CT system. Evaluation was performed using the software provided by the vendor. Results: The average (radial and tangential) transverse spatial resolution was 4.2, 4.5, and 5.5 mm in full width at half maximum for a 1-, 10-, and 20-cm radial offset, respectively, from the center of the field of view. Axial spatial resolution varied between 4.2 and 4.6 mm in full width at half maximum, depending on the radial source position. The average sensitivity was 5.2 cps/kBq. A peak noise-equivalent count (NEC) rate of 153.4 kcps was measured at an activity concentration of 54.9 kBq/mL. The scatter fraction at peak NEC rate was 33.9%, and the maximum count rate error at and below peak NEC rate was 6.8%. Contrast recovery coefficients varied from 54.3% (10-mm sphere) to 83.9% (22-mm sphere) for the hot spheres, and between 81.4% (28-mm sphere) and 87% (37-mm sphere) for the cold spheres for a given sphere-to-background ratio of 4:1. Conclusion: The overall performance characteristics of the Vereos PET/CT system are comparable to state-of-the-art whole-body PET/CT systems with the exception that the peak NEC rate occurs at a higher activity concentration, thus indicating the ability of the Vereos PET/CT system to cover a wider range of activities.