Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurophysiological hallmarks of Huntington’s disease progression: an EEG and fMRI connectivity study

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can provide corroborative data on neurophysiological alterations in Huntington’s disease (HD). However, the alterations in EEG and fMRI resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), as well as their interrelations, at different stages of HD remain insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to identify neurophysiological alterations in individuals with preclinical HD (preHD) and early manifest HD (EMHD) by analyzing EEG and fMRI rsFC and examining their interrelationships. We found significant differences in EEG power between preHD individuals and healthy controls (HC), with a decrease in power in a specific frequency range at the theta-alpha border and slow alpha activity. In EMHD patients, in addition to the decrease in power in the 7–9 Hz range, a reduction in power within the classic alpha band compared to HC was observed. The fMRI analysis revealed disrupted functional connectivity in various brain networks, particularly within frontal lobe, putamen-cortical, and cortico-cerebellar networks, in individuals with the HD mutation compared to HC. The analysis of the relationship between EEG and fMRI rsFC revealed an association between decreased alpha power, observed in individuals with EMHD, and increased connectivity in large-scale brain networks. These networks include putamen-cortical, DMN-related and cortico-hippocampal circuits. Overall, the findings suggest that EEG and fMRI provide valuable information for monitoring pathological processes during the development of HD. A decrease in inhibitory control within the putamen-cortical, DMN-related and cortico-hippocampal circuits, accompanied by a reduction in alpha and theta-alpha border oscillatory activity, could potentially contribute to cognitive decline in HD.
Reproductive Change in Transitional Italy: More Insights from the Italian Fertility Survey of 1961

Le role des variables intermediaires de fecondite reste une question largement inexploree au niveau micro en Italie. Cet article etudie les effets de l’education feminine et des criteres socioeconomiques sur le declin de la fecondite dans dix populations italiennes, par le biais d’une analyse des cohortes de mariages de la fin du xixe siecle a 1951. Les donnees sont tirees de l’Enquete sur la Fecondite qui a ete menee au sein du recensement italien de 1961, ce recensement fournissant des informations sur le parcours reproductif de toutes les femmes ayant ete marie au sein de nos dix populations de reference. Le declin de la fecondite a suivi des trajectoires assez diversifiees, et ce non seulement selon la dichotomie classique Nord/Sud, mais au sein meme de chacune des regions. Le facteur socioeconomique le plus important qui a conduit a la chute de la fecondite fut l’education des femmes ; il apparait comme plus crucial que le statut economique lorsqu’il s’agit de modeler les niveaux de fecondite. La chute de la fecondite a debute parmi les femmes diplomees avant de s’enclencher parmi celles qui avaient frequente l’ecole primaire, puis d’atteindre les femmes n’ayant pas ete a l’ecole. La reduction des differentiels de fecondite selon le niveau d’education feminine parait coherent avec le schema explicatif de type innovation/diffusion pour comprendre la baisse de la fecondite.
Efficacy and safety of sublingual versus subcutaneous immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim To systematically compare the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in children with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2, 2023. Outcomes included symptom scores (SSs), medication scores (MSs), symptom and medication scores (SMSs), new sensitizations, development of asthma, improvement, and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The quality of the included studies was assessed by the modified Jadad scale and Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Meta-regression was carried out to explore the source of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was further conducted in terms of study design [randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies], allergen [house dust mites (HDMs), grass pollen], treatment duration (≥ 24, 12-23 or < 12 months), allergen immunotherapy (AIT) modality (drops or tablets), and AIT protocol [continuous, pre-seasonal, co-seasonal, or after the grass pollen season (GPS)]. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for all outcomes. A Bayesian framework and a Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) model were developed for indirect comparison. Results Totally 50 studies with 10813 AR children were included, with 4122 treated with SLIT, 1852 treated with SCIT, and 4839 treated with non-SLIT or non-SCIT therapy. For direct comparison, the SLIT group had a similar SS to the SCIT group [pooled standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.46, 1.28, P = 0.353]. Comparable MSs were observed in the SLIT and SCIT groups (pooled SMD: 0.82, 95%CI: -0.88, 2.53, P = 0.344). For indirect comparison, no significant differences were found in SSs (pooled SMD: 1.20, 95% credibility interval (CrI): -1.70, 4.10), MSs (pooled SMD: 0.57, 95%CrI: -1.20, 2.30), SMSs (pooled SMD: 1.80, 95%CrI: -0.005, 3.60), new sensitizations [pooled relative risk (RR): 0.34, 95%CrI: 0.03, 3.58], and development of asthma (pooled RR: 0.68, 95%CrI: 0.01, 26.33) between the SLIT and SCIT groups; the SLIT group illustrated a significantly lower incidence of TRAEs than the SCIT group (pooled RR: 0.17, 95%CrI: 0.11, 0.26). Conclusion Considering both efficacy and safety, SLIT might be a more favorable AIT than SCIT in the treatment of pediatric AR, which may serve as a decision-making reference for clinicians. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD42023460693).
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

BACKGROUND Esophageal carcinoma presents as 2 types, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with the frequency of both changing in the United States (US). AIM To investigate EAC/ESCC incidence time trends among the 3 main US racial groups and investigate trends in US EAC survival by ethnicity.
Clinical and radiological analysis of the effects of three different lumbar transpedicular dynamic stabilization system on disc degeneration and regeneration

Objective This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes of three transpedicular dynamic systems in treating degenerative disc disease and evaluate their impact on both clinical and radiological aspects of the operated and adjacent segments. Materials and methods A total of 111 patients who underwent posterior transpedicular short-segment dynamic system procedures for treatment of degenerative disc disease were included. The patients were categorized into three groups, namely, Group 1 (Dynesys system, n = 38), Group 2 (Safinaz screw + PEEK rod, n = 37), and Group 3 (Safinaz screw + titanium rod, n = 36). Disc regeneration in the operated segment and disc degeneration in the operated, upper, and lower adjacent segments were assessed using the Pfirrmann Classification. Results Postoperatively, a statistically significant difference was observed in visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was seen in disc degeneration/regeneration and degeneration scores of the upper and lower adjacent segments between the preoperative and postoperative groups (p = 0.763, p = 0.518, p = 0.201). Notably, a positive effect on disc regeneration at the operated level (32.4%) was observed. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of operation rates, screw loosening, and screw breakage after adjacent segment disease (p > 0.05). Conclusion In patients without advanced degeneration, all three dynamic systems demonstrated the ability to prevent degeneration in the adjacent and operated segments while promoting regeneration in the operated segment. Beyond inhibiting abnormal movement in painful segments, maintaining physiological motion and providing axial distraction in the operated segment emerged as key mechanisms supporting regeneration.
Guidelines for Developing a Line of Balance for Non-Repetitive Areas (Common Areas) at a Vertical Residental Building

The line of balance (LOB) is widely used for projects with repetitive batches. Nevertheless, some authors in academic literature recommend the LOB for nonrepetitive areas. In the case of residential projects which have a high repetition of the same batch the LOB is a very useful tool to plan the construction. In the other hand, developing a LOB for common areas (pavements without repetitive areas and services, e.g. underground floors, leisure areas, guardhouse and mezzanine) where there is not repetitive batches is more difficulty, and this is the reason for its scarce use for common areas. Thus, major problems in the project are verified by the lack of planning and production control in common areas. This article aims to formulate guidelines for developing a LOB for common areas through a case study at a Brazilian construction company. The methodology for developing this paper includes literature review on LOB in non-repetitive areas, characterization of the company and construction sites, development of a common areas plan using LOB and other auxiliary tools, analysis of results and formulation of guidelines for the development of a LOB for common areas. The results of this study indicated that the LOB in common areas provided plan transparency to employees and engineers, improved the control of project’s total term and decreased the allocation of workers teams.
Seismic Sensor Misorientation Measurement Using P‐Wave Particle Motion: An Application to the NECsaids Array

Seismic sensor orientation is one of the most critical parameters for modern three‐component seismological observation. However, this parameter is easily subject to error imposed by strong magnetic anomalies near the station or by human error in declination calibration. It is therefore very important to inspect and correct for sensor misorientation before utilizing three‐component waveform data. In this study, we measured the epoch‐dependent sensor misorientation for our temporary seismic array (NorthEast China Seismic Array to Investigate Deep Subduction, or NECsaids) by analyzing P ‐wave particle motions. We applied principal component analysis and the minimizing transverse energy method to study earthquakes with epicentral distance between 5° and 90° to estimate the sensor misorientation. Our results show high consistency with the direct gyrocompass measurements, with a correlation coefficient of 0.95. Our statistical analysis suggests that we can estimate robust sensor misorientation utilizing 10 earthquakes with high signal‐to‐noise ratio records and highly linear P ‐wave polarizations. We also find that the influence of anisotropy or a dipping interface produces a periodical pattern with back azimuth and is relatively small for our misorientation estimation. By analyzing the amplitude change of synthetic seismograms due to misorientation and taking into account the influence of anisotropy and dipping interfaces, as well as the measurement errors, we expect engineers to be able to orient seismic sensors with error smaller than 3°.
The Combined Effects of Additives on the Conventional and High-Temperature Performance Properties of Warm Mix Asphalt Binders

The present study investigates the effects of the simultaneous use of two additives, an organosilane warm mix asphalt (WMA) agent and a grade-bumping polyolefin compound, on the conventional and high-temperature performance properties of a paving grade 50/70 bitumen and a polymer-modified 45/80-55 bitumen. The WMA agent and polyolefin additive were introduced to the binders at rates of up to 0.3% and 2%, respectively. The base asphalt binders and their blends with the additives were tested before and after aging in a rolling thin film oven test at a temperature of 143 °C. The effects of the investigated additives were found to be dependent on the type of base binder and its aging state. It was generally observed that the WMA additive decreased the performance of the asphalt binders and limited the effects of the other additive, which increased the high-temperature stiffness and non-recoverable compliance of the blends. This interaction amounted to as much as an approx. 20% decrease in high-temperature stiffness and non-recoverable compliance of the binders. The additives caused a small increase in the elasticity of the binders and improved their creep performance when measured in multiple stress creep recovery tests.
Suplementación con curcumina a vacas en pastoreo sobre producción y composición de leche

Introducción. La curcumina es el componente más abundante del rizoma de la Curcuma longa, es un pigmento natural catalogado como polifenol (Aggarwal y Sung, 2009) que posee cualidades antioxidantes (Condori et al., 2015). En rumiantes se utiliza como aditivo en la alimentación. En ovejas lecheras, el uso de la curcumina aumenta la producción y el contenido de ácidos grasos insaturados de la leche (Jaguezeski et al., 2018); en vacas lecheras adicionar cúrcuma con otras hierbas disminuyó la proporción de acetato a propionato en el fluido ruminal (Hashemzadeh-Cigari et al., 2014). Objetivo. Evaluar el uso de la curcumina en la producción y componentes de la leche de vacas lecheras en pastoreo. Métodos. Los tratamientos fueron con y sin la inclusión de curcumina, 0.224 g/d/v. El diseño experimental fue cruzado 2x2, las unidades experimentales fueron lotes de vacas Holstein neozelandés homogeneizados. El pastoreo fue rotacional con cerco eléctrico móvil en praderas de Medicago sativa L y Dactylis glomerata L; posterior a cada ordeña se ofreció 14 kg MF d/v de ensilado de maíz y el suplemento de curcumina. Las producciones de leche matutina y vespertina se midieron automáticamente con medidores Alfa Laval® y las muestras de ambas ordeñas se analizaron con MilkoScan®. Resultados y discusión. En la producción diaria de leche, como en los componentes de grasa, proteína y sólidos totales no se detectó diferencia entre tratamientos. Dicha respuesta contrasta con lo reportado por Nurdin et al. (2011) que indican un aumento significativo en la producción de leche al usar Black Cumin y Curcuma aeruginosa en la alimentación. Conclusión. La inclusión de 0.224 g/d/v de curcumina en la dieta de vacas Holstein neozelandés en pastoreo no afecto su producción de leche ni su composición.
Emergent Conversion to Open Heart Surgery during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: The Presence of a Rescue Team Improves Outcomes

Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve implant (TAVI) is the gold standard for the high-surgical-risk group of patients with aortic valve disease and it is an alternative to surgery in patients at intermediate risk. Lethal complications can occur, and many of these are manageable only with emergent conversion to open heart surgery. We retrospectively evaluate the outcome of all patients undergoing TAVI in our departments and the impact of a complete cardiac rescue team to reduce 30-day mortality. Methods: Data from all patients undergoing TAVI between January 2020 and August 2023 in our center were analyzed. An expert complete rescue was present in catheter laboratory. Primary outcomes were in-hospital and at 30-day mortality and evaluation of all cases needed for emergent conversion to open heart surgery. Results: 825 patients were enrolled. The total mortality was 19/825 (2.3%). Eleven of the total patients (1.3%) required emergent conversion to open heart surgery. Among them, eight were alive (73%), with a theoretical decrease of 0.98% in overall mortality. Conclusions: surgical treatment is rare during TAVI. The presence of an expert complete rescue team as support means an increase in survival. Surgery must be used only to restore circulatory and to treat complication while percutaneous approaches should complete the procedure.
Dynamics of an Ice Covered Lake with Through-Flow

The dynamics of different regimes in an ice covered inland lake with through-flow are discussed. A new theory for selective withdrawal is tested with success. The mixing of the entering river with lake water is estimated and it is found that the net volume flux increases with about 60% through the mixing. The flow in the main part of the lake is discussed and some measurements are presented.
The Importance of Location in Housing Purchase Decision: “Location, Location, Location” is a Common Mantra in Real Estate

Housing preferences, crucial for homebuying choices, are influenced by diverse factors. The surplus of unsold residential units in the country stems from pricing mismatches, inadequate location appeal, and other elements. The real estate industry's maxim, "Location, location, location," holds profound significance, impacting housing project success and yielding high-profit returns. This article delves into location's pivotal role in housing decisions, drawing insights from previous research, real estate news, and expert discussions on websites. Valuable information shared by real estate professionals aids homebuyers and investors. Additionally, the article contributes to future housing research through literature reviews. Emphasizing the importance of prime locations, it summarizes Malaysia's property landscape, aligning with specific criteria. The phrase underscores location's influence on lifestyle, demand, and desirability, while modern trends and various factors also shape supply and demand dynamics. Desirability extends beyond location to encompass sustainability and community engagement, blurring with property features. Evolving perceptions of an ideal location reflect diverse preferences, necessitating an understanding of shifting trends and subjectivity. This knowledge empowers buyers and investors to navigate the intricate interplay between location and other determinants, facilitating well-informed choices.
Poncirus trifoliata Aqueous Extract Protects Cardiomyocytes against Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity through Upregulation of NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase Quinone Acceptor Oxidoreductase 1

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline-based chemotherapeutic agent, is widely used to treat various types of cancer; however, prolonged treatment induces cardiomyotoxicity. Although studies have been performed to overcome DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT), no effective method is currently available. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of Poncirus trifoliata aqueous extract (PTA) in DICT. Changes in cell survival were assessed in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The C57BL/6 mice were treated with DOX to induce DICT in vivo, and alterations in electrophysiological characteristics, serum biomarkers, and histological features were examined. The PTA treatment inhibited DOX-induced decrease in H9c2 cell viability but did not affect the MDA-MB-231 cell viability. Additionally, the PTA restored the abnormal heart rate, R-R interval, QT interval, and ST segment and inhibited the decrease in serum cardiac and hepatic toxicity indicators in the DICT model. Moreover, the PTA administration protected against myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis in the heart tissue of mice with DICT. PTA treatment restored DOX-induced decrease in the expression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 in a PTA concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the PTA inhibitory effect on DICT is attributable to its antioxidant properties, suggesting the potential of PTA as a phytotherapeutic agent for DICT.
A Review of Resilience Metrics and Modeling Methods for Cyber-Physical Power Systems (CPPS)

The cyber-physical power system (CPPS) stands as one of a nation's most critical infrastructures, as an unwavering and secure power supply forms the cornerstone of national and societal development. Recently, the concept of resilience has become a trending topic in preventing and mitigating the risks caused by large-scale CPPS blackouts. This article introduces the concept of resilience in complex engineering systems, detailing quantitative assessment metrics used to evaluate CPPS resilience. These metrics underpin the capacity of CPPSs to recover from disruptions. The article reviews current research focused on enhancing CPPS resilience, covering three main aspects: 1) optimizing component recovery sequences, 2) identifying critical nodes, and 3) optimizing physical-cyber coupling patterns. Recent advances in modeling methodologies for CPPS resilience against cascading failures are also discussed. Finally, the article delves into the challenges and future direction for CPPSs resilience enhancement and modeling approaches.
What should a robot disclose about me? A study about privacy-appropriate behaviors for social robots

For robots to become integrated into our daily environment, they must be designed to gain sufficient trust of both users and bystanders. This is in particular important for social robots including those that assume the role of a mediator, working towards positively shaping relationships and interactions between individuals. One crucial factor influencing trust is the appropriate handling of personal information. Previous research on privacy has focused on data collection, secure storage, and abstract third-party disclosure risks. However, robot mediators may face situations where the disclosure of private information about one person to another specific person appears necessary. It is not clear if, how, and to what extent robots should share private information between people. This study presents an online investigation into appropriate robotic disclosure strategies. Using a vignette design, participants were presented with written descriptions of situations where a social robot reveals personal information about its owner to support pro-social human-human interaction. Participants were asked to choose the most appropriate robot behaviors, which differed in the level of information disclosure. We aimed to explore the effects of disclosure context, such as the relationship to the other person and the information content. The findings indicate that both the information content and relationship configurations significantly influence the perception of appropriate behavior but are not the sole determinants of disclosure-adequacy perception. The results also suggest that expected benefits of disclosure and individual general privacy attitudes serve as additional influential factors. These insights can inform the design of future mediating robots, enabling them to make more privacy-appropriate decisions which could foster trust and acceptance.
Influence of Meat Processing on the Content of Organochlorine Pesticides

The purpose of this study was to identify pathways to reduce Organochlorine pesticides (OCP) contamination, through various thermal methods used for meat processing and to establish mathematic models predictive for the influence of thermal treatments on the OCP residues content in meat. By cold smoking, a reduction of less than 1% in the OCP content was observed, while for frying, the reduction was up to 48%. Warm smoking and pasteurization as combined treatments, determined as well a reduction in the OCP content of maximum 15 and 16%, respectively. Baking reduced also the level of OCPs with a maximum of 56%. Stewing under pressure caused the most dramatic reduction in the OCP levels (up to 92%). Using the Mc Donald's polynomial regression, predictive mathematical models for the variation of OCP levels with the applied heat treatments were computed. These models allow a good selection of the appropriate industrial food processing with the ultimate goal to reduce OCP residues.