Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individually optimized estimation of energy expenditure in rescue workers using a tri-axial accelerometer and heart rate monitor

Objectives: This study aimed to provide an improved energy expenditure estimation for heavy-load physical labor using accelerometer data and heart rate (HR) measured by wearables and to support food preparation and supply management for disaster relief and rescue operations as an expedition team. Methods: To achieve an individually optimized estimation for energy expenditure, a model equation parameter was determined based on the measurements of physical activity and HR during simulated rescue operations. The metabolic equivalent of task (MET), which was measured by using a tri-axial accelerometer and individual HR, was used, where two (minimum and maximum) or three (minimum, intermediate, and maximum) representative reference points were selected for each individual model fitting. In demonstrating the applicability of our approach in a realistic situation, accelerometer-based METs and HR of 30 males were measured using the tri-axial accelerometer and wearable HR during simulated rescue operations over 2 days. Results: Data sets of 27 rescue operations (age:34.2 ± 7.5 years; body mass index (BMI):22.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2) were used for the energy expenditure estimation after excluding three rescue workers due to their activity type and insufficient HR measurement. Using the combined approach with a tri-axial accelerometer and HR, the total energy expenditure increased by 143% for two points and 133% for three points, compared with the estimated total energy expenditure using only the accelerometer-based method. Conclusion: The use of wearables provided a reasonable estimation of energy expenditure for physical workers with heavy equipment. The application of our approach to disaster relief and rescue operations can provide important insights into nutrition and healthcare management.
Correlation between Histopathological Prognostic Tumor Characteristics and [18F]FDG Uptake in Corresponding Metastases in Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Breast Cancer

Background: In metastatic breast cancer (MBC), [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) can be used for staging. We evaluated the correlation between BC histopathological characteristics and [18F]FDG uptake in corresponding metastases. Patients and Methods: Patients with non-rapidly progressive MBC of all subtypes prospectively underwent a baseline histological metastasis biopsy and [18F]FDG-PET. Biopsies were assessed for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ER, PR, HER2); Ki-67; and histological subtype. [18F]FDG uptake was expressed as maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and results were expressed as geometric means. Results: Of 200 patients, 188 had evaluable metastasis biopsies, and 182 of these contained tumor. HER2 positivity and Ki-67 ≥ 20% were correlated with higher [18F]FDG uptake (estimated geometric mean SUVmax 10.0 and 8.8, respectively; p = 0.0064 and p = 0.014). [18F]FDG uptake was lowest in ER-positive/HER2-negative BC and highest in HER2-positive BC (geometric mean SUVmax 6.8 and 10.0, respectively; p = 0.0058). Although [18F]FDG uptake was lower in invasive lobular carcinoma (n = 31) than invasive carcinoma NST (n = 146) (estimated geometric mean SUVmax 5.8 versus 7.8; p = 0.014), the metastasis detection rate was similar. Conclusions: [18F]FDG-PET is a powerful tool to detect metastases, including invasive lobular carcinoma. Although BC histopathological characteristics are related to [18F]FDG uptake, [18F]FDG-PET and biopsy remain complementary in MBC staging (NCT01957332).
Crustal evolution in the Gyeongsang Arc, southeastern Korea: Geochronological, geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic constraints from granitoid rocks

A loosely assembled patchwork of Cretaceous to Paleogene granitoid plutons comprise the platform of the Gyeongsang Arc in southeastern Korea and represent a high-flux pulse of magmatism in Northeast Asia. The present study uses new and published zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic data, and zircon Hf isotopic data of the plutons to decipher the crustal evolution in the Gyeongsang Arc and compare it with adjacent accretionary terranes. The ion microprobe zircon U-Pb ages range from 91 to 27 Ma, revealing the selective occurrence of Paleogene plutons in the eastern coastal area, to the east of the NNE-trending Yangsan fault system. Paleoproterozoic to Paleogene xenocrystic cores are occasionally observed in the zircon grains. The plutons are composed of dominantly magnesian, high- to medium-K calc-alkaline granites-granodiorites exhibiting typical geochemical characteristics of subduction zone magma, and less abundant ferroan alkaline granites. Their trace element patterns require residual amphibole and feldspar, but not garnet in the source. The whole-rock Sr-Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions of the granitoids (initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7043 to 0.7069; εNd(t) = –4.8 to +2.9; εHf(t) = –5.0 to +19.7) are distinctly more primitive than those of inland granitoids distributed outside of the Gyeongsang backarc basin. An important role of relatively young, most likely Paleozoic juvenile crust in the formation of the Late Cretaceous granitoids is suggested by the time-εHf trend of high-εHf zircons that converges toward data points of the Late Permian Yeongdeok adakite composing the arc basement. The asthenospheric mantle input is highlighted by significantly high (>+17) εHf(t) values of some zircons from the early Eocene alkaline plutons. Subsequent reworking of the rejuvenated crust yielded granitoid plutons possessing slightly but recognizably higher εNd(t) and εHf(t) values than the older plutons. These isotopic features demonstrate that the Cretaceous-Paleogene calc-alkaline granitoids in the Gyeongsang Arc are not “juvenile” (sensu stricto) despite their mostly positive epsilon Nd and Hf values, but are basically a product of crustal reworking. The Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions of Late Cretaceous granitoids in the Gyeongsang Arc are comparatively more primitive than those in adjacent accretionary terranes such as Southwest Japan and Fujian province in southeastern China, reflecting differences in the formation age of the basement on which the arc system was built.
Protecting Biodiversity through Monitoring of Management Indicator Species: Questioning Designations of Ursus Americanus (black bear) and Plethodon jordani (Jordan's salamander)

SEVIN, JENNIFER ANN. Protecting Biodiversity through Monitoring of Management Indicator Species: Questioning Designations of Ursus americanus (black bear) and Plethodon jordani (Jordan’s salamander). (Under the direction of Dr. Roger A. Powell) Loss of biological diversity is occurring on a global scale, with the southern Appalachians being no exception. As a result of legislation requiring all national forests to maintain viable plant and animal populations, the Forest Service incorporated use of Management Indicator Species (MIS). For an organism to be a good MIS, it must be easy to monitor, be associated with the community type or habitat it supposedly indicates, respond measurably to changes in habitat caused by management activities, and represent other species response to management activities. This study questions the designations of Ursus americanus and Plethodon jordani as MIS in Pisgah National Forest and investigates methods and indexes used in monitoring salamanders. I found a high year-to-year repeatability in sampling of salamander abundances. Single sampling efforts at sites where highly correlated with the average of two or more sampling efforts at the same sites, indicating single searches are efficient in detecting abundances of salamanders at sites. In comparing two area-constrained search methods for salamanders, I found the two methods to produce different densities, Simpson diversity indexes, and species equitability, along with different abundances of most salamander species. Search methods are therefore not equivalent in detection of salamanders.
Association of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorders; which characterized by hyperandrogenism, and anovulation with increased risks of infertility. Adiponectin is a protein specifically and abundantly expressed in adipocytes. Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms (SNPs) influence adiponectin levels associated with risk for obesity, Insulin Resistance (IR) and T2DM. We aimed to investigate the relation between PCOS and adiponectin gene polymorphism affecting the metabolic disturbance. Materials: Sixty women (Group 1) with PCOS were selected, had presented at gynecological-department of Minia university hospital with fertility problems. Forty healthy women (Group 2) matched with age and with regular menses and without hyperandrogenemia volunteered as controls. Serum level of F.S. H, L.H, total testosterone and glucose were measured. Adiponectin was measured by commercial immunoassays. AMH was measured by (Human AMH ELIZA kit) and insulin was measured by ELIZA, then the glucose/insulin ratio was calculated. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes. The polymorphism was typed according to the curve obtained by real time PCR. Results: The results showed low significant value of adiponcectin and glucose-insulin ratio was with PCOS, whereas FSH, LH, prolactin, total testosterone and AMH were higher in PCOS. Adiponectin, AMH, total testosterone, LH levels and glucose insulin ratio between PCOS and control group showed significant differences. While, there were no significant differences in case of FSH and prolactin. Plasma adiponectin concentration was positively correlated with insulin-stimulated glucose disposal with a significant of 0.003. The genotyping distributions of TG, GG and TT in women with PCOS are 22 (37%), 19 (31.5%) and 19 (31.5%), respectively. The correlation of adiponcetin and genotyping is significant P = 0.001. Conclusion: Prevalence of adiponectin gene polymorphism is higher in PCOS, with significant correlation with the glucose/insulin ratio.
Revisiting the Importance of Orthobunyaviruses for Animal Health: A Scoping Review of Livestock Disease, Diagnostic Tests, and Surveillance Strategies for the Simbu Serogroup

Orthobunyaviruses (order Bunyavirales, family Peribunyaviridae) in the Simbu serogroup have been responsible for widespread epidemics of congenital disease in ruminants. Australia has a national program to monitor arboviruses of veterinary importance. While monitoring for Akabane virus, a novel orthobunyavirus was detected. To inform the priority that should be given to this detection, a scoping review was undertaken to (1) characterise the associated disease presentations and establish which of the Simbu group viruses are of veterinary importance; (2) examine the diagnostic assays that have undergone development and validation for this group of viruses; and (3) describe the methods used to monitor the distribution of these viruses. Two search strategies identified 224 peer-reviewed publications for 33 viruses in the serogroup. Viruses in this group may cause severe animal health impacts, but only those phylogenetically arranged in clade B are associated with animal disease. Six viruses (Akabane, Schmallenberg, Aino, Shuni, Peaton, and Shamonda) were associated with congenital malformations, neurological signs, and reproductive disease. Diagnostic test interpretation is complicated by cross-reactivity, the timing of foetal immunocompetence, and sample type. Serological testing in surveys remains a mainstay of the methods used to monitor the distribution of SGVs. Given significant differences in survey designs, only broad mean seroprevalence estimates could be provided. Further research is required to determine the disease risk posed by novel orthobunyaviruses and how they could challenge current diagnostic and surveillance capabilities.
Object-oriented hand dexterity and grasping abilities, from the animal quarters to the neurosurgical OR: a systematic review of the underlying neural correlates in non-human, human primate and recent findings in awake brain surgery

Introduction The sensorimotor integrations subserving object-oriented manipulative actions have been extensively investigated in non-human primates via direct approaches, as intracortical micro-stimulation (ICMS), cytoarchitectonic analysis and anatomical tracers. However, the understanding of the mechanisms underlying complex motor behaviors is yet to be fully integrated in brain mapping paradigms and the consistency of these findings with intraoperative data obtained during awake neurosurgical procedures for brain tumor removal is still largely unexplored. Accordingly, there is a paucity of systematic studies reviewing the cross-species analogies in neural activities during object-oriented hand motor tasks in primates and investigating the concordance with intraoperative findings during brain mapping. The current systematic review was designed to summarize the cortical and subcortical neural correlates of object-oriented fine hand actions, as revealed by fMRI and PET studies, in non-human and human primates and how those were translated into neurosurgical studies testing dexterous hand-movements during intraoperative brain mapping. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched. Original articles were included if they: (1) investigated cortical activation sites on fMRI and/or PET during grasping task; (2) included humans or non-human primates. A second query was designed on the databases above to collect studies reporting motor, hand manipulation and dexterity tasks for intraoperative brain mapping in patients undergoing awake brain surgery for any condition. Due to the heterogeneity in neurosurgical applications, a qualitative synthesis was deemed more appropriate. Results We provided an updated overview of the current state of the art in translational neuroscience about the extended frontoparietal grasping-praxis network with a specific focus on the comparative functioning in non-human primates, healthy humans and how the latter knowledge has been implemented in the neurosurgical operating room during brain tumor resection. Discussion The anatomical and functional correlates we reviewed confirmed the evolutionary continuum from monkeys to humans, allowing a cautious but practical adoption of such evidence in intraoperative brain mapping protocols. Integrating the previous results in the surgical practice helps preserve complex motor abilities, prevent long-term disability and poor quality of life and allow the maximal safe resection of intrinsic brain tumors.
Unraveling the Genetic Landscape of Neurological Disorders: Insights into Pathogenesis, Techniques for Variant Identification, and Therapeutic Approaches

Genetic abnormalities play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Genetic exploration has indeed contributed to unraveling the molecular complexities responsible for the etiology and progression of various NDDs. The intricate nature of rare and common variants in NDDs contributes to a limited understanding of the genetic risk factors associated with them. Advancements in next-generation sequencing have made whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing possible, allowing the identification of rare variants with substantial effects, and improving the understanding of both Mendelian and complex neurological conditions. The resurgence of gene therapy holds the promise of targeting the etiology of diseases and ensuring a sustained correction. This approach is particularly enticing for neurodegenerative diseases, where traditional pharmacological methods have fallen short. In the context of our exploration of the genetic epidemiology of the three most prevalent NDDs—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, our primary goal is to underscore the progress made in the development of next-generation sequencing. This progress aims to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and explore gene-based therapies for NDDs. Throughout this review, we focus on genetic variations, methodologies for their identification, the associated pathophysiology, and the promising potential of gene therapy. Ultimately, our objective is to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the emerging research arena of NDDs.
Sexual behaviour and morphological variation in the millipede Megaphyllum bosniense (Verhoeff, 1897)

Sexual selection can be a major driving force that favours morphological evolution at the intraspecific level. According to the sexual selection theory, morphological variation may accompany non-random mating or fertilization. Here both variation of linear measurements and variation in the shape of certain structures can significantly influence mate choice in different organisms. In the present work, we quantified sexual behaviour of the millipede Megaphyllum bosniense (Verhoeff, 1897) as characterized by several sequences. These are: mating latency, duration of copulation, contact to copulation time, duration of contact without copulation, time from entrance (time-point when individuals were placed in boxes in which tests occurred) to contact with copulation, and time from entrance to contact without copulation. Further, we analysed the influence of morphological variation (both variation of linear measurements and variation in the shape of several structures) on mating success. Variation of body length, antennal length, length of the walking legs, trunk width, and trunk height was analysed by traditional morphometrics, while variation in size and shape of the antennae, walking legs, head, and gonopods (promeres, opisthomeres) was analysed using geometric morphometrics. More than half of all physical contacts detected among the millipedes resulted in copulation. Based on the value of sexual selection coefficients, preferences toward the previous partner were found to be prevalent in both female and male choice tests. Individuals with different mating status significantly differed in some morphological traits (body mass, head centroid size, head shape, and promere shape). Our study yielded new information about the sexual behaviour of millipedes and variation of morphological traits as a potential basis for mate preferences.
Efficacy and acceptability of psilocybin for primary or secondary depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction Psilocybin is a classic psychedelics, which has been shown to have antidepressant effects by many studies in recent years. In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of psilocybin in the treatment of primary (major depressive disorder) or secondary (experiencing distress related to life-threatening diagnoses and terminal illness) depression. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials of psilocybin for depression (updated to 4 October, 2023). Effect size Hedges’ g was used as an indicator of efficacy, and other outcomes included response rate, drop-out rate, and adverse events. Results A total of 10 studies were finally included in systematic review. 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving a total of 524 adult patients, and produced a large effect size in favor of psilocybin (Hedge’s g =-0.89, 95% CI -1.25~-0.53, I² = 70.19%, P<0.01). The therapeutic effects of psilocybin increase with increasing doses. Adverse events caused by psilocybin are generally transient and reversible, but serious adverse events also may occur. Discussion Our study shows that psilocybin has both short-term and long-term antidepressant effects and holds promise as a potential complementary or alternative therapy for depression, probably. Further research may reveal more about its therapeutic potential.
Joint Optimization of Data-Center Selection and Video-Streaming Distribution for Crowdsourced Live Streaming in a Geo-Distributed Cloud Platform

Empowered by today’s rich media generating devices and convenient Internet access, crowdsourced live streaming (CSLS) service has developed rapidly and become one of the most popular Internet services. Large crowdsourced live streaming providers (CSLSPs) are migrating their services to geo-distributed cloud platforms (GDCPs) for lower costs and higher availability. A CSLSP may rent compute and network resources from cloud providers for video transcoding, video delivering, user-requests handling, and other related tasks. However, due to dynamic requests by viewers and widely spread locations of broadcasters and viewers, it is still challenging for a CSLSP to serve demands of users with reasonable resources from the cloud-based geo-distributed data centers. To overcome this challenge cost-effectively, we propose an online algorithm to save operational costs for CSLSPs by jointly and dynamically choosing right data centers for broadcasters and viewers. Mathematical analysis is presented and proves that our proposed online algorithm can ensure operational costs to be within an upper bound above the optimal solution, while guaranteeing the QoE for viewers. We conduct extensive trace-driven illustrative studies and show that the proposed method can achieve suboptimal results and outperforms other alternative methods.
The Response of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to Slow Release Foliar Fertilization and the Effect of Environment on Absorption

In cotton production, nitrogen (N) is the most limi ting nutrient and the demand is substantial. Foliar-N fertilization is regarded as an effective and environmentally sound method of supplying cotton with N during times of deficiency and high d emand. In response to the potential benefits of the foliar-N fertilization of cotton, a myriad o f foliar-N based fertilizers have been created; each with their own individual chemical technology and constitution. Experiments were performed with the objectives of examining the effe cts of the slow-release foliar-N fertilizer, Nitamin (1) on the growth and development of field-grown cotton, (2) on uptake under various environmental conditions, and (3) the quantificatio n of foliar-N leaf absorption over time. Results suggested that Nitamin was not effective in high temperature stress conditions, but was effective in increasing yields in more temperate co nditions/environments and in conditions of limited soil-N fertility. Additionally, Nitamin was found to have a slower translocation rate of foliar-N through the leaves when compared to foliar urea in all environmental stress conditions tested that was attributed to its slow-release tech nology. Nitamin was also found to have a high rate of leaf absorption when compared to foliar ure a and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN 32) that was attributed to its viscous nature in increasing leaf surface retention. In general, the advantages of Nitamin for leaf absorption and retention was of fset by non-significant and sometimes numerically lower values in many growth parameters when compared to foliar-applied urea in the majority of these trials, indicating that the s ort application window afforded by cotton may not be conducive for slow-release foliar-N fertiliz ation in the absence of rainfall.