Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein(a) is not associated with venous thromboembolism risk

Abstract Objectives. Evidence from case-control studies as well as meta-analyses of these study designs suggest elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Prospective evidence on the association is limited, uncertain, and could be attributed to regression dilution bias. We aimed to assess the prospective association of Lp(a) with risk of VTE and correct for regression dilution. Design. We related plasma Lp(a) concentrations to the incidence of VTE in 2,180 men of the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease cohort study. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) were assessed and repeat measurements of Lp(a) at 4 and 11 years from baseline, were used to correct for within-person variability. Results. After a median follow-up of 24.9 years, 110 validated VTE cases were recorded. The regression dilution ratio of loge Lp(a) adjusted for age was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.82–0.89). In analyses adjusted for several established risk factors and potential confounders, the HR (95% CI) for VTE per 1 SD (equivalent to 3.56-fold) higher baseline loge Lp(a) was 1.06 (0.87–1.30). In pooled analysis of five population-based cohort studies (including the current study) comprising 66,583 participants and 1314 VTE cases, the fully-adjusted corresponding HR for VTE was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94–1.07), with no evidence of heterogeneity between studies. Conclusions. Primary analysis as well as pooled evidence from previous studies suggest circulating Lp(a) is not prospectively associated with future VTE risk, indicating that evidence of associations demonstrated in case-control designs may be driven by biases such as selection bias.
Dual Tasking in Parkinson’s Disease: Cognitive Consequences While Walking

Objective: Cognitive deficits are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and exacerbate the functional limitations imposed by PD’s hallmark motor symptoms, including impairments in walking. Though much research has addressed the effect of dual cognitive-locomotor tasks on walking, less is known about their effect on cognition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between gait and executive function, with the hypothesis that dual tasking would exacerbate cognitive vulnerabilities in PD as well as being associated with gait disturbances. Method: Nineteen individuals with mild–moderate PD without dementia and 13 age- and education-matched normal control adults (NC) participated. Executive function (set-shifting) and walking were assessed singly and during dual tasking. Results: Dual tasking had a significant effect on cognition (reduced set-shifting) and on walking (speed, stride length) for both PD and NC, and also on stride frequency for PD only. The impact of dual tasking on walking speed and stride frequency was significantly greater for PD than NC. Though the group by condition interaction was not significant, PD had fewer set-shifts than NC on dual task. Further, relative to NC, PD showed significantly greater variability in cognitive performance under dual tasking, whereas variability in motor performance remained unaffected by dual tasking. Conclusions: Dual tasking had a significantly greater effect in PD than in NC on cognition as well as on walking. The results suggest that assessment and treatment of PD should consider the cognitive as well as the gait components of PD-related deficits under dual-task conditions.
Coulomb blockade enhanced carbon nanotube optomechanics

Combining macromolecule vibration and low temperature transport spectroscopy with microwave optomechanics, we demonstrate a sizeable, strongly gate voltage dependent coupling of a suspended carbon nanotube quantum dot and a GHz resonator field. The dispersive interaction is dominated by single electron effects, amplified by the inherent nonlinearity of Coulomb blockade by several orders of magnitude. This allows us to observe optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) as well as red sideband upconversion in two-tone spectroscopy, in a parameter range close to the ground state of vibrational motion. Our work paves the way for the targetted manipulation of vibration quantum states of a macromolecular string resonator.
Why Reinvent the Wheel: Let's Build Question Answering Systems Together

Modern question answering (QA) systems need to flexibly integrate a number of components specialised to fulfil specific tasks in a QA pipeline. Key QA tasks include Named Entity Recognition and Disambiguation, Relation Extraction, and Query Building. Since a number of different software components exist that implement different strategies for each of these tasks, it is a major challenge to select and combine the most suitable components into a QA system, given the characteristics of a question. We study this optimisation problem and train classifiers, which take features of a question as input and have the goal of optimising the selection of QA components based on those features. We then devise a greedy algorithm to identify the pipelines that include the suitable components and can effectively answer the given question. We implement this model within Frankenstein, a QA framework able to select QA components and compose QA pipelines. We evaluate the effectiveness of the pipelines generated by Frankenstein using the QALD and LC-QuAD benchmarks. These results not only suggest that Frankenstein precisely solves the QA optimisation problem but also enables the automatic composition of optimised QA pipelines, which outperform the static Baseline QA pipeline. Thanks to this flexible and fully automated pipeline generation process, new QA components can be easily included in Frankenstein, thus improving the performance of the generated pipelines.
Estimating Crowd Flow and Crowd Density from Cellular Data for Mass Rapid Transit

Mass rapid transit(MRT) is playing an increasingly important role in many cities due to its large carrying capacity, high speed and punctuality. Understanding the crowd flow and crowd density for MRT is crucial for smart city and urban planning. The traditional way to achieve this goal is by using smart card data. However, we can only know the number of passengers entering or exiting the station from smart card data. Travel routes and transfer activity between lines of users are not captured by smart card data. Nowadays, each user has his/her own mobile phones and from the cellular data of mobile phone service providers, it is possible to know the users’ transportation mode and the fine-grained crowd flows. As such, given a set of cellular data, we aim to estimate the crowd flow of MRT passengers and crowd density of stations as well as routes. In this work, we firstly propose an efficient and scalable approach to detect MRT trips with a pre-defined reference system. Then based on the detection result, we estimate the crowd flow and crowd density by grouping and counting the MRT trips. Extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the detection and estimation approaches on a real dataset from Chunghwa Telecom, which is the largest telecommunication company in Taiwan. The results confirmed that our approaches are suitable for MRT trips detection, crowd flow and crowd density estimation. Finally, we provide case studies to present some applications and demonstrate the usefulness of our approaches.
Segmentation of carotid arteries by graph-cuts using centerline models

This document presents a semi-automatic method for segmenting carotid arteries in contrast enhanced (CE)- CT angiography (CTA) scans. The segmentation algorithm extracts the lumen of carotid arteries between user specified locations. Specifically, the algorithm first detects the centerline representations between the user placed seed points. This centerline extraction algorithm is based on a minimal path detection method which operates on a medialness map. The lumen of carotid arteries is then extracted by graph-cuts optimization technique using the detected centerlines as input. The distance from the centerline representation is used to normalize the gradient based edge weights of the graph. It is shown that this algorithm can successfully segment the carotid arteries without including calcified and non-calcified plaques in the segmentation results.
Eccentric and Concentric Resistance Exercise Comparison for Knee Osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION To compare the efficacy of eccentrically-focused resistance exercise (ECC RT) to concentrically-focused resistance exercise (CNC RT) on knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms and strength. METHODS 90 participants consented. Participants were randomized to CNC RT, ECC RT or a wait-list no-exercise control group (CON). Four-months of supervised exercise training were completed using traditional weight machines (CNC RT), or modified-matched machines that overloaded the eccentric action (ECC RT). Main outcomes included one-repetition maximal strength (1RM; knee extension, leg flexion and leg press), weekly rate of strength gain, Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total score and sub-scores. RESULTS 54 participants (60-85yr, 61% women) completed the study. Both CNC RT and ECC RT groups showed 16%-28% improvement relative to CON group (p = 0.003 to 0.005) for all leg strength measures. The rate of weekly strength gain was greater for CNC RT than ECC RT for leg press and knee flexion (by 2.9%-4.8%; both p < 0.05), but not knee extension (0.7%; p = 0.38). There were no significant differences in WOMAC total and sub-scores across groups over time. Leg press strength change was the greatest contributor to change in WOMAC Total scores (R=0.223). The change in knee flexion strength from baseline to month four was a significant predictor of the change in WOMAC pain sub-score (F ratio 4.84, df=45, p=.032). Both modes of strength training were well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Both resistance training types effectively increased leg strength. Knee flexion and knee extension muscle strength can modify function and pain symptoms irrespective of muscle contraction type. Which mode to pick could be determined by preference, goals, tolerance to the contraction type, and equipment availability.
The importance of correct implants positioning and masticatory load direction on a fixed prosthesis

Background Through the biomechanical study of dental implants, it is possible to understand the dissipation effects of masticatory loads in different situations and prevent the longevity of osseointegration. Aims: To evaluate the microstrains generated around external hexagon implants, using axial and non-axial loads in a fixed four-element prosthesis with straight implants and implants inclined at 17°. Material and Methods Three implants were modeled using CAD software following the manufacturer’s measurements. Then, implants were duplicated and divided into two groups: one with straight implants and respective abutments, and the other with angled implants at 17° and respective abutments. Both groups were arranged inside a block simulating bone tissue. A simplified fixed prosthesis was installed on both groups and the geometries were exported to CAE software. Five loads of 300N were performed at axial and non-axial points on the fixed prosthesis. Stress on the implants and strain on the block were both analyzed. An in vitro experiment was performed following all structures made in FEA in order to validate the model. In each experimental block, 4 strain gauges were linearly placed between the implants and the same loads were repeated with a loading applicator device. Results The deformations computed by the gauges were correlated with the FEA results, showing that the group with inclined implants had more damaging biomechanical behavior and was significantly different from the group with straight implants (P<0.005). Conclusions The mathematical model used is valid and inclined implants can induce unwanted bone remodeling. Key words:Finite Element Analysis, Dental Implants, Fixed Prosthesis.
Virus-Like Particles of mRNA with Artificial Minimal Coat Proteins : Particle Formation , Stability , and Transfection Efficiency

RNA has enormous potential as a therapeutic, yet, the successful application depends on efficient delivery strategies. In this study, we demonstrate that a designed artificial viral coat protein, which self-assembles with DNA to form rod-shaped virus-like particles (VLPs), also encapsulates and protects mRNA encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and luciferase, and yields cellular expression of these proteins. The artificial viral coat protein consists of an oligolysine (K12) for binding to the oligonucleotide, a silk protein-like midblock S10 = (GAGAGAGQ)10 that self-assembles into stiff rods, and a long hydrophilic random coil block C that shields the nucleic acid cargo from its environment. With mRNA, the C-S10-K12 protein coassembles to form rod-shaped VLPs each encapsulating about one to five mRNA molecules. Inside the rod-shaped VLPs, the mRNAs are protected against degradation by RNAses, and VLPs also maintain their shape following incubation with serum. Despite the lack of cationic surface charge, the mRNA VLPs transfect cells with both EGFP and luciferase, although with a much lower efficiency than obtained by a lipoplex transfection reagent. The VLPs have a negligible toxicity and minimal hemolytic activity. Our results demonstrate that VLPs yield efficient packaging and shielding of mRNA and create the basis for implementation of additional virus-like functionalities to improve transfection and cell specificity, such as targeting functionalities.
A primary care pediatrician's guide to assessing problematic interactive media use.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the literature and provide a guide to assessing patients with problematic interactive media use (PIMU). RECENT FINDINGS 0.3-1.0% of the world population meets criteria for internet gaming disorder (IGD). 26.8-83.3% of adolescents meeting criteria for internet addiction have comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. IGD is associated with increased anxiety and social anxiety/phobias. Group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sports intervention are associated with significant reductions in internet addiction. SUMMARY With the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 inclusion of IGD under 'Conditions for Further Study' and the addition of gaming disorder to International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11, the idea that PIMU is a mental health disorder gained traction. Although certain populations may be at increased risk, all children and adolescents should be screened for PIMU given now-normal heavy media usage rates. Effective treatment of PIMU starts with identification and management of comorbid mental and behavioral health problems. Depending on their degree of functional impairment, patients may benefit from various forms of psychotherapy with coordinated outpatient management or may warrant higher level of care in one of several established residential treatment programs. Few studies have evaluated pharmacologic approaches to treating PIMU, but some medications targeting comorbid mental and behavioral health conditions improve PIMU-related behaviors.
Physical activity, immunity and infection

During the last few decades, scientific evidence has confirmed a wide range of health benefits related to regular physical activity. How physical activity affects the immune function and infection risk is, however, still under debate. Commonly, intensive exercise suppresses the activity and levels of several immune cells, while other immune functions may be stimulated by moderate physical activity. With this knowledge, the understanding of the relationship between different levels of physical activity on the immune function has been raised as a potential tool to protect health not only in athletes but also in the general population; the mechanisms that translate a physically active lifestyle into good health continue to be investigated. Reviewing the literature, although several outcomes (i.e. the mechanisms by which different levels and duration of physical activity programmes affect numerous cell types and responses) remain unclear, given that the additional benefits encompass healthy habits including exercise, the use of physical activity programmes may result in improved health of elderly populations. Moderate physical activity or moderate–regulated training may enhance the immune function mainly in less fit subjects or sedentary population and the pre-event fitness status also seems to be an important individual factor regarding this relationship. Although adequate nutrition and regular physical activity habits may synergistically improve health, clinical trials in athletes using nutritional supplements to counteract the immune suppression have been inconclusive so far. Further research is necessary to find out to what extent physical activity training can exert an effect on the immune function.
Computerized Medical Imaging and Graphics Reconstruction of Volumetric Ultrasound Panorama Based on Improved 3d Sift

Registration of ultrasound volumes is a key issue for the reconstruction of volumetric ultrasound panorama. In this paper, we propose an improved three-dimensional (3D) scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm to globally register ultrasound volumes acquired from dedicated ultrasound probe, where local deformations are corrected by block-based warping algorithm. Original SIFT algorithm is extended to 3D and improved by combining the SIFT detector with Rohr3D detector to extract complementary features and applying the diffusion distance algorithm for robust feature comparison. Extensive experiments have been performed on both phantom and clinical data sets to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our approach.
GaP Raman Terahertz high accuracy spectrometer and its application to detect organic and inorganic crystalline defects

One of the most important uses of THz spectrometry is to detect defects in molecular structure or in crystals efficiently. We applied GaP Raman THz (GRT) spectrometer to detect and evaluate defects in inorganic and organic materials. High THz-wave absorption due to high defect density of GaSe crystal lowered the efficiency of THz wave generation, when the crystal is used as nonlinear material for DFG (Difference Frequency Generation). Defects in organic molecules could be observed as changes in frequency, intensities of the absorption, and broadenings of the spectra.
Segmentation of Synthetic Textures Employing Gabor Filter Magnitude in a Multi-Channeling Environment

Texture segmentation refers to splitting of an image into homogeneous textured regions. The proposed approach is influenced by the multi-channel filtering theory of the human visual system. Authors have used gabor filter as a means of decomposing the textured mosaics into constituent magnitude response images which are subjected to non-linear function, in addition to this the results thus obtained are used in computing the texture energy as proposed by Jain et al. Subsequently, maximum texture energy is selected pixel wise out of these obtained feature images. The resultant image is normalized and smoothened for unnecessary perturbation and subjected to K-means clustering meanwhile pixel co-ordinates are also used as additional features. The method has been devised, enforced and tested on the benchmark texture mosaics. The empirical data along with performance measures have entrenched the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Optimal Bayesian estimation for random dot product graphs

We propose and prove the optimality of a Bayesian approach for estimating the latent positions in random dot product graphs, which we call posterior spectral embedding. Unlike classical spectral-based adjacency, or Laplacian spectral embedding, posterior spectral embedding is a fully likelihood-based graph estimation method that takes advantage of the Bernoulli likelihood information of the observed adjacency matrix. We develop a minimax lower bound for estimating the latent positions, and show that posterior spectral embedding achieves this lower bound in the following two senses: it both results in a minimax-optimal posterior contraction rate and yields a point estimator achieving the minimax risk asymptotically. The convergence results are subsequently applied to clustering in stochastic block models with positive semidefinite block probability matrices, strengthening an existing result concerning the number of misclustered vertices. We also study a spectral-based Gaussian spectral embedding as a natural Bayesian analogue of adjacency spectral embedding, but the resulting posterior contraction rate is suboptimal by an extra logarithmic factor. The practical performance of the proposed methodology is illustrated through extensive synthetic examples and the analysis of Wikipedia graph data.
Strain engineering of electronic properties of point defects inside MoS$_{2}$ monolayers from first-principles calculations

Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides are a set of two-dimensional materials with a stable semiconducting phase and direct-bandgap, showing promising applications in various electronic and optoelectronic devices. Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides have shown elastic relaxations up to an enormous fraction of their ideal strength while their electronic structure being very sensitive to the applied strain. Point vacancies in monolayers of such materials are present in all laboratory samples which affect in particular their electronic properties. These findings have paved the way for using strain and defect engineering in novel applications. The electronic structure and energetics of MoS2 monolayers containing point defects under strain are investigated by means of first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. Our results indicate that strain leads to strong modifications of the defect levels and their formation energies which are of importance for the application of these materials in real devices.
Comparing Strategies for Recruiting Small, Low-Wage Worksites for Community-Based Health Promotion Research

Background. HealthLinks is a workplace health promotion program developed in partnership with the American Cancer Society. It delivers a package of evidence-based interventions and implementation support to small worksites in low-wage industries. As part of a randomized, controlled trial of HealthLinks, we studied approaches to recruiting these worksites. Aims. This study aims to guide future recruitment for community-based worksite health promotion interventions by comparing three approaches, including leveraging relationships with community partners. Method. We recruited 78 small, low-wage worksites in King County, Washington, to participate in the trial via three approaches: phone calls to companies on a purchased list (“cold”), phone calls to a list of eligible companies provided by a health insurer (“lukewarm”), and personal referrals from local health insurers and brokers (“warm”). Eligible and interested worksites received an in-person visit from researchers and completed additional steps to enroll. Results. Of the worksites screened and deemed eligible, 32% of the “cold” worksites enrolled in HealthLinks, as did 48% and 60%, respectively, of the “lukewarm” and “warm” worksites. Compared with “warm” worksites, “cold” worksites were twice as likely to be ineligible. Discussion. Two distinct factors help explain why “warmer” worksites were more likely to enroll in HealthLinks. First, eligibility was significantly higher among warmer referrals. Second, most of the warm-referred worksites eligible for the study agreed to meet in person with the project team to hear more about the project. Conclusions. “Warmer” recruitment approaches yielded higher recruitment. Leveraging relationships with community partners can help researchers identify and successfully recruit small, low-wage worksites.