Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polygenic risk for coronary artery disease is associated with cognitive ability in older adults

Abstract Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with cognitive decrements and risk of later dementia, but it is not known if shared genetic factors underlie this association. We tested whether polygenic risk for CAD was associated with cognitive ability in community-dwelling cohorts of middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Individuals from Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study (GS:SFHS, N = 9865) and from the Lothian Birth Cohorts of 1921 (LBC1921, N = 517) and 1936 (LBC1936, N = 1005) provided cognitive data and genome-wide genotype data. Polygenic risk profile scores for CAD were calculated for all of the cohorts using the largest available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data set, the CARDIoGRAM consortium (22 233 cases and 64 762 controls). Polygenic risk profile scores for CAD were then tested for their association with cognitive abilities in the presence and absence of manifest cardiovascular disease. Results: A meta-analysis of all three cohorts showed a negative association between CAD polygenic risk and fluid cognitive ability (β = −0.022, P = 0.016), verbal intelligence (β = −0.024, P = 0.011) and memory (β = −0.021, P = 0.028). Conclusions: Increased polygenic risk for CAD is associated with lower cognitive ability in older adults. Common genetic variants may underlie some of the association between age-related cognitive decrements and the risk for CAD.
Skin autofluorescence, arterial stiffness and Framingham risk score as predictors of clinical outcome in chronic kidney disease patients: a cohort study

BACKGROUND The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is predicted by Framingham's CVD risk scores (FRS) but the high CVD-related mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is only partially explained by traditional CVD risk markers. Therefore, there is a need to explore whether other CVD risk markers may improve risk prediction. Although arterial stiffness measured by augmentation index (AIx) and tissue content of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF) are two biomarkers that associate with CVD and mortality in CKD, it is not known how they compare with FRS. We evaluated associations between SAF, AIx and FRS, and their associations with CVD and mortality in CKD patients. METHODS SAF (AGE Reader) and AIx (SphygmoCor; adjusted for 75 heart beats per minute) were measured in 261 clinically stable and extensively phenotyped patients with CKD Stage 5 (median age 56 years, 66% male, 20% diabetes; 130 non-dialysed, 93 patients on peritoneal dialysis and 38 patients on haemodialysis). Multivariate receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate Cox models followed by C-statistics were used to evaluate CVD-related and all-cause mortality risk associated with SAF, AIx and FRS during follow-up for median 25 months with 46 deaths. RESULTS In multivariate regression analysis, SAF associated with FRS, haemoglobin, fat body mass index and CVD, and inversely with per cent handgrip strength (HGS). AIx associated with FRS, and inversely with per cent HGS. Associations of SAF and AIx with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum albumin, statin therapy and renal replacement therapy were not statistically significant. In ROC analysis, area under the curve (AUC) for CVD mortality ranged from AUC = 0.72 (AIx and FRS, respectively) to AUC = 0.78 (FRS + AIx), and for all-cause mortality from AUC = 0.70 (AIx) to AUC = 0.79 (FRS + AIx). In multivariate Cox analysis, after adjusting for 1-standard deviation (1-SD) of FRS, 1-SD increase of SAF associated with all-cause mortality and 1-SD increase of AIx associated with CVD mortality and all-cause mortality. After further adjustments for hsCRP, albumin and presence of CVD, AIx (but not SAF) remained independently associated with CVD mortality, hazard ratio (HR) 2.14 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.18-3.89] and all-cause mortality, HR 1.74 (95% CI 1.16-2.60). CONCLUSIONS In patients with CKD Stage 5, SAF and aortic stiffness associated with mortality, independently of FRS. After adjusting for additional confounders including inflammation, aortic stiffness remained as an independent predictor of outcome. Since the contribution of SAF and aortic stiffness compared with FRS in ROC curve analysis was relatively modest, this underlines the importance of traditional CVD risk factors in CKD.
Survey on Community Detection in Online Social Networks

proposed survey discusses the topic of community detection in the context of online social network. Community detection helps to identify link density within network structure and to predict future missing links. In online social networks, nodes typically represent individuals and edges indicate relationships between them. Due to the complexity, dynamic nature and huge scale of network, community detection in online social networks is challenging task. In this survey various community detection methods for networks with static and dynamic nature are discussed, and results of applying them on online social network is are provided. Keywordsdetection, online social networks, data clustering.
Camera intrinsic blur kernel estimation: A reliable framework

This paper presents a reliable non-blind method to measure intrinsic lens blur. We first introduce an accurate camera-scene alignment framework that avoids erroneous homography estimation and camera tone curve estimation. This alignment is used to generate a sharp correspondence of a target pattern captured by the camera. Second, we introduce a Point Spread Function (PSF) estimation approach where information about the frequency spectrum of the target image is taken into account. As a result of these steps and the ability to use multiple target images in this framework, we achieve a PSF estimation method robust against noise and suitable for mobile devices. Experimental results show that the proposed method results in PSFs with more than 10 dB higher accuracy in noisy conditions compared with the PSFs generated using state-of-the-art techniques.
The influence of Büttiker probe scattering to the port behavior of nanoscale metal–oxide–semiconductor devices

This paper presents a discussion of the impact of Büttiker probe scattering on the port behavior of nanoscaled metal–oxide–semiconductor devices. The simulation of the carrier transport property is based on the nonequilibrium Green's function formalisms, and scattering effects are implemented in the model through Büttiker probes. For reducing the computational burden, a simplified model for modeling the scattering effects with only one Büttiker probe is proposed and gives reasonable results for studying the port behaviors of nanoscaled metal–oxide–semiconductor devices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of self-reported dietary intakes from the Automated Self-Administered 24-h recall, 4-d food records, and food-frequency questionnaires against recovery biomarkers.

Background A limited number of studies have evaluated self-reported dietary intakes against objective recovery biomarkers. Objective The aim was to compare dietary intakes of multiple Automated Self-Administered 24-h recalls (ASA24s), 4-d food records (4DFRs), and food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs) against recovery biomarkers and to estimate the prevalence of under- and overreporting. Design Over 12 mo, 530 men and 545 women, aged 50-74 y, were asked to complete 6 ASA24s (2011 version), 2 unweighed 4DFRs, 2 FFQs, two 24-h urine collections (biomarkers for protein, potassium, and sodium intakes), and 1 administration of doubly labeled water (biomarker for energy intake). Absolute and density-based energy-adjusted nutrient intakes were calculated. The prevalence of under- and overreporting of self-report against biomarkers was estimated. Results Ninety-two percent of men and 87% of women completed ≥3 ASA24s (mean ASA24s completed: 5.4 and 5.1 for men and women, respectively). Absolute intakes of energy, protein, potassium, and sodium assessed by all self-reported instruments were systematically lower than those from recovery biomarkers, with underreporting greater for energy than for other nutrients. On average, compared with the energy biomarker, intake was underestimated by 15-17% on ASA24s, 18-21% on 4DFRs, and 29-34% on FFQs. Underreporting was more prevalent on FFQs than on ASA24s and 4DFRs and among obese individuals. Mean protein and sodium densities on ASA24s, 4DFRs, and FFQs were similar to biomarker values, but potassium density on FFQs was 26-40% higher, leading to a substantial increase in the prevalence of overreporting compared with absolute potassium intake. Conclusions Although misreporting is present in all self-report dietary assessment tools, multiple ASA24s and a 4DFR provided the best estimates of absolute dietary intakes for these few nutrients and outperformed FFQs. Energy adjustment improved estimates from FFQs for protein and sodium but not for potassium. The ASA24, which now can be used to collect both recalls and records, is a feasible means to collect dietary data for nutrition research.
Transient response of strain rate dependent polymer matrix composite laminates

The effects of strain rate dependency and inelasticity on the transient responses of composite laminated plates are investigated. A micromechanics model which accounts for the transverse shear stress effect, the effect of strain rate dependency and the effect of inelasticity is used for analyzing the mechanical responses of the fiber and matrix constituents. The accuracy of the micromechanics model under transverse shear loading is verified by comparing the results with those obtained using a general purpose finite element code. A Higher Order Laminated Plate Theory is extended to capture the inelastic deformations of the composite plate and is implemented using the finite element technique. A complete micro-macro numerical procedure is developed to model the strain rate dependent behavior of inelastic composite laminates by implementing the micromechanics model into the finite element model. Parametric studies of the transient responses of composite plates are conduced. The effects of geometry, ply stacking sequence, material models, boundary conditions and loadings are investigated. The results show that the strain rate dependency and inelasticity influence the transient responses of composite plates via two significantly different mechanisms. I. Introduction Due to their light weight, excellent strength to weight ratio and energy absorption capability, heterogeneous materials such as fiber reinforced and woven composites are increasingly being used in impact related applications. Currently, there is an effort to develop polymer matrix composite (PMC) fan-containment systems to reduce the weight and cost while maintaining the high levels of safety associated with current systems. The polymer composite in the engine containment system is very susceptible to projectile impact such as failed blades separating from the rotor during operation. Therefore, efficient design, test and analysis procedures are urgently needed for modeling the high-speed impact of composite materials. The types of polymer matrix composites that are used in such an application have a deformation response that is nonlinear and that varies with strain rate. Thus, it is important to develop a framework for simulating and predicting the deformation and failure behavior of polymer matrix composite structures subjected to impact loadings. The analysis methodology must be able to account for strain rate effects, material nonlinearities and transverse shear stresses, which are important in impact problems. The computational efficiency, which is critical in the micro-macro numerical analysis
Role-Aware Conformity Modeling and Analysis in Social Networks

Conformity is the inclination of a person to be influenced by others. In this paper, we study how the conformity tendency of a person changes with her role, as defined by her structural properties in a social network. We first formalize conformity using a utility function based on the conformity theory from social psychology, and validate the proposed utility function by proving the existence of Nash Equilibria when all users in a network behave according to it. We then extend and incorporate the utility function into a probabilistic topic model, called the Role-Conformity Model (RCM), for modeling user behaviors under the effect of conformity. We apply the proposed RCM to several academic research networks, and discover that people with higher degree and lower clustering coefficient are more likely to conform to others. We also evaluate RCM through the task of word usage prediction in academic publications, and show significant improvements over baseline models.
High dielectric permittivity and improved mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites with low carbon nanotube content: effect of composite processing on phase behavior and dielectric properties

The composite processing technique and nanofiller concentration and its functionalization significantly alter the properties of polymer nanocomposites. To realize this, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) were dispersed in a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix at carefully selected CNT concentrations by two illustrious methods, such as solution-cast and melt-mixing. Notwithstanding the processing method, CNTs induced predominantly the γ-phase in PVDF, instead of the commonly obtained β-phase upon nanofiller incorporation, and imparted significant improvements in dielectric properties. Acid-treatment of CNT improved its dispersion and interfacial adhesion significantly with PVDF, and induced a higher γ-phase content and better dielectric properties in PVDF as compared to pristine CNT. Further, the γ-phase content was found to be higher in solution-cast composites than that in melt-mixed counterparts, most likely due to solvent-induced crystallization in a controlled environment and slow solvent evaporation in the former case. However, interestingly, the melt-mixed composites showed a significantly higher dielectric constant at the onset of the CNT networked-structure as compared to the solution-cast composites. This suggests the possible role of CNT breakage during melt-mixing, which might lead to higher space-charge polarization at the polymer–CNT interface, and in turn an increased number of pseudo-microcapacitors in these composites than the solution-cast counterparts. Notably, PVDF with 0.13 vol% (volume fraction, fc = 0.0013) of acid-treated CNTs, prepared by melt-mixing, displayed the relative permittivity of ∼217 and capacitance of ∼5430 pF, loss tangent of ∼0.4 at 1 kHz and an unprecedented figure of merit of ∼105. We suggest a simple hypothesis for the γ-phase formation and evolution of the high dielectric constant in these composites. Further, the high-dielectric composite film showed marked improvements in mechanical and thermal properties over the neat PVDF film. These composites with exceptional dielectric properties and concomitant improvement in mechanical and thermal properties offer a great promise for use in flexible and mechanically robust charge storage devices.
Can 40 seconds of compassion reduce patient anxiety?

PURPOSE To use a standardized videotape stimulus to assess the effect of physician compassion on viewers' anxiety, information recall, treatment decisions, and assessment of physician characteristics. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS One hundred twenty-three healthy female breast cancer survivors and 87 women without cancer were recruited for this study. A randomized pretest/posttest control group design with a standardized videotape intervention was used. Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), an information recall test, a compassion rating, and physician attribute rating scales. RESULTS Women who saw an "enhanced compassion" videotape rated the physician as warmer and more caring, sensitive, and compassionate than did women who watched the "standard" videotape. Women who saw the enhanced compassion videotape were significantly less anxious after watching it than the women in the other group. Nevertheless, information recall was relatively low for both groups, and enhanced compassion did not influence patient decisions. Those who saw the enhanced compassion videotape rated the doctor significantly higher on other positive attributes, such as wanting what was best for the patient and encouraging the patient's questions and involvement in decisions. CONCLUSION The enhanced compassion segment was short, simple, and effective in decreasing viewers' anxiety. Further research is needed to translate these findings to the clinical setting, where reducing patient anxiety is a therapeutic goal.
Identifying Diffusion Sources in Large Networks: A Community Structure Based Approach

The global diffusion of epidemics, rumors and computer viruses causes great damage to our society. It is critical to identify the diffusion sources and promptly quarantine them. However, most methods proposed so far are unsuitable for large networks because of their computational cost and the complex spatiotemporal diffusion processes. In this paper, we develop a community structure based approach to efficiently identify diffusion sources in large networks. We first detect the community structure of a network and assign sensors on community bridge nodes to record diffusion dynamics. From the infection time of bridge sensors, we can determine the very first infected community from which the diffusion started and spread out to other communities. This, therefore, overcomes the scalability issue in source identification problems by narrowing the set of suspects down to the first infected community. Then, to accurately locate the diffusion source from suspects, we utilize an intrinsic feature of diffusion sources that the relative infection time of any node is linear with its effective distance from the diffusion source. Thus, for each suspect, we compute the correlation coefficient to measure the degree of linear dependence between sensors' relative infection times and their effective distances from the suspect, and consider the one with the greatest correlation coefficient as the source. We evaluate our approach in two large networks containing more than 300,000 nodes, which are collected from Twitter. The experiment results show that our method can identify diffusion sources with very high degree of accuracy. Especially when the average community size shrinks, the accuracy of our approach increases dramatically.
Migration of Antarctic Minke Whales to the Arctic

The Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), and the common minke whale found in the North Atlantic (Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata), undertake synchronized seasonal migrations to feeding areas at their respective poles during spring, and to the tropics in the autumn where they overwinter. Differences in the timing of seasons between hemispheres prevent these species from mixing. Here, based upon analysis of mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA profiles, we report the observation of a single B. bonaerensis in 1996, and a hybrid with maternal contribution from B. bonaerensis in 2007, in the Arctic Northeast Atlantic. Paternal contribution was not conclusively resolved. This is the first documentation of B. bonaerensis north of the tropics, and, the first documentation of hybridization between minke whale species.
A novel image fusion method based on orthonormalization transform combined with wavelet

With the availability of multi-sensor, multi-temporal, multi-resolution and multi-frequency image data from operational Earth observation satellites the fusion of digital image data has become a valuable tool in remote sensing image evaluation. Although most image fusion methods based on transform try to construct an orthonormalized space, the physical meaning of the transform is not always clear enough. As high resolution images and low resolution images are all the record of the same real world, more attention should be paid on the physical meaning of these data and the transform on them. Still, present pixel level image fusion methods ignore spatial information or spectral correlation, which is a big problem to achieve reasonable results. The paper analyzes the mechanics of the image fusion methods based on orthonormalization transform, and brings up a novel image fusion method based on orthonormalization transform combined with wavelet transform, which is much more physically meaningful and keep more spatial and spectral information. Keywords-data fusion; orthonomalization; wavelet
Optical and electronic properties of GaAsBi alloys for device applications

GaAs1-xBix is a new III-V semiconductor alloy that shows promise for many optoelectronic applications. In this thesis, several characterization techniques were used to explore the properties of molecular beam epitaxy grown GaAs1-xBix alloys in a wide range of Bi-content. The fundamental bandgap and the optical absorption coefficient of pseudomorphic GaAs1-xBix/GaAs films are studied by optical transmission and photoluminescence spectroscopies. All GaAs1-xBix films (0≤x≤17.8%) show direct optical bandgaps. The bandgap (Eg) decreases strongly with increasing Bi-content, reaching 0.52 eV (~2.4 µm) at 17.8% Bi. At Eg <1.06 eV, GaAs1-xBix has the least lattice mismatch from GaAs of any ternary GaAs alloy, including GaAsN, for a given bandgap. Below the GaAs1-xBix bandgap, exponential absorption tails are observed with Urbach energies 3-6× larger than that of bulk GaAs. The electrical conductivity and Hall transport measurements on nominally undoped GaAs1-xBix films with 0<x≤21.5% Bi reveal an exponential increase in p-type conductivity and a monotonic decrease in hole mobility with increasing Bi-content. From temperature dependent electrical measurements, this behavior is found to be associated with an increase in the density of states in the valence band of GaAs1-xBix alloys and the presence of Bi-induced acceptor states above the valence band. A few optoelectronic device applications of GaAs1-xBix alloys are also examined in this thesis. The photovoltaic response of single junction dilute GaAs1−xBix p+/n diodes were investigated for the first time. With the introduction of Bi into GaAs, the spectral response is shown to expand to longer wavelengths than in GaAs. Based on theoretical modeling, the minority carrier lifetimes in unoptimized bismide material are found to be significantly shorter than the standard grown GaAs, resulting in low collection efficiency in solar cell devices. Furthermore, a systematic analysis is carried out to investigate the influence of rapid thermal annealing on the terahertz emission from bismide based photoconductive switches. Notable enhancement in terms of terahertz emission amplitude and bandwidth are demonstrated from annealed GaAs1-xBix substrates. The optimum thermal annealing was found at 670 °C and 1 min duration. We found that GaAs1-xBix can perform better than conventional low temperature GaAs in generating the terahertz radiation.