Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene expression signature of obesity in monozygotic twins

Objective: Observational studies suggest that obesity might have a Mendelian origin, but it is not clear if gene expression patterns observed in obese subjects are secondary to genetic traits or not. Approach: Here we test a transcriptomic signature of obesity previously identified by our group on a large cohort of twin subjects (TwinsUK). Main results: The results show that the signature correlates strongly both with body mass index (BMI) and fat mass. Moreover, in paired transcriptomes of monozygotic twins, changes in signature correlate with changes in BMI and fat mass. We also identify a set of deregulated pathways involved in obesity, from inflammation to metabolism, and show that their pathway deregulation score is strongly correlated with BMI variations in pairs of identical twins. Significance: Taken together, our results strongly indicate that alterations in gene expression observed in obese subjects are not due to their genetic background, and should therefore primarily be associated with environment and lifestyle.
Base Station Social-Aware Caching Strategy for 5G Ultra Dense Networks

The ultra dense network (UDN) is a promising technique to meet the requirements of the explosive data traffic in next generation (5G) wireless networks. As the small cells (SCs) are densely located in UDN, how to deploy cache resources on SCs to improve the network throughput and energy efficiency should be considered clearly. In this paper, a base station socialaware caching strategy for UDN is proposed. Firstly, we utilize the social network theory to study the social characteristics of base stations (BSs) as the traffic variation of BSs has an obvious pattern in the temporal-spatial and content domain, and take advantage of the social-tie factor (STF) modeled in our previous study which reflects the social characteristic of the correlation of traffic variation among BSs. A few very important base stations (VIBS) are selected with higher average STF values and the rest SCs are divided into two groups according to the STF with VIBSs: normal SCs with higher STF which can be served by VIBSs and unique SCs with lower STF that shares limited caching capacity and backhaul capacity with VIBSs. Afterward, the network throughput, power consumption, energy efficiency (EE) and network latency are analyzed as performance indicators with the tool of stochastic geometric process. By optimizing the number of the selected VIBSs and the value of STF threshold, our proposed caching strategy can always achieve better performance compared with two baselines. With our social-aware based caching strategy, the maximum gain on the network throughput can achieve approximately 83% and 33% respectively.
Learning non-Gaussian Time Series using the Box-Cox Gaussian Process

Gaussian processes (GPs) are Bayesian nonparametric generative models that provide interpretability of hyperparameters, admit closed-form expressions for training and inference, and are able to accurately represent uncertainty. To model general non-Gaussian data with complex correlation structure, GPs can be paired with an expressive covariance kernel and then fed into a nonlinear transformation (or warping). However, overparametrising the kernel and the warping is known to, respectively, hinder gradient-based training and make the predictions computationally expensive. We remedy this issue by (i) training the model using derivative-free global-optimisation techniques so as to find meaningful maxima of the model likelihood, and (ii) proposing a warping function based on the celebrated Box-Cox transformation that requires minimal numerical approximations—unlike existing warped GP models. We validate the proposed approach by first showing that predictions can be computed analytically, and then on a learning, reconstruction and forecasting experiment using real-world datasets.
Structure and Breakdown of Invariant Tori in a 4-D Mapping Model of Accelerator Dynamics

We study sequences of periodic orbits and the associated phase space dynamics in a 4-D symplectic map of interest to the problem of beam stability in circular particle accelerators. The increasing period of these orbits is taken from a sequence of rational approximants to an incommensurate pair of irrational rotation numbers of an invariant torus. We find stable (elliptic–elliptic) periodic orbits of very high period and show that smooth rotational tori exist in their neighborhood, on which the motion is regular and bounded at large distances away from the origin. Perturbing these tori in parameter and/or initial condition space, we find either chains of smaller rotational tori or certain twisted tube-like tori of remarkable morphology. These tube-tori and tori chains have small scale chaotic motions in their surrounding vicinity and are formed about invariant curves of the 4-D map, which are either single loops or are composed of several disconnected loops, respectively. These smaller chaotic regions as well as the non-smoothness properties of large rotational tori under small perturbations, leading to eventual escape of orbits to infinity, are studied here by the computation of correlation dimension and Lyapunov exponents.
A Histogram Algorithm for Fast Audio Retrieval

This paper describes a fast audio detection method for specific audio retrieval in the AV stream. The method is a histogram matching algorithm based on structural and perceptual features. This algorithm extracts audio features based on human perception on the sound scene and locates the special audio clip by fast histogram matching. Experimental results based on the advertisement detection in TV program showed that the algorithm can achieve a very high overall precision and recall rate both about 97% with very fast search time about 1/40 on real time.
Managing behavioural and psychological symptoms in community dwelling older people with dementia: 1. A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions

Background Two-thirds of people living with dementia live at home in the UK and many experience distressing behavioural and psychological symptoms. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms among community-dwelling people living with dementia. Methods This two-stage review undertook an initial mapping of the literature followed by a systematic review of relevant randomised controlled trials. We searched electronic databases for pertinent studies reporting outcomes from interventions from January 2000 to March 2015 and updated searches in October 2016. We included studies that considered behavioural and psychological symptom management for older people living with dementia who live at home and excluded studies conducted in long-term care settings. This paper presents findings from a narrative synthesis of 48 randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions for people living with dementia alone, family carers alone and patient-carer dyads. Results We retrieved 17,871 de-duplicated records and screened them for potential inclusion. Evidence from 48 randomised controlled trials suggests that family carer training and educational programmes that target problem behaviours and potential triggers can improve outcomes. Nurses and occupational therapists appear to help people with dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms, but professional comparisons are lacking and there is no shared language about or understanding of behavioural and psychological symptoms amongst professionals, or between professionals and family carers. Conclusions Future research should focus on the effectiveness of components of multi-faceted programmes and their cost effectiveness and include qualitative data to better target interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms. It is important to consider family carer readiness to use non-pharmacological strategies and to develop a shared language about the inherent needs and communications of behavioural and psychological symptoms.
Chlamydia Hijacks ARF GTPases To Coordinate Microtubule Posttranslational Modifications and Golgi Complex Positioning

ABSTRACT The intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis develops in a parasitic compartment called the inclusion. Posttranslationally modified microtubules encase the inclusion, controlling the positioning of Golgi complex fragments around the inclusion. The molecular mechanisms by which Chlamydia coopts the host cytoskeleton and the Golgi complex to sustain its infectious compartment are unknown. Here, using a genetically modified Chlamydia strain, we discovered that both posttranslationally modified microtubules and Golgi complex positioning around the inclusion are controlled by the chlamydial inclusion protein CT813/CTL0184/InaC and host ARF GTPases. CT813 recruits ARF1 and ARF4 to the inclusion membrane, where they induce posttranslationally modified microtubules. Similarly, both ARF isoforms are required for the repositioning of Golgi complex fragments around the inclusion. We demonstrate that CT813 directly recruits ARF GTPases on the inclusion membrane and plays a pivotal role in their activation. Together, these results reveal that Chlamydia uses CT813 to hijack ARF GTPases to couple posttranslationally modified microtubules and Golgi complex repositioning at the inclusion. IMPORTANCE Chlamydia trachomatis is an important cause of morbidity and a significant economic burden in the world. However, how Chlamydia develops its intracellular compartment, the so-called inclusion, is poorly understood. Using genetically engineered Chlamydia mutants, we discovered that the effector protein CT813 recruits and activates host ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) and ARF4 to regulate microtubules. In this context, CT813 acts as a molecular platform that induces the posttranslational modification of microtubules around the inclusion. These cages are then used to reposition the Golgi complex during infection and promote the development of the inclusion. This study provides the first evidence that ARF1 and ARF4 play critical roles in controlling posttranslationally modified microtubules around the inclusion and that Chlamydia trachomatis hijacks this novel function of ARF to reposition the Golgi complex. IMPORTANCE Chlamydia trachomatis is an important cause of morbidity and a significant economic burden in the world. However, how Chlamydia develops its intracellular compartment, the so-called inclusion, is poorly understood. Using genetically engineered Chlamydia mutants, we discovered that the effector protein CT813 recruits and activates host ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) and ARF4 to regulate microtubules. In this context, CT813 acts as a molecular platform that induces the posttranslational modification of microtubules around the inclusion. These cages are then used to reposition the Golgi complex during infection and promote the development of the inclusion. This study provides the first evidence that ARF1 and ARF4 play critical roles in controlling posttranslationally modified microtubules around the inclusion and that Chlamydia trachomatis hijacks this novel function of ARF to reposition the Golgi complex.
Authoring Tools and Virtual Environments in Intelligent Tutoring Systems: Challenges and Opportunities

Authoring tools in Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are designed to make it easier for tutors the use of Artiﬁcial Intelligence tools. Authoring tools allow tutors to develop adaptive, learner-centered courses that promote interaction between students and virtual tutors. This article presents a review of Virtual Reality (VR) tools for the creation of Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). In particular, we provide an analysis regarding how this kind of tools can be combined with authoring tools in ITS to achieve VLE that present to students realistic, interactive and immersive educational content. Finally, we discuss some challenges and opportunities in the design and implementation of authoring tools and tools of VR for the generation of VLE.
Effects of 12C6+ Heavy Ion Radiation on Dendritic Cells Function

Background Carbon ion radiotherapy has been shown to be more effective in cancer radiotherapy than photon irradiation. Influence of carbon ion radiation on cancer microenvironment is very important for the outcomes of radiotherapy. Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) play critical roles in cancer antigen processing and antitumor immunity. However, there is scant literature covering the effects of carbon ion radiation on DCs. In this study, we aimed to uncover the impact of carbon ion irradiation on bone marrow derived DCs. Material/Methods Bone marrow cells were co-cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 for seven days, and the population of DCs was confirmed with flow cytometry. We used an Annexin V and PI staining method to detect cell apoptosis. Endocytosis assay of DCs was determined by using a flow cytometry method. DCs migration capacity was tested by a Transwell method. We also used ELISA assay and western blotting assay to examine the cytokines and protein expression, respectively. Results Our data showed that carbon ion radiation induced apoptosis in both immature and mature DCs. After irradiation, the endocytosis and migration capacity of DCs was also impaired. Interestingly, carbon irradiation triggered a burst of IFN-γ and IL-12 in LPS or CpG treated DCs, which provide novel insights into the combination of immunotherapy and carbon ion radiotherapy. Finally, we found that carbon ion irradiation induced apoptosis and migration suppression was p38 dependent. Conclusions Our present study demonstrated that carbon ion irradiation induced apoptosis in DCs, and impaired DCs function mainly through the p38 signaling pathway. Carbon ion irradiation also triggered anti-tumor cytokines secretion. This work provides novel information of carbon ion radiotherapy in DCs, and also provides new insights on the combination of immune adjuvant and carbon ion radiotherapy.
Creep behavior of masonry structures - failure prediction based on a rheological model and laboratory tests

The creep behavior is modeled using a rheological model, consisting of several basic springs and dashpots placed in series or in parallel. The global Burgers model has mainly three parts: a Maxwell spring modeling the elastic phase, a Kelvin element representing the primary creep phase and a Maxwell -Bingham element to estimate the secondary creep phase. The tertiary creep phase, leading the masonry to fail, is modeled by adding static and viscous damage parameters respectively to the first and latter component. Qualitatively, this rheological model is capable of describing the creep behaviour in a rational way. The main disadvantage of the model towards its practical applicability however, is the significant number of parame ters involved. Up to 15 parameters need to be estimated based on experimental data. These data are gathered by means of short term compressive tests on masonry wallets, as well as accelerated creep tests on masonry wallets. Additionally, real creep tests are started up to validate the rheological model resulting from the short term data. In the ongoing experimental program at the K.U. Leuven one single type of brick is combined with 4 different types of mor
Mosquito-Borne Human Viral Diseases: Why Aedes aegypti?

Abstract. Although numerous viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, four have caused the most human suffering over the centuries and continuing today. These are the viruses causing yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika fevers. Africa is clearly the ancestral home of yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses and likely the dengue virus. Several species of mosquitoes, primarily in the genus Aedes, have been transmitting these viruses and their direct ancestors among African primates for millennia allowing for coadaptation among viruses, mosquitoes, and primates. One African primate (humans) and one African Aedes mosquito (Aedes aegypti) have escaped Africa and spread around the world. Thus it is not surprising that this native African mosquito is the most efficient vector of these native African viruses to this native African primate. This makes it likely that when the next disease-causing virus comes out of Africa, Ae. aegypti will be the major vector to humans.
S-1-Based Chemotherapy versus Capecitabine-Based Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Gastric Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis

Background Although both oral fluoropyrimidines were reported effective and safe, doubts exist about whether S-1 or capecitabine is more advantageous in advanced gastric carcinoma (AGC). Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the efficacy and safety of S-1-based chemotherapy versus capecitabine-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment for AGC. Methods PubMed/Medline, EmBase, Cochrane library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for articles comparing S-1-based chemotherapy to capecitabine-based chemotherapy for AGC. Primary outcomes were overall response rate (ORR), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), progression-free probability, and survival probability. Secondary outcomes were toxicities. Fixed-effects model were used and all the results were confirmed by random-effects model. Results Five randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies with 821 patients were included. We found equivalent ORR (38.3% vs. 39.1%, odds ratio [OR] 0.92, 95% conﬁdence interval [CI] 0.69-1.24, P = 0.59), TTP (harzad ratio [HR] 0.98, 95% CI 0.82-1.16, P = 0.79), OS (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.87-1.13, P = 0.91), progression-free probability (3-month OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.62-1.68, P = 0.94; 6-month OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.88-2.04, P = 0.18) and survival probability (0.5-year OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.61-1.31, P =0.57; 1-year OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.70- 1.33, P = 0.84; 2-year OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.61-2.17, P = 0.66). Equivalent grade 3 to 4 hematological and non-hematological toxicities were found except hand-foot syndrome was less prominent in S-1-based chemotherapy (0.3% vs. 5.9%, OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.56, P = 0.003). There’re no significant heterogeneity and publication bias. Cumulative analysis found stable time-dependent trend. Consistent results stratified by study design, age, regimen, cycle, country were observed. Conclusion S-1-based chemotherapy was associated with non-inferior antitumor efficacy and better safety profile, compared with capecitabine-based therapy. We recommended S-1 and capecitabine can be used interchangeably for AGC, at least in Asia.
Effects of intensive neuropsychological rehabilitation for acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to examine the effects of a comprehensive neuropsychological rehabilitation programme (Intensive NeuroRehabilitation, INR) on the emotional and behavioural consequences of acquired brain injury (ABI). The participants were 75 adult patients suffering from ABI (33 traumatic brain injury, 14 stroke, 10 tumour, 6 hypoxia, 12 other), all of whom were admitted to the INR treatment programme. The main outcome measures were: general psychological well-being (Symptom-Checklist-90), depression and anxiety (Beck Depression Inventory-II, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory), and quality of life (Quality of Life in Brain Injury). The study was a non-blinded, waiting-list controlled trial. During the waiting-list period no or minimal care was provided. Multivariate analysis of the main outcome measures showed large effect sizes for psychological well-being (partial η2 = .191, p < .001), depression (partial η2 = .168, p < .001), and anxiety (partial η2 = .182, p < .001), and a moderate effect size for quality of life (partial η2 = .130, p = .001). Changes on neuropsychological tests did not differ between the groups. It was concluded that the INR programme improved general psychological well-being, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life. The programme does not affect cognitive functioning.
Making Mental Health a Global Priority

Editor’s Note: At a conference in April in Washington, D.C., the World Bank Group (WBG), together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners kick-started a call to action to governments, international partners, health professionals, and others to find solutions to a rising global mental health problem. Our authors write that mental disorders account for 30 percent of the non-fatal disease burden worldwide and 10 percent of overall disease burden, including death and disability, and that the global cost—estimated to be approximately $2.5 trillion in 2010—is expected to rise to $6 trillion by 2030.
What we can learn from naming errors of children with language impairment at preschool age

ABSTRACT Naming is a complex, multi-level process. It is composed of distinct semantic and phonological levels. Children with naming deficits produce different error types when failing to retrieve the target word. This study explored the error characteristics of children with language impairment compared to those with typical language development. 46 preschool children were tested on a naming test: 16 with language impairment and a naming deficit and 30 with typical language development. The analysis compared types of error in both groups. In a group level, children with language impairment produced different error patterns compared to the control group. Based on naming error analysis and performance on other language tests, two case studies of contrasting profiles suggest different sources for lexical retrieval difficulties in children. The findings reveal differences between the two groups in naming scores and naming errors, and support a qualitative impairment in early development of children with naming deficits. The differing profiles of naming deficits emphasise the importance of including error analysis in the diagnosis.
Performance Analysis of Cache-Enabled Millimeter Wave Small Cell Networks

Millimeter wave (mmWave) small-cell networks can provide high regional throughput, but the backhaul requirement has become a performance bottleneck. This paper proposes a hybrid system that combines traditional backhaul-connected small base stations (SBSs) and cache-enabled SBSs to achieve the maximum area spectral efficiency (ASE) while saving backhaul consumption in mmWave small cell networks. We derive and compare the ASE results for both the traditional and hybrid networks, and also show that the optimal content placement to maximize ASE is to cache the most popular contents. Numerical results demonstrate the performance improvement of deploying cache-enabled SBSs. Furthermore, given a total caching capacity, it is revealed that there is a tradeoff between the cache-enabled SBSs density and individual cache size to maximize the ASE.