Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical determinants, intercorrelations, and relevance of movement speed components in elite junior tennis players

ABSTRACT Movement speed is considered essential for success in elite tennis. The aim of the present study was to develop a model of movement speed components and quantify their age – and gender-related relevance for tennis performance. Physical testing data obtained from 1,434 nationally ranked junior squad tennis players were divided according to the age at peak height velocity (YPHV) into two age groups (pre-PHV: n=103 girls, 11.7 ± 0.6 yrs.; n=466 boys, 12.7 ± 1.0 yrs.; post-PHV: n=524 girls, 14.2 ± 1.4 yrs.; n=344 boys, 15.3 ± 1.2 yrs.). After assessing anthropometrics and maturity status, all players passed a series of standardized physical tests on an indoor hard court. All data were z-standardized, filtered and sorted by gender, maturity level, and ranking position. The structuring of the speed-related performance parameters resulted in four factors (“Elementary Speed”, “Jumping Power”, “Linear Speed”, and “COD Speed”), which were then confirmed by factor analysis. The correlation of these factors to the national ranking position was mostly significant but rather low, with “Linear Speed” reaching the lowest (r=0.10–0.18) and “COD Speed” the highest correlation (r=0.22–0.34). Path analytic models revealed “COD Speed” as the most important factor, which is strongly influenced by “Jumping Power” and “Linear Speed,” with medium effect sizes, while “Elementary Speed” affects this factor only slightly. It can be concluded that the relationship between movement speed and junior players’ tennis ranking is lower than expected. The development of “COD Speed” should be prioritized during testing, training, and talent identification, independent of age group and gender. Highlights Performance parameters for 1,434 junior players with national rankings were analyzed and assigned to four superior factors. The impact of the factors on the ranking position, as well as the internal causal relationships, were investigated via path analysis. “COD Speed” was the most impactful factor for tennis performance and was strongly influenced by “Linear Speed” and “Jumping Power. ”
Management of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in females

Abstract This review explores the challenges in the diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the transition of care from paediatric to adult care and the considerable health implications of this condition. The role gynaecologists and general practitioners have in managing hormone replacement therapy and reproductive potential is also highlighted. The fertility treatment options, which include ovulation induction with gonadotrophins and in-vitro fertilisation, are discussed in detail along with highlighting the fact that anovulation and markers of low ovarian reserve prior to priming treatment may not be reflective of poor reproductive potential. The holistic management of women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is still not standardised and evidence for subfertility management is scarce. This review aims to highlight this concern and provide guidance by evaluating current evidence.
Bioinformatics screening of ETV4 transcription factor oncogenes and identifying small‐molecular anticancer drugs

This bioinformatics study aimed to identify ETV4 transcription factor oncogenes and outline anticancer drugs for these genes. First, we collected known 61 ETV4 cancer targets that were framed as two classes of queries to screen against the multiomics resources in GeneMANIA. This method accessed and added functionally similar 20 genes to each set. These data were interpreted by hub genes, network clustering, gene ontology, and pathway analyses, and the results confirmed that all resultant genes were cancer promoters. The ETS‐binding motifs were identified from the promoter regions of these genes. Thus, 23 ETV4 targets were figured and those involved in oncogenesis were filtered as the following 16 putative nodes: MMP8, MMP14, KDR, BRIP1, CXCR1, GRB14, SHC2, SHC4, SH2B1, SH2B2, INPPL1, PTPN3, GNG12, SEMA4D, RHOA, and SPSB2. The transcriptional regulation of these oncogenes was coordinated by an extensive miRNA network that found to deregulate many cancer pathways. Using DgIb database, the high quality 6 oncogene‐drug combinations (MMP8‐CHEMBL1231240, MMP8‐Aminomethylamide, CXCR1‐Reparixin, SEMA4D‐Pepinemab, RHOA‐Clausine E, and SPSB2‐CHEMBL175296) were proposed. These findings may advance our understanding of novel neoplastic gene nexus of ETV4 and design treatment strategies for its modulation.
Dietary Macronutrient Imbalances Lead to Compensatory Changes in Peripheral Taste via Independent Signaling Pathways

Food choice, in animals, has been known to change with internal nutritional state and also with variable dietary conditions. To better characterize mechanisms of diet-induced plasticity of food preference in Drosophila melanogaster, we synthesized diets with macronutrient imbalances and examined how food choice and taste sensitivity were modified in flies that fed on these diets. We found that dietary macronutrient imbalances caused compensatory behavioral shifts in both sexes to increase preference for the macronutrient that was scant in the food source, and simultaneously reduce preference for the macronutrient that was enriched. Further analysis with females revealed analogous changes in sweet taste responses in labellar neurons, with increased sensitivity on sugar-reduced diet and decreased sensitivity on sugar-enriched diet. Interestingly, we found differences in the onset of changes in taste sensitivity and behavior, which occur over 1–4 d, in response to dietary sugar reduction or enrichment. To investigate molecular mechanisms responsible for diet-induced taste modulation, we used candidate gene and transcriptome analyses. Our results indicate that signaling via Dop2R is involved in increasing cellular and behavioral sensitivity to sugar as well as in decreasing behavioral sensitivity to amino acids on dietary sugar reduction. On the other hand, cellular and behavioral sensitivity to sugar relies on dilp5 and a decrease in sugar preference following dietary sugar abundance was correlated with downregulation of dilp5. Together, our results suggest that feeding preference for sugar and amino acid can be modulated independently to facilitate food choice that accounts for prior dietary experience. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Animals adjust their feeding preferences based on prior dietary experiences. Here, we find that upon dietary macronutrient deprivation, flies undergo compensatory changes in food preference. The altered preference correlates with changes in peripheral taste sensitivity. While Dop2R mediates changes following dietary sugar reduction, downregulation of dilp5 is associated with changes caused by a sugar-enriched diet. This study contributes to a better understanding of neurophysiological plasticity of the taste system in flies, and its role in facilitating adjustment of foraging behavior based on nutritional requirements.
Modeling of time-varying ultra wideband multiple-input multiple-output channel

Ultra wideband (UWB) communication is a promising technology for achieving high data rate wireless communications. UWB transmission can be operated in the range of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz with low transmission power to prevent interference with other wireless systems. However, the low transmission power of the UWB signal limits the coverage distance of the UWB system. By using diversity techniques such as the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme, enhancement in the communication range can be obtained without compromising data rate. For the purposes of system and network design, it is always important to understand the behavior of the MIMO - UWB channel through modeling. In this paper, we propose a method to derive the synthesis equation for the time-varying MIMO-UWB channel in the time scale-domain. The channel modeling is based on the MIMO correlative modeling approach. The channel operator is represented as a fourth order tensor and the synthesis equation is derived and illustrated. The UWB correlation matrix was plotted for the stationary situation. The results show the importance of the off-diagonal channel correlation elements on the MIMO-UWB channel.
Self-perceived recovery and quality of life in elderly patients surviving ICU-admission for abdominal sepsis

Introduction Concern for loss of physical performance and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) may raise doubts regarding the meaningfulness of an Intensive Care (ICU) admission in elderly patients. We evaluated self-perceived long-term recovery and satisfaction in elderly surviving an abdominal sepsis related ICU-admission and related this to objective measures of HRQoL. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was performed in all ICU-survivors with age ≥70 admitted with abdominal sepsis. HRQoL, frailty and self-perceived long-term recovery were measured using the EQ-5D-3L, Groningen Frailty Indicator, and a self-developed questionnaire, respectively. Results Of 144 patients admitted, 48 were alive at follow up (2.42 [0.92; 3.83] years), and 29 (60%) returned the survey. Eleven patients out of 29 (38%) recovered to baseline functioning, and reported higher HRQoL compared to unrecovered patients (0.861 [0.807; 1.000] and 0.753 [0.499; 0.779] respectively, p=0.005). Of the unrecovered patients, 53% were satisfied with their functioning, and 94% were willing to return to ICU. Conclusions Mortality in elderly patients with abdominal sepsis is high and ICU-admission should be weighed carefully. However, despite substantial functional decline in survivors, it does not necessarily cause self-perceived unsatisfactory functioning, poor HRQoL and unwillingness to receive life-sustaining therapy again. Caution is advised to use an anticipated loss of functioning as an argument to deny an ICU-admission.
An Open-Source Deep Learning Network for Reconstruction of High-Resolution OCT Angiograms of Retinal Intermediate and Deep Capillary Plexuses

Purpose We propose a deep learning–based image reconstruction algorithm to produce high-resolution optical coherence tomographic angiograms (OCTA) of the intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). Methods In this study, 6-mm × 6-mm macular scans with a 400 × 400 A-line sampling density and 3-mm × 3-mm scans with a 304 × 304 A-line sampling density were acquired on one or both eyes of 180 participants (including 230 eyes with diabetic retinopathy and 44 healthy controls) using a 70-kHz commercial OCT system (RTVue-XR; Optovue, Inc., Fremont, California, USA). Projection-resolved OCTA algorithm removed projection artifacts in voxel. ICP and DCP angiograms were generated by maximum projection of the OCTA signal within the respective plexus. We proposed a deep learning–based method, which receives inputs from registered 3-mm × 3-mm ICP and DCP angiograms with proper sampling density as the ground truth reference to reconstruct 6-mm × 6-mm high-resolution ICP and DCP en face OCTA. We applied the same network on 3-mm × 3-mm angiograms to enhance these images further. We evaluated the reconstructed 3-mm × 3-mm and 6-mm × 6-mm angiograms based on vascular connectivity, Weber contrast, false flow signal (flow signal erroneously generated from background), and the noise intensity in the foveal avascular zone. Results Compared to the originals, the Deep Capillary Angiogram Reconstruction Network (DCARnet)–enhanced 6-mm × 6-mm angiograms had significantly reduced noise intensity (ICP, 7.38 ± 25.22, P < 0.001; DCP, 11.20 ± 22.52, P < 0.001), improved vascular connectivity (ICP, 0.95 ± 0.01, P < 0.001; DCP, 0.96 ± 0.01, P < 0.001), and enhanced Weber contrast (ICP, 4.25 ± 0.10, P < 0.001; DCP, 3.84 ± 0.84, P < 0.001), without generating false flow signal when noise intensity lower than 650. The DCARnet-enhanced 3-mm × 3-mm angiograms also reduced noise, improved connectivity, and enhanced Weber contrast in 3-mm × 3-mm ICP and DCP angiograms from 101 eyes. In addition, DCARnet preserved the appearance of the dilated vessels in the reconstructed angiograms in diabetic eyes. Conclusions DCARnet can enhance 3-mm × 3-mm and 6-mm × 6-mm ICP and DCP angiogram image quality without introducing artifacts. Translational Relevance The enhanced 6-mm × 6-mm angiograms may be easier for clinicians to interpret qualitatively.
Structure, Function, and Pharmacology of Glutamate Receptor Ion Channels

Many physiologic effects of l-glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, are mediated via signaling by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). These ligand-gated ion channels are critical to brain function and are centrally implicated in numerous psychiatric and neurologic disorders. There are different classes of iGluRs with a variety of receptor subtypes in each class that play distinct roles in neuronal functions. The diversity in iGluR subtypes, with their unique functional properties and physiologic roles, has motivated a large number of studies. Our understanding of receptor subtypes has advanced considerably since the first iGluR subunit gene was cloned in 1989, and the research focus has expanded to encompass facets of biology that have been recently discovered and to exploit experimental paradigms made possible by technological advances. Here, we review insights from more than 3 decades of iGluR studies with an emphasis on the progress that has occurred in the past decade. We cover structure, function, pharmacology, roles in neurophysiology, and therapeutic implications for all classes of receptors assembled from the subunits encoded by the 18 ionotropic glutamate receptor genes. Significance Statement Glutamate receptors play important roles in virtually all aspects of brain function and are either involved in mediating some clinical features of neurological disease or represent a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of this class of receptors will advance our understanding of many aspects of brain function at molecular, cellular, and system levels and provide new opportunities to treat patients.
From the Neuroscience of Individual Variability to Climate Change

Years of basic neuroscience on the modulation of the small circuits found in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion have led us to study the effects of temperature on the motor patterns produced by the stomatogastric ganglion. While the impetus for this work was the study of individual variability in the parameters determining intrinsic and synaptic conductances, we are confronting substantial fluctuations in the stability of the networks to extreme temperature; these may correlate with changes in ocean temperature. Interestingly, when studied under control conditions, these wild-caught animals appear to be unchanged, but it is only when challenged by extreme temperatures that we reveal the consequences of warming oceans.
A new approach for high-input impedance in voltage mode filters using first-generation current conveyor in place of second-generation current conveyor

An advantage of the second-generation current conveyor (CCII) over the first-generation current conveyor (CCI) is its high-input impedance Y terminal. Thus, CCII offers cascadable voltage mode filter realisations with little efforts. However, in case of CCI this feature is difficult to achieve. This article presents a case where the CCI is able to provide cascadability for some voltage mode filter topologies, where the CCII is not. The presented approach is applied to some filter circuits from the literature and new circuits are derived with cascadability feature. Simulations are performed to verify the theoretical results.
Extracting Circadian and Sleep Parameters from Longitudinal Data in Schizophrenia for the Design of Pragmatic Light Interventions

Abstract Sleep and circadian rhythm dysfunction is prevalent in schizophrenia, is associated with distress and poorer clinical status, yet remains an under-recognized therapeutic target. The development of new therapies requires the identification of the primary drivers of these abnormalities. Understanding of the regulation of sleep–wake timing is now sufficiently advanced for mathematical model-based analyses to identify the relative contribution of endogenous circadian processes, behavioral or environmental influences on sleep-wake disturbance and guide the development of personalized treatments. Here, we have elucidated factors underlying disturbed sleep-wake timing by applying a predictive mathematical model for the interaction of light and the circadian and homeostatic regulation of sleep to actigraphy, light, and melatonin profiles from 20 schizophrenia patients and 21 age-matched healthy unemployed controls, and designed interventions which restored sleep-circadian function. Compared to controls, those with schizophrenia slept longer, had more variable sleep timing, and received significantly fewer hours of bright light (light > 500 lux), which was associated with greater variance in sleep timing. Combining the model with the objective data revealed that non 24-h sleep could be best explained by reduced light exposure rather than differences in intrinsic circadian period. Modeling implied that late sleep offset and non 24-h sleep timing in schizophrenia can be normalized by changes in environmental light–dark profiles, without imposing major lifestyle changes. Aberrant timing and intensity of light exposure patterns are likely causal factors in sleep timing disturbances in schizophrenia. Implementing our new model-data framework in clinical practice could deliver personalized and acceptable light–dark interventions that normalize sleep-wake timing.
To be a Transportation Engineer or Not?

The transportation industry faces a growing shortage of professional engineers. A key strategy in solving this problem will be to encourage more civil engineering students to specialize in transportation while completing their undergraduate degree so that employers have a larger pool of likely recruits. This paper examines the factors that lead civil engineering undergraduates to specialize in transportation, as opposed to other civil engineering subdisciplines. The primary method used was a web-based survey of 1,852 civil engineering undergraduates. The study results suggest steps the transportation community can take to increase the number of civil engineering undergraduates who choose to specialize in transportation. Educators need to introduce material into required freshman and sophomore courses that shows the range of dynamic career possibilities available in the transportation field, and employers need to increase and better publicize transportation internships.
ROS-induced dramatic lipid changes in Arabidopsis

ABSTRACT Objectives: The beneficial role of ROS was probably in promoting intercellular communication by modifying membrane constituents [Liang D. A salutary role of reactive oxygen species in intercellular tunnel-mediated communication. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2018;6:2]. We investigated how the membrane lipids were responding to ROS and ROS inhibitors. Methods: To examine how ROS affected the lipid profiles, we used thin-layer chromatography to characterize lipid profiles in Arabidopsis plants. Then, the confocal microscopy imaging was used to confirm the change of membrane lipid in a plasma membrane marker line exposed to ROS and ROS inhibitors. Results: We found the relative contents of most lipids in H2O2-treated Arabidopsis plants were increased in roots, rather than in shoots. The increased fluorescent signal of membrane marker induced by H2O2 was mainly enriched in the conductive parts of roots. Several ROS inhibitors also strongly affected the lipid profiles. Among them, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) can progressively change the lipid profiles with treatment going on. Membrane marker signal was mainly accumulated in the root tips and epidermal cells after treatment by DDC. Discussion: H2O2 may enhance intercellular communication by inducing different lipid species in the conductive parts of roots. The lipid profiles were widely responding to various ROS reagents and might play a role in intercellular signaling.
Home-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation is Effective in Frail COPD Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure.

Daily life disability and vulnerability is often reported in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic respiratory failure. Although pulmonary rehabilitation is feasible in this population, its benefits on functional status and physical frailty is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the short- and medium-term effectiveness of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure. We also evaluate the impact of frailty status on the efficacy of the intervention. Forty-seven participants underwent an 8-week home-based program. Functional capacity, physical frailty (Fried criteria), exercise tolerance, health-related quality of life, general fatigue, and anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline (M0), and at 8 weeks (M2) and 8 months (M8) following study inclusion. For the group as a whole, functional capacity, physical frailty, health-related quality of life and fatigue scores were all improved at M2 and M8 (p<0.05), while exercise tolerance and depressive symptoms were only improved at M8 (p<0.01). However, when the group was divided according to frailty status, only the frails patients had improved health related quality of life, general fatigue, and anxiety and depressive symptoms scores after PR (p<0.05). In COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure, home-based pulmonary rehabilitation may be effective for improving functional capacity, physical frailty and health related quality of life at short- and medium-term. Physical frailty was not a barrier for benefiting from the intervention, and almost 80% of the patients who were frail prior to the program improved their frailty status after pulmonary rehabilitation.
Intelligent sampling decision scheme based on the AVM system

Wafer inspection plays a significant role in monitoring the quality of wafers production for continuous improvement. However, it requires measuring tools and additional cycle time to do real metrology, which is costly and time-consuming. Therefore, reducing sampling rate to as low as possible is a high priority to reduce production cost. Several sampling methods in the literature were proposed to achieve this goal. They utilised real sampling inspections as the representatives for the other related wafers to monitor the whole production process. Under the condition of stable manufacturing process, virtual metrology (VM) may be applied to monitor the quality of wafers, while real metrology is unavailable. Therefore, the sampling rate may further be reduced with a sampling decision scheme being designed according to reliable VM. Nevertheless, once a new production variation occurs between planned samplings and no real metrology is available during this period for updating the VM models, un-reliable VM predictions may be produced. The authors have developed the automatic virtual metrology (AVM) system for various VM applications. Therefore, this paper focuses on applying various indices of the AVM system to develop an intelligent sampling decision scheme for reducing sampling rate, while VM accuracy is still sustained.