Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can 11C-PiB-PET Relative Delivery R1 or 11C-PiB-PET Perfusion Replace 18F-FDG-PET in the Assessment of Brain Neurodegeneration?

Background: Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography (PET) is used to visualize in vivo amyloid plaques in the brain. Frequently the PiB examinations are complemented with a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan to further assess neurodegeneration. Objective: Our goal is to identify alternative correlates of FDG images by assessing which kinetic methods originate PiB derived relative delivery ratio (R1) images that can be correlated with the FDG images, and to compare them with PiB perfusion (pPiB) images obtained from the early-phase of PiB acquisition. Methods: We selected 52 patients with cognitive impairment who underwent a dynamic PiB and FDG acquisitions. To compute the R1 images, two simplified reference tissue models (SRTM and SRTM2) and two multi-linear reference tissue models (MRTM and MRTM2) were used. The pPiB images were obtained in two different time intervals. Results: All six types of images were of good quality and highly correlated with the FDG images (mean voxelwise within-subjects r > 0.92). The higher correlation was found for FDG-R1(MRTM). Regarding the voxelwise regional correlation, the higher mean all brain correlations was r = 0.825 for FDG-R1(MRTM) and statistically significant in the whole brain analysis. Conclusion: All R1 and pPiB images here tested have potential to assess the metabolic impact of neurodegeneration almost as reliably as the FDG images. However, this is not enough to validate these images for a single-subject analysis compared with the FDG image, and thus they cannot yet be used clinically to replace the FDG image before such evaluation.
A small Griko-Italian speech translation corpus

﻿This paper presents an extension to a very low-resource parallel corpus collected in an endangered language, Griko, making it useful for computational research. The corpus consists of 330 utterances (about 2 hours of speech) which have been transcribed and translated in Italian, with annotations for word-level speech-to-transcription and speech-to-translation alignments. The corpus also includes morpho syntactic tags and word-level glosses. Applying an automatic unit discovery method, pseudo-phones were also generated. We detail how the corpus was collected, cleaned and processed, and we illustrate its use on zero-resource tasks by presenting some baseline results for the task of speech-to-translation alignment and unsupervised word discovery. The dataset will be available online, aiming to encourage replicability and diversity in computational language documentation experiments.
Assessing product adulteration of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) herbal medicinal product using DNA barcoding and HPLC analysis

Abstract Context: Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Simaroubaceae) commonly known as Tongkat Ali is one of the most important plants in Malaysia. The plant extracts (particularly roots) are widely used for the treatment of cough and fever besides having antimalarial, antidiabetic, anticancer and aphrodisiac activities. Objectives: This study assesses the extent of adulteration of E. longifolia herbal medicinal products (HMPs) using DNA barcoding validated by HPLC analysis. Materials and methods: Chloroplastic rbcL and nuclear ITS2 barcode regions were used in the present study. The sequences generated from E. longifolia HMPs were compared to sequences in the GenBank using MEGABLAST to verify their taxonomic identity. These results were verified by neighbor-joining tree analysis in which branches of unknown specimen are compared to the reference sequences established from this study and other retrieved from the GenBank. The HMPs were also analysed using HPLC analysis for the presence of eurycomanone bioactive marker. Results: Identification using DNA barcoding revealed that 37% of the tested HMPs were authentic while 27% were adulterated with the ITS2 barcode region proven to be the ideal marker. The validation of the authenticity using HPLC analysis showed a situation in which a species which was identified as authentic was found not to contain the expected chemical compound. Discussion and conclusions: DNA barcoding should be used as the first screening step for testing of HMPs raw materials. However, integration of DNA barcoding with HPLC analysis will help to provide detailed knowledge about the safety and efficacy of the HMPs.
Short‐term high‐fat diet exacerbates insulin resistance and glycolipid metabolism disorders in young obese men with hyperlipidemia, as determined by metabolomics analysis using ultra‐HPLC–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide, and dietary intake is strongly associated with obesity‐related chronic diseases. However, key metabolic perturbations in obese young men with hyperlipidemia after high‐fat diet (HFD) intervention are not yet clear, and remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a short‐term HFD on glycolipid metabolism, insulin resistance (IR), and urinary metabolomic profiling in young obese men with hyperlipidemia.
Fair allocation of combinations of indivisible goods and chores

We consider the problem of fairly dividing a set of items. Much of the fair division literature assumes that the items are `goods' i.e., they yield positive utility for the agents. There is also some work where the items are `chores' that yield negative utility for the agents. In this paper, we consider a more general scenario where an agent may have negative or positive utility for each item. This framework captures, e.g., fair task assignment, where agents can have both positive and negative utilities for each task. We show that whereas some of the positive axiomatic and computational results extend to this more general setting, others do not. We present several new and efficient algorithms for finding fair allocations in this general setting. We also point out several gaps in the literature regarding the existence of allocations satisfying certain fairness and efficiency properties and further study the complexity of computing such allocations.
On exploiting degeneracy to count subgraphs

Motivated by practical applications, we study the complexity of counting the copies of a k-node pattern graph H in an n-node graph G, parameterized by the degeneracy d of G. We develop the source tree decomposition of H , a tree decomposition designed to exploit the degeneracy of G algorithmically to count homomorphisms, and an associated measure of source-treewidth s(H). Combining a simple dynamic programming with inclusion-exclusion arguments, for any given H we can count the homomorphisms from H to G in time f(d, k)·Õ(ns(H)). This allows us to obtain fast algorithms by bounding s(H) for interesting classes of patterns. For instance, we can count the induced or non-induced copies of any pattern faster than the decades-old stateof-the-art O(n ωk 3 ) algorithm of Nešetřil and Poljak [41] as long as d < n or m < n, where m is the number of edges of G. We complement our upper bounds with almost-matching lower bounds based on the Exponential Time Hypothesis [32].
Live Poultry Trading Drives China's H7N9 Viral Evolution and Geographical Network Propagation

The on-going reassortment, human-adapted mutations, and spillover events of novel A(H7N9) avian influenza viruses pose a significant challenge to public health in China and globally. However, our understanding of the factors that disseminate the viruses and drive their geographic distributions is limited. We applied phylogenic analysis to examine the inter-subtype interactions between H7N9 viruses and the closest H9N2 lineages in China during 2010–2014. We reconstructed and compared the inter-provincial live poultry trading and viral propagation network via phylogeographic approach and network similarity technique. The substitution rates of the isolated viruses in live poultry markets and the characteristics of localized viral evolution were also evaluated. We discovered that viral propagation was geographically-structured and followed the live poultry trading network in China, with distinct north-to-east paths of spread and circular transmission between eastern and southern regions. The epicenter of H7N9 has moved from the Shanghai–Zhejiang region to Guangdong Province was also identified. Besides, higher substitution rate was observed among isolates sampled from live poultry markets, especially for those H7N9 viruses. Live poultry trading in China may have driven the network-structured expansion of the novel H7N9 viruses. From this perspective, long-distance geographic expansion of H7N9 were dominated by live poultry movements, while at local scales, diffusion was facilitated by live poultry markets with highly-evolved viruses.
Correlation of two radioimmunoassay systems for measuring plasma pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins concentrations during early pregnancy and postpartum periods in water buffalo

This is the first time that PAG determination using two different antisera raised against PAG molecules purified from both caprine (RIA-706) and bubaline placentas (RIA-860) is reported in water buffalo. Ninety-eight buffalo cows, belonging to a buffalo herd subjected to a synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) programme, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken on days 0 (AI), 23, 25, 28, 30 and 45. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography on days 28 and 45. The blood of 20 buffaloes that had calved was tested every five days from the day of calving until day 50 postcalving. Differences in PAG concentrations were observed between pregnant and nonpregnant buffaloes starting from day 23 post AI using both RIA-706 and RIA-860 (p < 0.001). However, estimated mean concentrations of PAG measured by RIA-706 were higher than RIA-860 (p < 0.001) and Bland-Altman analysis showed biases ranged from 0.0 ng/ml at day 23 to 0.79 ng/ml at day 28 post AI. Moreover, RIA-706 showed greater sensitivity and accuracy both at 23 and 25 days of pregnancy. RIA-706 and RIA-860 decreased below 1 ng/ml from 40 and 30 days postpartum, respectively, suggesting that PAG are better recognized by the antisera raised against the caprine PAG in the postpartum period also. This is essential when using PAG as an appropriate marker of early pregnancy after postpartum for detecting new pregnancies. The results of this study show that the ability of RIA systems to recognize early PAG could be improved using antisera raised against PAG molecules isolated from caprine placenta.
Mild Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Astrocytic Activation and Blood-Brain Barrier Hyperpermeability

Recent research has revealed that uncontrolled chronic neuroinflammation is closely associated with diverse neurodegenerative diseases, by impairing blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and astrocytic reaction. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is conventionally linked to the loss of neuronal structure and function and should be widely attenuated. This notion has been questioned by recent experimental studies, which have shown that non-harmful levels of ER stress had numerous beneficial roles against neurodegeneration, including neuroprotection and inhibition of cytokine production. Here, we investigated the mild ER stress-based regulation of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in astrocytes. Primary astrocytes were exposed to tunicamycin (TM), a compound that activates ER stress, with or without the ER-stress inhibitor sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) before LPS treatment. Astrocytic activation, proinflammatory factor production, and the extent of ER stress were assessed. In addition, the effect of mild ER stress on astrocytes and BBB function was determined in vivo. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received intracerebroventricular injections of TM with or without intraperitoneal 4-PBA before LPS administration. The levels of astrocytic activation and BBB permeability were measured after treatment. Our results showed that lower doses of TM resulted in a mild ER-stress response without inducing cytotoxicity and tissue toxicity. Non-toxic ER-stress preconditioning ameliorated LPS-induced overactivation and inflammatory responses in astrocytes. Moreover, pre-exposure to non-lethal doses of TM improved LPS-induced BBB impairment and cognitive ability dysfunction in rats. However, 4-PBA, reversed the protective effect of TM preconditioning in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that mild ER stress (“preconditioning”) can alleviate LPS-induced astrocytic activation and BBB disruption. Our findings provide a better understanding for the regulatory role of ER stress in neuroinflammation and indicate that mild ER stress might have therapeutic value for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Hyperproinsulinemia in obesity and in type 2 diabetes and its relation to cardiovascular disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Disproportionately elevated fasting levels of proinsulin immunoreactive material (PIM)relative to insulin immunoreactivity (IRI) are a well-established abnormality in type 2 diabetes. Thesignificance of this abnormality has been investigated and discussed in several studies. Areas covered: The present review focuses on the role of proinsulin and its conversion intermediates inthe development of type 2 diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance, and the potential role as a marker ofcardiovascular risk, including the most important studies in this field. Expert commentary: The composition of plasma PIM is heterogeneous comprising des(31,32)-proinsulin,intact proinsulin and small amounts of des(64,65)-proinsulin. Disproportionate hyperproinsulinemiaseems to occur early in the development and before the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and seemsassociated to disease progression. Obesity and insulin resistance does not influence fasting PIM/IRI levels in type 2 diabetes. Fasting PIM/IRI levels in type 2 diabetes are closely associated with the degree of impairment in insulin secretory capacity. Different type 2 diabetes alleles have been described associated with elevated PIM/IRI levels. Recent data suggests that proinsulin and its conversion intermediates may have a role as markers of increased risk of cardiovascular disease in glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes.
Stiffness modification of photopolymerizable gelatin‐methacrylate hydrogels influences endothelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

For stem cell differentiation, the microenvironment can play an important role, and hydrogels can provide a three‐dimensional microenvironment to allow native cell growth in vitro. A challenge is that the stem cell's differentiation can be influenced by the matrix stiffness. We demonstrate a low‐toxicity method to create different stiffness matrices, by using a photopolymerizable gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel cross‐linked by blue light (440 nm). The stiffness and porosity of GelMA hydrogel is easily modified by altering its concentration. We used human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a cell source and cultured the GelMA‐encapsulated cells with EGM‐2 medium to induce endothelial differentiation. In our GelMA blue light hydrogel system, we found that MSCs can be differentiated into both endothelial‐like and osteogenic‐like cells. The mRNA expressions of endothelial cell markers CD31, von Willebrand factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2, and CD34 were significantly increased in softer GelMA hydrogels (7.5% and 10%) compared with stiffer matrices (15% GelMA). On the other hand, the enhancements of osteogenic markers mRNA expressions (Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runx2, osteocalcin, and osteopontin) were highest in 10% GelMA. We also found that 10% GelMA hydrogel offered optimal conditions for MSCs to form capillary‐like structures. These results suggest that the mechanical properties of the GelMA hydrogel can influence both endothelial and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and sequent capillary‐like formation.
Somatostatin analogs, cabergoline and pegvisomant: comparing the efficacy of medical treatment for acromegaly

ABSTRACT Introduction: Therapies for acromegaly aim at normalizing hormonal excess and controlling tumor growth . Therapeutic approaches are surgery, pharmacotherapy and radiotherapy. Area covered: This review focuses on the role of medical therapy of acromegaly, comparing the efficacy of somatostatin analogues (SSA), dopamine-agonists (DA) and pegvisomant (PEG), the three available drug classes for treating acromegaly. To clarify the difference in response rates reported in the literature for these therapies, we performed a search for original articles published in PubMed. SSA represent the first-line approach to medical treatment. This therapy is effective in controlling acromegaly in about 40% of patients, however there are great differences in the reported hormonal efficacy of SSA in the different series. In patients partially resistant to SSA, cabergoline can be added when hormonal levels are close to normalization, resulting effective in control IGF-I levels in 43% of patients. In patients with higher hormonal levels PEG is indicated, normalizing IGF-I levels in 79.8% and 80.6% of cases when used in monotherapy or in combination with SSA. Pasireotide, the newly developed SSA multi-ligand receptor, represents a new option in SSA resistant patients. Expert commentary: Medical therapy represents an important therapeutic option resulting safe and effective in controlling acromegaly in a high percentage of patients. The best treatment should be individually tailored for each patient, taking into account sex, age, comorbidities, tumor characteristics and hormonal levels.
Large-Scale Weakly Labeled Semi-Supervised Sound Event Detection in Domestic Environments

This paper presents DCASE 2018 task 4. The task evaluates systems for the large-scale detection of sound events using weakly labeled data (without time boundaries). The target of the systems is to provide not only the event class but also the event time boundaries given that multiple events can be present in an audio recording. Another challenge of the task is to explore the possibility to exploit a large amount of unbalanced and unlabeled training data together with a small weakly labeled training set to improve system performance. The data are Youtube video excerpts from domestic context which have many applications such as ambient assisted living. The domain was chosen due to the scientific challenges (wide variety of sounds, time-localized events. .) and potential industrial applications .
A post-processing method to improve the white matter hyperintensity segmentation accuracy for randomly-initialized U-net

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is commonly found in elder individuals and appears to be associated with brain diseases. U-net is a convolutional network that has been widely used for biomedical image segmentation. Recently, U-net has been successfully applied to WMH segmentation. Random initialization is usally used to initialize the model weights in the U-net. However, the model may coverage to different local optima with different randomly initialized weights. We find a combination of thresholding and averaging the outputs of U-nets with different random initializations can largely improve the WMH segmentation accuracy. Based on this observation, we propose a post-processing technique concerning the way how averaging and thresholding are conducted. Specifically, we first transfer the score maps from three U-nets to binary masks via thresholding and then average those binary masks to obtain the final WMH segmentation. Both quantitative analysis (via the Dice similarity coefficient) and qualitative analysis (via visual examinations) reveal the superior performance of the proposed method. This post-processing technique is independent of the model used. As such, it can also be applied to situations where other deep learning models are employed, especially when random initialization is adopted and pre-training is unavailable.
How Generative Adversarial Networks and Their Variants Work

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have received wide attention in the machine learning field for their potential to learn high-dimensional, complex real data distribution. Specifically, they do not rely on any assumptions about the distribution and can generate real-like samples from latent space in a simple manner. This powerful property allows GANs to be applied to various applications such as image synthesis, image attribute editing, image translation, domain adaptation, and other academic fields. In this article, we discuss the details of GANs for those readers who are familiar with, but do not comprehend GANs deeply or who wish to view GANs from various perspectives. In addition, we explain how GANs operates and the fundamental meaning of various objective functions that have been suggested recently. We then focus on how the GAN can be combined with an autoencoder framework. Finally, we enumerate the GAN variants that are applied to various tasks and other fields for those who are interested in exploiting GANs for their research.
Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often begins during adolescence or early adulthood and persists throughout the lifespan. Randomized controlled trials support the efficacy of selective serotonin and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs, respectively), as well as benzodiazepines, azapirones, anti-adrenergic medications, melatonin analogs, second-generation antipsychotics, kava, and lavender oil in GAD. However, psychopharmacologic treatment selection requires clinicians to consider multiple factors, including age, co-morbidity, and prior treatment. Areas covered: The authors review the literature concerning pharmacotherapy for pediatric and adult patients with GAD with specific commentary on the efficacy and tolerability of selected agents in these age groups. The authors describe an algorithmic approach to the pediatric and adult patient with GAD and highlight considerations for the use of selected medications in these patients. Expert opinion: In adults with GAD, SSRIs and SNRIs represent the first-line psychopharmacologic treatment while second-line pharmacotherapies include buspirone, benzodiazepines, SGAs, and pregabalin. In pediatric patients with GAD, SSRIs should be considered the first line pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy enhances antidepressant response.