Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noradrenaline plays a critical role in the switch to a manic episode and treatment of a depressive episode

Although antidepressants may increase the risk of switching to mania in bipolar disorder (BD), clinicians have been using antidepressants to treat patients with bipolar depression. Appropriate treatments for bipolar depression remain controversial. In BD, antidepressants comprise a double-edged sword in terms of their efficacy in treating depression and the increased risk of switching. This review presents an important table outlining the benefit in terms of depression improvement and the risk of switching in the clinical setting. It also proposes strategies based on the characteristics of antidepressants such as their pharmacology, specifically the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of the noradrenaline transporter. This table will be useful for clinicians while considering benefit and risk. Antidepressants augmenting noradrenaline may be effective in bipolar depression. However, it is easily presumed that such antidepressants may also have a risk of switching to mania. Therefore, antidepressants augmenting noradrenaline will be the recommended treatment in combination with an antimanic agent, or they may be used for short-term treatment and early discontinuation. The corresponding medical treatment guidelines probably need to be reevaluated and updated based on biological backgrounds. From previous studies, we understand that the stability of noradrenaline levels is important for BD amelioration, based on the pathophysiology of the disorder. It is hoped that researchers will reevaluate BD by conducting studies involving noradrenaline.
Dedicated Entropy Measures for Early Assessment of Pregnancy Progression From Single-Channel Electrohysterography

<italic>Objective</italic>: Preterm birth is a large-scale clinical problem involving over 10% of infants. Diagnostic means for timely risk assessment are lacking and the underlying physiological mechanisms unclear. To improve the evaluation of pregnancy before term, we introduce dedicated entropy measures derived from a single-channel electrohysterogram (EHG). <italic>Methods</italic>: The estimation of approximate entropy (ApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn) is adjusted to monitor variations in the regularity of single-channel EHG recordings, reflecting myoelectrical changes due to pregnancy progression. In particular, modifications in the tolerance metrics are introduced for improving robustness to EHG amplitude fluctuations. An extensive database of 58 EHG recordings with 4 monopolar channels in women presenting with preterm contractions was manually annotated and used for validation. The methods were tested for their ability to recognize the onset of labor and the risk of preterm birth. Comparison with the best single-channel methods according to the literature was performed. <italic>Results</italic>: The reference methods were outperformed. SampEn and ApEn produced the best prediction of delivery, although only one channel showed a significant difference (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p <0.04$</tex-math></inline-formula>) between labor and nonlabor. The modified ApEn produced the best prediction of preterm delivery, showing statistical significance (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p <0.02$</tex-math></inline-formula>) in three channels. These results were also confirmed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and fivefold cross validation. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: The use of dedicated entropy estimators improves the diagnostic value of EHG analysis earlier in pregnancy. <italic>Significance</italic>: Our results suggest that changes in the EHG might manifest early in pregnancy, providing relevant prognostic opportunities for pregnancy monitoring by a practical single-channel solution.
Cross-Cultural Agreement in Facial Attractiveness Preferences: The Role of Ethnicity and Gender

Previous work showed high agreement in facial attractiveness preferences within and across cultures. The aims of the current study were twofold. First, we tested cross-cultural agreement in the attractiveness judgements of White Scottish and Black South African students for own- and other-ethnicity faces. Results showed significant agreement between White Scottish and Black South African observers' attractiveness judgements, providing further evidence of strong cross-cultural agreement in facial attractiveness preferences. Second, we tested whether cross-cultural agreement is influenced by the ethnicity and/or the gender of the target group. White Scottish and Black South African observers showed significantly higher agreement for Scottish than for African faces, presumably because both groups are familiar with White European facial features, but the Scottish group are less familiar with Black African facial features. Further work investigating this discordance in cross-cultural attractiveness preferences for African faces show that Black South African observers rely more heavily on colour cues when judging African female faces for attractiveness, while White Scottish observers rely more heavily on shape cues. Results also show higher cross-cultural agreement for female, compared to male faces, albeit not significantly higher. The findings shed new light on the factors that influence cross-cultural agreement in attractiveness preferences.
Mission hazard potential : a method for assessing mission creep effects

Received 27 October 2016 Accepted 20 October 2017 Abstract—All acquisition programs are designed to achieve a specific mission objective or set of objectives, usually stated in the concept of operations (CONOPS). As systems transition from design to operations, these CONOPS should evolve and change in step with evolving missions. However, system development is not always capable of keeping pace with a changing mission structure. As a result of these changing missions, system safety (SS) and human-system integration (HSI) issues may be introduced. The authors explore this phenomenon and develop a measure, known as the mission hazard potential, to evaluate the potential for a mission change to result in SS or HSI issues. This novel approach is demonstrated on an example problem.
Uncertainty-Aware Organ Classification for Surgical Data Science Applications in Laparoscopy

Objective: Surgical data science is evolving into a research field that aims to observe everything occurring within and around the treatment process to provide situation-aware data-driven assistance. In the context of endoscopic video analysis, the accurate classification of organs in the field of view of the camera proffers a technical challenge. Herein, we propose a new approach to anatomical structure classification and image tagging that features an intrinsic measure of confidence to estimate its own performance with high reliability and which can be applied to both RGB and multispectral imaging (MI) data. Methods: Organ recognition is performed using a superpixel classification strategy based on textural and reflectance information. Classification confidence is estimated by analyzing the dispersion of class probabilities. Assessment of the proposed technology is performed through a comprehensive in vivo study with seven pigs. Results: When applied to image tagging, mean accuracy in our experiments increased from 65% (RGB) and 80% (MI) to 90% (RGB) and 96% (MI) with the confidence measure. Conclusion: Results showed that the confidence measure had a significant influence on the classification accuracy, and MI data are better suited for anatomical structure labeling than RGB data. Significance: This paper significantly enhances the state of art in automatic labeling of endoscopic videos by introducing the use of the confidence metric, and by being the first study to use MI data for in vivo laparoscopic tissue classification. The data of our experiments will be released as the first in vivo MI dataset upon publication of this paper.
T-loop force system with and without vertical step using finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of vertical steps on a T-loop force system at three interbracket distances (IBDs) and their association with V-bends. MATERIALS AND METHODS Loop response during simulated loop pulling was determined for 18 T-loop configurations (6-, 9-, and 12-mm IBD with a 2.5-mm canine bracket (CB) end and 0- (plain), 0.5-, or 1-mm vertical step). Loop length-by-height was 8 × 8 or 10 × 10 mm. Horizontal load/deflection, vertical force (Fy), and moment-to-force (M/F) ratios at loop ends were determined for 100-g and 200-g activation by finite element analysis. RESULTS Plain, 12-mm IBD T-loops showed similar force and moment responses as off-centered V-bends (greater moment close to V-bend) without change in moment direction at the premolar bracket (PB) end; plain, 6-mm IBD T-loop responses were similar to those of centered V-bends (equal, opposing moments at each end). Adding vertical steps to the T-loops raised the M/F ratio at the PB ends enough to produce root movement, while lowering the M/F ratios at the CB ends. Increasing the step bends for shorter IBDs increased Fys and caused rapid changes in M/F ratios. Unlike plain T-loops, increasing activation in stepped T-loops caused substantial variations in M/F ratios and in amount and direction of Fys. CONCLUSIONS Step bends can dramatically change the force system. Stepped T-loops display combined effects of V-bends and step bends.
Levosimendan for Perioperative Cardioprotection: Myth or Reality?

Background: Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer drug causing increased contractility in the myocardium and vasodilation in the vascular system. It is mainly used for the therapy of acute decompensated heart failure. Several studies on animals and humans provided evidence of the cardioprotective properties of levosimendan including preconditioning and anti-apoptotic. In view of these favorable effects, levosimendan has been tested in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for the prevention or treatment of low cardiac output syndrome. However, initial positive results from small studies have not been confirmed in three recent large trials. Aim: To summarize levosimendan mechanisms of action and clinical use and to review available evidence on its perioperative use in a cardiac surgery setting. Methods: We searched two electronic medical databases for randomized controlled trials studying levosimendan in cardiac surgery patients, ranging from January 2000 to August 2017. Meta-analyses, consensus documents and retrospective studies were also reviewed. Results: In the selected interval of time, 54 studies on the use of levosimendan in heart surgery have been performed. Early small size studies and meta-analyses have suggested that perioperative levosimendan infusion could diminish mortality and other adverse outcomes (i.e. intensive care unit stay and need for inotropic support). Instead, three recent large randomized controlled trials (LEVO-CTS, CHEETAH and LICORN) showed no significant survival benefits from levosimendan. However, in LEVO-CTS trial, prophylactic levosimendan administration significantly reduced the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome. Conclusions: Based on most recent randomized controlled trials, levosimendan, although effective for the treatment of acute heart failure, can't be recommended as standard therapy for the management of heart surgery patients. Further studies are needed to clarify whether selected subgroups of heart surgery patients may benefit from perioperative levosimendan infusion.
Elemental-Sulfur-Mediated Facile Synthesis of a Covalent Triazine Framework for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

A covalent triazine framework (CTF) with embedded polymeric sulfur and a high sulfur content of 62 wt % was synthesized under catalyst- and solvent-free reaction conditions from 1,4-dicyanobenzene and elemental sulfur. Our synthetic approach introduces a new way of preparing CTFs under environmentally benign conditions by the direct utilization of elemental sulfur. The homogeneous sulfur distribution is due to the in situ formation of the framework structure, and chemical sulfur impregnation within the micropores of CTF effectively suppresses the dissolution of polysulfides into the electrolyte. Furthermore, the triazine framework facilitates electron and ion transport, which leads to a high-performance lithium-sulfur battery.
A tool for integrating genetic and mass spectrometry‐based peptide data: Proteogenomics Viewer

In this manuscript we describe Proteogenomics Viewer, a web‐based tool that collects MS peptide identification, indexes to genomic sequence and structure, assigns exon usage, reports the identified protein isoforms with genomic alignments and, most importantly, allows the inspection of MS2 information for proper peptide identification. It also provides all performed indexing to facilitate global analysis of the data. The relevance of such tool is that there has been an increase in the number of proteogenomic efforts to improve the annotation of both genomics and proteomics data, culminating with the release of the two human proteome drafts. It is now clear that mass spectrometry‐based peptide identification of uncharacterized sequences, such as those resulting from unpredicted exon joints or non‐coding regions, is still prone to a higher than expected false discovery rate. Therefore, proper visualization of the raw data and the corresponding genome alignments are fundamental for further data validation and interpretation.
Identification of Therapeutic Candidates for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia from a Library of Approved Drugs

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an adult lymphoid malignancy with a variable clinical course. There is considerable interest in the identification of new treatments, as most current approaches are not curative. While most patients respond to initial chemotherapy, relapsed disease is often resistant to the drugs commonly used in CLL and patients are left with limited therapeutic options. In this study, we used a luminescent cell viability assay based on ATP levels to find compounds that were potent and efficacious in killing CLL cells. We employed an in-house process of quantitative high throughput screening (qHTS) to assess 8 concentrations of each member of a 2,816 compound library (including FDA-approved drugs and those known to be bio-active from commercial suppliers). Using qHTS we generated potency values on each compound in lymphocytes donated from each of six individuals with CLL and five unaffected individuals. We found 102 compounds efficacious against cells from all six individuals with CLL (“consensus” drugs) with five of these showing low or no activity on lymphocytes from a majority of normal donors, suggesting some degree of specificity for the leukemic cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study to screen a drug library against primary CLL cells to identify candidate agents for anti-cancer therapy. The results presented here offer possibilities for the development of novel drug candidates for therapeutic uses to treat CLL and other diseases.
The proteasome enters the meiotic prophase fray

The segregation of homologous chromosomes in meiosis depends on their ability to locate one another in the nucleus and establish a physical association through crossing over. A tightly regulated number of crossovers (COs) emerges following repair of induced DNA double‐strand breaks by homologous recombination (HR), but the process of how HR intermediates transition into COs is still poorly understood. Two recent studies by Ahuja et al. and Rao et al. have revealed a role for chromosomally localized proteasomes in choreographing both homologous chromosome pairing and the evolution of HR intermediates into segregation‐competent COs. Using chemical inhibition of the proteasome and mutant analysis, the collective data reveal conserved functions for both the proteasome and a family of E3 ligases that can direct or compete with its activity in ensuring CO formation. Here, we review these findings and the impact of the discovery that protein modification dynamics and proteasomal activity cooperate to regulate key meiotic processes.
Design a single spot UV-curing system with two-dimensional UV-LED array

Since the single LED can not meet the demand of UV-curing,a new solution in which the accumulation of UV radiative energy was implemented by two-dimensional LED array is proposed to utilize the advantages of the latest high-power UV-LED,such as high electro-optical conversion efficiency,high spectral purity and small volume.The irradiance combination of each single spot on the irradiated surface was realized by the combinated design of single LED focusing system and the integrated array system.The obtained spot has the merits of uniform irradiance distribution,reasonable size and long back operation distance.The spot irradiance adjustable in the range of 1 000-1 800 mW/cm2 is achieved by controlling the current and on-off state of LED array with peripheral electronics.The size of the obtained spot is 1 cm2 and the back operation distance is 10 cm.
Towards a Benchmark for Fact Checking with Knowledge Bases

Fact checking is the task of determining if a given claim holds. Several algorithms have been developed to check facts with reference information in the form of knowledge bases. While individual algorithms have been experimentally evaluated, we provide a first publicly available benchmark evaluating fact checking implementations across a range of assumptions about the properties of the facts and the reference data. We used our benchmark to compare algorithms designed on different principles and assumptions, as well as algorithms that can solve similar tasks developed in closely related communities. Our evaluation provided us with a number of new insights concerning the factors that impact the performance of the different methods.
Closer to Nature - Interactive Installation Design for Elderly with Dementia

Dementia is a serious degenerative neurological condition that affects cognition and memory, often accompanied with depression and anxiety. As explicit memory deteriorates, the implicit memory remains, so sensory stimulation and tangible solutions become increasingly important to people with dementia. This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation process of Closer to Nature, an interactive installation aiming to provide opportunities for people with dementia in care facilities to feel more connected to nature. Closer to Nature aims to do so by combining the soothing effect of nature and the animal therapy via tangible interaction with tactile stimulation. Based on the feedback we collected, we analyse the insights from the interactive installation design for seniors with dementia in their living environment and discuss the potential of utilizing tangible interaction to help facilitate the supportive environment for the elderly.
Enlargement of the WHO international repository for platelet transfusion‐relevant bacteria reference strains

Interventions to prevent and detect bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) have reduced, but not eliminated the sepsis risk. Standardized bacterial strains are needed to validate detection and pathogen reduction technologies in PCs. Following the establishment of the First International Reference Repository of Platelet Transfusion‐Relevant Bacterial Reference Strains (the ‘repository’), the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Biological Standardisation (ECBS) endorsed further repository expansion.
Drosophila simulans: A Species with Improved Resolution in Evolve and Resequence Studies

The combination of experimental evolution with high-throughput sequencing of pooled individuals—i.e., evolve and resequence (E&R)—is a powerful approach to study adaptation from standing genetic variation under controlled, replicated conditions. Nevertheless, E&R studies in Drosophila melanogaster have frequently resulted in inordinate numbers of candidate SNPs, particularly for complex traits. Here, we contrast the genomic signature of adaptation following ∼60 generations in a novel hot environment for D. melanogaster and D. simulans. For D. simulans, the regions carrying putatively selected loci were far more distinct, and thus harbored fewer false positives, than those in D. melanogaster. We propose that species without segregating inversions and higher recombination rates, such as D. simulans, are better suited for E&R studies that aim to characterize the genetic variants underlying the adaptive response.
Switching phenomena in magnetic vortex dynamics

A magnetic nanoparticle in a vortex state is a promising candidate for information storage. One bit of information corresponds to the upward or downward magnetization of the vortex core (vortex polarity). The generic properties of the vortex polarity switching are insensitive to the way that the vortex dynamics has been excited: by an ac magnetic field, or by an electrical current. We study theoretically the switching process and describe in detail its mechanism, which involves the creation and annihilation of an intermediate vortex-antivortex pair.
conferenceseries.iop.org materials science and engineering open access proceedings IOP Conferences Series: Materials Science and Engineering

Cellular ceramics are a class of high porosity materials that are used or are being considered for a wide range of technological applications. A wide range of processing routes have been proposed for the production of porous ceramics, since the fabrication method selected affects the characteristics of the material substantially and different applications usually require materials with different characteristics. Among them, the use of preceramic polymers enables fabrication of porous components with porosity in the micro-meso and macro scales using a variety of processing approaches. The amount of porosity can be as high as >90 vol%, with pore size in the range from nm to mm, and graded porosity can also be obtained. Components with hierarchical porosity (e.g. micro-macro, meso-macro or micro-meso-macro pores) can be fabricated using different strategies.
Importance of patient DTI's to accurately model glioma growth using the reaction diffusion equation

Tumor growth models based on the FisherKolmogorov reaction-diffusion equation (FK) have shown convincing results in reproducing and predicting the invasion patterns of gliomas brain tumors. Diffusion tensor images (DTIs) were suggested to model the anisotropic diffusion of tumor cells in the brain white matter. However, clinical patient-DTIs are expensive and often acquired with low resolution, which compromises the accuracy of the tumor growth models. In this work, we used the traveling wave approximation model to describe the evolution of the visible boundary of the tumor modeled by the FK equation to investigate the impact of replacing the patient DTI by (i) an isotropic diffusion map or (ii) an anisotropic high-resolution DTI atlas formed by averaging DTIs of multiple patients. We quantify the impact of replacing the patient DTI using three metrics: the shape of the simulated glioma, the estimation of the tumor growth parameters, and the prediction performance on clinical cases.