Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obesity-Associated Neurodegeneration Pattern Mimics Alzheimer’s Disease in an Observational Cohort Study

Background: Excess weight in adulthood leads to health complications such as diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Recently, excess weight has also been related to brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Reports show that obesity is linked with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related changes, such as cerebrovascular damage or amyloid-β accumulation. However, to date no research has conducted a direct comparison between brain atrophy patterns in AD and obesity. Objective: Here, we compared patterns of brain atrophy and amyloid-β/tau protein accumulation in obesity and AD using a sample of over 1,300 individuals from four groups: AD patients, healthy controls, obese otherwise healthy individuals, and lean individuals. Methods: We age- and sex-matched all groups to the AD-patients group and created cortical thickness maps of AD and obesity. This was done by comparing AD patients with healthy controls, and obese individuals with lean individuals. We then compared the AD and obesity maps using correlation analyses and permutation-based tests that account for spatial autocorrelation. Similarly, we compared obesity brain maps with amyloid-β and tau protein maps from other studies. Results: Obesity maps were highly correlated with AD maps but were not correlated with amyloid-β/tau protein maps. This effect was not accounted for by the presence of obesity in the AD group. Conclusion: Our research confirms that obesity-related grey matter atrophy resembles that of AD. Excess weight management could lead to improved health outcomes, slow down cognitive decline in aging, and lower the risk for AD.
Loop Closure Detection With Bidirectional Manifold Representation Consensus

Loop closure detection (LCD) is an indispensable module in simultaneous localization and mapping. It is responsible to recognize pre-visited areas during the navigation of a robot, providing auxiliary information to revise pose estimation. Unlike most current methods which focus on seeking an appropriate representation of images, we propose a novel two-stage pipeline dominated by the estimation of spatial geometric relationship. Specifically, to avoid unnecessary memory costs, consecutive images are segmented into sequences as per the similarity of their global features. Then the sequence descriptor is incrementally inserted into hierarchical navigable small world for the construction of reference database, from which the most similar image for the query one is searched parallelly. To further identify whether the candidate pair is geometry-consistent, a feature matching method termed as bidirectional manifold representation consensus (BMRC) is proposed. It constructs local neighborhood structures of feature points via manifold representation, and formulates the matching problem into an optimization model, enabling linearithmic time complexity via a closed-form solution. Meanwhile, an accelerated version of it is introduced (BMRC*), which performs about 63% faster than BMRC in an image pair with 352 initial correspondences. Extensive experiments on nine publicly available datasets demonstrate that BMRC and BMRC* perform well in feature matching and the proposed pipeline has remarkable performance in the LCD task.
Numerical investigation of the flow field inside hydroentangling manifolds

Two numerical models, drilled- and slot-type manifolds, are developed in this paper to investigate the influence of the manifold geometry on the flow performance. The flow properties, at the operating pressure of 8–12 MPa, are simulated and analyzed by numerical simulation. The results indicate that manifold geometry has significant effects on the distribution of velocity and pressure, as well as the discharge velocity in the whole working width of the hydroentangling equipment. In the range of this study, the drilled-type geometry is better than slot type, with more uniform velocity and pressure distribution.
Spontaneous polarization of the eight-vertex model

A functional form of the spontaneous polarization P0 of the eight-vertex model below the critical temperature is conjectured, and an exact expression then determined by considering three special cases. The result agrees to fourth order with the low-temperature series expansion. It implies that the critical exponent beta e varies linearly with pi /$Gm, as do the other exponents previously obtained.
Protecting pregnant people & infants against influenza: A landscape review of influenza vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy and strategies for vaccine promotion

ABSTRACT Before COVID-19, influenza vaccines were the most widely recommended vaccine during pregnancy worldwide. In response to immunization during pregnancy, maternal antibodies offer protection against potentially life-threatening disease in both pregnant people and their infants up to six months of age. Despite this, influenza vaccine hesitancy is common, with few countries reporting immunization rates in pregnant people above 50%. In this review, we highlight individual, institutional, and social factors associated with influenza vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy. In addition, we present an overview of the evidence evaluating interventions to address influenza vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy. While some studies have indicated promising results, no single intervention has consistently effectively increased influenza vaccine uptake during pregnancy. Using a social-ecological model of health framework, future strategies addressing multiple levels of vaccine hesitancy will be needed to realize the potential health benefits of prenatal immunization programs. Plain Language Summary Pregnant people are a high priority group for influenza vaccination annually. Although vaccination can protect both mother and infant, vaccination rates are suboptimal during pregnancy. Previous research has suggested reasons for suboptimal vaccination rates, including concerns about the safety of vaccination during pregnancy and limited access to, and awareness of, influenza vaccines during pregnancy. Studies that have attempted to increase influenza vaccination rates during pregnancy have mostly shown no effect – with some exceptions. Public health professionals need to reevaluate strategies for improving vaccination rates during pregnancy.
Efficient Resource Allocation in Multi-UAV Assisted Vehicular Networks With Security Constraint and Attention Mechanism

With the rapid development of intelligent transportation systems, there is an increasingly strong demand for low-latency and high-bandwidth vehicular services. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used as a supplement to the ground networks, to relieve the communication pressure on ground facilities, such as base stations. In this paper, we use multiple UAVs to provide services for vehicles and model the multi-UAV scenario as a collaborative multi-agent system. In addition, we take vehicle safety as the top priority and the delay requirement as the constraints. Then we exploit the Lagrange multiplier to combine the constraint function and cost function, so as to reduce the resource consumption as much as possible on the premise of ensuring the safety of the vehicles. The influence of spectrum efficiency and computing power should also be taken into account when allocating resources. We adopt the multi-agent reinforcement learning to train the UAVs, and meanwhile introduce the attention mechanism so that each UAV can optimize itself better with the information of other UAVs. Through extensive simulations, the effectiveness of our proposed method is verified. Particularly, the limited resources can allocated efficiently according to the vehicle’s needs under the premise of ensuring vehicle safety.
Performance enhancement of terahertz metamaterials on ultrathin substrates for sensing applications

We design, fabricate, and characterize split-ring resonator (SRR) based planar terahertz metamaterials (MMs) on ultrathin silicon nitride substrates for biosensing applications. Proof-of-principle demonstration of increased sensitivity in thin substrate SRR-MMs is shown by detection of doped and undoped protein thin films (silk fibroin) of various thicknesses and by monitoring transmission changes using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. SRR-MMs fabricated on thin film substrates show significantly better performance than identical SRR-MMs fabricated on bulk silicon substrates paving the way for improved biological and chemical sensing applications.
A Rolling 8-Bar Linkage Mechanism

In this paper, a rolling mechanism constructed by a spatial 8-bar linkage is proposed. The eight links are connected with eight revolute joints, forming a single closed-loop with two degrees of freedom (DOF). By kinematic analysis, the mechanism can be deformed into planar parallelogram or spherical 4-bar mechanism (SFM) configuration. Furthermore, this mechanism can be folded onto a plane at its singularity positions. The rolling capability is analyzed based on the zero-moment-point (ZMP) theory. In the first configuration, the mechanism can roll along a straight line. In the second configuration, it can roll along a polygonal region and change its rolling direction. By alternatively choosing one of the two configurations, the mechanism has the capability to roll along any direction on the ground. Finally, a prototype was manufactured and some experiments were carried out to verify the functions of the mechanism.
A Method of Image Restoration Based on Sparse Regularization

Blind deconvolution is the restoration of original image from a blurred one when the blur kernel is unknown. While recent algorithms have afforded dramatic progress, the results are still far from perfect in terms of efficiency and stability. In order to gain a stable, unique and effective solution, this paper uses a scale invariant and sparse regularization function to exert regularization constraints on the original image and PSF simultaneously. An experiment is conducted to verify that our image blind recovery algorithm is robust and has stable convergence.
The videographic method: a new procedure for the simulation and reconstruction of real structures

The videographic method is a simulation and reconstruction procedure that uses a statistical mathematical approach and computer graphics to aid the interpretation of scattering (X-ray, electron, neutron) from a disordered crystal. Based on the principles of optical transforms, and in contrast to it, atoms with different scattering power are represented as picture elements (pixels) with different grey levels. Compared with optical transforms, this method has the special advantage that holes of infinitely small radii can simulate different scattering powers in a mask. With the application of a statistical mathematical approach (combination probabilities), various scatterers, e.g. atoms, structure variants or domains, can be distributed in a two- or three-dimensional model. A Fourier transformation of the simulated model (diffraction pattern) can be calculated in a few s using an array processor and displayed for comparison with experiments. Real-structure image reconstruction can also be performed by amplitude and phase manipulation. As a starting model for a reconstruction, a randomly disordered structure is assumed. Under this assumption, a monotone diffuse background is obtained in the diffraction pattern. The principal idea in a reconstruction of an unknown real structure is that the diffuse regions of a partly ordered structure are a subset of the monotone diffuse background for a random disorder.
An Acid-Sensitive Bone Targeting Delivery System Carrying Acacetin Prevents Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Mice

One effective treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis is to inhibit osteoclasts and subsequent bone resorption. In our study, we demonstrated that acacetin, a flavone with potential therapeutic effects in infections, cancers, and several metabolic disorders, inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro. For improving the efficacy of acacetin in vivo, we developed an acid-sensitive bone-targeting delivery system composed of an acid-sensitive linker (N-ε-maleimidocaproic acid hydrazide, EMCH) for ensuring an effective release of acacetin at the site of action and a hydrophilic aspartic acid hexapeptide ((Asp)6, D6) as the effective bone targeting agent. Our results revealed that Acacetin-EMCH-D6 specifically bound to the bone surface once administrated in vivo, prolonged the retention time in bone and released acacetin at the osteoclastic bone resorption sites where the acidity is higher. We further demonstrated that, in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mice, treatment with Acacetin-EMCH-D6 inhibited osteoclast formation and increased trabecular bone mass. On the contrary, neither acacetin nor EMCH-D6 with the same dosage alone showed significant anti-osteoporosis effects in vivo. Mechanistically, targeted delivery of acacetin to the bone resorption sites by Acacetin-EMCH-D6 inhibited autophagy through activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in osteoclasts, while the activation of autophagy by rapamycin partially reversed the inhibitory effects of acacetin in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our study, for the first time, showed that the acid-sensitive bone-targeting delivery system carrying acacetin was effective for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Thus, targeted delivery of acacetin using Acacetin-EMCH-D6 to bone resorption sites is a promising therapy for osteoporosis.
Studies in astronomical time series analysis. III - Fourier transforms, autocorrelation functions, and cross-correlation functions of unevenly spaced data

This paper develops techniques to evaluate the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the autocorrelation function (ACF), and the cross-correlation function (CCF) of time series which are not evenly sampled. The series may consist of quantized point data (e.g., yes/no processes such as photon arrival). The DFT, which can be inverted to recover the original data and the sampling, is used to compute correlation functions by means of a procedure which is effectively, but not explicitly, an interpolation. The CCF can be computed for two time series not even sampled at the same set of times. Techniques for removing the distortion of the correlation functions caused by the sampling, determining the value of a constant component to the data, and treating unequally weighted data are also discussed. FORTRAN code for the Fourier transform algorithm and numerical examples of the techniques are given. 20 refs.
A Spectroscopic and Photometric Study of the Eclipsing Low-mass X-Ray Binary 2A 1822−371 (V691 Coronae Australis)

Spectroscopy and concurrent optical photometry of the low-mass X-ray binary 2A 1822-371 (V691 CrA) are analyzed. Knowledge of the orbit, based on previously derived parameters for the pulsar, allows us to use our resolved double He I absorption velocities to further constrain the mass of the donor star at ∼0.40–0.43 M⊙. This star must be somewhat evolved, since a main-sequence star of this mass would not fill its Roche lobe. The accretion flow within the system is found to be very stratified, with higher ionization lines showing the greatest velocities. The negative systemic velocity suggests the system may belong to the halo population.
Approaches to enabling rapid evaluation of innovations in health and social care: a scoping review of evidence from high-income countries

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for rapid evaluation of innovation in health and social care. Assessment of rapid methodologies is lacking although challenges in ensuring rigour and effective use of resources are known. We mapped reports of rapid evaluations of health and social care innovations, categorised different approaches to rapid evaluation, explored comparative benefits of rapid evaluation, and identified knowledge gaps. Design Scoping review. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE and Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC) databases were searched through 13 September 2022. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies We included publications reporting primary research or methods for rapid evaluation of interventions or services in health and social care in high-income countries. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers developed and piloted a data extraction form. One reviewer extracted data, a second reviewer checked 10% of the studies; disagreements and uncertainty were resolved through consensus. We used narrative synthesis to map different approaches to conducting rapid evaluation. Results We identified 16 759 records and included 162 which met inclusion criteria. We identified four main approaches for rapid evaluation: (1) Using methodology designed specifically for rapid evaluation; (2) Increasing rapidity by doing less or using less time-intensive methodology; (3) Using alternative technologies and/or data to increase speed of existing evaluation method; (4) Adapting part of non-rapid evaluation. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in publications and some limited changes in identified methods. We found little research comparing rapid and non-rapid evaluation. Conclusions We found a lack of clarity about what ‘rapid evaluation’ means but identified some useful preliminary categories. There is a need for clarity and consistency about what constitutes rapid evaluation; consistent terminology in reporting evaluations as rapid; development of specific methodologies for making evaluation more rapid; and assessment of advantages and disadvantages of rapid methodology in terms of rigour, cost and impact.
Quantifying colour appearance. Part I. Lutchi colour appearance data

The work described here forms part of a research project entitled Predictive Perceptual Colour Models. The aim of this project is to develop a colour appearance model capable of predicting changes of colour appearance under various different viewing conditions. This will provide industry with a quantitative measure for assessing the quality of colour reproduction and enable more rapid and accurate proofing simulations in the graphic art industry. A large-scale experiment has been carried out in which colour appearance was assessed under a wide range of viewing conditions. The parameters studied were (1) D65, D50, white fluorescent, and tungsten light sources, (2) luminance levels of about 40 and 240 cd/m2, (3) five background conditions: white, grey, black, grey with white border, and grey with black border, and (4) two media: luminous colours (displayed on a high-resolution colour monitor) and nonluminous colours (presented in a viewing cabinet). Each colour was assessed by a panel of six or seven observers using a magnitude estimation method. In total, 43,332 estimations were made, and these form the LUTCHI Colour Appearance Data. Data analysis has been carried out to examine the reliability of the experimental results and to understand the effects of the various viewing parameters studied. (Part II of this article describes how the LUTCHI Colour Appearance Data has been used to test the performance of various colour spaces and models.
Full volumetric video rate OCT of the posterior eye with up to 195.2 volumes/s

Full volumetric high speed OCT imaging of the retina with multiple settings varying in volume size and volume rate is presented. The volume size ranges from 255x255 A-scans to 160x40 A-scans with 450 samples per depth scan. The volume rates vary between 20.8 V/s for the largest volumes to 195.2 V/s for the smallest. The system is based on a 1060nm Fourier domain mode locked (FDML) laser with 1.6MHz line rate. Scanning along the fast axis is performed with a 2.7 kHz or 4.3 kHz resonant scanner operated in bidirectional scanning mode, while a standard galvo scanner is used for the slow axis. The performance is analyzed with respect to various potential applications, like intraoperative OCT.
Strain effect on transport properties of hexagonal boron–nitride nanoribbons

The transport properties of hexagonal boron–nitride nanoribbons under the uniaxial strain are investigated by the Green's function method. We find that the transport properties of armchair boron–nitride nanoribbon strongly depend on the strain. In particular, the features of the conductance steps such as position and width are significantly changed by strain. As a strong tensile strain is exerted on the nanoribbon, the highest conductance step disappears and subsequently a dip emerges instead. The energy band structure and the local current density of armchair boron–nitride nanoribbon under strain are calculated and analysed in detail to explain these characteristics. In addition, the effect of strain on the conductance of zigzag boron–nitride nanoribbon is weaker than that of armchair boron nitride nanoribbon.
The ac quantum Hall resistance as an electrical impedance standard and its role in the SI

Since 1990, the quantum Hall resistance measured with direct current (dc) has been established to represent and maintain the dc resistance unit and thereby has replaced the former derivation from calculated inductance and capacitance standards. Because of this success, it has been suggested to measure this quantum effect with alternating current (ac) and in this way to derive the units of resistance, capacitance and inductance consistently from the same quantum effect. In this paper, we recall the relations between these units, their role in the determination of the von Klitzing constant and the relations between the fundamental constants involved in the conventional and the quantum approach. Then, we review the first ac measurements of the quantum Hall resistance and show how the difficulties uncovered have been solved by relatively simple means. As a result, the measurement of the ac quantum Hall resistance has become as precise and reliable as its dc counterpart and much more accurate than any conventional impedance artefact.
Decomposing intrinsic images from a single fabric image using an unsupervised method

Abstract Single-view intrinsic decomposition of fabric images is a meaningful and challenging task for fabric analysis. However, it is costly to obtain enough ground truths for supervised training of intrinsic images. In this article, we explore a novel method to decompose the reflectance and shading from fabric images. With the introduction of wavelet transform into the proposed CNN model, this method enables us to exploit the information arising from inherent constraints during training and, by doing so, eliminate the need for ground truth labels. Based on three assumptions, we describe a new training framework for the network, including three types of loss function: prior loss, relative total variation loss, and a loss of constrained shared consistency. The trained model proved to be very efficient, requiring only 0.007 s to process one image. The results show that our method can separate the color and fine texture of fabric images to a certain extent. Finally, we propose several applications of the trained model.
Periodically vibrating resonator concave mirror for high-power laser beam shaping

This paper describes a new approach for flattening high-power and high-gain CO2 lasers. A periodic change of curvature of concave mirror causes beam modes to jump in the course of time. Averaging out these beams results in an intensity profile with good uniformity. It is also compared to the output intensity ofthe resonator without vibration.
Spectroscopic TPL imaging of gold nano-antennas

Two-photon induced photoluminescence (TPL) microscopy has been used to probe the local field of nanoantennas. We demonstrate that TPL imaging is directly correlated to the antenna electromagnetic mode computed with a full 3D solver. Furthermore, spectroscopic mode mapping while scanning the incident wavelength enables near-field spectroscopy of specific areas of the antenna response, providing a deeper insight into its resonant properties.