Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping and decoding cortical engagement during motor imagery, mental arithmetic, and silent word generation using MEG

Accurate quantification of cortical engagement during mental imagery tasks remains a challenging brain‐imaging problem with immediate relevance to developing brain–computer interfaces. We analyzed magnetoencephalography (MEG) data from 18 individuals completing cued motor imagery, mental arithmetic, and silent word generation tasks. Participants imagined movements of both hands (HANDS) and both feet (FEET), subtracted two numbers (SUB), and silently generated words (WORD). The task‐related cortical engagement was inferred from beta band (17–25 Hz) power decrements estimated using a frequency‐resolved beamforming method. In the hands and feet motor imagery tasks, beta power consistently decreased in premotor and motor areas. In the word and subtraction tasks, beta‐power decrements showed engagements in language and arithmetic processing within the temporal, parietal, and inferior frontal regions. A support vector machine classification of beta power decrements yielded high accuracy rates of 74 and 68% for classifying motor‐imagery (HANDS vs. FEET) and cognitive (WORD vs. SUB) tasks, respectively. From the motor‐versus‐nonmotor contrasts, excellent accuracy rates of 85 and 80% were observed for hands‐versus‐word and hands‐versus‐sub, respectively. A multivariate Gaussian‐process classifier provided an accuracy rate of 60% for the four‐way (HANDS‐FEET‐WORD‐SUB) classification problem. Individual task performance was revealed by within‐subject correlations of beta‐decrements. Beta‐power decrements are helpful metrics for mapping and decoding cortical engagement during mental processes in the absence of sensory stimuli or overt behavioral outputs. Markers derived based on beta decrements may be suitable for rehabilitation purposes, to characterize motor or cognitive impairments, or to treat patients recovering from a cerebral stroke.
Brain‐wide network analysis of resting‐state neuromagnetic data

The present study performed a brain‐wide network analysis of resting‐state magnetoencephalograms recorded from 53 healthy participants to visualize elaborate brain maps of phase‐ and amplitude‐derived graph‐theory metrics at different frequencies. To achieve this, we conducted a vertex‐wise computation of threshold‐independent graph metrics by combining proportional thresholding and a conjunction analysis and applied them to a correlation analysis of age and brain networks. Source power showed a frequency‐dependent cortical distribution. Threshold‐independent graph metrics derived from phase‐ and amplitude‐based connectivity showed similar or different distributions depending on frequency. Vertex‐wise age‐brain correlation maps revealed that source power at the beta band and the amplitude‐based degree at the alpha band changed with age in local regions. The present results indicate that a brain‐wide analysis of neuromagnetic data has the potential to reveal neurophysiological network features in the human brain in a resting state.
Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors promote antitumor responses via tumor microenvironment immunosuppression in advanced colorectal cancer

Abstract Purpose This study aims to investigate changes in the tumor immune environment of patients who underwent therapy with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor for advanced colorectal cancer. Methods Patients (n = 135) with T3 or T4 colorectal cancer were included in this retrospective study. They were classified as follows: patients who had not received preoperative treatment (UPFRONT group, n = 54), who had received FOLFOX as preoperative chemotherapy (FOLFOX group, n = 55), and who had undergone resection after combination FOLFOX and bevacizumab as unresectable colorectal cancer (B-MAB group, n = 26). The number of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), FOXP3+ lymphocytes (including regulatory T cells (Tregs)), CD163+ monocytes (including M2-type tumor-associated macrophages (TAM-M2 type)), and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ lymphocytes was evaluated immunohistochemically in the cancer cell area (CC) and stromal cell area (ST) of surgical specimens, and compared among the three groups. Results The CTL population did not differ among the three groups in both areas. In the B-MAB group, the numbers of PD-1+ cells in the ST, FOXP3+ lymphocytes in both areas, and CD163+monocytes in the ST was lower than that in the other two groups, and a correlation with the histological therapeutic effect was observed. Conclusions In advanced colorectal cancer, VEGF inhibitors may decrease the number of PD-1+ cells and inhibit the infiltration of FOXP3+ lymphocytes and CD163+monocytes into the tumor environment.
Do 20-minute neighbourhoods moderate associations between work and commute hours with food consumption?

Abstract Objective: To examine associations between work and commute hours with food consumption and test whether neighbourhood type (20-minute neighbourhood (20MN)/non-20MN) moderate associations. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of the Places and Locations for Activity and Nutrition study (ProjectPLAN). Exposures were work hours (not working (0 h), working up to full-time (1–38 h/week), working overtime (> 38 h/week)), and among those employed, combined weekly work and commute hours (continuous). Outcomes were usual consumption of fruit, vegetables, takeaway food, snacks and soft drinks, and number of discretionary food types (takeaway, snacks and soft drinks) consumed weekly. Generalised linear models were fitted to examine associations between each exposure and outcome. The moderating role of neighbourhood type was examined through interaction terms between each exposure and neighbourhood type (20MN/non-20MN). Setting: Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, 2018–2019. Participants: Adults ≥ 18 years old (n 769). Results: Although all confidence intervals contained the null, overall, patterns suggested non-workers and overtime workers have less healthy food behaviours than up-to-full-time workers. Among those employed, analysis of continuous work and commute hours data suggested longer work and commute hours were positively associated with takeaway consumption (OR = 1·014, 95 % CI 0·999, 1·030, P-value = 0·066). Patterns of better behaviours were observed across most outcomes for those in 20MN than non-20MN. However, differences in associations between work and commute hours with food consumption across neighbourhood type were negligible. Conclusions: Longer work and commute hours may induce poorer food behaviours. There was weak evidence to suggest 20MN moderate associations between work and commute hours with food consumption, although behaviours appeared healthier for those in 20MN.
Accounting for Spatial Dependence in the Analysis of SPECT Brain Imaging Data

The size and complexity of brain imaging databases confront statistical analysts with a variety of issues when assessing brain activation differences between groups of subjects. Detecting small group differences in activation is compounded by the need to analyze hundreds of thousands of spatially correlated measurements per image. These analyses are especially problematic when, as is typical, the number of subjects in each group is small. In this article a comprehensive analysis of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain images demonstrates that spatial modeling can increase the sensitivity of group comparisons. The key statistical approach for increasing the sensitivity of group comparisons is the spatial modeling of intervoxel correlations. Correlations among normalized SPECT counts in 2 × 2 × 2 mm3 voxels are shown to be very large in neighboring voxels and to decrease in magnitude until they become negligible among those approximately 5–7 voxels (10–14 mm) apart. Exploiting this correlation structure, blocks of contiguous voxels are defined within each of several structures within the deep brain so that the geometric centers of the blocks are no closer than the range at which voxel counts can be considered uncorrelated. Using kriging methods, block averages and their prediction variances are calculated. For each structure of interest, the block averages within the structure are weighted by their prediction variances, producing a structure average for each subject. The subject averages and their prediction variances are used in a linear model to compare group effects. This analysis is shown to be more sensitive to group mean differences than the voxel-by-voxel analysis commonly used by medical researchers. The procedures are applied to comparisons of SPECT brain imaging data from four groups of subjects, three of which have variants of the 1991 Gulf War syndrome and one of which is a control group. Commonly used voxel-by-voxel group comparisons do not identify any brain structures that are significantly different for the syndrome and control groups in the analysis of cholinergic response to a physostigmine drug challenge. Spatial modeling and analyses of these data do identify regions of the deep brain that exhibit statistically significant group differences. These results are consistent with medical evidence that these structures might have been affected by Gulf War chemical exposures.
Studying the mechanism of neurostimulation by infrared laser light using GCaMP6s and Rhodamine B imaging

Infrared laser light radiation can be used to depolarize neurons and to stimulate neural activity. The absorption of infrared radiation and heating of biological tissue is thought to be the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon whereby local temperature increases in the plasma membrane of cells either directly influence membrane properties or act via temperature sensitive ion channels. Action potentials are typically measured electrically in neurons with microelectrodes, but they can also be observed using fluorescence microscopy techniques that use synthetic or genetically encoded calcium indicators. In this work, we studied the impact of infrared laser light on neuronal calcium signals to address the mechanism of these thermal effects. Cultured primary mouse hippocampal neurons expressing the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s were used in combination with the temperature sensitive fluorophore Rhodamine B to measure calcium signals and temperature changes at the cellular level. Here we present our all-optical strategy for studying the influence of infrared laser light on neuronal activity.
Interrogating the performance and microbial ecology of an enhanced biological phosphorus removal/post‐anoxic denitrification process at bench and pilot scales

Research focused on interrogating post‐anoxic enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) at bench and pilot scales. Average bench‐scale effluent ranged from 0.33 to 1.4 mgP/L, 0.35 to 3.7 mgNH3‐N/L, and 1.1 to 3.9 mgNOx‐N/L. Comparatively, the pilot achieved effluent (50th percentile/average) of 0.13/0.2 mgP/L, 9.7/8.2 mgNH3‐N/L, and 0.38/3.3 mgNOx‐N/L under dynamic influent and environmental conditions. For EBPR process monitoring, P:C ratio data indicated that 0.2–0.4 molP/molC will result in stable EBPR; relatedly, a target design influent volatile fatty acid (VFA):P ratio would exceed 15 mgCOD/mgP. Post‐anoxic EBPR was enriched for Nitrobacter spp. at 1.70%–20.27%, with Parcubacteria also dominating; the former is putatively associated with nitritation and the latter is a putative fermenting heterotrophic organism. Post‐anoxic specific denitrification rates (SDNRs) (20°C) ranged from 0.70 to 3.10 mgN/gVSS/h; there was a strong correlation (R2 = 0.94) between the SDNR and %Parcubacteria for systems operated at a 20‐day solids residence time (SRT). These results suggest that carbon substrate potentially generated by this putative fermenter may enhance post‐anoxic EBPR.
Postpartum women’s experiences in a randomized controlled trial of a web-based lifestyle intervention following Gestational Diabetes: a qualitative study

Abstract Introduction Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased maternal risk for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We previously demonstrated in a randomized trial that a web-based postpartum lifestyle intervention program, Balance After Baby, increased weight loss among postpartum women with recent pregnancies complicated by GDM. The aim of this analysis is to identify the impact of the intervention on study participants as assessed by exit interviews after completion of the 12 month study. Methods We conducted structured exit interviews created with a concurrent-contextual design with subjects randomized to the intervention group at the conclusion of their participation (∼12 months) in the Balance After Baby study, with the objectives of 1) understanding the impact of the intervention on participants and their family members, 2) identifying which program components were most and least helpful, and 3) identifying the perceived best timing for diabetes prevention interventions in postpartum women with recent GDM. Results Seventy-nine percent (26/33) of eligible intervention participants participated in interviews. Participants noted changes in diet and physical activity as a result of the intervention. Several components of the intervention, particularly the online modules and support from the lifestyle coach, were perceived by intervention participants to have had a positive effect on personal and familial lifestyle change, while other components were less utilized, including the community forum, YMCA memberships, and pedometers. Nearly all participants felt that the timing in the intervention study, beginning about 6 weeks postpartum, was ideal. Discussion Results of this study identify the importance of individualized coaching, impact on family members, and demonstrate that postpartum women feel ready to make changes by 6 weeks postpartum. Findings from this study will help inform the development of future technologically-based lifestyle interventions for postpartum women with recent GDM.
[n]Cycloparaphenylene-Pillar[5]arene Bismacrocycles: Their Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Multiple Guest Recognition Properties.

Both pillar[n]arenes (P[n]As) and [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]CPPs) play an important role in supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we report the precise synthesis of two multifunctional bismacrocycles [n]CPP-P[5]A by integrating P[5]A into the [n]CPP backbone. The photoluminescence quantum yield (ΦF) of the bismacrocycles was found to show a dramatic increase relative to the corresponding [n]CPPs. The chiral enantiomers (pR)/(pS)-[8]CPP-P[5]A were successfully isolated by chiral HPLC, and showed promising properties of circularly polarized luminescence (glum ~ 0.02). In addition, [n]CPP-P[5]A bismacrocycles are capable of binding pyridinium salts and fullerene derivatives with high affinity and specificity within the two distinct cavities. Transient absorption studies showed that photo-induced electron transfer occurs in [10]CPP-P[5]A⊃C60 complex. Our results suggest that [n]CPP-P[5]A are potentially useful in CPL-active materials, multiple guest recognition and supramolecular polymer preparation.
A feasibility study of the transdiagnostic self-injury interview

Abstract Objectives The Transdiagnostic Self-injury Interview (TSI) is a new measure that assesses the onset, frequency, methods, and severity of non-suicidal self-injury. The aims were to demonstrate the feasibility of a TSI validation study, and to investigate TSI’s criterion validity, clinical correlates, and interrater reliability. Materials and methods Recruiting sites were psychiatric in- and outpatient units. Feasibility targets included number of participants completing the study, TSI completion time, total participation time, participants experiencing exacerbation of symptoms, along with other targets. Criterion validity was evaluated using the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI). Clinical correlates were examined with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), the Personal and Social Performance Scale, the Affective Lability Scale-18, and the Brief Trauma Questionnaire. Interrater reliability was evaluated with video recordings and written material. Results Fifty participants were included. The majority were women (76%) and had a mean age of 31.3 years (SD: 10.4). Schizophrenia (44%) and schizoaffective disorder (18%) were the most prevalent diagnoses. TSI took an average 9.3 min to complete and the total participation time was on average less than one hour. One participant experienced an exacerbation of self-injury ideation (without the need of intervention). A significant correlation was found between TSI and DSHI (r: 0.94, p-value: < 0.001). TSI was correlated to C-SSRS ideation intensity and ideation frequency but not suicidal attempts. TSI was not significantly correlated to other measures. Interrater reliabilities were statistically significant. Conclusions The results support the feasibility of a TSI validation study, which is needed to validate TSI in different settings and across diagnoses.
Changes in survival in de novo metastatic cancer in an era of new medicines

Abstract Background Over the past decades, the therapeutic landscape has markedly changed for patients with metastatic solid cancer, yet few studies have evaluated its effect on population-based survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in survival of patients with de novo metastatic solid cancers during the last 30 years. Methods For this retrospective study, data from almost 2 million patients diagnosed with a solid cancer between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 2018, were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, with follow-up until January 31, 2021. We classified patients as with or without de novo metastatic disease (M1 or M0, respectively) at diagnosis and determined the proportion with M1 disease over time. Changes in age-standardized net survival were calculated as the difference in the 1- and 5-year survival rates of patients diagnosed in 1989-1993 and 2014-2018. Results Different cancers showed divergent trends in the proportion of M1 disease and increases in net survival for M1 disease (approximately 0-50 percentage points at both 1 and 5 years). Patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors saw the largest increases in 5-year survival, but we also observed substantial 5-year survival increases for patients with neuroendocrine tumors, melanoma, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. Conclusion Over 30 years, the survival of patients with de novo M1 disease modestly and unevenly increased among cancers. Metastatic cancer still remains a very lethal disease. Next to better treatment options, we call for better preventive measures and early detection to reduce the incidence of metastatic disease.
Improving the reconstruction capabilities in inverse scattering problems by exploitation of close-proximity setups

It has recently been shown that the measurement setups usually adopted in inverse scattering problems, in which the primary sources and the receiving antennas are placed at some wavelength apart from the object under test, suffer from intrinsic limitations in the reconstruction capabilities because of the essentially finite-dimensional nature of the space of data (the scattered fields). To investigate whether it is possible to overcome these limitations, two (novel to our knowledge) measurement configurations for inverse scattering experiments at a fixed frequency are analyzed and discussed. By means of an analysis of the properties of the radiation operator, it is shown that positioning the measurement probes (and possibly the primary sources) in the close proximity of the object under test allows an improvement of the reconstruction capabilities of inversion algorithms with respect to conventional setups. However, such an improvement can be achieved only in a region close to the border of the region under test. Quantitative rules for the achievable improvement are given and are exemplified through numerical examples.
A POLYMER-BASED MICRO THERMAL ACTUATOR FOR MICROMANIPULATIONS IN AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT

The development of a novel polymer-based thermal actuator is presented in this paper. It is a trimorph structure with a platinum metal heater encapsulated by Poly-para-xylylene C (parylene C) polymer layers. These polymer layers are used to protect the metal heater and trap heat while the actuator is operating in aqueous environment. We have proved that this thermal actuator can operate in aqueous environment with only 5V maximum input voltage for full deflection (90° change of tip direction). The resistance of the heater is around 2kQ. The dimension of the actuator is 2ηιηιχ158μΓηχ0. 45μηι. Modeling of the trimorph structure together with a method for optimizing its design and the fabrication process for the trimorph structure are discussed. Based on the successful operation of this polymer-based thermal actuator, we are currently developing multi-fingered thermal actuators for cellar grasping and manipulation.
POD-based study of turbulent plane Poiseuille flow: comparing structure and dynamics between quasi-linear simulations and DNS

Abstract Turbulence in the restricted nonlinear (RNL) dynamics is analysed and compared with direct numerical simulations (DNS) of Poiseuille turbulence at Reynolds number $R=1650$. The structures are obtained by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis of the two components of the flow partition used in RNL dynamics: the streamwise mean flow and fluctuations. POD analysis of the streamwise mean flow indicates that the dominant POD modes, in both DNS and RNL dynamics, are roll-streaks harmonic in the spanwise direction. However, we conclude that these POD modes do not occur in isolation but rather are Fourier components of a coherent roll-streak structure. POD analysis of the fluctuations in DNS and RNL dynamics reveals similar complex structures consisting in part of oblique waves collocated with the streak. The origin of these structures is identified by their correspondence to POD modes predicted using a stochastic turbulence model (STM). These predicted POD modes are dominated by the optimally growing structures on the streak, which the STM predicts correctly to be of sinuous oblique wave structure. This close correspondence between the roll-streak structure and the associated fluctuations in DNS, RNL dynamics and the STM implies that the self-sustaining mechanism operating in DNS is essentially the same as that in RNL dynamics, which has been associated previously with optimal perturbation growth on the streak.
Oracle Counterpoint: Relationships between On-chain and Off-chain Market Data

We investigate the theoretical and empirical relationships between activity in on-chain markets and pricing in off-chain cryptocurrency markets (e.g., ETH/USD prices). The motivation is to develop methods for proxying off-chain market data using data and computation that is in principle verifiable on-chain and could provide an alternative approach to blockchain price oracles. We explore relationships in PoW mining, PoS validation, block space markets, network decentralization, usage and monetary velocity, and on-chain Automated Market Makers (AMMs). We select key features from these markets, which we analyze through graphical models, mutual information, and ensemble machine learning models to explore the degree to which off-chain pricing information can be recovered entirely on-chain. We find that a large amount of pricing information is contained in on-chain data, but that it is generally hard to recover precise prices except on short time scales of retraining the model. We discuss how even noisy information recovered from on-chain data could help to detect anomalies in oracle-reported prices on-chain.