Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiomic Models for Diagnosing Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Should Note Its Genetic Heterogeneity

I read with interest the article by Kim et al. [1] about the generation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)derived radiomic models to diagnose juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Seven radiomic models (light gradient boosting machine, support vector classifier, random forest, logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting, gradient boosting machine, and decision tree) were examined [1]. The light gradient boosting machine achieved the highest area under the receiver operating curve, without significant differences with other models [1]. The putamen and ventral diencephalon were the most important for suggesting JME [1]. MRI-derived radiomic models differentiated JME from healthy controls [1]. The study is appealing but needs further discussion. The main study limitation is that JME is considered as a single entity, although there is evidence that this is not the case [1]. JME can be idiopathic or hereditary [2]. Hereditarily, mutations in several genes, such as CACNB4, EFHC1, NKCC1 (SCL12A2), KCC2 (SCL12A5), CSTB, and GABRA1 [2,3], were reportedly associated with JME [2]. The genetic heterogeneity of the disease suggests that cerebral functions may be differentially impaired in these JME subtypes. Additionally, there is evidence that the methylation status of certain DNA segments is associated with JME expression [4]. Current antiseizure drug (ASD) treatment was not considered in the evaluation. ASDs can strongly influence the clinical and subclinical seizure activity extent and therefore, the models generated [1]. Particularly, the amount of epileptiform discharges and background activity can strongly determine the predictive value of the applied models. Of the 97 patients, the number of patients that have and did not have structural abnormalities on cerebral MRI was not reported. Structural abnormalities can strongly define a radiomic model. Generally, patients with JME can be divided into JME with and without morphological abnormalities on cerebral imaging [2]. Patients with JME were only compared to healthy controls, but not to other types of epilepsy [1]. Knowing whether the models used can also differentiate JME from other types of epilepsy, it is crucial to assess whether these models can aid in the diagnosis of JME. Overall, the study has obvious limitations that require reevaluation and discussion. Clarifying the weaknesses would strengthen the conclusions and improve the study. Before using radiomic models to diagnose JME, the etiology of JME must be clarified. If JME is considered as an independent entity but not as a syndrome with similar clinical and electroencephalographic features and heterogeneous genetic etiology, the diagnosis of the models remains unproven.
Fractal structure in the scalar λ ( φ 2 − 1 ) 2 theory

Head-on collisions of kink and antikink solitons are investigated numerically in the classical one-dimensional λ(Φ 2 -1) 2 model. It is shown that whether a kink-antikink interaction settles to a bound state or a two-soliton solutions depends «fractally» on the impact velocity. We discuss the results using the framework of perturbation theory which helps to clarify the nature of the fractal structure in terms of resonances with the internal shape mode oscillations. We also review the technique of collective coordinates used to reduce the infinite-dimensional system to one with just two degrees of freedom. Although we do not expect exact agreement by using such a simplification, we show that the reduced system bears a striking qualitative resemblance to the full infinite-dimensional system, reproducing the fractal structure
Electrical Grids Based on Power Routers: Definition, Architecture and Modeling

Recent studies have developed a power electronic device known as the power router, able to fully control the power flows over the connected power lines. The present paper aims to extend the application of power routers to an electrical grid and explore its characteristics and limitations. It defines the power router grid concept, including the conditions for interconnection and architecture; it proposes a mathematical modelling methodology, analyses its operational requirements, and explores the degree of flexibility the proposed grid architecture provides. Finally, two case studies are presented to show the application of the power router grid in a practical example.
Effect of thermal annealing on the lifetime of polymer light-emitting diodes

Thermal annealing of a polymer light-emitting diode (PLED) is shown to result in a remarkable improvement in the long-term stability of the device. The annealing for such a PLED has to be layer-specific in that the annealing should be carried out for the layer with the lowest glass transition temperature (Tg) to harvest the benefits of annealing. Annealing of this key layer, which is usually the emitting layer, can enhance the thermal stability of the device. The best half-life is obtained at an annealing temperature above the Tg of emitting polymer. It is shown that the annealing of the emitting polymer layer results in a more than an order of magnitude increase in the half-life, in spite of a decrease in the efficiency of the device as the annealing temperature increases.
Qualitative Robustness of Tests

Abstract A test is qualitatively robust by definition if its sequence of – n-1 log transformed P values, n being a measure of the sample size, is continuous as a point function of the observations and weakly equicontinuous as a function of discrete probability measures. This definition is applitable both to unconditional and to conditional tests. Under weak regularity conditions, an unconditional test is qualitatively robust if and only if its test statistic is continuous; a counterexample shows that conditional tests do not share this property. The sample mean, Student's t and [Ybar] — [Xbar] permutation tests are not qualitatively robust; the sign, Wilcoxon, Huber censored likelihood, and normal scores tests are qualitatively robust.
The Schrödinger Equation Type with a Nonelliptic Operator

We consider some linear Schrödinger equation with variable coefficients associated to a smooth symmetric metric g which can be degenerate, without sign and such that g has a submatrix of fixed rank v which is uniformly nondegenerate. In this general setting we prove Strichartz estimates with a loss of derivative on the solution. We also discuss the problem of the control of high frequencies. In particular, we prove that if the equation preserves the H s norm for all s ≥ 0, then we obtain almost the same Strichartz estimates as those for the Schrödinger equation associated to a Riemannian metric of dimension 2d − v.
Factors related to retention in a longitudinal study of infants at familial risk for autism

Abstract Background Reporting retention data is critical to determining the soundness of a study's conclusions (internal validity) and broader generalizability (external validity). Although selective attrition can lead to overestimates of effects, biased conclusions, or overly expansive generalizations, retention rates are not reported in many longitudinal studies. Methods We examined multiple child‐ and family‐level factors potentially associated with retention in a longitudinal study of younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 304) or typical development (n = 163). The sample was followed from the first year of life to 36 months of age, for up to 7 visits. Results Of the 467 infant siblings who were consented and participated in at least one research visit, 397 (85.0%) were retained to study completion at 36 months. Retention rates did not differ by familial risk group (ASD‐risk vs. Low‐risk), sex, race, ethnicity, age at enrollment, number of children in the family, maternal employment, marital status, or parent concerns about the child at enrollment. A stepwise regression model identified 4 variables that, together, provided the most parsimonious predictive model of study retention: maternal education, maternal age at child's birth, travel distance to the study site, and diagnostic outcome classification at the final study visit. Conclusions The retained and not‐retained groups did not differ on most demographic and clinical variables, suggesting few threats to internal and external validity. The significantly higher rate of retention of children diagnosed with ASD (95%) than typically developing children (83%) may, however, present biases when studying recurrence risk. We conclude by describing engagement and tracking methods that can be used to maximize retention in longitudinal studies of children at risk of ASD.
Sequential Task Flow Runtime Model Improvements and Limitations

The sequential task flow (STF) model is the main-stream approach for interacting with task-based runtime systems, with StarPU and the Dynamic task discovery (DTD) in PaRSEC being two implementations of this model. Compared with other approaches of submitting tasks into a runtime system, STF has interesting advantages centered around an easy-to-use API, that allows users to expressed algorithms as a sequence of tasks (much like in OpenMP), while allowing the runtime to automatically identify and analyze the task dependencies and scheduling. In this paper, we focus on the DTD interface in PaRSEC, highlight some of its lesser known limitations and implemented two optimization techniques for DTD: support for user level graph trimming, and a new API for broadcast read-only data to remote tasks. We then analyze the benefits and limitations of these optimizations with benchmarks as well as on two common matrix factorization kernels Cholesky and QR, on two different systems Shaheen II from KAUST and Fugaku from RIKEN. We point out some potential for further improvements, and provided valuable insights into the strength and weakness of STF model. hoping to guide the future developments of task-based runtime systems.
Zoonotic Bacteria in Anolis sp., an Invasive Species Introduced to the Canary Islands (Spain)

Simple Summary The anoles are a group of lizards native to America that have been introduced to other regions, such as the Canary Islands (Spain). With this study we aimed to analyze the presence of pathogenic bacteria in a population of this invasive lizard in the Canary Islands. The results highlight the presence of a variety of pathogens of relevance to health, most of them related to gastrointestinal diseases. This archipelago is considered a hotspot of biodiversity, where some species are considered endangered, so the presence of anoles can also be a risk for the biodiversity conservation, by the spread and/or transmission of pathogenic bacteria to the native fauna. In conclusion, the invasive anoles population in the Canary Islands should be considered as a potential risk factor for public health and biodiversity conservation. Abstract Lizards belonging to the genus Anolis are native to America and have been introduced in many parts of the world. In this work, a gastrointestinal microbiological analysis from Anolis sp. introduced to Tenerife, Canary Island, was carried out. A total of 74 individuals were analyzed by culture and molecular tools. Pseudomonas spp. was the most prevalent bacteria isolated (64.3%), followed by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli with at least one of the investigated virulent genes (stx1, stx2, and eae) (44.6%). The stx2 gene was more prevalent which differs to that reported in other reptiles, probably due to wastewater transmission. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 32.4% of the animals, highlighting the detection of C. jejuni and C. fetus by their relevance to public health. The zoonotic Staphylococcus lugdunensis, found in 14.9% of the animals, was firstly detected in reptiles. Vibrio sp. which is more associated with aquatic environments was found in 10.8% of the lizards in this study, with Vibrio cholerae being found in two of the animals. The prevalence of Salmonella sp. (5.4%) was low, compared with other studies carried out in reptiles. These results indicate that Anolis sp. in Tenerife could be playing a role in the maintenance and spread of the pathogens detected, being a possible risk factor for public health and biodiversity conservation.
The Minimum Specific On-Resistance of 3-D Superjunction Devices

The minimum specific ON-resistance <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}_{on,min}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of the three-dimensional superjunction (3-D SJ) device is realized in this article. The electric field of the 3-D SJ is treated as a vector superposition of a 1-D potential field <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${E}_{p}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and a 3-D charge electric field <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${E}_{q}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>(<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${x}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${r}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\theta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) that is first deduced by solving the 3-D Poisson’s equation with the Taylor series method. Then, the optimization essence of the 3-D SJ is revealed as the variable modulation of 3-D <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${E}_{q}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>(<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${x}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${r}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\theta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>) on <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${E}_{p}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The only <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}_{\text {on,min}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of the 3-D SJ under given cell pitch <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and breakdown voltage <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{B}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is searched in its global doping range to give design formulas. It is found from the model that the 3-D SJ shows a new <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}_{\text {on,min}} \propto ~{V}_{B}^{1.03}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> relationship lower than that of the optimized 2-D SJ. The analytical results are in good agreement with the simulations.
Multigroup transport equations with nondiagonal cross‐section matrices

Multigroup transport equations with nondiagonal cross‐section matrices are studied using the Wiener–Hopf method. Formulas for the solution and the exit distribution are given in terms of the factorization of the symbol of the Wiener–Hopf equation. Unlike the formulas for a diagonal cross‐section matrix, these formulas involve derivatives of the H‐functions. For the case of two groups, the H‐functions are computed explicitly.
A Novel Calibration Method for Robot Kinematic Parameters Based on Improved Manta Ray Foraging Optimization Algorithm

The positioning accuracy has a significant impact on the application of the robotic arm. In this study, a novel method based on improved manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) algorithm is presented for kinematic parameters calibration, which can reduce the absolute positioning error of the manipulator. The error model of the robot is established according to the Denavit–Hartenberg (D–H) method. The redundancy of the model is analyzed, and the redundant parameters are eliminated. The kinematic parameter identification of the robot is transformed into a nonlinear optimization problem. The original MRFO algorithm is improved by using the natural selection strategy and adaptive parameter control strategy to improve searching performance and convergence speed. The calibration experiment of the self-designed 6-DOF robot arm is carried out. A measurement method for measuring the position of the robot end using a 3-D scanner is introduced. The improved MRFO (IMRFO) algorithm is used to identify the kinematic parameter errors of the robot. The experimental results show that by using the IMRFO algorithm to calibrate the parameter error, the position error of the robot end is reduced from 10.2357 to 0.5483 mm or by 94.6%. The results show that the IMRFO algorithm proposed in this article has high identification accuracy and fast convergence speed, which can effectively identify the kinematic parameter error of the robot.
Relationships Between Childhood Bullying/Domestic Violence Experience and Insomnia among Employees in Japan

Objective: Traumatic childhood experiences such as domestic violence and bullying have been reported to be associated with insomnia in adulthood. However, little evidence is available for the long-term effects of childhood adversity on workers’ insomnia worldwide. Our objective was to examine whether childhood experiences of bullying and domestic violence are associated with insomnia in workers in adulthood. Methods: We used survey data from a cross-sectional study of the Tsukuba Science City Network in Tsukuba City, Japan. Workers aged 20 to 65 years (4509 men and 2666 women) were targeted. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed with the Athens Insomnia Scale as the objective variable. Results: Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that childhood bullying and domestic violence experience of childhood bullying and domestic violence were associated with insomnia. As for the experience of domestic violence, the higher the time of experience, the higher the odds ratio of insomnia. Conclusions: It may be useful to focus on childhood traumatic experiences regarding insomnia in workers. In the future, objective sleep time and sleep efficiency should be evaluated using an activity meter and other methods to verify the effects of bullying and domestic violence experiences.
Investigation of object thickness for visual discomfort prediction in stereoscopic images

Visual discomfort assessment metric is of importance in the creation and viewing of stereoscopic 3D contents. This paper investigates the importance of considering object thickness as well as disparity magnitude to predict visual discomfort. Throughout the paper, we introduce the overall process to predict visual discomfort by analyzing the thickness of objects and their disparity magnitude in an image. Using natural stereoscopic images, we evaluate the contribution of object thickness to the prediction performance of visual discomfort. Experimental results demonstrate that the combined use of disparity magnitude and object thickness substantially improves the prediction performance of visual discomfort.
Minimum wage and tolerance for inequality

We suggest that people advocate for equality also because they fear income losses below a given reference point. Stabilizing their baseline income can make workers more tolerant of inequality. We present evidence of this attitude in the UK by exploiting the introduction of the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which institutionally set a baseline pay reducing the risk of income losses for British workers at the bottom of the income distribution. Based on data from the British Household Panel Survey, we show that workers that benefited from the NMW program became relatively more tolerant of inequality and more likely to vote for the Conservative party.
Application of the phase-stitching technique in an external-modulated FMCW laser ranging system

This paper presents a phase-stitching method to increase the range resolution of a Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) lidar. Based on an external-modulated Electro-Optic Modulator (EOM), the modulation range is increased when ten sidebands in the frequency domain are generated. By stitching the phase of these ten sidebands of the signal, the effective tuning range is broadened 55 times so that the ranging resolution is increased. To improve the detection precision, the system includes a reference coherent detection arm to correct the nonlinearity of the modulation source. The phase stitching method applied in this paper can achieve high-ranging resolution at a long distance. The system also features fast tuning, excellent stability, and low cost.
Multimodality Imaging in HIV-Associated Cardiovascular Complications: A Comprehensive Review

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced the risk of developing acquired immune deficiency syndrome and increased life expectancy, approaching that of the general population. However, people living with HIV have a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular diseases despite long-term viral suppression using ART. HIV-associated cardiovascular complications encompass a broad spectrum of diseases that involve the myocardium, pericardium, coronary arteries, valves, and systemic and pulmonary vasculature. Traditional risk stratification tools do not accurately predict cardiovascular risk in this population. Multimodality imaging plays an essential role in the evaluation of various HIV-related cardiovascular complications. Here, we emphasize the role of multimodality imaging in establishing the diagnosis and aetiopathogenesis of various cardiovascular manifestations related to chronic HIV disease. This review also provides a critical appraisal of contemporary data and illustrative cases.
Selection and Evaluation of mRNA and miRNA Reference Genes for Expression Studies (qPCR) in Archived Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Colon Samples of DSS-Induced Colitis Mouse Model

Simple Summary Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction is a widely used molecular technique in human and animal diagnostics and research. However, its accuracy and reliability are significantly affected by the stability of the selected reference genes. We evaluated the expression stability of reference genes in archived formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice (males and females) from colitis (DSS-induced) experiments. Our results imply that the FFPE procedure does not change the ranking of stability of reference genes obtained in fresh tissues, which suggests that FFPE samples can be used as a source for further reference gene identification processes. Since miRNA is more stable than mRNA, archived FFPE samples offer an invaluable source for miRNA research (i.e., retrospective analysis, identification of biomarkers, and evaluation of robust reference genes) without any additional use of animals. In addition, multivariate analysis showed that the histological picture is an important factor affecting the expression levels of target genes. Thus, FFPE samples as a source for RNA analyses have an added advantage not only in terms of reduction of animal use, but also in terms of accuracy of results (expression in correlation to the histological picture). Abstract The choice of appropriate reference genes is essential for correctly interpreting qPCR data and results. However, the majority of animal studies use a single reference gene without any prior evaluation. Therefore, many qPCR results from rodent studies can be misleading, affecting not only reproducibility but also translatability. In this study, the expression stability of reference genes for mRNA and miRNA in archived FFPE samples of 117 C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice (males and females) from 9 colitis experiments (dextran sulfate sodium; DSS) were evaluated and their expression analysis was performed. In addition, we investigated whether normalization reduced/neutralized the influence of inter/intra-experimental factors which we systematically included in the study. Two statistical algorithms (NormFinder and Bestkeeper) were used to determine the stability of reference genes. Multivariate analysis was made to evaluate the influence of normalization with different reference genes on target gene expression in regard to inter/intra-experimental factors. Results show that archived FFPE samples are a reliable source of RNA and imply that the FFPE procedure does not change the ranking of stability of reference genes obtained in fresh tissues. Multivariate analysis showed that the histological picture is an important factor affecting the expression levels of target genes.