Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latent Space Analysis of VAE and Intro-VAE applied to 3-dimensional MR Brain Volumes of Multiple Sclerosis, Leukoencephalopathy, and Healthy Patients

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and microvascular leukoencephalopathy are two distinct neurological conditions, the first caused by focal autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system, the second caused by chronic white matter damage from atherosclerotic microvascular disease. Both conditions lead to signal anomalies on Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance (MR) images, which can be distinguished by an expert neuroradiologist, but which can look very similar to the untrained eye as well as in the early stage of both diseases. In this paper, we attempt to train a 3-dimensional deep neural network to learn the specific features of both diseases in an unsupervised manner. For this manner, in a first step we train a generative neural network to create artificial MR images of both conditions with approximate explicit density, using a mixed dataset of multiple sclerosis, leukoencephalopathy and healthy patients containing in total 5404 volumes of 3096 patients. In a second step, we distinguish features between the different diseases in the latent space of this network, and use them to classify new data. 1 ar X iv :2 10 1. 06 77 2v 1 [ ee ss . I V ] 1 7 Ja n 20 21
Contribution of the QCD 
Θ
-term to the nucleon electric dipole moment

We present a calculation of the contribution of the Θ-term to the neutron and proton electric dipole moments using seven 2+1+1-flavor HISQ ensembles. We also estimate the topological susceptibility for the 2+1+1 theory to be χQ = (66(9)(4) MeV) 4 in the continuum limit at Mπ = 135 MeV. The calculation of the nucleon three-point function is done using Wilson-clover valence quarks. The CP form factor F3 is calculated by expanding in small Θ. We show that lattice artifacts introduce a term proportional to a that does not vanish in the chiral limit, and we include this in our chiralcontinuum fits. A chiral perturbation theory analysis shows that the N(0)π(0) state should provide the leading excited state contribution, and we study the effect of such a state. Detailed analysis of the contributions to the neutron and proton electric dipole moment using two strategies for removing excited state contamination are presented. Using the excited state spectrum from fits to the two-point function, we find dn is small, |dn | . 0.01 Θ e · fm, whereas for the proton we get |dp | ∼ 0.02 Θ e · fm. On the other hand, if the dominant excited-state contribution is from the Nπ state, then |dn | could be as large as 0.05 Θ e · fm and |dp | ∼ 0.07 Θ e · fm. Our overall conclusion is that present lattice QCD calculations do not provide a reliable estimate of the contribution of the Θ-term to the nucleon electric dipole moments, and a factor of ten higher statistics data are needed to get better control over the systematics and possibly a 3σ result.
A stable mixed finite element method for nearly incompressible linear elastostatics

We present a new, stable, mixed finite element (FE) method for linear elastostatics of nearly incompressible solids. The method is the automatic variationally stable FE method of Calo et al., in which we consider a Petrov–Galerkin weak formulation where the stress and displacement variables are in the space H(div) and H1, respectively. This allows us to employ a fully conforming FE discretization for any elastic solid using classical FE subspaces of H(div) and H1. Hence, the resulting FE approximation yields both continuous stresses and displacements. To ensure stability of the method, we employ the philosophy of the discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin method of Demkowicz and Gopalakrishnan and use optimal test spaces. Thus, the resulting FE discretization is stable even as the Poisson's ratio ν→0.5 , and the system of linear algebraic equations is symmetric and positive definite. Our method also comes with a built‐in a posteriori error estimator as well as indicators which are used to drive mesh adaptive refinements. We present several numerical verifications of our method including comparisons to existing FE technologies.
KCP: Kernel Cluster Pruning for Dense Labeling Neural Networks

Pruning has become a promising technique used to compress and accelerate neural networks. Existing methods are mainly evaluated on spare labeling applications. However, dense labeling applications are those closer to real world problems that require real-time processing on resource-constrained mobile devices. Pruning for dense labeling applications is still a largely unexplored field. The prevailing filter channel pruning method removes the entire filter channel. Accordingly, the interaction between each kernel in one filter channel is ignored. In this study, we proposed kernel cluster pruning (KCP) to prune dense labeling networks. We developed a clustering technique to identify the least representational kernels in each layer. By iteratively removing those kernels, the parameter that can better represent the entire network is preserved; thus, we achieve better accuracy with a decent model size and computation reduction. When evaluated on stereo matching and semantic segmentation neural networks, our method can reduce more than 70% of FLOPs with less than 1% of accuracy drop. Moreover, for ResNet-50 on ILSVRC-2012, our KCP can reduce more than 50% of FLOPs reduction with 0.13% Top-1 accuracy gain. Therefore, KCP achieves state-of-the-art pruning results.
Cross-linked polystyrene incorporating water pools

Past experience with polymer chemistry and with microemulsion systems led the authors recently to combine the fields. As will be described, new polymeric materials were prepared by rigidifying reverse micellar systems formed by adding water and a suitable surfactant to a polymerizable monomer. The authors now report on (a) the preparation of systems where styrene/divinylbenzene (rather than octane) comprised the apolar continuous phase and (b) the subsequent conversion of these microemulsions into solids by photopolymerization.
Drug-induced bullous lichenoid eruption: a side effect of nivolumab triggered by the TLR agonist imiquimod

Advances in our understanding of the network between tumour cells and their microenvironment has led to the emergence of novel combined strategies to avoid tumour immune escape in metastatic melanoma. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are immunomodulators that stimulate innate immunity. Previous reports have suggested that imiquimod could be a useful and safe treatment for melanoma. We report a case of a patient treated with antiPD1 associated with topical imiquimod who developed an acute and severe lichenoid eruption, along with a tumour response. A 77-year-old patient was treated with nivolumab for unresectable melanoma skin metastasis spreading to the leg. After five months of therapy, the metastasis slowly progressed without extracutaneous dissemination. Topical imiquimod 5% cream was added, five days per week, while continuing the nivolumab infusions. One month later, cutaneous metastases had decreased and surrounding vitiligo had appeared (figure 1A). Simultaneously, the patient developed vesiculo-bullous cheilitis and stomatitis with painful mucosal ulcerations associated with purple, infiltrated, and diffuse lichenoid plaques on the skin (back, legs, and arms) (figure 1B, C). Drug-induced severe bullous lichenoid eruption with acute mucosal involvement, erythema multiforme or an auto-immune bullous disease were considered as clinical hypotheses. Skin biopsies showed prominent interface changes with basal cell vacuolisation, scattered apoptotic keratinocytes and interface lymphocytic infiltrate, leading to subepidermal clefting with bulla formation (figure 1D, E). Direct and indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblots were negative. A lattice-like network of white lines (Wickham striae) appeared over time, while the mucosal erosions improved on the tongue, lips and cheek mucosa (figure 1F, G), clinically favouring drug-induced lichenoid eruption. Improvement was obtained with corticosteroid therapy (1 mg/kg) plus topical clobetasol and corticosteroid mouthwashes. At the time, imiquimod was definitively stopped. Four weeks later, nivolumab was resumed without any relapse of the lichenoid eruption (after two years of follow-up). Nivolumab improves survival in patients with metastatic melanoma, but only 31% of patients experience objective tumour regression [1]. For cutaneous metastasis, systemic and local therapies may be combined to optimize response to immunotherapies [2]. A
Immobilized collagen prevents shedding and induces sustained GPVI clustering and signaling in platelets

Abstract Collagen, the most thrombogenic constituent of blood vessel walls, activates platelets through glycoprotein VI (GPVI). In suspension, following platelet activation by collagen, GPVI is cleaved by A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAM)10 and ADAM17. In this study, we use single-molecule localization microscopy and a 2-level DBSCAN-based clustering tool to show that GPVI remains clustered along immobilized collagen fibers for at least 3 hours in the absence of significant shedding. Tyrosine phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Linker of Activated T cells (LAT), and elevation of intracellular Ca2+, are sustained over this period. Syk, but not Src kinase-dependent signaling is required to maintain clustering of the collagen integrin α2β1, whilst neither is required for GPVI. We propose that clustering of GPVI on immobilized collagen protects GPVI from shedding in order to maintain sustained Src and Syk-kinases dependent signaling, activation of integrin α2β1, and continued adhesion.
Comprehensive two‐dimensional GC for the analysis of citrus essential oils

The lemon essential oil volatile fraction is considered one of the most complex amongst all citrus oils being traditionally determined by monodimensional GC. This conventional method, although providing important qualitative/ quantitative information, lacks the necessary resolving power for the separation of several critical compounds. In the past, this has been often accomplished through the employment of conventional multidimensional chromatographic methods, which can only achieve the characterization of single parts of a sample and whose analysis times are generally high. Comprehensive bidimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) is gaining an excellent reputation for the separation of complex samples. This powerful analytical technique is characterized by both an enhanced resolving power and a great potential for the classification of unknowns through chromatographic retention patterns. In this research, these features are exploited in the analysis of a lemon essential oil. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activities of daily living and working memory in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ABSTRACT Most children with ADHD have impaired working memory abilities. These working memory deficits predict impairments in activities of daily living (ADLs) for adults with ADHD. However, our understanding of the relation between pediatric ADHD and ADLs is limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine (1) the extent to which pediatric ADHD is associated with ADL difficulties; and if so (2) the extent to which these difficulties are related to their well-documented working memory difficulties and/or core ADHD inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptom domains. A well-characterized, clinically evaluated sample of 141 children ages 8–13 years (M = 10.36, SD = 1.46; 51 girls; 70% White/non-Hispanic) were administered a battery of well-validated working memory tests and assessed for ADHD symptoms (teacher-ratings) and ADL difficulties (parent-ratings); cross-informant reports were used to control for mono-informant bias. Children with ADHD exhibited medium magnitude difficulties with ADLs (d = 0.61, p < .005, 38% impaired). Results of the bias-corrected, bootstrapped conditional effects model indicated that lower working memory predicted reduced performance of age-expected ADLs (β =0.28) and greater ADHD inattentive (β = −0.40) and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (β = −0.16). Greater inattentive, but not hyperactive/impulsive, symptoms predicted greater ADL difficulties (β = −0.36) even after controlling for working memory. Interestingly, working memory exerted a significant indirect effect on ADLs via inattentive (indirect effect: β = 0.15, effect ratio = .54) but not hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. These findings implicate ADHD inattentive symptoms as a potential mechanism underlying ADL difficulties for children with ADHD, both independently and via working memory’s role in regulating attention.
Atypical Cells in Peritoneal Cleft: A Pitfall in Diagnosis of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Atypical cells in peritoneal clefts are usually either reactive mesothelial cells or pT4 colonic adenocarcinoma in colon specimen removed for primary colon cancer. However, rarely if ever are these atypical cells metastasis from other primary visceral malignancy due to “sac-like” anatomic structure of this area. We present a case where these atypical cells were determined to be metastasis of gynecological origin by judicious use of immunohistochemical stains. A final diagnosis of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma of right fallopian tube was diagnosed only after total abdominal hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma presenting as stage 4 colonic adenocarcinoma. The importance of this interesting case is 2-fold. It highlights the peritoneal cleft as an anatomic region not often recognized or discussed as well as tumor presentation in this region. In addition, this example stresses the need for additional mesothelial markers in addition to WT-1 workup of atypical mesothelial proliferation.
The effects of Nigella sativa on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders, evidence from experimental and clinical studies, a comprehensive and updated review

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed had been used traditionally due to several pharmacological effects. The updated experimental and clinical effects of N. sativa and its constituents on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders are provided in this comprehensive review article. Various databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus were used. The preventive effects of N. sativa on pulmonary diseases were mainly due to its constituents such as thymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol and alpha‐hederin. Extracts and constituents of N. sativa showed the relaxant effect, with possible mechanisms indicating its bronchodilatory effect in obstructive pulmonary diseases. In experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases, the preventive effect of various extracts and constituents of N. sativa was demonstrated by mechanisms such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory effects. Bronchodilatory and preventive effects of the plant and its components on asthma, COPD and lung disorders due to exposure to noxious agents as well as on allergic and immunologic disorders were also shown in the clinical studies. Various extracts and constituents of N. sativa showed pharmacological and therapeutic effects on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders indicating possible remedy effect of that the plant and its effective substances in treating respiratory, allergic and immunologic diseases.
Association between the serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy and postpartum depression

Patients with major depression present with an increased serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) concentration. However, the longitudinal relationship between serum IGF‐1 levels and depression development remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between the serum IGF‐1 concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy and postpartum depression development using data obtained from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).
Investigation of water evolution and transport in fuel cells with high resolution synchrotron x-ray radiography

The authors report on in situ investigations of liquid water evolution and transport in an undisturbed operating fuel cell at the microscopic level. Synchrotron x-ray radiography enhances the spatial resolution by two orders of magnitude compared to the state-of-the-art techniques in this field. The primary spots of liquid water formation, their growth, and transport inside the porous gas diffusion material were analyzed; correlations between operating conditions and the dynamics of droplet formation are described. Previous findings from modeling and simulation approaches are confirmed and the applicability for the description of in situ processes of a recently proposed model has been proven.
A model for predicting post-liver transplantation recurrence in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma recipients.

Background It is important to select appropriate patients for improving the outcomes of liver transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). The objective of this study was to establish a predictive model for the recurrence of iCCA after liver transplantation. Methods Twenty-one patients who received liver transplantation for iCCA were used to construct a model for predicting recurrence. Predictors of recurrence were tested by a Cox model analysis. The results were validated in 28 patients who were followed up. Results Diameter and number of tumors, and CA19-9 level independently predicted tumor recurrence. At a Cox score threshold of 0.736 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.549-0.923], a model combining these factors was highly predictive of tumor recurrence and death. A simplified version of the model identified a cut-off value of 6. The 5-year OS rate was lower in patients with a score >6 points compared to those with a score ≤6 points (P=0.005). The 5-year recurrence rate was higher in patients with a score >6 points as compared to those with a score ≤6 points (P=0.034). Conclusions The model developed was useful for predicting recurrence of iCCA after liver transplantation. Large sample, multicenter studies are needed to validate the findings.
Two Caenorhabditis elegans calponin-related proteins have overlapping functions that maintain cytoskeletal integrity and are essential for reproduction

Multicellular organisms have multiple genes encoding calponins and calponin-related proteins, some of which are known to regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics and contractility. However, the functional similarities and differences among these proteins are largely unknown. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, UNC-87 is a calponin-related protein with seven calponin-like (CLIK) motifs and is required for maintenance of contractile apparatuses in muscle cells. Here, we report that CLIK-1, another calponin-related protein that also contains seven CLIK motifs, functionally overlaps with UNC-87 in maintaining actin cytoskeletal integrity in vivo and has both common and different actin-regulatory activities in vitro. We found that CLIK-1 is predominantly expressed in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad in which UNC-87 is also expressed. unc-87 mutation caused cytoskeletal defects in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad, whereas clik-1 depletion alone caused no detectable phenotypes. However, simultaneous clik-1 and unc-87 depletion caused sterility because of ovulation failure by severely affecting the contractile actin networks in the myoepithelial sheath of the somatic gonad. In vitro, UNC-87 bundled actin filaments, whereas CLIK-1 bound to actin filaments without bundling them and antagonized UNC-87–mediated filament bundling. We noticed that UNC-87 and CLIK-1 share common functions that inhibit cofilin binding and allow tropomyosin binding to actin filaments, suggesting that both proteins stabilize actin filaments. In conclusion, partially redundant functions of UNC-87 and CLIK-1 in ovulation are likely mediated by their common actin-regulatory activities, but their distinct actin-bundling activities suggest that they also have different biological functions.
A Comparison of Traditional and Serious Game-Based Digital Markers of Cognition in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Controls

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used to assess brain activity while users are playing an immersive serious game. Objective: To assess differences in brain activation as measured with a non-intrusive wearable EEG device, differences in game performance and correlations between EEG power, game performance and global cognition, between cognitively impaired and non-impaired older adults, during the administration of a novel self-administered serious game-based test, the Virtual Supermarket Test (VST). Methods: 43 older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and 33 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were recruited from day centers for cognitive disorders. Global cognition was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Brain activity was measured with a non-intrusive wearable EEG device in a resting state condition and while they were administered the VST. Results: During resting state condition, the MCI group showed increased alpha, beta, delta, and theta band power compared to the SCD group. During the administration of the VST, the MCI group showed increased beta and theta band power compared to the SCD group. Regarding game performance, alpha, beta, delta, and theta rhythms were positively correlated with average duration, while delta rhythm was positively correlated with mean errors. MoCA correlated with alpha, beta, delta, and theta rhythms and with average game duration and mean game errors indicating that elevated EEG rhythms in MCI may be associated with an overall cognitive decline. Conclusion: VST performance can be used as a digital biomarker. Cheap commercially available wearable EEG devices can be used for obtaining brain activity biomarkers.
Cognitive complaint and objective cognition during the post-acute period after mild traumatic brain injury in pre-morbidly healthy adults

ABSTRACT Primary Objective: The most widely used proxies of cognitive complaint after mTBI are post-concussion syndrome (PCS) symptom checklists, which do not have a clear relationship with cognition. This study investigated whether an mTBI-specific cognitive complaint measure would have clearer associations with objective cognition than a widely used PCS symptom checklist. Research Design: An observational design was used. A sample of 109 participants (52 mTBI and 57 healthy controls) completed a PCS symptom checklist, a cognitive complaint measure, and measures of information processing speed, attention, memory, executive function, depression and anxiety. Main Outcomes and Results: In the healthy control group, cognitive complaint was significantly associated with objective cognitive performance and was not associated with psychological status. In contrast, PCS endorsement was unrelated to objective cognition but was associated with psychological status. For the mTBI group, neither PCS endorsement nor cognitive complaint was associated with cognitive performance, but both measures were associated with psychological status. Conclusions: This study indicates that neither cognitive nor PCS symptom measures are reliable indicators of underlying cognitive function in the post-acute period after mTBI. Further, suffering an mTBI may affect the linear relationship that exists between cognitive symptom endorsement and cognitive function in healthy adults.