Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte Counts and Ratios Are Predictive of Stroke Outcome and Hemorrhagic Complications Independently of Infections

Background: Ischemic stroke patients show alterations in peripheral leukocyte counts that may result from the sterile inflammation response as well as the occurrence of early infections. We here aimed to determine whether alterations of circulating leukocytes in acute ischemic stroke are associated with long-term functional outcome and hemorrhagic complications, independently of the occurrence of infections. Methods: Blood laboratory values of patients with acute ischemic stroke, presenting within 4.5 h from symptom onset, were collected. Leukocyte subsets were analyzed in relation to 3-month functional outcome, mortality, and parenchymal hemorrhagic transformation (PH). A multivariable logistic regression analysis, considering the occurrence of early post-stroke infections, was performed for each outcome measure. Results: Five-hundred-ten patients were included in the study. Independently of infections, good functional outcome was associated with a lower neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NL-R, OR 0.906 [95% CI 0.822–0.998]), a higher lymphocyte count (OR 1.547 [95% CI 1.051–2.277]), a higher eosinophil count (OR 1.027 [95% CI 1.007–1.048]), and a higher eosinophil to leukocyte ratio (EoLeu-R, OR 1.240 [95% CI 1.071–1.436]) at admission. Death within 3 months was associated with higher NL-R (OR 1.103 [95% CI 1.032–1.179]) as well as with lower eosinophil counts (OR 0.909 [95% CI 0.827–0.999]). Patients developing parenchymal hemorrhagic transformation had higher neutrophil counts (OR 1.420 [95% CI 1.197–1.684]) as well as a higher NL-R (OR 1.192 [95% IC 1.088–1.305]). Conclusion: Leukocyte subtype profiles in the acute phase of ischemic stroke represent a predictor of outcome independently of infections. Stroke-evoked sterile inflammation is a pathophysiological relevant mechanism that deserves further investigation.
Hearing Aids Do Not Alter Cortical Entrainment to Speech at Audible Levels in Mild-to-Moderately Hearing-Impaired Subjects

Background Cortical entrainment to speech correlates with speech intelligibility and attention to a speech stream in noisy environments. However, there is a lack of data on whether cortical entrainment can help in evaluating hearing aid fittings for subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss. One particular problem that may arise is that hearing aids may alter the speech stimulus during (pre-)processing steps, which might alter cortical entrainment to the speech. Here, the effect of hearing aid processing on cortical entrainment to running speech in hearing impaired subjects was investigated. Methodology Seventeen native English-speaking subjects with mild-to-moderate hearing loss participated in the study. Hearing function and hearing aid fitting were evaluated using standard clinical procedures. Participants then listened to a 25-min audiobook under aided and unaided conditions at 70 dBA sound pressure level (SPL) in quiet conditions. EEG data were collected using a 32-channel system. Cortical entrainment to speech was evaluated using decoders reconstructing the speech envelope from the EEG data. Null decoders, obtained from EEG and the time-reversed speech envelope, were used to assess the chance level reconstructions. Entrainment in the delta- (1–4 Hz) and theta- (4–8 Hz) band, as well as wideband (1–20 Hz) EEG data was investigated. Results Significant cortical responses could be detected for all but one subject in all three frequency bands under both aided and unaided conditions. However, no significant differences could be found between the two conditions in the number of responses detected, nor in the strength of cortical entrainment. The results show that the relatively small change in speech input provided by the hearing aid was not sufficient to elicit a detectable change in cortical entrainment. Conclusion For subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss, cortical entrainment to speech in quiet at an audible level is not affected by hearing aids. These results clear the pathway for exploring the potential to use cortical entrainment to running speech for evaluating hearing aid fitting at lower speech intensities (which could be inaudible when unaided), or using speech in noise conditions.
GLP-1 Analogs and DPP-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Therapy: Review of Head-to-Head Clinical Trials

The incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released from enteroendocrine cells in response to the presence of nutrients in the small intestines. These homones facilitate glucose regulation by stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose dependent manner while suppressing glucagon secretion. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), an impaired insulin response to GLP-1 and GIP contributes to hyperglycemia. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors block the breakdown of GLP-1 and GIP to increase levels of the active hormones. In clinical trials, DPP-4 inhibitors have a modest impact on glycemic control. They are generally well-tolerated, weight neutral and do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are peptide derivatives of either exendin-4 or human GLP-1 designed to resist the activity of DPP-4 and therefore, have a prolonged half-life. In clinical trials, they have demonstrated superior efficacy to many oral antihyperglycemic drugs, improved weight loss and a low risk of hypoglycemia. However, GI adverse events, particularly nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are seen. Both DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated safety in robust cardiovascular outcome trials, while several GLP-1 RAs have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in persons with T2DM with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several clinical trials have directly compared the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs. These studies have generally demonstrated that the GLP-1 RA provided superior glycemic control and weight loss relative to the DPP-4 inhibitor. Both treatments were associated with a low and comparable incidence of hypoglycemia, but treatment with GLP-1 RAs were invariably associated with a higher incidence of GI adverse events. A few studies have evaluated switching patients from DPP-4 inhibitors to a GLP-1RA and, as expected, improved glycemic control and weight loss are seen following the switch. According to current clinical guidelines, GLP-1RA and DPP-4 inhibitors are both indicated for the glycemic management of patients with T2DM across the spectrum of disease. GLP-1RA may be preferred over DPP- 4 inhibitors for many patients because of the greater reductions in hemoglobin A1c and weight loss observed in the clinical trials. Among patients with preexisting CVD, GLP-1 receptor agonists with a proven cardiovascular benefit are indicated as add-on to metformin therapy.
A Chemical Biology Approach to Probing the Folding Pathways of the Inhibitory Cystine Knot (ICK) Peptide ProTx-II

Peptide toxins that adopt the inhibitory cystine knot (ICK) scaffold have very stable three-dimensional structures as a result of the conformational constraints imposed by the configuration of the three disulfide bonds that are the hallmark of this fold. Understanding the oxidative folding pathways of these complex peptides, many of which are important therapeutic leads, is important in order to devise reliable synthetic routes to correctly folded, biologically active peptides. Previous research on the ICK peptide ProTx-II has shown that in the absence of an equilibrating redox buffer, misfolded intermediates form that prevent the formation of the native disulfide bond configuration. In this paper, we used tandem mass spectrometry to examine these misfolded peptides, and identified two non-native singly bridged peptides, one with a Cys(III)-Cys(IV) linkage and one with a Cys(V)-Cys(VI) linkage. Based on these results, we propose that the C-terminus of ProTx-II has an important role in initiating the folding of this peptide. To test this hypothesis, we have also studied the folding pathways of analogs of ProTx-II containing the disulfide-bond directing group penicillamine (Pen) under the same conditions. We find that placing Pen residues at the C-terminus of the ProTx-II analogs directs the folding pathway away from the singly bridged misfolded intermediates that represent a kinetic trap for the native sequence, and allows a fully oxidized final product to be formed with three disulfide bridges. However, multiple two-disulfide peptides were also produced, indicating that further study is required to fully control the folding pathways of this modified scaffold.
The Paneth Cell: The Curator and Defender of the Immature Small Intestine

Paneth cells were first described in the late 19th century by Gustav Schwalbe and Josef Paneth as columnar epithelial cells possessing prominent eosinophilic granules in their cytoplasm. Decades later there is continued interest in Paneth cells as they play an integral role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and modulating the physiology of the small intestine and its associated microbial flora. Paneth cells are highly specialized secretory epithelial cells located in the small intestinal crypts of Lieberkühn. The dense granules produced by Paneth cells contain an abundance of antimicrobial peptides and immunomodulating proteins that function to regulate the composition of the intestinal flora. This in turn plays a significant role in secondary regulation of the host microvasculature, the normal injury and repair mechanisms of the intestinal epithelial layer, and the levels of intestinal inflammation. These critical functions may have even more importance in the immature intestine of premature infants. While Paneth cells begin to develop in the middle of human gestation, they do not become immune competent or reach their adult density until closer to term gestation. This leaves preterm infants deficient in normal Paneth cell biology during the greatest window of susceptibility to develop intestinal pathology such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). As 10% of infants worldwide are currently born prematurely, there is a significant population of infants contending with an inadequate cohort of Paneth cells. Infants who have developed NEC have decreased Paneth cell numbers compared to age-matched controls, and ablation of murine Paneth cells results in a NEC-like phenotype suggesting again that Paneth cell function is critical to homeostasis to the immature intestine. This review will provide an up to date and comprehensive look at Paneth cell ontogeny, the impact Paneth cells have on the host-microbial axis in the immature intestine, and the repercussions of Paneth cell dysfunction or loss on injury and repair mechanisms in the immature gut.
Exploration of the Yield Potential of Mesoamerican Wild Common Beans From Contrasting Eco-Geographic Regions by Nested Recombinant Inbred Populations

Genetic analyses and utilization of wild genetic variation for crop improvement in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have been hampered by yield evaluation difficulties, identification of advantageous variation, and linkage drag. The lack of adaptation to cultivation conditions and the existence of highly structured populations make association mapping of diversity panels not optimal. Joint linkage mapping of nested populations avoids the later constraint, while populations crossed with a common domesticated parent allow the evaluation of wild variation within a more adapted background. Three domesticated by wild backcrossed-inbred-line populations (BC1S4) were developed using three wild accessions representing the full range of rainfall of the Mesoamerican wild bean distribution crossed to the elite drought tolerant domesticated parent SEA 5. These populations were evaluated under field conditions in three environments, two fully irrigated trials in two seasons and a simulated terminal drought in the second season. The goal was to test if these populations responded differently to drought stress and contained progenies with higher yield than SEA 5, not only under drought but also under water-watered conditions. Results revealed that the two populations derived from wild parents of the lower rainfall regions produced lines with higher yield compared to the domesticated parent in the three environments, i.e., both in the drought-stressed environment and in the well-watered treatments. Several progeny lines produced yields, which on average over the three environments were 20% higher than the SEA 5 yield. Twenty QTLs for yield were identified in 13 unique regions on eight of the 11 chromosomes of common bean. Five of these regions showed at least one wild allele that increased yield over the domesticated parent. The variation explained by these QTLs ranged from 0.6 to 5.4% of the total variation and the additive effects ranged from −164 to 277 kg ha–1, with evidence suggesting allelic series for some QTLs. Our results underscore the potential of wild variation, especially from drought-stressed regions, for bean crop improvement as well the identification of regions for efficient marker-assisted introgression.
Screening for Cognitive Frailty Using Short Cognitive Screening Instruments: Comparison of the Chinese Versions of the MoCA and Qmci Screen

Background Cognitive frailty describes cognitive impairment associated with physical decline. Few studies have explored whether short cognitive screens identify frailty. We examined the diagnostic accuracy of the Chinese versions of the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci-CN) screen and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-CN) in identifying cognitive frailty. Methods Ninety-five participants with cognitive symptoms [47 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 34 with subjective cognitive disorder, and 14 with dementia] were included from two outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Energy (work intensity) and physical activity levels were recorded. Cognitive frailty was diagnosed by an interdisciplinary team using the IANA/IAGG consensus criteria, stratified on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Instruments were administered sequentially and randomly by trained assessors, blind to the diagnosis. Results The mean age of the sample was 62.6 ± 10.2 years; median CFS score was 4 ± 1 and 36 (38%) were cognitively frail. The Qmci-CN had similar accuracy in differentiating the non-frail from cognitively frail compared to the MoCA-CN, AUC 0.82 versus 0.74, respectively (p = 0.19). At its optimal cut-off (≤55/100), the Qmci-CN provided a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 67% versus 91% and 51%, respectively, for the MoCA-CN (≤23/30). Neither was accurate in separating MCI from cognitive frailty but both accurately separated cognitive frailty from dementia. Conclusion Established short cognitive screens may be useful in identifying cognitive frailty in Chinese adults with cognitive complaints but not in separating MCI from cognitive frailty. The Qmci-CN had similar accuracy to the MoCA-CN and a shorter administration time in this small and under-powered study, necessitating the need for adequately powered studies in different healthcare settings.
Protective Microglial Subset in Development, Aging, and Disease: Lessons From Transcriptomic Studies

Microglial heterogeneity has been the topic of much discussion in the scientific community. Elucidation of their plasticity and adaptability to disease states triggered early efforts to characterize microglial subsets. Over time, their phenotypes, and later on their homeostatic signature, were revealed, through the use of increasingly advanced transcriptomic techniques. Recently, an increasing number of these “microglial signatures” have been reported in various homeostatic and disease contexts. Remarkably, many of these states show similar overlapping microglial gene expression patterns, both in homeostasis and in disease or injury. In this review, we integrate information from these studies, and we propose a unique subset, for which we introduce a core signature, based on our own research and reports from the literature. We describe that this subset is found in development and in normal aging as well as in diverse diseases. We discuss the functions of this subset as well as how it is induced.
CHINESE IMMIGRANTS’ VIEWS ON EXERCISE AND USING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

of an outlier, no relationship existed between the UPGO and average ( r =-.04, p =.85) and peak ( r =-.11, p =.57) power. CONCLUSION: The lack of a relationship between power production and the UPGO may indicate other factors are more influential in dynamic balance and agility performance. Differing move-ment angles of the tests may have also played a role in the results. Future research should evaluate the influence other factors, such as muscular strength or reaction time, might have on UPGO performance, as well as account for angular differences. in the
Exploring the Generalization Performance of Neural Networks via Diversity

Neural networks (NNs) have achieved excellent performance in many industrial tasks, but their interpretability is still a major challenge and diﬃculty, in which the generalization ability of NNs is a subject to be completely studied. Inspired by ensemble learning, this paper proposes a new evaluation indicator called diversity to evaluate the generalization ability of NNs, that is, each hidden unit plays two roles in Neural Networks: the unit could be treated as an “ensemble” learner that integrates features extracted from the preceding layer, meanwhile, it is treated as a base learner for the learners in the next layer. We derive a diversity-based generalization bound for NNs and prove that network diversity is crucial for reducing generalization error. We experimentally veriﬁed the proposed evaluation indicator on two well-known datasets, i.e. CIFAR and MNIST, and the experimental results suﬃciently veriﬁed the theory we proposed.
A new speech processing strategy based on wavelet packet transform in cochlear implant

Cochlear implants improve partial hearing to profoundly deaf people. Many investigators from various disciplines made combined efforts for progression on these implants. The speech processing strategy in modern cochlear implant's extracts and encodes amplitude information in a number of frequency bands. In thesis study, we proposed an approach to improve the performance of speech enhancement techniques based on wavelet packet algorithm. This algorithm has better results on speech intelligibility than other existing algorithm and this result has been proved by the intelligibility experiments.
Robust Object Tracking via Hierarchical Estimation in SiamFC Network

Recently, SiamFC network has been investigated into object tracking community. This network utilizes two branches sharing same parameters as feature extractor and cross-correlation as similarity metric. However, most of SiamFC trackers discard low level conv-feature and only take the conv-feature from last layer into account. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical estimation framework for SiamFC network to take full advantage of both low level and high level conv-features. We ﬁrstly construct hierarchical SiamFC networks using pre-trained VGGNet, ResNet and DenseNet. While tracking, hierarchical SiamFC network can infer target position via diﬀerent conv-features. We also deﬁne adaptive weights for each score map from diﬀerent layers. The ﬁnal position of target is estimated by score map with maximum weighted PSR. Experimental results demonstrate that SiamFC trackers equipped our proposed framework outperform baselines and achieve state-of-art performance.
Training Stage Optimisation for Neural Network Operating in the Resource Constrained Environment

Training a neural network model until convergence is an important assumption to ensure consistency of the model. In a resource-constrained environment, this assumption imposes a signiﬁcant challenge. We investigate a technique to help reduce the training time of the neural network. We propose a hybrid technique to be applied at the training stage. The proposed hybrid technique combines a bimodal outlier removal mechanism and features selection based on genetic algorithm. We have applied the hybrid technique on regression problem as well as a classiﬁcation problem using the oil-well core log (dataset) from an oil reservoir, located in North West Shelf, Australia. The results indicate a reduction in training time of the neural network that is likely to be useful for models operating on larger datasets in a resource constrained environment.
DAP - A Distributed Array Processor

An array of very simple processing elements is described each with a local semiconductor store. The array may also be used as main storage. Bit-organisation gives great flexibility, including the minimisation of word length. Use of MSI and LSI is helped by the simplicity of the serial design. Using 15-bit fixed point, the theoretical performance of a 72 × 128 array is about 10 8 multiplications or 10 9 additions per second. Comparisons are made with other architectures. Meteorology is considered as an application. It is attractive to have the whole problem in the array storage.
Question Answering on OLAP-like Data Sources

Today, knowledge is mostly stored in structured data sources and requires to be queried by formal query languages. Natural language interfaces to these data sources enable users to query the data without knowledge about the technical details of the query language which is particularly useful in analytics and decision support. In this paper, we present an approach to query data that is stored in an OLAP database only using natural language. We describe the preliminaries and transformation process from a question to the formal SQL query on a snowflake schema. The approach takes into account synonyms to identify the relevant fact table and uses mapping techniques to appoint the correct attributes and dimension tables within the schema. As an example, we utilized the Foodmart data source to implement the first prototype and prepared over 40 different questions to assess our approach and provide a benchmark for further studies.