Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrical Stimulation Over Human Posterior Parietal Cortex Selectively Enhances the Capacity of Visual Short-Term Memory

Visual short-term memory (VSTM) provides an on-line mental space for incoming sensory information to be temporally maintained to carry out complex behavioral tasks. Despite its essential functions, the capacity at which VSTM could maintain sensory information is limited (i.e., VSTM can hold only about three to four visual items at once). Moreover, the quality of sensory representation (i.e., precision) degrades as more information has to be maintained in VSTM. Correlational evidence suggests that the level and the pattern of neural activity measured in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) track both VSTM capacity and precision. However, the causal contributions of the PPC to these different VSTM operations are unclear. Here, we tested whether stimulating the PPC with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could increase VSTM capacity or precision. We found that stimulating the PPC in male and female human participants selectively enhanced VSTM capacity when the number of memory items exceeded capacity limit, without significant effects on VSTM precision. Moreover, this enhancement of VSTM capacity is region specific as stimulating the prefrontal cortex did not change VSTM capacity or precision. Null stimulation effects in the sensory memory condition confirmed that the tDCS-induced enhancement of VSTM capacity was not simply due to changes in sensory or attentional processes. Altogether, these results provide causal evidence suggesting that the PPC has a more dominant role in supporting the storage capacity of VSTM compared with maintaining the quality of sensory representations. Furthermore, tDCS could be used as a promising noninvasive method to enhance this PPC VSTM-related function. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Correlational evidence from neuroimaging and electrophysiology suggests that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) supports the storage capacity of visual short-term memory (VSTM) and the precision of sensory representations maintained in VSTM. However, the causal contributions of the PPC to these different VSTM functions were unclear. Here, we found that electrical stimulation over the PPC selectively enhanced VSTM capacity without changing VSTM precision. Overall, our findings suggest that the PPC has a dominant and causal role in supporting the storage capacity of VSTM.
Bias Removal for Goldstein Filtering Power Using a Second Kind Statistical Coherence Estimator

The adaptive Goldstein filter driven by InSAR coherence is one of the most famous frequency domain-based filters and has been widely used to improve the quality of InSAR measurement with different noise features. However, the filtering power is biased to varying degrees due to the biased coherence estimator and empirical modelling of the filtering power under a given coherence level. This leads to under- or over-estimation of phase noise over the entire dataset. Here, the authors present a method to correct filtering power on the basis of the second kind statistical coherence estimator. In contrast with regular statistics, the new estimator has smaller bias and variance values, and therefore provides more accurate coherence observations. In addition, a piece-wise function model determined from the Monte Carlo simulation is used to compensate for the nonlinear relationship between the filtering parameter and coherence. This method was tested on both synthetic and real data sets and the results were compared against those derived from other state-of-the-art filters. The better performance of the new filter for edge preservation and residue reduction demonstrates the value of this method.
Evaluating Late Blight Severity in Potato Crops Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Machine Learning Algorithms

This work presents quantitative prediction of severity of the disease caused by Phytophthora infestans in potato crops using machine learning algorithms such as multilayer perceptron, deep learning convolutional neural networks, support vector regression, and random forests. The machine learning algorithms are trained using datasets extracted from multispectral data captured at the canopy level with an unmanned aerial vehicle, carrying an inexpensive digital camera. The results indicate that deep learning convolutional neural networks, random forests and multilayer perceptron using band differences can predict the level of Phytophthora infestans affectation on potato crops with acceptable accuracy.
Learning Urban Community Structures

Learning urban community structures refers to the efforts of quantifying, summarizing, and representing an urban community’s (i) static structures, e.g., Point-Of-Interests (POIs) buildings and corresponding geographic allocations, and (ii) dynamic structures, e.g., human mobility patterns among POIs. By learning the community structures, we can better quantitatively represent urban communities and understand their evolutions in the development of cities. This can help us boost commercial activities, enhance public security, foster social interactions, and, ultimately, yield livable, sustainable, and viable environments. However, due to the complex nature of urban systems, it is traditionally challenging to learn the structures of urban communities. To address this problem, in this article, we propose a collective embedding framework to learn the community structure from multiple periodic spatial-temporal graphs of human mobility. Specifically, we first exploit a probabilistic propagation-based approach to create a set of mobility graphs from periodic human mobility records. In these mobility graphs, the static POIs are regarded as vertexes, the dynamic mobility connectivities between POI pairs are regarded as edges, and the edge weights periodically evolve over time. A collective deep auto-encoder method is then developed to collaboratively learn the embeddings of POIs from multiple spatial-temporal mobility graphs. In addition, we develop a Unsupervised Graph based Weighted Aggregation method to align and aggregate the POI embeddings into the representation of the community structures. We apply the proposed embedding framework to two applications (i.e., spotting vibrant communities and predicting housing price return rates) to evaluate the performance of our proposed method. Extensive experimental results on real-world urban communities and human mobility data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed collective embedding framework.
Geospatial Analysis of Horizontal and Vertical Urban Expansion Using Multi-Spatial Resolution Data: A Case Study of Surabaya, Indonesia

Urbanization addresses urban expansion, and it leads conversion of the green space into the built-up area. However, previous studies mainly focused on two-dimensional (2D) urban expansion rather than three-dimensional (3D) growth. Here, the purpose of this study is to examine the urban expansion, including built-up and green space for both horizontal and vertical dimensions using geospatial analysis including remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in the sub-Central Business District (CBD) area of Surabaya, Indonesia. The medium resolution remote sensing data for both image and Digital Surface Model (DSM) acquired by Advanced Land-Observing Satellite (ALOS) were applied for time-1 (2010). The orthophoto and DSM derived by LiDAR were used for time-2 (2016). We quantified the built-up and green expansions in 2D (area), which were extracted from land use/land cover (LU/LC) by applying hybrid classification. The built-up and green expansions in 3D (volume) were estimated by generating a surface feature model. The spatial configuration of area expansion was investigated using patch metric, while the volume growth was examined using the volume expansion rate. We got three findings. (1) The built-up and green area had expanded about 11.54% and 95.61%, respectively, from 2010 to 2016. The expansion of green area presented in a notable portion, which was mainly contributed by the conversion of bareland to playground or park. However, the expansion of built-up area was less than the volume expansion of 20.6%. It revealed that built-up growth led to vertical rather than horizontal development. (2) The built-up area expansion tended to scatter configuration, whereas, the green area expansion tended to aggregate in a linear pattern. (3) The ratio of built-up volume expansion to green volume expansion showed a mean of 3.7, indicating that the development of built-up and green volume was imbalanced. The built-up growth presented higher than the green growth, mainly in the areas with more vertical building establishment. The pressing need for higher green volume in the study area was identified in several sites located at surrounding artery and toll roads. Overall, our approach can be applied as a reference in monitoring neighborhood environment through greening programs for sustainable urban development.
A Survey of Clinician Decision Making When Identifying Swallowing Impairments and Determining Treatment.

Purpose Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the primary providers of dysphagia management; however, this role has been criticized with assertions that SLPs are inadequately trained in swallowing physiology (Campbell-Taylor, 2008). To date, diagnostic acuity and treatment planning for swallowing impairments by practicing SLPs have not been examined. We conducted a survey to examine how clinician demographics and swallowing complexity influence decision making for swallowing impairments in videofluoroscopic images. Our goal was to determine whether SLPs' judgments of swallowing timing impairments align with impairment thresholds available in the research literature and whether or not there is agreement among SLPs regarding therapeutic recommendations. Method The survey included 3 videofluoroscopic swallows ranging in complexity (easy, moderate, and complex). Three hundred three practicing SLPs in dysphagia management participated in the survey in a web-based format (Qualtrics, 2005) with frame-by-frame viewing capabilities. SLPs' judgments of impairment were compared against impairment thresholds for swallowing timing measures based on 95% confidence intervals from healthy swallows reported in the literature. Results The primary impairment in swallowing physiology was identified 67% of the time for the easy swallow, 6% for the moderate swallow, and 6% for the complex swallow. On average, practicing clinicians mislabeled 8 or more swallowing events as impaired that were within the normal physiologic range compared with healthy normative data available in the literature. Agreement was higher among clinicians who report using frame-by-frame analysis 80% of the time. A range of 19-21 different treatments was recommended for each video, regardless of complexity. Conclusions Poor to modest agreement in swallowing impairment identification, frequent false positives, and wide variability in treatment planning recommendations suggest that additional research and training in healthy and disordered swallowing are needed to increase accurate dysphagia diagnosis and treatment among clinicians.
A method for manual and automated multiplex RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry on cytospin samples

In situ analysis of biomarkers is essential for clinical diagnosis and research purposes. The increasing need to understand the molecular signature of pathologies has led to the blooming of ultrasensitive and multiplexable techniques that combine in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry (IHC or ICC). Most protocols are tailored to formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. However, methods to perform such assays on non-adherent cell samples, such as patient blood-derived PBMCs, rare tumor samples, effusions or other body fluids, dissociated or sorted cells, are limited. Typically, a laboratory would need to invest a significant amount of time and resources to establish one such assay. Here, we describe a method that combines ultrasensitive RNAscope-ISH with ICC on cytospin cell preparations. This method allows automated, sensitive, multiplex ISH-ICC on small numbers of non-adherent cells. We provide guidelines for both chromogenic and fluorescent ISH/ICC combinations that can be performed either in fully automated or in manual settings. By using a CD8+ T cells in vitro stimulation paradigm, we demonstrate that this protocol is sensitive enough to detect subtle differences in gene expression and compares well to commonly used methods such as RT-qPCR and flow cytometry with the added benefit of visualization at the cellular level.
Exploring causality of the association between smoking and Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Background The aim of this paper is to investigate the causality of the inverse association between cigarette smoking and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The main suggested alternatives include a delaying effect of smoking, reverse causality or an unmeasured confounding related to a low-risk-taking personality trait. Methods A total of 715 incident PD cases were ascertained in a cohort of 220 494 individuals from NeuroEPIC4PD, a prospective European population-based cohort study including 13 centres in eight countries. Smoking habits were recorded at recruitment. We analysed smoking status, duration, and intensity and exposure to passive smoking in relation to PD onset. Results Former smokers had a 20% decreased risk and current smokers a halved risk of developing PD compared with never smokers. Strong dose–response relationships with smoking intensity and duration were found. Hazard ratios (HRs) for smoking <20 years were 0.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–1.07], 20–29 years 0.73 (95% CI 0.56–0.96) and >30 years 0.54 (95% CI 0.43–0.36) compared with never smokers. The proportional hazard assumption was verified, showing no change of risk over time, arguing against a delaying effect. Reverse causality was disproved by the consistency of dose–response relationships among former and current smokers. The inverse association between passive smoking and PD, HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.49–0.99) ruled out the effect of unmeasured confounding. Conclusions These results are highly suggestive of a true causal link between smoking and PD, although it is not clear which is the chemical compound in cigarette smoking responsible for the biological effect.
Vestibular rehabilitation: advances in peripheral and central vestibular disorders

Purpose of review Rehabilitation for persons with vertigo and balance disorders is becoming commonplace and the literature is expanding rapidly. The present review highlights recent findings of both peripheral and central vestibular disorders and provides insight into evidence related to new rehabilitative interventions. Risk factors will be reviewed to create a better understanding of patient and clinical characteristics that may effect recovery among persons with vestibular disorders. Recent findings Clinical practice guidelines have recently been developed for peripheral vestibular hypofunction and updated for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Diagnoses such as persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and vestibular migraine are now defined, and there is growing literature supporting the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation as a treatment option. As technology advances, virtual reality and other technologies are being used more frequently to augment vestibular rehabilitation. Clinicians now have a better understanding of rehabilitation expectations and whom to refer based on evidence in order to improve functional outcomes for persons living with peripheral and central vestibular disorders. Summary An up-to-date understanding of the evidence related to vestibular rehabilitation can assist the practicing clinician in making better clinical decisions for their patient and hopefully result in optimal functional recovery.
Cysteine-derived hydrogen sulfide and gut health: a matter of endogenous or bacterial origin

Purpose of review Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced in the gut from cysteine by epithelial cells and by the intestinal microbiota. Initially considered as a toxic gas, the pleiotropic effects of H2S are now recognized, especially in the colonic mucosa. The aim of this review is to present new experimental data indicating that cysteine-derived H2S is emerging as a key regulator of gut health. Recent findings Cysteine degradation by the microbiota emerged as a dominant pathway for H2S production. Among bacteria producing H2S from cysteine, Fusobacterium appears as a pivotal genus associated with digestive diseases. H2S promotes or alleviates mucosal inflammation, mostly according to its high (high micromolar to millimolar) or low (nanomolar to low micromolar) concentration, respectively. H2S maintains the integrity of the mucus layer when derived from endogenous metabolism but is detrimental for this parameter when produced in excess by gut microbes. In inflammatory bowel diseases, an upregulation of H2S production from cysteine by the gut microbiota is observed concomitantly with a downregulation of enzymes implicated in its mucosal detoxification. In colorectal cancer patients, an upregulation of both endogenous and microbial H2S production from cysteine are observed at tumor site that might contribute to disease progression. Summary H2S is a double-edge sword for the intestinal epithelium. This is related to the bell-shaped effects of H2S, with protective effect at low concentration but deleterious effects at higher concentrations. As the gut microbiota produces much more H2S from cysteine than endogenous metabolism, we consider that the bacterial or epithelial source of H2S is a major determinant of its effects for intestinal health.
Association of Modified‐FOLFIRINOX‐Regimen‐Based Neoadjuvant Therapy with Outcomes of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer in Chinese Population

Abstract Lessons Learned. Modification of FOLFIRINOX significantly improves safety and tolerability in Chinese patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer benefit from neoadjuvant therapy and experience a much better survival than patients with upfront surgery. Background. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of modified‐FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) regimens in Chinese patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and to compare outcomes between patients with LAPC treated with mFOLFIRINOX‐based neoadjuvant therapy (LAPC‐N) and patients with LAPC who underwent upfront surgery (LAPC‐S). Methods. Forty‐one patients with LAPC‐N were enrolled prospectively. Imaging features, chemotherapy response, adverse events, perioperative complications, histology, and survival were analyzed. Seventy‐four patients with resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) (from April 2012 to November 2017) and 19 patients with LAPC‐S (from April 2012 to March 2014) were set as observational cohorts, and data were collected retrospectively. LAPC‐N patients with adequate response underwent surgical treatment, whereas continuous chemotherapy was given to LAPC‐N patients who were not deemed resectable after treatment, and the response was re‐evaluated every 2 months. Results. Forty‐one patients with LAPC received mFOLFIRINOX with a response rate of 37.1%. The most common severe adverse events were neutropenia and anemia. mFOLFIRINOX‐based neoadjuvant therapy contributed to a remarkable decrease in CA19‐9 level and tumor diameter. Fourteen LAPC‐N patients underwent surgery (LAPC‐N‐S) after downstaging. Compared with LAPC‐N‐S cases, LAPC‐S patients had longer operative time, more blood loss, and a higher risk of grade 5 complications. The median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of LAPC‐N‐S patients were 27.7 months and 19.3 months, respectively, which were similar to those of patients with RPC (30.0 months and 23.0 months) and much longer than those of patients with LAPC‐S (8.9 months and 7.6 months), respectively. Conclusion. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy such as the mFOLFIRINOX regimen can be recommended for Chinese patients with LAPC after dose modification. Patients with LAPC‐N who underwent surgery obtained significantly improved survival compared with patients in the observational LAPC‐S cohort, who did not undergo neoadjuvant therapy.
Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange During Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND In electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a generalized seizure is provoked under general anesthesia. Standard airway management is done by face mask ventilation, but this is difficult during generalized seizure. Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) is a method to increase apnea tolerance and permit apnea oxygenation. We hypothesize that THRIVE can oxygenate the patient during ECT and that it is comfortable for patients. METHODS In this single-center feasibility study, 13 patients with a pharmacotherapy-resistant depressive disorder underwent 20 ECT sessions with the use of THRIVE. They received general anesthesia under standard monitoring and transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring. Afterward, they completed a survey comparing their prior experience with face mask oxygenation. RESULTS There were no desaturations during the procedure, and patient comfort showed no difference in comparison to face mask. Compared with data from earlier ECT with face mask ventilation in the same patient, THRIVE did not seem to shorten seizure duration. CONCLUSIONS THRIVE is a novel, safe oxygenation method during ECT.
Coexistence of anti-HMGCR and anti-MDA5 identified by an unlabeled immunoprecipitation assay in a chinese patient cohort with myositis

Abstract Myositis-specific autoantibodies are important diagnostic and prognostic markers. The aim of our study is to detect anti-3-hydroxy 3-methylutaryl coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR) antibody using novel unlabeled immunoprecipitation (IP) assay and immunoblotting in Chinese patients with myositis and to clarify the features of anti-HMGCR-positive patients. In the present study, we established novel unlabeled IP assay and immunoblotting of HMGCR C-terminus for anti-HMGCR detection. The presence of anti-HMGCR was screened in 181 Chinese patients with myositis. The sera from 12 of 181 patients were positive for anti-HMGCR. The prevalence of anti-HMGCR autoantibody in our cohorts is about 6.6%. Unexpected, coexistence of anti-HMGCR and anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein (anti-MDA5) were identified in 4 patients with characteristic rash and interstitial lung disease (ILD), but without myasthenia and elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. Other anti-HMGCR positive patients without anti-MDA5 presented with severe proximal muscle weakness. Mean serum CK levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher in anti-HMGCR-positive patients than in antibody-negative patients (P <.05). Muscle biopsies available from 6 anti-HMGCR-positive patients were characterized with prominent myofiber necrosis and regeneration, little or none of inflammatory cell infiltrates. None of anti-HMGCR positive patients in our cohort was exposed to statins. Our data suggested that anti-HMGCR were found to coexist frequently with anti-MDA5 identified by the established unlabeled IP assay and statin exposure is rare in Chinese myositis patients with anti-HMGCR.