Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FASDetect -- A machine learning-based app to screen for the risk of fetal alcohol-spectrum disorder in youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms

Fetal alcohol-spectrum disorder (FASD) is underdiagnosed and often misdiagnosed as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we developed a screening tool for FASD in youth with ADHD symptoms. To develop the prediction model, medical record data from a German University outpatient unit were assessed including 275 patients aged 0-19 years old with FASD with or without ADHD and 170 patients with ADHD without FASD aged 0-19 years old. We trained 6 machine learning models based on 13 selected variables and evaluated their performance. Random forests yielded the best prediction models with a cross-validated AUC of 0.92 (95% confidence interval [0.84, 0.99]). Follow-up analyses indicated that a random forest model with 6 variables -- body length and head circumference at birth, IQ, socially intrusive behaviour, poor memory and sleep disturbance -- yielded equivalent predictive accuracy. We implemented the prediction model in a web-based app called FASDetect -- a user-friendly, clinically scalable FASD risk calculator that is freely available at https://fasdetect.dhc-lab.hpi. de.
Determinants of exposure to Aedes mosquitoes: a comprehensive geospatial analysis in peri-urban Cambodia

Aedes mosquitoes are some of the most important and globally expansive vectors of disease. Public health efforts are largely focused on prevention of human-vector contact. A range of entomological indices are used to measure risk of disease, though with conflicting results (i.e. larval or adult abundance does not always predict risk of disease). There is a growing interest in the development and use of biomarkers for exposure to mosquito saliva, including for Aedes spp, as a proxy for disease risk. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive geostatistical analysis of exposure to Aedes mosquito bites among a pediatric cohort in a peri-urban setting endemic to dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. We use demographic, household, and environmental variables (the flooding index (NFI), land type, and proximity to a river) in a Bayesian geostatistical model to predict areas of exposure to Aedes aegypti bites. We found that hotspots of exposure to Ae. aegypti salivary gland extract (SGE) were relatively small (< 500m and sometimes < 250m) and stable across the two-year study period. Age was negatively associated with antibody responses to Ae. aegypti SGE. Those living in agricultural settings had lower antibody responses than those living in urban settings, whereas those living near recent surface water accumulation were more likely to have higher antibody responses. Finally, we incorporated measures of larval and adult density in our geostatistical models and found that they did not show associations with antibody responses to Ae. aegypti SGE after controlling for other covariates in the model. Our results indicate that targeted house- or neighborhood-focused interventions may be appropriate for vector control in this setting. Further, demographic and environmental factors more capably predicted exposure to Ae. aegypti mosquitoes than commonly used entomological indices.
A Southern Optical/Infrared Survey of Interstellar Polarization

We describe a survey of interstellar polarization in the galaxy and the optical data acquired during the last four years. The goal is to improve the knowledge of the magnetic field structure of the diffuse Interstellar Medium, the ratio between the random and uniform components of the field and the scale length of the field fluctuations. Related goals are the study of the magnetic field through clouds at high galactic latitudes and across open clusters for mapping the field on small scales. We present both an account of the directions and objects observed and representative data. An IR extension of the Survey has begun in 2004 and will concentrate on the Galactic Plane. The Survey is being carried out with the IAG-USP 60-cm telescope. Future plans include the use of a 2m Robotic Telescope.
A UNIFIED METHOD FOR PREDICTING THE PERFORMANCE OF SUBSONIC DIFFUSERS OF SEVERAL GEOMETRIES

Abstract : A unified performance prediction method was developed for class A diffusers. Class A diffusers have specified flow and geometry restrictions. The prediction method is a system of linear, first order differential equations. These equations embody the momentum equation, continuity equation, and two empirical correlation equations. In addition to the prediction method, two parameters were developed to characterize inlet conditions and separation respectively.
Ultrasound Volume Reconstruction From Freehand Scans Without Tracking

Transrectal ultrasound is commonly used for guiding prostate cancer biopsy, where 3D ultrasound volume reconstruction is often desired. Current methods for 3D reconstruction from freehand ultrasound scans require external tracking devices to provide spatial information of an ultrasound transducer. This paper presents a novel deep learning approach for sensorless ultrasound volume reconstruction, which efficiently exploits content correspondence between ultrasound frames to reconstruct 3D volumes without external tracking. The underlying deep learning model, deep contextual-contrastive network (DC<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>-Net), utilizes self-attention to focus on the speckle-rich areas to estimate spatial movement and then minimizes a margin ranking loss for contrastive feature learning. A case-wise correlation loss over the entire input video helps further smooth the estimated trajectory. We train and validate DC<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>-Net on two independent datasets, one containing 619 transrectal scans and the other having 100 transperineal scans. Our proposed approach attained superior performance compared with other methods, with a drift rate of 9.64<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbf{\%}$</tex-math></inline-formula> and a prostate Dice of 0.89. The promising results demonstrate the capability of deep neural networks for universal ultrasound volume reconstruction from freehand 2D ultrasound scans without tracking information.
Editorial: Special issue on advances in nanomedicine

Nanomaterials are being increasingly used to develop new methods of disease diagnosis and treatment, thereby providing novel paradigms to break through the current limitations of medicine. However, there is still a long way toward the complete revolution for nanomedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. As nanoparticles are highly complex products and difficult to characterize, there are still many challenges. This special issue on Advances in Nanomedicine includes a series of topical reviews and original research articles that highlight the recent advances in diagnosis and therapy of nanomaterials.
Magnetic and electronic structure of (Ga1-xMnx)As

We present theoretical calculations of the magnetic and electronic structure of Mn-doped GaAs (in the zinc-blende structure). The magnetic properties are shown to be very sensitive to structural defects, in particular, As antisite defects and Mn at interstitial positions. Only when considering such defects can the experimental magnetic moments be reproduced by first-principles theory. We present a simple model for understanding the connection between the magnetic ordering and the As antisites, and the way in which the defects help to stabilize a partial disordered local-moment state. The connection between the energetics of the Mn substitution and the As antisite concentration is also analyzed. In addition, we compare the calculated magnetic properties and electronic structures of Mn situated on substitutional sites (Mn replacing a Ga atom) and on interstitial sites, where in agreement with observations the interstitial site is found to be less favorable. Finally, combining our first-principles calculations of the spin-wave excitation energies with a classical Heisenberg Hamiltonian we have calculated interatomic exchange interactions, and using Monte Carlo simulations we present theoretical values of the critical temperature as a function of Mn concentration.
Self‐reported diabetes is associated with allocentric spatial processing in the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia Longitudinal Cohort Study

Type 2 diabetes is a robust predictor of cognitive impairment. Impairment in allocentric processing may help identify those at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease dementia. The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of participants with and without diabetes on a task of allocentric spatial processing. This was a cross‐sectional secondary data analysis study using baseline data from the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia Longitudinal Cohort Study (EPAD LCS). Participants were aged 50 years and above and were free of dementia at baseline. Participants with no missing data on the variables of interest were included in this study. Our exposure variable was diabetes reported in the medical history. Our primary outcome was the Four Mountains Test (4MT), a novel task of allocentric processing. Covariates included demographics (age, sex, family history of dementia and years of education), APOEε4 carrier status, cognitive status (Clinical Dementia Rating scale), cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated tau and amyloid‐beta 1–42. Of 1324 participants (mean age = 65.95 (±7.45)), 90 had diabetes. Participants with diabetes scored 8.32 (±2.32) on the 4MT compared with 9.24 (±2.60) for participants without diabetes. In a univariate model, diabetes was significantly associated with worse 4MT total scores (β = −.92, p = .001), remaining significant in a fully adjusted model (β = −.64, p = .01). Cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated tau was significantly higher in participants with diabetes compared with those without. Novel cognitive tests, such as the 4MT, may be appropriate to identify early cognitive changes in this high‐risk group. Identifying those at greatest risk for future neurodegeneration is key to prevention efforts.
Associations between behaviour change technique clusters and weight loss outcomes of automated digital interventions: a systematic review and meta-regression

ABSTRACT Automated digital interventions for weight loss represent a highly scalable and potentially cost-effective approach to treat obesity. However, current understanding of the active components of automated digital interventions is limited, hindering efforts to improve efficacy. Thus, the current systematic review and meta-analysis (preregistration: PROSPERO 2021-CRD42021238878) examined relationships between utilisation of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and the efficacy of automated digital interventions for producing weight loss. Electronic database searches (December 2020 to March 2021) were used to identify trials of automated digital interventions reporting weight loss as an outcome. BCT clusters were coded using Michie’s 93-item BCT taxonomy. Mixed-effects meta-regression was used to examine moderating effects of BCT clusters and techniques on both within-group and between-group measures of weight change. One hundred and eight conditions across sixty-six trials met inclusion criteria (13,672 participants). Random-effects meta-analysis revealed a small mean post-intervention weight loss of −1.37 kg (95% CI, −1.75 to −1.00) relative to control groups. Interventions utilised a median of five BCT clusters, with goal-setting, feedback and providing instruction on behaviour being most common. Use of Reward and Threat techniques, and specifically social incentive/reward BCTs, was associated with a higher between-group difference in efficacy, although results were not robust to sensitivity analyses.
The attitudes of mental health professionals on the employability of people with mental illness: A different view limiting employment rehabilitation

Mental health professionals are becoming increasingly involved in the process of employment rehabilitation of persons with psychiatric disabilities. However, few studies address the attitudes of these professionals toward the employability of those with mental illness. The aim of this research was to identify differences in the attitudes of medical and non‐medical mental health professionals, as well as to detect any association between attitude scores and the type of professional.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2,4-pyrimidinediamine derivatives as ALK and HDACs dual inhibitors for the treatment of ALK addicted cancer

Abstract Simultaneous inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) could enhance therapeutic activity against ALK addicted cancer cells. Herein, a new series of 2,4-pyrimidinediamine derivatives as ALK and HDACs dual inhibitors were designed, synthesised and evaluated. Compound 12a which possessed good inhibitory potency against ALKwt and HDAC1, exhibited stronger antiproliferative activity than Ceritinib on ALK positive cancer cell lines though inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the mechanism is further verified by the down-regulation of p-ALK protein, and up-regulation of Acetylated histone 3 (Ac-H3) protein in cancer cells. These results suggested that 12a would be a potential candidate for the ALK addicted cancer treatment. Graphical Abstract
A Socioecological-Genetic Framework of Culture and Personality: Their Roots, Trends, and Interplay.

Culture and personality are two central topics in psychology. Individuals are culturally influenced influencers of culture, yet the research linking culture and personality has been limited and fragmentary. We integrate the literatures on culture and personality with recent advances in socioecology and genetics to formulate the Socioecological-Genetic Framework of Culture and Personality. Our framework not only delineates the mutual constitution of culture and personality but also sheds light on (a) the roots of culture and personality, (b) how socioecological changes partly explain temporal trends in culture and personality, and (c) how genes and culture/socioecology interact to influence personality (i.e., nature × nurture interactions). By spotlighting the roles of socioecology and genetics, our integrative framework advances the understanding of culture and personality. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Psychology, Volume 74 is January 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Local Normal Mode Analysis for Fast Loop Conformational Sampling

We propose and validate a novel method to efficiently explore local protein loop conformations based on a new formalism for constrained normal mode analysis (NMA) in internal coordinates. The manifold of possible loop configurations imposed by the position and orientation of the fixed loop ends is reduced to an orthogonal set of motions (or modes) encoding concerted rotations of all the backbone dihedral angles. We validate the sampling power on a set of protein loops with highly variable experimental structures and demonstrate that our approach can efficiently explore the conformational space of closed loops. We also show an acceptable resemblance of the ensembles around equilibrium conformations generated by long molecular simulations and constrained NMA on a set of exposed and diverse loops. In comparison with other methods, the main advantage is the lack of restrictions on the number of dihedrals that can be altered simultaneously. Furthermore, the method is computationally efficient since it only requires the diagonalization of a tiny matrix, and the modes of motions are energetically contextualized by the elastic network model, which includes both the loop and the neighboring residues.
ScaTE: A Scalable Framework for Self- Supervised Traversability Estimation in Unstructured Environments

For the safe and successful navigation of autonomous vehicles in unstructured environments, the traversability of terrain should vary based on the driving capabilities of the vehicles. Actual driving experience can be utilized in a self-supervised fashion to learn vehicle-specific traversability. However, existing methods for learning self-supervised traversability are not highly scalable for learning the traversability of various vehicles. In this work, we introduce a scalable framework for learning self-supervised traversability, which can learn the traversability directly from vehicle-terrain interaction without any human supervision. We train a neural network that predicts the proprioceptive experience that a vehicle would undergo from 3D point clouds. Using a novel PU learning method, the network simultaneously identifies non-traversable regions where estimations can be overconfident. With driving data of various vehicles gathered from simulation and the real world, we show that our framework is capable of learning the self-supervised traversability of various vehicles. By integrating our framework with a model predictive controller, we demonstrate that estimated traversability results in effective navigation that enables distinct maneuvers based on the driving characteristics of the vehicles. In addition, experimental results validate the ability of our method to identify and avoid non-traversable regions.
Ecotoxicological effects of conventional herbicides and a natural herbicide on freshwater fish (Danio rerio)

Abstract The contamination of aquatic environments has increased over time, affecting environmental integrity and human health. Herbicides represent a source of this contamination, and among the most commercialized are the triazines and glyphosate. In contrast, there are natural herbicides, which are less harmful to the environment. The aim of this study was to verify the ecotoxicological effects of the conventional herbicides (Atrazine and Glyphosate) and a natural herbicide on Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish were exposed for 72 h to different concentrations of conventional herbicides (1, 65, and 5,000 µg L−1) and the natural herbicide (0.62, 1.25, and 2.5 µg L−1) in aquaria (20 L). At end of the experiment, blood was collected from the fish, and slides were prepared to verify the frequency of nuclear abnormalities and micronuclei. A greater number of morphological nuclear alterations were recorded in the conventional herbicide treatments. In addition, significant differences were observed in the composition of abnormalities between treatments. Atrazine and Glyphosate can cause greater damage in D. rerio, demonstrating potential toxicity at all concentrations applied. The natural herbicide showed less mutagenic potential and was less harmful to fish. Thus, natural herbicides can be a better option for the preservation of the environment.
Factors affecting cryopreservation-associated damages in sperm motility of cockerels (Gallus gallus domesticus)

ABSTRACT 1. Sperm are exposed to severe osmotic stress during cryopreservation, which results in impairment of fertilisation ability, including motility and viability, in poultry. Sperm osmotolerance is regulated by many extracellular factors and varies widely in birds, leading to uncertainty in the nature of the osmotic injury. 2. Tail bending is a primary response resulting from cell swelling from excessive osmotic stress. However, the underlying mechanism responsible for tail bending is largely unknown. This study examined the relationship between osmotic stress and post-thaw motility, with a particular focus on the role of Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) in the tail bending response. 3. Cryopreserved sperm exhibited rapidly reduced motility when maintained at 37°C. The combination of temperature change and osmotic stress was a primary factor responsible for tail bending. This work tested a hypothesis known to be associated with post-thaw tail abnormality in other species and found that cold shock, that is not accompanied by an apoptotic response, may occur. Ouabain inhibition of Na+/K+ ATPase activity alleviated the tail bending response in fresh and post-thaw sperm. 4. These results demonstrated that the combination of temperature change and osmotic stress has a primary impact on the reduction of post-thaw motility, with a particular role in NKA activity, in the tail bending response of chicken sperm. These results provide a foundation for establishing cryopreservation methodology to ensure the optimal fertilisation potential of cryopreserved chicken sperm.
Preventive and healing effect of high dosing grape seed flour on CKD patients of various stages and aetiologies

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health concern characterised by a progressive alteration of renal function, and obesity, diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors. Oxidative stress is commonly observed in CKD patients resulting from an imbalance between overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of defense mechanisms. Therefore, strategies that alleviate oxidative stress may have major clinical implications towards improving vascular health and reducing the burden of CKD. Also, CKD worsens the quality of life of patients, therefore it is fundamental to implement new therapeutic strategies aimed at slowing down its progression. Materials and methods This interventional study is a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial consisting at the daily oral supplementation with high dosing grape seed flour (GSF ≈ 1 g/kg) for experimental (n = 30) or starch for placebo (n = 10) to patients suffering from CKD of various stages and aetiologies. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and after a six-month-long supplementation period to follow up the disease evolution through the determination of renal function biomarkers, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood parameters. Results Supplementation with high dosing GSF was safe and well tolerated during the entire period of investigation. GSF clearly improved the main renal function biomarkers as GFR, proteinuria, blood pressure, oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the overall patient welfare as indicated by several blood parameters. Conclusion Most importantly high dosing GSF specifically halted and even reversed the progression of diabetic nephropathy a major cause of CKD and end stage renal disease.
On the linear operation of cloned dynamical systems and its Lyapunov exponents

The cloned dynamical system theory is introduced and the Lyapunov exponents of this system are qualitatively proven to be same as the original dynamical system. This property indicates that these two systems have the same error propagation speed in the phase space, and thus we can interpret the phenomenon as why the ensemble mean method sometimes is not effective.