Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipid-Lowering Agents and High HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Are Inversely Associated With Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture

Background and Purpose— Growing evidence from experimental animal models and clinical studies suggests the protective effect of statin use against rupture of intracranial aneurysms; however, results from large studies detailing the relationship between intracranial aneurysm rupture and total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and lipid-lowering agent use are lacking. Methods— The medical records of 4701 patients with 6411 intracranial aneurysms diagnosed at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital between 1990 and 2016 were reviewed and analyzed. Patients were separated into ruptured and nonruptured groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the effects of lipids (total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) and lipid-lowering medications on intracranial aneurysm rupture risk. Propensity score weighting was used to account for differences in baseline characteristics of the cohorts. Results— Lipid-lowering agent use was significantly inversely associated with rupture status (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.71). In a subgroup analysis of complete cases that includes both lipid-lowering agent use and lipid values, higher HDL levels (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–0.98) and lipid-lowering agent use (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.23–0.73) were both significantly and inversely associated with rupture status, whereas total cholesterol and LDL levels were not significant. A monotonic exposure–response curve between HDL levels and risk of aneurysmal rupture was obtained. Conclusions— Higher HDL values and the use of lipid-lowering agents are significantly inversely associated with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.
Suppressive effects of metformin on T-helper 1-related chemokines expression in the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1

ABSTRACT Purpose of the study: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are chronic T-cell-mediated inflammatory diseases. Metformin is a widely used drug for type 2 DM that reduces the need for insulin in type 1 DM. However, whether metformin has an anti-inflammatory effect for treating DM is unknown. We investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of metformin in the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. Materials and methods: The human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was pretreated with metformin and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The production of T-helper (Th)-1-related chemokines including interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Th2-related chemokine macrophage-derived chemokine, and the proinflammatory chemokine tumor necrosis factor-α was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intracellular signaling pathways were investigated using Western blot analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results: Metformin suppressed LPS-induced IP-10 and MCP-1 production as well as LPS-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Moreover, metformin suppressed LPS-induced acetylation of histones H3 and H4 at the IP-10 promoter. Conclusions: Metformin suppressed the production of Th1-related chemokines IP-10 and MCP-1 in THP-1 cells. Suppressive effects of metformin on IP-10 production might be attributed at least partially to the JNK, p38, ERK, and NF-κB pathways as well as to epigenetic regulation through the acetylation of histones H3 and H4. These results indicated the therapeutic anti-inflammatory potential of metformin.
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system vs. endometrial thermal ablation for menorrhagia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a Levonorgestrel-releasing Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) in controlling menorrhagia in comparison with endometrial thermal rollerball ablation. DESIGN: Seventy-nine consecutive patients with menorrhagia underwent either LNG-IUS insertion (n=42) or hysteroscopical endometrial thermal rollerball ablation (n=37) in a prospective, observational, comparative study. Women reported duration of uterine bleeding in days prior to, and six and 12 months after each intervention. Prior to each intervention, endometrial, cervical or other pathological conditions of the genital tract were excluded. GnRH analogues for endometrial suppression were given for ten weeks before endometrial ablation but not prior to LNG-IUS insertion. RESULTS: There were no differences in duration of uterine bleeding before each intervention in the two groups. The duration of uterine bleeding was lower in the LNG-IUS group as compared with endometrial ablation at six (p<0.001) and 12 months (p<0.001) after each intervention. Furthermore, the effect on reduction of bleeding was stronger in the LNG-IUS group as compared with the endometrial ablation group at six (p<0.001) and 12 months (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The LNG-IUS was more efficacious than endometrial thermal ablation in reducing duration of uterine bleeding at six and 12 months post-intervention.
A Fully Progressive Approach to Single-Image Super-Resolution

Recent deep learning approaches to single image superresolution have achieved impressive results in terms of traditional error measures and perceptual quality. However, in each case it remains challenging to achieve high quality results for large upsampling factors. To this end, we propose a method (ProSR) that is progressive both in architecture and training: the network upsamples an image in intermediate steps, while the learning process is organized from easy to hard, as is done in curriculum learning. To obtain more photorealistic results, we design a generative adversarial network (GAN), named ProGanSR, that follows the same progressive multi-scale design principle. This not only allows to scale well to high upsampling factors (e.g., 8×) but constitutes a principled multi-scale approach that increases the reconstruction quality for all upsampling factors simultaneously. In particular ProSR ranks 2nd in terms of SSIM and 4th in terms of PSNR in the NTIRE2018 SISR challenge [35]. Compared to the top-ranking team, our model is marginally lower, but runs 5 times faster.
ON HUNT PROCESSES AND STRICT CAPACITIES ASSOCIATED WITH GENERALIZED DIRICHLET FORMS

Introducing the corresponding strict capacity, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a generalized Dirichlet form to be associated with a Hunt process. We also show that Borel measurable sets with strict capacity zero can be checked-out by an appropriate subclass of smooth measures. In the last part of this paper we present applications to three classes of examples.
Securing configuration management and migration of virtual network functions using blockchain

The integration of network function visualization (NFV) and service function chaining (SFC) adds intelligence to the core of the network. The programmability of the network core, however, raises new vulnerabilities and increases the number of victims, since a simple modification in the core can affect multiple network users. Thus, the provision of secure virtual network service functions (VNFs) is mandatory to guarantee a correct chaining of network functions. This paper proposes a blockchain-based architecture for secure management, configuration and migration of VNFs, which ensures: (i) immutability, non-repudiation, and auditability of the configuration update history; (ii) integrity and consistency of stored information; and (iii) the anonymity of VNFs, tenants, and configuration information. Furthermore, the proposed architecture guarantees the secure update and migration of configurations at the core of the network. A prototype of the proposed architecture using the Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV) indicates parameter trade-offs and performance bottlenecks.
Quantification of Torque Teno Virus and Epstein-Barr Virus Is of Limited Value for Predicting the Net State of Immunosuppression After Lung Transplantation

Abstract Background Major hurdles for survival after lung transplantation are rejections and infectious complications. Adequate methods for monitoring immune suppression status are lacking. Here, we evaluated quantification of torque teno virus (TTV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as biomarkers for defining the net state of immunosuppression in lung-transplanted patients. Methods This prospective single-center study included 98 patients followed for 2 years after transplantation. Bacterial infections, fungal infections, viral respiratory infections (VRTI), cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia, and acute rejections, as well as TTV and EBV levels, were monitored. Results The levels of torque teno virus DNA increased rapidly after transplantation, likely due to immunosuppressive treatment. A modest increase in levels of Epstein-Barr virus DNA was also observed after transplantation. There were no associations between either TTV or EBV and infectious events or acute rejection, respectively, during follow-up. When Tacrolimus was the main immunosuppressive treatment, TTV DNA levels were significantly elevated 6–24 months after transplantation as compared with Cyclosporine treatment. Conclusions Although replication of TTV, but not EBV, appears to reflect the functionality of the immune system, depending on the type of immunosuppressive treatment, quantification of TTV or EBV as biomarkers has limited potential for defining the net state of immune suppression.
Decreased frequency of peripheral blood CD8+CD25+FoxP3+regulatory T cells correlates with IL-33 levels in pre-eclampsia

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to investigate the role of CD8+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T (Treg) cells in pre-eclampsia (PE). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 46 patients with PE and 24 normotensive women within the third trimester of gestation. We analyzed the percentages of CD8+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in peripheral blood using flow cytometry and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-1β, and IL-33 by Luminex 200. Results: We found that patients with PE had lower percentages of CD8+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells than normotensive pregnant women. In addition, the percentage of CD8+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells was positively correlated with IL-33 concentration and negatively correlated with IL-17A concentration in patients with PE. We also found that IL-33 treatment can induce proliferation of CD8+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in vitro. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the reduced CD8+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of PE. Abbreviations PE: pre-eclampsia; PBMCs: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; CTLA-4: cytotoxic T-lymphocyteantigen-4; APCs: antigen presenting cells; TGF-β: transforming growth factor-β; IL: interleukin; Treg: cells regulatory T cells; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; Foxp3: forkhead Box protein 3; HELLPs: hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme and low platelet syndrome
Study on Solidification Process of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate from Supercooled State

Sodium acetate trihydrate is considered as the promising thermal energy storage material due to its high melting enthalpy at the melting temperature of 58°C. However, incongruent melting (phase separation) and remarkable supercooling are made difficult to use. In this study, solidification process of the sodium acetate trihydrate from supercooled state was both experimentally and numerically investigated. On the experiment, effects of supercooling and sodium acetate concentration on the crystal growth rate were measured by varying the supercooling temperature (-48K) and the sodium acetate concentration (40-55wt%) and obtained an empirical equation. Further, simplified crystal growth model, which is based on the experimentally obtained crystal growth rate, was also proposed and the heat release process, which is important for the thermal energy storage equipments, was investigated.
Industrial Big Data Analytics for Prediction of Remaining Useful Life Based on Deep Learning

Due to the recent development of cyber-physical systems, big data, cloud computing, and industrial wireless networks, a new era of industrial big data is introduced. Deep learning, which brought a revolutionary change in computer vision, natural language processing, and a variety of other applications, has significant potential for solutions providing in sophisticated industrial applications. In this paper, a concept of device electrocardiogram (DECG) is presented, and an algorithm based on deep denoising autoencoder (DDA) and regression operation is proposed for the prediction of the remaining useful life of industrial equipment. First, the concept of electrocardiogram is explained. Then, a problem statement based on manufacturing scenario is presented. Subsequently, the architecture of the proposed algorithm called integrated DDA and the algorithm workflow are provided. Moreover, DECG is compared with traditional factory information system, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm are validated experimentally. The proposed concept and algorithm combine typical industrial scenario and advance artificial intelligence, which has great potential to accelerate the implementation of industry 4.0.
Approximating the Bias and Variance of Chain Ladder Estimates Under a Compound Poisson Model

We consider the problem of estimating the outstanding claims produced by a homogeneous general insurance portfolio. The specific model considered in this paper is one where the number of claims in any loss period follows a Poisson distribution, settlement delays follow the same multinomial distribution, and settlements are single lump sums that are independent identically distributed random variables. Simulations using this model reveal that the development ratios and the outstanding claims estimates produced using the chain ladder method are positively biased. We obtain approximate formulas * Janagan Yogaranpan, B.Com. (Hons), ALA.A. , graduated with first class honors from Macquarie University in 2000. He is an actuarial analyst at ING Australia. Mr. Yogaranpan's address is: ING Australia, 347 Kent St, Sydney, NSW 2000, AUSTRALIA. E-mail: janagan.yogaranpan@ing.com. au tSue Clarke, B.Tech., F.LA. A, is a lecturer at Macquarie University. She was a statistician in the finance industry then joined Skandia Ufe before joining this univerSity. Ms. Clarke's address is: Actuarial Studies Department, EFS, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, AUSTRALIA. E-mail: sue.clarke@efs.mq. edu.au *Shauna Ferris, M.Comp., F.LA. A. , is a lecturer at Macquarie University. She spent several years working in life insurance, superannuation, and banking before joining this university. Ms. Ferris' address is: Actuarial Studies Department, EFS, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, AUSTRALIA. E-mail: shauna.ferris@efs.mq. edu.au § John Pollard, Ph.D., F.LA, F.I. AA, F.S.S. , F.A. S.S. A. , is an emeritus professor at Mac. quarie University. Professor Pollard is the author of seven books on mqrtality, statistics, life insurance, and non-life insurance. His research publications range from mortality and population mathematics to stochastic interest models and reserving. Dr. Pollard's address is: Actuarial Studies Department, EFS, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, AUSTRALIA. E-mail: john.pollard@efs.mq. edu.au ~The authors wish to thank the two anonymous referees and the editor for their helpful comments and suggestions that have improved this paper.
Containment Control of Fractional Order Multi-Agent Systems With Time Delays

In complex environments, many distributed multi-agent systems are described with the fractional-order dynamics. In this paper, containment control of fractional-order multi-agent systems with multiple leader agents are studied. Firstly, the collaborative control of fractional-order multi-agent systems U+0028 FOMAS U+0029 with multiple leaders is analyzed in a directed network without delays. Then, by using Laplace transform and frequency domain theorem, containment consensus of networked FOMAS with time delays is investigated in an undirected network, and a critical value of delays is obtained to ensure the containment consensus of FOMAS. Finally, numerical simulations are shown to verify the results.
Development of a Doxycycline Hydrochloride-Loaded Electrospun Nanofibrous Membrane for GTR/GBR Applications

A drug-loaded membrane was prepared by electrospinning Poly e-caprolactone PCL with doxycycline hydrochloride DOX 15–25% w/w. Scanning electron microscopy SEM images revealed that fibrous average diameter decreased from 247.16±57.61 nm to 194.43±43.33 nm with the drug proportion increasing from 15% to 20% w/w, while there was no significant difference between 20% and 25% groups. The polymer matrix showed good encapsulation value 58–75% for DOX, and the drug showed an amorphous manner in the polymer matrix. The agar diffusion test revealed that DOX-loaded membranes had an obvious inhibited effect on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Aa and Porphyromonas gingivalis Pg, respectively. In vitro release test showed that DOX could persistently be released for a prolonged time more than 28 days, and the DOX level in the eluent steadied at 3–5 μg/mL which was all above the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC of DOX against Aa 0.125 μg/mL and Pg 0.0625 μg/mL. Cytocompatibility, assessed in human periodontal ligament cells hPLCs by MTT-test and the morphology of cells on the surface of DOX-loaded membranes by SEM, indicated that all of the investigated nanofibrous membranes can be used to treat periodontal disease by integrating the GTR/GBR operation and antibiotic therapy. Above all, DOX-loaded nanofibrous membranes could have a persistent inhibited effect on periodontal pathogens to provide a relatively sterile environment for tissue repair and regeneration.
Deep Neural Architectures for Mapping Scalp to Intracranial EEG

Data is often plagued by noise which encumbers machine learning of clinically useful biomarkers and electroencephalogram (EEG) data is no exemption. Intracranial EEG (iEEG) data enhances the training of deep learning models of the human brain, yet is often prohibitive due to the invasive recording process. A more convenient alternative is to record brain activity using scalp electrodes. However, the inherent noise associated with scalp EEG data often impedes the learning process of neural models, achieving substandard performance. Here, an ensemble deep learning architecture for nonlinearly mapping scalp to iEEG data is proposed. The proposed architecture exploits the information from a limited number of joint scalp-intracranial recording to establish a novel methodology for detecting the epileptic discharges from the sEEG of a general population of subjects. Statistical tests and qualitative analysis have revealed that the generated pseudo-intracranial data are highly correlated with the true intracranial data. This facilitated the detection of IEDs from the scalp recordings where such waveforms are not often visible. As a real-world clinical application, these pseudo-iEEGs are then used by a convolutional neural network for the automated classification of intracranial epileptic discharges (IEDs) and non-IED of trials in the context of epilepsy analysis. Although the aim of this work was to circumvent the unavailability of iEEG and the limitations of sEEG, we have achieved a classification accuracy of 68% an increase of 6% over the previously proposed linear regression mapping.
Long‐Term Efficacy of Constant Current Deep Brain Stimulation in Essential Tremor

Ventralis intermedius deep brain stimulation is an established intervention for medication‐refractory essential tremor. Newer constant current stimulation technology offers theoretical advantage over the traditional constant voltage systems in terms of delivering a more biologically stable therapy. There are no previous reports on the outcomes of constant current deep brain stimulation in the treatment of essential tremor. This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy of ventralis intermedius constant current deep brain stimulation in patients diagnosed with essential tremor.
Mechanical and electronic properties of Janus monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides

The mechanical and electronic properties of Janus monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides MXY (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W; X/Y = S, Se, Te) were investigated using density functional theory. Results show that breaking the out-of-plane structural symmetry can be used to tune the electronic and mechanical behavior of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides. The band gaps of monolayer WXY and MoXY are in the ranges of 0.16–1.91 and 0.94–1.69 eV, respectively. A semiconductor to metallic phase transition occurred in Janus monolayer MXY (M = Ti, Zr and Hf). The monolayers MXY (M = V, Nb, Ta and Cr) show metallic characteristics, which show no dependence on the structural symmetry breaking. The mechanical properties of MXY depended on the composition. Monolayer MXY (M = Mo, Ti, Zr, Hf and W) showed brittle characteristic, whereas monolayer CrXY and VXY are with ductile characteristic. The in-plane stiffness of pristine and Janus monolayer MXY are in the range between 22 and 158 N m−1. The tunable electronic and mechanical properties of these 2D materials would advance the development of ultra-sensitive detectors, nanogenerators, low-power electronics, and energy harvesting and electromechanical systems.
Molecular Mechanisms of Androstenediol in the Regulation of the Proliferative Process of Human Endometrial Cells

Proliferation in endometria of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is increased, similar to the biosynthesis of androstenediol (estrogenic metabolite). As previously shown, in human endometrial cells, androstenediol increases CYCLIN D1 levels and KI67 and decreases P27 content. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the mechanisms by which androstenediol promotes endometrial cell-cycle progression. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) activation and changes in CYCLIN D1 and P27 levels were evaluated by Western blot in T-HESC and St-T1b endometrial cell lines, using receptor antagonists; activation of PI3K-protein kinase B (AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinases-extracellular signal–regulated kinases (MAPK-ERK)1/2 pathways was evaluated using PI3K, MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)1/2, and RNA-polymerase II inhibitors. The data showed that androstenediol treatment significantly increases CYCLIN D1 and decreases P27 levels through ERα activation (P < .05). In addition, an increase in AKT/ERK1/2 phosphorylations was determined (P < .05). In the presence of RNA-polymerase II inhibitor, phosphorylation of AKT/ERK1/2 decreased (P < .05), meaning that endometrial cells need transcriptional activity to activate the kinases involved. It was also observed that PI3K action is required for P27 and CYCLIN D1 changes. Therefore, the action of androstenediol in endometria depends on PI3K-AKT and MAPK-ERK1/2 pathways activation, together with cell transcriptional machinery. This could be of clinical significance, as in pathologies such as PCOS, increased endometrial levels of androstenediol together with a high prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma have been reported.