Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the achievable diversity of network-coded cooperative wireless networks

We introduce a mathematical framework to the analysis, design and optimization of Network-Coded Cooperative Diversity (NCCD) protocols. The analysis is applicable to relay-aided protocols based on the error propagation model, which rely on appropriately designed diversity combining demodulators at the destination. Wireless networks with an arbitrary number of sources and relays are considered. Arbitrary multilevel modulations and network codes constructed over a non-binary Galois Field (GF) are analyzed. NCCD protocols based on repetition-based cooperation are investigated. The mathematical analysis shows that NCCD protocols are capable of achieving full-diversity if the GF size is sufficiently large and the network code satisfies the Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) property.
CT‐measured skeletal muscle mass used to assess frailty in patients with head and neck cancer

Skeletal muscle depletion or sarcopenia is related to multiple adverse clinical outcome. However, frailty questionnaires are currently applied in the daily practice to identify patients who are potentially (un)suitable for treatment but are time consuming and straining for patients and the clinician. Screening for sarcopenia in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) could be a promising fast biomarker for frailty. Our objective was to quantify sarcopenia with pre‐treatment low skeletal muscle mass from routinely obtained neck computed tomography scans at level of third cervical vertebra in patients diagnosed with HNC and evaluate its association with frailty.
Radiographic Assessment of Foot Alignment in Juvenile Hallux Valgus and Its Relationship to Flatfoot

Background: The relationship between juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) and flatfoot has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to assess radiographic measurements in feet with JHV compared with matched controls and to investigate whether the foot alignment of JHV is related to flatfoot. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 163 patients with JHV as defined as hallux valgus angle greater than 20 degrees and intermetatarsal greater than angle than 10 degrees. Patients with open physes of the feet and who had weight-bearing radiographs of the feet were included. Another 55 normal participants served as controls. Patients with JHV were divided into 2 subgroups: Group 1 included patients with asymptomatic JHV and group 2 consisted of those treated with correctional surgery for painful JHV. Twelve radiographic indices were analyzed, including calcaneal pitch angle, tibiocalcaneal angle, talocalcaneal angle, naviculocuboid overlap, talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talo–first metatarsal angle, anteroposterior talo–first metatarsal angle, metatarsus adductus angle, hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, and first metatarsal cuneiform angle. The groups were compared by age, gender, and the above radiographic parameters. Results: There was no significant difference in hindfoot alignment of patients with JHV and controls. Naviculocuboid overlap (P <.001), lateral talo–first metatarsal angle (P = .002), and metatarsus adductus angle (P = .004) were significantly greater in patients with JHV than in controls, whereas the anteroposterior talo–first metatarsal angle (P = .026) was significantly less. Symptomatic and asymptomatic JHV patient subsets showed no significant radiologic differences. Conclusion: Radiographic profiles in patients with JHV were inconsistent with regard to features of flatfoot, and foot alignment was unrelated to the presence of symptoms or degree of deformity in JHV. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Increasing evidence supports the role of the gut microbiota in the aetiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a highly effective treatment against recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and may be beneficial in ulcerative colitis. However, its efficacy in IBS is uncertain.
The residue levels of spinosad and abamectin in eggs and tissues of laying hens following spray application

ABSTRACT Spinosad (SPN) and abamectin (ABM) are used in poultry premises to control external parasites including red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae). This study aimed to determine levels of SPN (spinosyn A + spinosyn D) and ABM residues in egg and edible tissues of laying hens following spray application. A total of 36 laying hens were divided into four groups of nine birds each, and they were kept in individual cages. Two different concentrations of SPN (2 and 4 g/l) and ABM (0.025 and 0.033 g/l) were applied in stocked and empty cages, respectively. Eggs were collected individually for 30 days. All hens were sacrificed at day 30 post–treatment, and tissue samples (liver, breast muscle, fat and skin) were collected. The residue levels in eggs and tissues were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. ABM residues were not detectable in egg samples. SPN residues in eggs and residues of both ABM and SPN in liver, muscle and fat were under the maximum residue limits (MRLs) following low and high concentration applications. However, although the MRLs have not been established for SPN and ABM in skin tissue of chicken, residues in the skin detected at the low and high concentrations were greater than the MRLs for other edible tissues (except fat tissue) indicating that a withdrawal period would be necessary for the skin tissue after ABM and SPN use in laying hens.
STABILITY ANALYSIS AND OPTIMAL CONTROL DESIGN FOR AC-DC POWER SYSTEM WITH CONSTANT POWER LOAD

This thesis studies the stability properties of an AC-DC system - a three-phase controlled rectifi�er - with constant power load (CPL) and proposes an optimal design for the system control. CPLs have been widely seen in power electronic applications. For example, motor drives and DC/AC inverters in advanced automotive systems may behave as CPLs. Due to their negative impedances, CPLs often impact the power quality and stability of an AC/DC system. This thesis considers a typical AC/DC system with constant power load, where the three-phase rectifi�er is originally controlled by two PI controllers. It is demonstrated that the PI control strategy obtains narrow stability margin. To overcome the limitation of PI control, a linear quadratic regulator with full state feedback is used to determine the optimal structure of the controller and tune the parameters of the controller and DC �filter. This method is shown to improve the stability margin of the AC-DC system tremendously.
Macrophage CCL22 expression in the tumor microenvironment and implications for survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

BACKGROUND CCL22, mainly synthesized by monocyte-derived alternative (M2) macrophages, belongs to the CC family of chemokines. CCR4, the receptor for CCL22, is expressed in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th2 cells. The Yamamoto-Kohama (YK) mode of invasion has been associated with tumor prognosis. Herein, we investigated the role of CCL22 in the tumor microenvironment and its effect on the overall survival rate in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS Tumor sections obtained from 92 patients with tongue SCC were graded based on the mode of invasion according to the YK classification. The expressions of several markers (CCL22, CD8, and Ki-67 by immunohistochemistry; CCR4 and FoxP3 by immunofluorescent staining) were evaluated. Student's t test and chi-square tests were used to compare differences between numerical variables and groups, respectively. Survival curves were plotted according to the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using a log-rank test. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using univariate or multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS The expression of CCL22 was significantly correlated with YK classification, overall survival rate (P < 0.001), a decrease in the number of CD8-positive cells, and an increase in the tumor Ki-67 index. In addition, CCR4-positive cells were observed around CCL22-positive macrophages. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the expression of CCL22 in the tumor microenvironment led to a deterioration in the prognosis of patients with tongue SCC by influencing the balance of M1- and M2-like macrophages.
Top-down Feature Mining Framework for Software Product Line

Software product line engineering is regarded as a promising approach to generate tailored software products by referencing shared software artefacts. However, converting software legacy into a product line is extremely difficult, given the complexity, risk of the task and insufficient tool support. To cope with this, in this paper, we proposed a top-down feature-mining framework to facilitate developers extracting code fragments for features concerned. Our work aims to fulfill the following targets: (1) identify features at a fine granularity, (2) locate code fragments for concerned feature hierarchically and consistently, and (3) combine program analysis techniques and feature location strategies to improve mining performance. From our preliminary case studies, the top-down framework can effectively locate features and performs as good as Christians approach and performs better than the topology feature location approach.
A zeolite as a tool for successful refolding of PEGylated proteins and their reassembly with tertiary structures

In the present study, we demonstrated zeolites' potential contribution to establish a method for preparing successfully refolded and reassembled PEGylated protein nanoparticles without the use of protein denaturants through the proteins' reassembly process. At first, the PEGylated nanoparticles are disassembled into identical PEGylated protein subunits by means of protein denaturants, and then the denatured subunits are adsorbed to zeolites. After the complete removal of denaturants, high‐molecular‐weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules are added to a solution where the zeolites suspend. Consequently, the PEGylated proteins are gradually reassembled into nanoparticles because the subunits are desorbed from the zeolites by the steric hindrance of the added PEG molecules. The present study reveals that PEGylated encapsulin was reassembled and hollow encapsulin nanoparticles were obtained. The results clearly demonstrate the usefulness of zeolites as a tool for the successful refolding of PEGylated proteins and their reassembly with tertiary structures.
Growth hormone induced increase in serum IGFBP‐3 level is reversed by anabolic steroids in substance abusing power athletes

Body builders may use growth hormone (GH) and anabolic steroids to increase fitness and muscle mass. GH increases serum concentrations of IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3. The combined effects of GH and anabolic androgenic steroids on IGFBP‐3 and IGF‐I levels are not known under authentic substance‐abusing conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate this in substance‐abusing power athletes.
[Mediating effect of self-esteem and empathy on the relationship between loneliness and cyber-bulling in middle and high school students in Liaoning Province].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of self-esteem and empathy in the relationship between loneliness and cyberbullying among junior and senior school students. METHODS In the city of Shenyang, Chaoyang, Yingkou and Panjin in Liaoning Province, between March and May, 2017, a total of 961 middle school students from 12 to 18 age(grade 1 in middle school to grade 3 in high school) were selected by convenient sampling. Among them, there were 446 boys and 515 girls and there were 512 junior school students and 449 senior school students. Middle School Students' Cyberbullying Behavior Questionnaire(MSSCBQ), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale(SES), UCLA Loneliness Scale(UCLA) and Basic Empathy Scale(BES) were used for the study. The recovery data was analysed by independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, regression analysis and the structural equation model was established. RESULTS (1) The male in the scores of cyberbully, cybervictim and loneliness were higher than the femal((17.1±7.0) vs.(14.8±5.6);(17.9±6.2) vs.(15.9±5.7);(45.2±9.7) vs.(42.9±9.8)), but the male in the scores in self-esteem and empathy were lower than the female((27.4±5.1) vs.(28.2±4.8);(63.1±9.5) vs.(66.0±11.0)) and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The junior school students in the scores of cyberbully, cybervictim were higher than the senior school students((16.4±6.6) vs.(15.3±6.1);(17.7±6.0) vs.(16.0±5.9)), but the junior school students in the scores in self-esteem and empathy were lower than senior school students((27.2±4.5) vs.(28.5±5.3);(61.8±10.3) vs.(67.1±10.0)), and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). (2) The scores of CBQ, CBVQ and UCLA were positively correlated each other(r=0.20-0.33, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with the scores of SES and BES(r=-0.28--0.13, P<0.01). (3) Among junior and senior school students, the direct effect of loneliness on the cyberbully and cybervictim were 0.12 and 0.13. Self-esteem(indirect effect 0.09, 95% CI 0.37-0.79) and empathy(indirect effect 0.05, 95% CI 0.16-0.44) played mediating roles in the relationship between loneliness and cyberbully; Self-esteem(indirect effect 0.05, 95% CI 0.13-0.58) and empathy(indirect effect 0.03, 95% CI 0-0.03) played mediating roles in the relationship between loneliness and cybervictim. CONCLUSION Negative prediction of self-esteem and empathy are to cyberbully and cybervictim, and positive prediction of loneliness is to cyberbully and cybervictim. The levels of self-esteem and empathy enhanced could mitigate the effect of loneliness on cyberbully and cybervictim.
Proteomic markers of low and high fertility bovine spermatozoa separated by Percoll gradient

In the context of artificial insemination, male fertility is defined as the ability to produce functional spermatozoa able to withstand cryopreservation. We hypothesized that interindividual variations in fertility depend on the proportion of the fully functional sperm population contained in the insemination dose. The objective of this study was to identify protein markers of the fully functional sperm subpopulation. Insemination doses from four high‐fertility (HF) and four low‐fertility (LF) bulls with comparable post‐thaw quality parameters were selected for proteomic analysis using iTRAQ technology. Thawed semen was centrifuged through a Percoll gradient to segregate the motile (high density [HD]) from the immotile (low density [LD]) sperm populations. Sperm proteins were extracted with sodium deoxycholate and four groups were compared: LD and HD spermatozoa from LF and HF bulls. A total of 498 unique proteins were identified and quantified. Comparison of HD spermatozoa from HF and LF bulls revealed that five proteins were significantly more abundant in the HF group (AK8, TPI1, TSPAN8, OAT, and DBIL5) whereas five proteins were more abundant in the LF group (RGS22, ATP5J, CLU, LOC616319, and CCT5). Comparison of LD spermatozoa from HF and LF bulls revealed that four proteins were significantly more abundant in the HF group (IL4I1, CYLC2, OAT, and ARMC3) whereas 15 proteins were significantly more abundant in the LF group (HADHA, HSP90AA1, DNASE1L3, SLC25A20, GPX5, TCP1, HIP1, CLU, G5E622, LOC616319, HSPA2, NUP155, DPY19L2, SPERT, and SERPINE2). DBIL5, TSPAN8, and TPI1 showed potential as putative markers of the fully functional sperm subpopulation.
Spleen stiffness by 2‐D shear wave elastography is the most accurate predictor of high‐risk esophagogastric varices in children with biliary atresia

Esophagogastric variceal hemorrhage is a cause of poor prognosis in patients with biliary atresia (BA). To prevent variceal hemorrhage, simple and reliable screening methods for high‐risk esophagogastric varices (HR‐EGV) are needed. We evaluated the efficacy of liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) as measured by 2‐D shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE), which was reported to be more accurate than transient elastography, for detecting HR‐EGV in children with BA.
Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Painful Sacral Metastases Involving Multiple Sacral Vertebral Bodies: Initial Experience with an Interpedicular Approach

Objective To report our initial experience of percutaneous sacroplasty (PSP) with an interpedicular approach for treating painful sacral metastases involving multiple sacral vertebral bodies. Materials and Methods This study prospectively enrolled 10 consecutive patients (six men and four women; mean age, 56.3 ± 13.8 years) who underwent PSP for painful sacral metastases involving multiple sacral vertebral bodies from March 2017 to September 2018. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) values, and the number of opioids prescribed to the patients were assessed before and after PSP. The procedure duration, length of hospitalization, and complications were also recorded. Results Mean VAS and ODI declined significantly from 6.90 ± 1.20 and 74.40 ± 5.48 before the procedure to 2.70 ± 1.34 and 29.60 ± 14.57 after the procedure, respectively (p < 0.01). The median number of opioids prescribed per patient decreased from 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-3) pre-procedure to 1 (IQR 0–3) post-procedure (p < 0.01). Nine of the 10 patients showed no or decreased opioid usage, and only 1 patient showed unchanged usage. The mean procedure duration was 48.5 ± 3.0 minutes. The average length of hospitalization was 4.7 ± 1.7 days. Extraosseous cement leakage occurred in three cases without causing any clinical complications. Conclusion PSP with an interpedicular approach is a safe and effective treatment in patients with painful sacral metastases involving multiple sacral vertebral bodies and can relieve pain and improve mobility.
Painful Life Events in Psychiatric Disorders: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Abstract We reported in a previous study the painful events experienced in the past in subjects with schizophrenia or major depression, in comparison to controls, and related them to the experimental pain sensitivity, anxiety, and the diagnosis. We present here the detailed analysis of these past painful events, with the aim of determining whether schizophrenic, depressive and control groups are qualitatively (type of painful events experienced, emotional or sensory components associated with pain) and quantitatively (duration, severity, and intensity) comparable concerning their past painful experiences. The questionnaire used relies on memory and feelings and will provide an indication about the way pain is experienced and memorized in daily life. The reported history of pain was not the same in the three groups. Depressed subjects differed from the others by the number of reported painful events. Painful events of everyday life, such as trauma without fracture and wounds, were the most highly reported painful events for all groups. Surprisingly, the daily pain events are associated to affective component of pain perception. Other kinds of event were differently reported between the groups. Experience of pain appears to be memorized and reported differently depending on the psychiatric disorder and type of event. The characteristics of each individual, their previous experience, contribute to the expression of psychiatric disorders, including in the field of pain. Past pain experience should be taken into account when attending someone for pain.
Understanding of interaction (subgroup) analysis in clinical trials

When the treatment effect on the outcome of interest is influenced by a baseline/demographic factor, investigators say that an interaction is present. In randomized clinical trials (RCTs), this type of analysis is typically referred to as subgroup analysis. Although interaction (or subgroup) analyses are usually stated as a secondary study objective, it is not uncommon that these results lead to changes in treatment protocols or even modify public health policies. Nonetheless, recent reviews have indicated that their proper assessment, interpretation and reporting remain challenging.
Examining the Effects of Core Self-Evaluations and Perceived Organizational Support on Academic Burnout Among Undergraduate Students

Academic burnout is a prevalent issue that has debilitating effects on students and refers to the phenomena of long-term fatigue and loss of interest in schoolwork, and is characterized by a student’s lack of engagement, dulled emotions, and feelings of helplessness. This survey-based study examined the predictive ability of two popular constructs in organizational psychology research, core self-evaluations, and perceived organizational support, to explain students’ academic burnout. Extending the Job Demands-Resources model and Conservation of Resources theory to the university context, the study investigated whether core self-evaluations and perceived organizational support would similarly predict burnout for 199 undergraduate students in a university setting as they do employees in work settings. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to assess the factor structure of the variables, and moderated multiple regression was employed to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that that core self-evaluations and perceived organizational support were individually strong predictors of burnout, and that perceived organizational support had a small moderating effect on the core self-evaluations-burnout relationship. Implications and potential applications of these results are discussed as a means to mitigate the negative effects of academic burnout experienced by so many college students.
The Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Antioxidant Capacity and Arm Volumes in Survivors of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Abstract Background and Aims: Synbiotics found to be beneficial in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) through its antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of synbiotic supplementation on edema volume and some oxidative markers among obese and overweight patients with BCRL. Method: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 88 overweight and obese BCSs aged 18–65 years. All the subjects were given a specified low-calorie diet (LCD) and were randomly assigned into two groups to intake 109 CFU/day synbiotic supplement (n = 44) or placebo (n = 44) for 10 wk. Edema volume and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration were measured at baseline and after the 10-wk intervention. Results: Ten-wk supplementation with synbiotics leads to a significant reduction in serum MDA levels (P = 0.001) and an increase in serum SOD concentration (P = 0.007) compared to placebo. No significant changes were observed in serum GPx, TAC, and edema volume between groups. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that 10-wk synbiotic supplementation along with a LCD program-reduced serum MDA levels and elevate the activity of SOD in overweight and obese patients with BCRL. However, its effect on serum GPx, TAC, and edema volume was not significant.