Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Train Localization using Unscented Kalman Filter – Based Sensor Fusion

This paper presents an application of sensor fusion methods based on Unscented Kalman filter (UKF) technique for solving train localization problem in rail systems. The paper first reports the development of a laboratory-scale rail system simulator which is equipped with various onboard and wayside sensors that are used to detect and locate the train vehicle movements in the rail track. Due to the low precision measurement data obtained by each individual sensor, a sensor fusion method based on the UKF technique is implemented to fuse the measurement data from several sensors. Experimental results which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed UKF-based sensor fusion method for solving the train localization problem is also reported.
Temperature impact on parameters of In0.3Ga0.7As PV cell under laser irradiation condition

The parameters of In0.3Ga0. 7As PV cell applied in laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) system dependence on temperature was investigated at a temperature range of 5-90°C under 100mW/cm2 laser intensity with 1070nm wavelength. The pollination algorithm method was used to extract parameters, viz., photocurrent, series and shunt resistance, reverse saturation current, and ideality factor from the I-V curves at each temperature point. The results show that the short circuit current decrease exponentially with temperature increasing, which is obviously different from the condition with solar irradiation. As temperature increases, the conversion efficiency and the open circuit voltage decreases linearly at the rate of 0.095%/°C and 1.89mV/°C, respectively. In addition, the dependence of series and shunt resistance, ideality factor, and fill factor on temperature was also analyzed. This research gives us a new understanding of PV cells under laser irradiation condition, also provides a direction for manufacturing the cells used in LWPT system.The parameters of In0.3Ga0. 7As PV cell applied in laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) system dependence on temperature was investigated at a temperature range of 5-90°C under 100mW/cm2 laser intensity with 1070nm wavelength. The pollination algorithm method was used to extract parameters, viz., photocurrent, series and shunt resistance, reverse saturation current, and ideality factor from the I-V curves at each temperature point. The results show that the short circuit current decrease exponentially with temperature increasing, which is obviously different from the condition with solar irradiation. As temperature increases, the conversion efficiency and the open circuit voltage decreases linearly at the rate of 0.095%/°C and 1.89mV/°C, respectively. In addition, the dependence of series and shunt resistance, ideality factor, and fill factor on temperature was also analyzed. This research gives us a new understanding of PV cells under laser irradiation condition, also provides a direction for manufact.
Cilostazol use is associated with FIM cognitive improvement during convalescent rehabilitation in patients with ischemic stroke: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase III-inhibiting antiplatelet agent that is often used to prevent stroke and peripheral artery disease, and its administration has shown significant improvements for cognitive impairment. We investigate the potential of cilostazol for reducing or restoring cognitive decline during convalescent rehabilitation in patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke. The study sample included 371 consecutive patients with lacunar (n = 44) and atherothrombosis (n = 327) subtypes of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke (224 men and 147 women; mean age, 72.9 ± 8.1 years) who were required for inpatient convalescent rehabilitation. Their medical records were retrospectively surveyed to identify those who had received cilostazol (n = 101). Patients were grouped based on cilostazol condition, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores (total and motor or cognitive subtest scores) were assessed both at admission and discharge. The gain and efficiency in FIM cognitive scores from admission to discharge were significantly higher in patients who received cilostazol than those who did not (p = 0.047 and p = 0.035, respectively); we found no significant differences in other clinical factors or scores. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that cilostazol was a significant factor in FIM cognitive scores at discharge (β = 0.041, B = 0.682, p = 0.045); the two tested dosages were not significantly different (100 mg/day, n = 43; 200 mg/day, n = 58). Cilostazol can potentially improve cognitive function during convalescent rehabilitation of patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, although another research must be needed to confirm this potential.
Enemies and friends in high-tech places: the development and validation of the Online Social Experiences Measure

Background Interpersonal positivity and negativity are separable dimensions both recognized as having important effects on health. Though online social interactions and research examining them are increasingly common, no validated instrument has heretofore been developed to examine social support and social negativity specifically in online contexts. The present studies describe the development and validation of the Online Social Experiences Measure (OSEM) to allow for assessment of online social positivity and negativity simultaneously. Methods and results In Study I, responses to a potential item pool were collected from participants (N = 557), who were then subdivided into two groups for the purposes of cross-validation via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results suggested the emergence of two factors: online social support (OSEM+ subscale) and online social negativity (OSEM− subscale). Across Studies I and II (N = 139), the OSEM showed good convergent and discriminant validity, and both subscales had high internal consistency. Study II included an ambulatory cardiovascular assessment and found the OSEM− subscale to be predictive of elevated diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. The OSEM+ subscale was predictive of more favorable cardiovascular readings for some types of participants (e.g. those with a greater number of online-only social ties). Conclusions Overall, results suggest online social positivity and negativity may have implications for physical health, and that the OSEM may be a useful tool in understanding online social processes.
13C values of glycolytic amino acids as indicators of carbohydrate utilization in carnivorous fish

Background Stable isotope analysis of single amino acids (AA) is usually applied in food web studies for tracing biosynthetic origins of AA carbon backbones and establishing trophic positions of consumers, but the method is also showing promise for characterizing quantity and quality of dietary lipids and carbohydrates. Methods To investigate whether changes in high- and low-digestible carbohydrates affect δ13C values of glycolytic AA, i.e., AA carbon backbones sourced from the glycolytic pathway, we compared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from a feeding experiment with and without dietary inclusion of the red macroalga Palmaria palmata. The Control and experimental diets had similar relative proportions of macronutrients, but their ingredients differed; in the experimental treatment, 15% Palmaria inclusion substituted proteins from fishmeal and carbohydrates from corn starch. Results We found that 13C values of the glycolytic AA were highly sensitive to substitution of corn starch with Palmaria. The δ13C offsets of glycolytic AA between salmon and their diets were significantly greater in the Palmaria inclusion than Control treatment. This greater offset can be attributed to the different utilization of high- vs. low-digestible carbohydrate sources, i.e., corn starch vs. Palmaria, in the two treatments, and metabolic routing of dietary lipids. In addition, similar δ13C values of essential AA between treatments indicate similar nutrient assimilation efficiency for all terrestrial (pea protein concentrate and wheat gluten meal) and marine (fishmeal and red alga) derived protein sources. These results show that δ13CAA analysis is a promising tool for improving our understanding of how carnivorous fish utilize macronutrient and route metabolic intermediates to tissue.
Impact of Catheter Management on Clinical Outcome in Adult Cancer Patients With Gram-Negative Bacteremia

Abstract Objective Gram-negative organisms have become a major etiology of bloodstream infections. We evaluated the effect of central venous catheter management on cancer patients with gram-negative bloodstream infections. Method We retrospectively identified patients older than 14 years with central venous catheters who were diagnosed with gram-negative bloodstream infections to determine the effect of catheter management on outcome. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 included patients with central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) without mucosal barrier injury and those whose infection met the criteria for catheter-related bloodstream infection; group 2 included patients with CLABSI with mucosal barrier injury who did not meet the criteria for catheter-related bloodstream infection; and group 3 included patients with non-CLABSI. Results The study included 300 patients, with 100 patients in each group. Only in group 1 was central venous catheter removal within 2 days of bloodstream infection significantly associated with a higher rate of microbiologic resolution at 4 days compared to delayed central venous catheter removal (3–5 days) or retention (98% vs 82%, P = .006) and a lower overall mortality rate at 3-month follow-up (3% vs 19%, P = .01). Both associations persisted in multivariate analyses (P = .018 and P = .016, respectively). Conclusions Central venous catheter removal within 2 days of the onset of gram-negative bloodstream infections significantly improved the infectious outcome and overall mortality of adult cancer patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections and CLABSI without mucosal barrier injury.
Chromatin remodeler Fft3 plays a dual role at blocked DNA replication forks

Fft3, a member of the SNF2 family of ATPase-dependent enzymes, plays a dual role at DNA replication barriers in fission yeast by promoting both DNA resection and restart of blocked DNA replication forks. Here, we investigate the function of fission yeast Fun30/Smarcad1 family of SNF2 ATPase-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes in DNA damage repair. There are three Fun30 homologues in fission yeast, Fft1, Fft2, and Fft3. We find that only Fft3 has a function in DNA repair and it is needed for single-strand annealing of an induced double-strand break. Furthermore, we use an inducible replication fork barrier system to show that Fft3 has two distinct roles at blocked DNA replication forks. First, Fft3 is needed for the resection of nascent strands, and second, it is required to restart the blocked forks. The latter function is independent of its ATPase activity.
Long term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation versus external fixation of distal radius fractures: A meta-analysis

Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures encountered in the clinical setting. Of these common fractures, it has been said that up to 60% are intraarticular in nature. Intra-articular or unstable and comminuted fractures represent severe and high energy injuries. Despite a large amount of literature, it is surgeon preference which determines the fixation method employed. There are only a few randomised control trials that report 2-year outcomes. There has yet to be a meta-analysis comparing the long-term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and external fixation (EF). The aim of this metaanalysis is to identify any difference in the outcomes of either fixation method in the long term. We pooled the data of all the available randomised control trials that followed the patients for a minimum of 2 years and compared outcomes of ORIF against EF of distal radius fractures as per PRISMA guidelines from inception of the databases to December 2016. We then performed our meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. Flexion/extension arcs were significantly improved in ORIF, and 7 of the 10 analysed outcomes supported ORIF, although most not to a significant degree. The meta-analysis indicated that there is no difference in outcomes with either form of treatment. Even though the flexion extension arc was statistically better in the ORIF group, the difference is not clinically meaningful.
A misleading appearance of a common disease: tuberculosis with generalized lymphadenopathy—a case report

Abstract Introduction: Tuberculosis is a common illness for vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings. Lymph nodes in tuberculosis represent the most frequent extra-pulmonary form of tuberculosis in children, but lymph nodes are rarely generalized and large. We report an atypical pediatric case of tuberculosis with lymphadenopathy. Patient concerns and findings: A two-year-old child with severe acute malnutrition presented with painless, generalized, and excessively large nodes which were not compressive and were without fistula. Main diagnoses, interventions, outcomes: Fine needle aspiration was performed and led to the detection of lymph node granulomatous lymphadenitis suggestive of tuberculosis. Conclusion: The child was immediately initiated on anti-tuberculosis therapy with a very successful outcome. Clinicians should be aware of atypical manifestations such as the one we describe in the interest of swift diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
The effects of growth rate and biomechanical loading on bone laminarity within the emu skeleton

The orientation of vascular canals in primary bone may reflect differences in growth rate and/or adaptation to biomechanical loads. Previous studies link specific canal orientations to bone growth rates, but results between different taxa are contradictory. Circumferential vascular canals (forming laminar bone) have been hypothesized to reflect either (or both) rapid growth rate or locomotion-induced torsional loading. Previous work on the hindlimb biomechanics in the emu shows that the femur and tibiotarsus experience large shear strains, likely resulting from torsional loads that increase through ontogeny. Here, we test how growth rate and biomechanical loading affect bone laminarity in wing and hindlimb elements from growing emu (2–60 wks). If laminar bone is an adaptation to torsion-induced shear strains, it should increase from juveniles to adults. Alternatively, if bone laminarity reflects rapid growth, as has been shown previously in emu, it should be abundant in fast-growing juveniles and decrease with age. Transverse mid-shaft histological sections from the limb bones (femur, tibiotarsus, humerus, ulna, and radius) were prepared and imaged. Growth rates were measured using fluorescent bone labels. Vascular canal orientation was quantified using laminarity index (proportion of circumferential canals). Principal components analysis was performed to convert highly correlated variables (i.e., mass, age, growth rate, and shear strain) into principal components. Random-intercept beta regression modeling determined which principal components best explained laminarity. The fastest growth rates were found in young individuals for all five skeletal elements. Maximum growth rate did not coincide with peak laminarity. Instead, in the femur and tibiotarsus, elevated laminarity is strongly correlated with adult features such as large size, old age, and modest growth rate. This result is contrary to predictions made based on a previous study of emu but is consistent with results observed in some other avian species (penguin, chicken). Shear strain in the caudal octant of the femur and tibiotarsus is positively correlated with laminarity but has a weaker effect on laminarity relative to mass, age, and growth rate. Laminarity in the wing elements is variable and does not correlate with ontogenetic factors (including mass, age, and growth rate). Its presence may relate to relaxed developmental canalization or a retained ancestral feature. In conclusion, ontogeny (including growth rate) is the dominant influence on vascular canal orientation at least in the hindlimb of the emu.
Evaluation of Children’s Screen Viewing Time and Parental Role in Household Context

Limited screen time has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for all children and no screen time for children under 2 years of age. With the advancement in technology, the prevalence and detrimental effects of excess screen time on children has become a global problem that can lead to health issues such as obesity and other cardiovascular diseases among both adults and children. This article examines the drivers of screen-related sedentary behavior within the home context and reports on parents’ attitude in supporting children’s associated behavior. The study implemented a mixed method approach of online questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. A total of 140 questionnaires, 10 semistructured interviews, and responses from parents were used to evaluate children’s behavior toward screen use and parents’ perception. The analysis of the article has shown that parents are concerned about their children’s screen time during weekends and holidays with a significant correlation between the number of hours their children spend on on-screen activities and their level of concern (P < .01). Also, for the same P value (P < .01), it has been found that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between children’s screen time and their food and beverages consumption. Children’s use of screen technology is becoming a challenge for parents as they present barriers to healthy physical activities. From the parents’ viewpoint, there is a need to change the screen use habit and this requires an appropriate intervention that promotes gratifying measures to induce more active behaviors to displace screen viewing.
Comparison between rectus sheath block with 0.25% ropivacaine and local anesthetic infiltration with 0.5% ropivacaine for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children

ABSTRACT This randomized, observer-blinded prospective study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block with those of local anesthetic infiltration of the surgical field in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Children aged 2 to 14 years, scheduled for elective single-incision laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure, were randomly allocated to receive ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block (group R) or local anesthetic infiltration of the surgical field (group L). In group R, 0.5 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine (per side) was administered after intubation. In group L, 0.4 ml/kg of 0.5% ropivacaine was administered after peritoneal closure. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Face Scale and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale at various time points, including the primary endpoint of 2 h after leaving the operation room. Additional analgesic drugs were used according to the Face Scale scores. Patient characteristics, the amount of additional drugs, and complication rate were evaluated in both groups. The patient and surgical characteristics were comparable between groups. The Face Scale and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale scores were not significantly different between group R (n = 38) and group L (n = 38) at 2 h after leaving the operation room. The amount of additional drugs administered at 2 h after leaving the operation room were also comparable between groups. Our findings suggest that the postoperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block is not superior to that of local anesthetic infiltration of the surgical field for pediatric single-incision laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure.
Transcriptomic responses of hypothalamus to acute exercise in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

The hypothalamus has an integral role in energy homeostasis regulation, and its dysfunctions lead to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Physical activity positively affects the prevention and treatment of T2D. However, there is not much information on the adaptive mechanisms of the hypothalamus. In this study, RNA sequencing was used to determine how acute exercise affects hypothalamic transcriptome from both type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and control Wistar rats with or without a single session of running (15 m/min for 60 min). Through pairwise comparisons, we identified 957 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 726, 197, and 98 genes were found between GK and Wistar, exercised GK and GK, and exercised Wistar and Wistar, respectively. The results of Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment revealed that lipid metabolism-related terms and pathways were enriched in GK and exercised GK rats, and nervous system related terms and pathways were enriched in exercised GK and Wistar rats. Furthermore, 45 DEGs were associated with T2D and related phenotypes according to the annotations in the Rat Genome Database. Among these 45 DEGs, several genes (Plin2, Cd36, Lpl, Wfs1, Cck) related to lipid metabolism or the nervous system are associated with the exercise-induced benefits in the hypothalamus of GK rats. Our findings might assist in identifying potential therapeutic targets for T2D prevention and treatment.
Evaluation of the effects of the green nanoparticles zinc oxide on monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity in the brain of rats

Background Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used extensively as a food additive in the diets of many countries around the world. Aim of the study Our aim was to determine the effects of green zinc oxide nanoparticles on MSG-induced oxidative damage, neurotransmitter changes, and histopathological alternation in the cerebral cortexes of rats. Methods MSG was administered orally at two doses of 6 and 17.5 mg/kg body weight. The higher dose was associated with a significant decline in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glutathione (GSH) in the cerebral cortex of rats. Results The administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles/green tea extract (ZnO NPs/GTE) to 17.5 mg/kg MSG-treated rats was associated with significant improvements in all parameters previously shown to be altered by MSG. The higher dose of MSG induced significant histopathological variation in brain tissue. Co-treatment of rats with ZnO NPs/GTE and MSG-HD inhibited the reduction of neurotransmitters and acetylcholinesterase by MSG. Conclusions ZnO NPs/GTE have the potential to protect against oxidative stress and neuronal necrosis induced by MSG-HD. ZnO NPs/GTE conferred a greater benefit than the control treatment or ZnO NPs or GTE administered separately.