Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty Prediction of Remaining Useful Life Using Long Short-Term Memory Network Based on Bootstrap Method

The accuracy and reliability of remaining useful life (RUL) prediction have a significant influence on Condition Based Maintenance (CBM). Deep learning methods, especially Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM), have been proven to be effective in automatically mining the hidden features of sensors data, and then obtain a better point estimation for RUL forecast. However, it is pointless when the sensor data is full of noise. Estimated RUL often varies widely mainly due to the model parameters and the noise. In this case, it is inadequate to calculate the point estimation of RUL merely. For uncertainty prediction of RUL, this requires calculating not only the deterministic prediction value but also the estimation of the prediction interval. The reliability of deterministic RUL prediction, incorporated into the uncertainty prediction, is enhanced. In this paper, an LSTM-FNN (Feedforward Neural Network) based on bootstrap method (LSTMBS) for uncertainty prediction of RUL estimation is presented. The proposed method is tested on the benchmarking aircraft turbofan engines datasets (C-MAPSS). Different feature augmentation methods are applied to different sub-datasets of C-MAPSS due to the different operating conditions and fault modes. Results show that the proposed approach not only performs a competitive point estimation of RUL compared with other approaches but also obtains additional information on prediction interval of RUL to determine the appropriate maintenance time. In order to address this problem more universally, the unified LSTMBS model is constructed considering not discriminating the categories of new test trajectories in the practical system.
Handling of Breast Milk by Neonatal Units: Large Differences in Current Practices and Beliefs

Background: Breast milk (BM) for premature infants is subjected to multiple steps of processing, storage and distribution. These steps may influence the quality and safety of BM. Guidelines concerning the use of mother's own milk are either not available or limited to specific aspects of BM handling and are based on evidence of variable strength. This may result in diverse BM handling routines by health care professionals. Objective: We surveyed neonatal units to increase the knowledge about the current practice of BM handling routines of mother's own milk and to identify controversial aspects that could give directions for future research. Methods: An online-based questionnaire was sent to 307 different neonatal departments providing level III to level I neonatal care within Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Practices concerning screening for cytomegalovirus and BM bacteria, pasteurization, fortification, storage, workforce and the incidence of BM administration errors were surveyed. Results: A total of 152 units, 56% of contacted level III units and 51% of level II units, participated in the survey (Germany 53%, Switzerland 71%, and Austria 56%). We found differences concerning indication and method of CMV inactivation (performed by 58%), bacterial count screening (48%) and bacterial count reduction (17%) within participating units. Thirty different thresholds for bacterial BM counts were reported by 65 units, resulting in pasteurization or discarding of BM. The use of nutrient analysis (12%) and fortification regimens in addition to standard multicomponent fortifiers (58%) using either individual (93%), targeted (3%), or adjusted (4%) fortification protocols varied profoundly. There is a high variability in staff and available facilities for BM handling. 73% of units report about BM administration errors. Conclusion: There is a wide variability in most aspects of BM handling in the participating units. Despite limited evidence labor and cost intensive procedures are applied which may have an impact on BM quality.
Muscle Type Classification on Ultrasound Imaging Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Ultrasonography is a portable, non-invasive and well-established medical imaging method. Recent findings have shown that Ultrasound images of the Musuloskeletal system can be used to reveal information regarding the age or several pathological conditions. In this work we focus on the problem of classification between four different types of muscles (in the transverse and longitudonal plane) from Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Images recorded from 73 healthy subjects. In order to efficiently identify the complex texture patterns formed from the structure of the muscles, Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) were used in this study. A number of state-of-the-art Convolutional Neural Networks were evaluated and the superior performance of the transfer learning scheme was demonstrated over the classical methods for texture-based image classification. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can successfully recognize the type of the muscle with 89.44% accuracy while also exhibiting good generalization performance.
Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy in Childhood: A Nationwide Natural History Study

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most frequent heritable muscular dystrophies, with a large variety in age at onset and disease severity. The natural history and molecular characteristics of FSHD in childhood are incompletely understood. Our objective is to clinically and genetically characterize FSHD in childhood.
Quantized Constant Envelope Precoding for Frequency Selective Channels

The combination of coarse quantization with Constant Envelope (CE) signaling at the transmitter is of paramount importance in massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems due to its power efficiency. In this context, we present a nonlinear precoder design for single-carrier transmission with frequency-selective channels. The optimization problem is formulated for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) signaling as a linear programming problem. Simulation results show significant gains compared to the linear precoders.
Validation of a Nonlinear Two-dimensional MacPherson Suspension System Model with Multibody Simulations

This paper studies the possibility to use a simplified MacPherson suspension system model for tuning active suspension system controllers. With a nonlinear suspension model, more accurate responses can be obtained compared to a traditional linear quarter-car suspension system model. The presented nonlinear two-dimensional mathematical model for the MacPherson suspension system is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and validated by comparing it to an Adams/View multibody model with three simulation cases, one for kinematic analysis and two for dynamic analysis. The results are expressed as normalized RMS deviation values between the outputs of the two models. Most outputs of the two models go hand in hand, and the greatest difference is in the camber angle values derived from simplified linearization in the mathematical model.
Infinite Time Horizon Maximum Causal Entropy Inverse Reinforcement Learning

Inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) attempts to use demonstrations of “expert” decision making in a Markov decision process to infer a corresponding policy that shares the “structured, purposeful” qualities of the expert's actions. In this paper, we extend the maximum causal entropy framework, a notable paradigm in IRL, to the infinite time horizon setting. We consider two formulations (maximum discounted causal entropy and maximum average causal entropy) appropriate for the infinite horizon case and show that both result in optimization programs that can be reformulated as convex optimization problems; thus, admitting efficient computation. We then develop a gradient-based algorithm for the maximum discounted causal entropy formulation that enjoys the desired feature of being model agnostic, a property that is absent in many previous IRL algorithms. We propose the stationary soft Bellman policy, a key building block in the gradient-based algorithm, and study its properties in depth, which not only lead to theoretical insight into its analytical properties, but also help motivate a large toolkit of methods for implementing the gradient-based algorithm. Finally, we select three algorithms of this type and apply them to two problem instances involving demonstration data from a simple controlled queuing network model inspired by problems in air traffic management.
Double Crossed: The Spillover and Crossover Effects of Work Demands on Work Outcomes Through the Family

This study expands our understanding of the negative impact of work demands on work outcomes by examining this impact in light of the family domain. We explore how the family domain plays a role in this process by considering mechanisms that capture both spillover and crossover effects. We investigate the spillover of work demands (i.e., role conflict and role overload) through work-to-family conflict on work attitudes (i.e., job satisfaction and affective commitment) and self-reported work behaviors (i.e., citizenship behavior and absenteeism). We also consider the double crossover of work demands through work-to-family conflict to stress transmission, and back to the incumbent’s family-to-work conflict on both attitudinal and behavioral work outcomes to examine the impact of work demands. Using a time-lagged matched sample of 389 dual career couples, we found spillover effects for the work attitudes and crossover effects for the work behaviors, suggesting work demands uniquely shape outcomes depending on the path they take. We close by offering implications for research and practice.
Regulatory Mechanisms of IL-33-ST2-Mediated Allergic Inflammation

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays multiple roles in tissue homeostasis, prevention of parasitic infection, and induction of allergic inflammation. Especially, IL-33-ST2 (IL-1RL1) axis has been regarded as the villain in allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis and in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, a number of studies have indicated that IL-33 produced by endothelial cells and epithelial cells plays a critical role in the activation and expansion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) which cause allergic inflammation by producing large amounts of IL-5 and IL-13. However, mechanisms that antagonize IL-33-ST2-mediated allergic responses remain largely unknown. Recently, several groups including our group have demonstrated cellular and molecular mechanisms that could suppress excessive activation of ILC2s by the IL-33-ST2 axis. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the regulatory mechanisms of IL-33-ST2-mediated allergic responses. Selective targeting of the IL-33-ST2 axis would be a promising strategy in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Cost of vascular access devices in public hospitals in Queensland.

Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the utilisation of vascular access devices in Queensland public hospitals and their associated cost.Methods Devices were broadly classified into peripheral intravenous catheters, central venous catheters and arterial lines. The number of catheters used was obtained from a central procurement department at Queensland Health and validated using Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claims and/or hospital data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the same period. Resources consumed included equipment and staff time required to insert and remove catheters. Equipment costs were valued using negotiated hospital prices, and staff time was valued at the fixed industrial award wages in Australia or relevant MBS fees. Device maintenance costs (e.g. dressings) and costs of treating complications were excluded.Results Approximately 2.75 million vascular access devices were used in public hospitals in Queensland in 2016, at a total cost of A$59.14 million. This comprised a total equipment cost of around A$10.17 million and a total labour cost of A$48.85 millionConclusion Vascular access is an important component of healthcare expenditure. The present study is the first to characterise and cost vascular access devices in Queensland. Further research is needed on the costs of maintaining device function and of treating complications associated with vascular access.What is known about the topic? The cost of vascular access in Australia has previously been estimated from modelling, using various assumptions, or based on device utilisation in other countries.What does this paper add? For the first time, device utilisation for vascular access in Queensland has been quantified and costed. Results were obtained from reliable sources and validated against other databases.What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners and managers may now provide accurate estimates about the cost of catheter failure, a potentially preventable problem that affects up to 50% of all catheters placed. Attaching costs to such failure may also stimulate research into how to reduce the problem.
Modular, Scalable Multifunction Airborne Radar Systems for High Performance ISR Applications

A highly performant multifunctional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) airborne Radar family concept is presented which concentrates on modularity, scalability, and software defined solutions for multimode flexibility to cope with the challenges of future ISR missions. Thus, such a multifunctional and multimode Radar family has to provide almost all RF Radar functions common for all the variety of missions, aggregated on a single Radar system for different platform types. Apart from a widely independence of platform types and sizes, there is the need that such a system is adaptable w.r. t. its bandwidth and processing power and is also freely configurable w.r. t. Radar control. Furthermore real time onboard processing is needed to handle acquired large raw data volumes for instantaneous evaluation of ISR results. Hensoldt’s new airborne ISR Radar family PrecISR $^{\mathrm{ TM}}$ presented here covers all of these requirements through the use of a common Radar Core architecture. By means of programmable Radar waveforms and common Radar signal processing framework the bandwidth can be modified as well as the processing performance be scaled by the Radar processor hardware. Advanced features of the Radar family are a 2-D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna on a 360° Gimbal. Highly adaptable ISR modes are introduced for the multifunctional ISR Radar PrecISR $^{\mathrm{ TM}}$4500 and PrecISR $^{\mathrm{ TM}}$1500, e.g., Space Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) in 360° Scanning Modes, Pulse-to-Pulse simultaneous Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) – Moving Target Indication (MTI) operations as well as Ultra-High Resolution (UHR) SAR Processing. Surveillance and Reconnaissance performances of Hensoldt’s predecessor SmartRadar AESA Pod are presented to illustrate the already exceptional results of these advanced onboard ISR modes.
Exploring Gender Differences in Indian Urban Youth's Internet Usage

The world of connectedness has reached the whole new heights with the invent of internet, which is made up of millions of computers/phones from all around the world, linked to each other by a network of telephone lines, cables and satellite connections. It has revolutionized the way we reach and connect and gave us the whole new range of purposes to remain online. This research is an attempt to probe into the gender differences in motives of using internet. The motives were classified under six major categories, viz. entertainment. pass-time, social interaction, surveillance, shopping and eroticism, that covered almost all for which we spend most of our time on net except the use for scholarly purposes. Data was collected from 100 university students equally divided into males and females. The results revealed that there were significant differences in internet usage motives of male and female students. Their choices and preferences differed significantly for various categories, like eroticism was the main motive of internet usage for boys while girls came online for surveillance majorly and entertainment remained almost an equal motivator for both the genders. The study gives us an insight into the direction that our youth is picking up on and this might be accounted as one of the major reasons of increasing number of rapes in India and the need of psychological probing required to counsel the youth.
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter regulates procoagulant platelet formation

Essentials Mitochondrial hyperpolarization enhances the conversion of platelets to a procoagulant phenotype. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) function is essential in procoagulant platelet formation. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter deletion does not impact other aspects of platelet activation. Ablation of MCU results in the emergence of a permeability transition pore‐independent pathway.
CISC: Coordinating Intelligent SSD and CPU to Speedup Graph Processing

Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) is a fundamental problem in graph processing. The current state of the art concentrates on parallelizing its computation on multi-cores to speedup MST. Although many parallelism strategies have been explored, the actual speedup is limited, and they consume a large amount of CPU power. In this paper, we propose a new approach to the MST computation by coordinating computing power inside SSD storage with host CPU cores. A comprehensive framework of software-hardware co-design, referred to as CISC (coordinating Intelligent SSD and CPU), preprocesses MST graph edges inside storage and parallelizes the remaining computation on host CPU. Leveraging the special properties of modern SSD storage, CISC exploits a divide and conquer approach to reordering graph edges. We have implemented an FPGA circuit that reorders chunks of graph edges inside an SSD. The ordered chunks are then loaded to the system RAM and processed by the host CPU to build a B-Tree structure by repetitively picking up edges at heads of chunks. A working prototype CISC has been built using NVM-e SSD on a server. Extensive experiments have been carried out using real-world benchmarks to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of deploying CISC in NVM-e SSD storage. Our experimental results show 2.2~2.7× speedup for serial version implementation and 11.47× to 17.2× speedup for the parallel version with 96-cores. For the same number of cores, our parallel CISC outperforms the traditional software MST by up to 35%.
A Fully Decoupled LC Tank VCO Topology for Amplitude Boosted Low Phase Noise Operation

This paper describes a general technique for reducing oscillator phase noise in <italic>LC</italic> voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs). Phase noise is reduced using a circuit topology that decouples the <italic>LC</italic> tank from the active devices using capacitive transformers, thereby achieving a higher amplitude of oscillation not limited by the transistor breakdown voltage. Moreover, the proposed VCO topology reduces active device noise injection into the tank by further improving phase noise. As proof of concept, two VCOs operating at 16–19 GHz and 31.8–39.6 GHz, respectively, are implemented in the Global Foundries (GF) 130-nm SiGe BiCMOS 8HP technology (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f_{T}/f_{\text {MAX}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of 200/280 GHz). The lower frequency VCO achieves a phase noise of −110 dBc/Hz at a 1-MHz offset from a 17-GHz carrier while the higher frequency VCO achieves a phase noise of −103.2 dBc/Hz at a 1-MHz offset from a 36-GHz carrier. The higher frequency VCO was also implemented in a second, more advanced GF 130-nm SiGe BiCMOS 8XP technology (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f_{T}/f_{\text {MAX}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of 260/320 GHz), yielding a further average phase noise improvement of 1.9 dB over the 8HP version.
Whole Mount in situ Localization of miRNAs and mRNAs During Somatic Embryogenesis in Arabidopsis

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) results from the transition of differentiated plant somatic cells into embryogenic cells that requires the extensive reprogramming of the somatic cell transcriptome. Commonly, the SE-involved genes are identified by analyzing the heterogeneous population of explant cells and thus, it is necessary to validate the expression of the candidate genes in the cells that are competent for embryogenic transition. Here, we optimized and implemented the whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) method (Bleckmann and Dresselhaus, 2016; Dastidar et al., 2016) in order to analyze the spatiotemporal localization of miRNAs (miR156, miR166, miR390, miR167) and mRNAs such as WOX5 and PHABULOSA-target of miR165/166 during the SE that is induced in Arabidopsis explants. This study presents a detailed step-by-step description of the WISH procedure in which DIG-labeled LNA and RNA probes were used to detect miRNAs and mRNAs, respectively. The usefulness of the WISH in the functional analysis of the SE-involved regulatory pathways is demonstrated and the advantages of this method are highlighted: (i) the ability to analyze intact non-sectioned plant tissue; (ii) the specificity of transcript detection; (iii) the detection of miRNA; and (iv) a semi-quantitative assessment of the RNA abundance.
Proliferation effects of cinnamon extract on human HeLa and HL-60 tumor cell lines.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible anti-cancer properties of cinnamon extract on two human tumor cell lines, HeLa cells and HL-60 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two human tumor cell lines, HeLa cells and HL-60 cells, were exposed to increased concentrations of an extract prepared from cinnamon. The cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were evaluated using MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The possible action mechanism was also investigated by Western blot. RESULTS The results showed that cinnamon extract strongly inhibited tumor cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited dramatic increases in the percentage of cells in G2/M in parallel with exposure to increasing concentration of cinnamon extract. The Western blot results showed that cinnamon extract reduced the cyclin A, cyclin B1, ERK2, and p-ERK proteins expression. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that cinnamon extract inhibit the tumor cell survival by both down-regulated their target cell cycle regulation molecules and mitosis regulation molecules.
BDTMS: Binomial Distribution-based Trust Management Scheme for Healthcare-oriented Wireless Sensor Network

Healthcare-oriented wireless sensor network (HWSN) is one of the applications of wireless sensor networks in e-health. It not only can better achieve the physiological information of people, but also more efficiently reduce the Iatency regarding information collection and transmission. However, similar to other distributed networks, it also faces enormous security challenges, especially from internal attacks. It is difficult to distinguish many attack behaviors from interference in the complex healthcare scenarios, such as On-Off attack. In this paper, we propose a Binomial Distribution-based Trust Management Scheme (BDTMS) for HWSN. The proposed method can rapidly detect and effectively defend against On-Off attacks. In addition, the proposed method is also applicable to defending against bad mouthing attacks. Simulation results show that, compared with the Time-window-based Resilient Trust Management Scheme (TRTMS), our proposed BDTMS achieves better performance in defending against On-Off attack under obstacle movement, especially with higher detection accuracy.