Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adipose tissue volume determination in males by computed tomography and 40K.

Seventeen healthy male volunteers with weights ranging from 54 to 145 kg were examined with a Philips Tomoscan 310. The upper attenuation limit of adipose tissue was determined to be -30 HU. The lower attenuation limit was set to -190 HU. Regional and total adipose tissue volumes were calculated from the adipose tissue areas of 22 scans and from the distances between these scans. Three different mathematical formulas were used, which all gave similar results. The adipose tissue area of several trunk scans, as well as the elbow, showed very high correlations (r greater than 0.96) versus the volume determinations based on 22 scans. The visceral adipose tissue area of scan L2-L3 showed a higher correlation (r = 0.986) than any other single scan versus the visceral adipose tissue volume. Total adipose tissue volume determinations with ten selected scans correlated very closely with the results obtained from 22 scans (r = 0.997). The adipose tissue volume of the head and neck region was 1.9 +/- 1.0 per cent of the total volume. Corresponding figures for other regions were: arms 6.8 +/- 1.0 per cent, legs 29.0 +/- 7.3 per cent, subcutaneous part of the trunk 41.4 +/- 7.4 per cent and the visceral region 20.9 +/- 7.0 per cent. With greater total adipose tissue volumes the percentage of the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the trunk increased (r = 0.686; P less than 0.005). There was a very strong negative relationship between the fractional amount of adipose tissue in the legs and in the trunk (r = 0.993, P less than 0.001). The potassium contents of fat-free mass and lean body mass were deduced to be 64.7 and 71.0 mmol/kg, respectively. These calculations were based on adipose tissue volume determinations by computed tomography, on 40K measurements and on the assumption that the volume proportions of fat, water and protein in adipose tissue were 85:13.7:1.3. By using computed tomography (CT) as a standard an optimal weight (W) for height (H) index was constructed by using an iterative correlation technique. The optimal index, i.e. highest correlation and lowest error versus ATCT was found for W/H0.9.
Genetic Adaptation of Giant Lobelias (Lobelia aberdarica and Lobelia telekii) to Different Altitudes in East African Mountains

The giant lobelias in East African mountains are good models for studying molecular mechanisms of adaptation to different altitudes. In this study, we generated RNA-seq data of a middle-altitude species Lobelia aberdarica and a high-altitude species L. telekii, followed by selective pressure estimation of their orthologous genes. Our aim was to explore the important genes potentially involved in adaptation to different altitudes. About 9.3 Gb of clean nucleotides, 167,929–170,534 unigenes with total lengths of 159,762,099–171,138,936 bp for each of the two species were generated. OrthoMCL method identified 3,049 1:1 orthologous genes (each species was represented by one ortholog). Estimations of non-synonymous to synonymous rate were performed using an approximate method and a maximum likelihood method in PAML. Eighty-five orthologous genes were under positive selection. At least 8 of these genes are possibly involved in DNA repair, response to DNA damage and temperature stimulus, and regulation of gene expression, which hints on how giant lobelias adapt to high altitudinal environment that characterized by cold, low oxygen, and strong ultraviolet radiation. The negatively selected genes are over-represented in Gene Ontology terms of hydrolase, macromolecular complex assembly among others. This study sheds light on understanding the molecular mechanism of adaptation to different altitudes, and provides genomic resources for further studies of giant lobelias.
The International Journal of Biostatistics Fitting a Bivariate Measurement Error Model for Episodically Consumed Dietary Components

There has been great public health interest in estimating usual, i.e., long-term average, intake of episodically consumed dietary components that are not consumed daily by everyone, e.g., fish, red meat and whole grains. Short-term measurements of episodically consumed dietary components have zero-inflated skewed distributions. So-called two-part models have been developed for such data in order to correct for measurement error due to within-person variation and to estimate the distribution of usual intake of the dietary component in the univariate case. However, there is arguably much greater public health interest in the usual intake of an episodically consumed dietary component adjusted for energy (caloric) intake, e.g., ounces of whole grains per 1000 kilo-calories, which reflects usual dietary composition and adjusts for different total amounts of caloric intake. Because of this public health interest, it is important to have models to fit such data, and it is important that the model-fitting methods can be applied to all episodically consumed dietary components. We have recently developed a nonlinear mixed effects model (Kipnis, et al., 2010), and have fit it by maximum likelihood using nonlinear mixed effects programs and methodology (the SAS NLMIXED procedure). Maximum likelihood fitting of such a nonlinear mixed model is generally slow because of 3-dimensional adaptive Gaussian quadrature, and there are times when the programs either fail to converge or converge to models with a singular covariance matrix. For these reasons, we develop a Monte-Carlo (MCMC) computation of fitting this model, which allows for both frequentist and Bayesian inference. There are technical challenges to developing this solution because one of the covariance matrices in the model is patterned. Our main application is to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-AARP Diet and Health Study, where we illustrate our methods for modeling the energy-adjusted usual intake of fish and whole grains. We demonstrate numerically that our methods lead to increased speed of computation, converge to reasonable solutions, and have the flexibility to be used in either a frequentist or a Bayesian manner.
Blood dendritic cells in systemic lupus erythematosus exhibit altered activation state and chemokine receptor function

Background Dendritic cells (DCs) have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Reduced numbers of blood DCs and the accumulation of DCs at inflammatory sites have been observed in SLE. One crucial feature of DCs is their ability to migrate. Objective To analyse the maturation/activation state and the migratory capacity of different DC precursor subsets in SLE to further elucidate their role in autoimmunity. Methods Plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), myeloid DCs (mDCs) and monocytes from patients with SLE, healthy volunteers and healthy volunteers immunised with tetanus/diphtheria were examined by flow cytometry for expression of subset-specific antigens (BDCA-2, CD11c, CD14, HLA-DR), activation/maturation markers (CD83, CD86, CD40, BLyS) and chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR5, CCR7, ChemR23). Additionally, migratory capacity to chemokine receptors was investigated in vitro using the chemokines RANTES, CCL19 and chemerin. Results SLE monocytes and mDCs had higher CD86 and B-lymphocyte stimulatory factor (BLyS) expression levels. ChemR23 expression was lower in SLE pDCs and mDCs. Basal and CCL19-specific migration levels were higher in SLE pDCs. Altered DC function in SLE had no correlative changes in chemokine receptor expression, whereas immunisation-induced blood DC migration patterns in healthy donors were accompanied by changes in chemokine receptor expression. Conclusions The phenotypic and migratory disturbances observed in SLE blood DCs could result in altered distribution of DCs in peripheral tissues, contributing to dysregulated immune responses and autoimmunity.
Human motion recognition using a wireless wearable system

OF THE THESIS Human Motion Recognition Using A Wireless Wearable System by John Paul Varkey Thesis Director: Prof. Dario Pompili The future of human computer interaction systems lies in how intelligently these systems can take into account the user’s context, that is, how well the data that they produce characterizes the user’s current situation. Context awareness is essential for ubiquitous and wearable computing. Research on recognizing the daily activities of people has progressed steadily, but little focus has been devoted to recognizing activities along with the movements involved in it. For many applications such as rehabilitation, sports medicine, geriatric care, and health/fitness monitoring, the importance of combined recognition of activity and movements within an activity can drive health care outcomes. Motion recognition aims at recognizing the actions of one or more users from a series of observations on the users’ actions and environmental conditions. Sensor-based motion recognition integrates the emerging area of wireless sensor networks with novel machine learning techniques to model a wide range of human motions. A novel algorithm is proposed that can be tuned to recognize on-the-fly either range of activities or fine motor movements within a specific activity using wirelessly connected sensor motes (equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes) attached to different body sites. This thesis describes a novel algorithm for both situations and also presents a case study on optimal feature set from sensor values and various parameter values for the algorithm to detect the fine motor movements within an activity.
Bring consciousness to mobile robot being localized

Mobile robot localization is one of the most important problems in robotics research. A number of successful localization solutions have been proposed. However, in all these methods, the success or failure of localization is judged by normally a human operator of the robot, and the robot itself does not know whether it has or has not been localized. In this paper, we put forth a novel method to bring consciousness to a mobile robot so that the robot can judge by itself. In addition, the robot itself can monitor the progress of localization, hence, is able to adjust its behavior accordingly. A mobile robot with consciousness is obviously more autonomous and intelligent than one without.
TranGen: a SAT-based ATPG for path-oriented transition faults

We present a SAT-based ATPG tool targeting on a path-oriented transition fault model. Under this fault model, a transition fault is detected through the longest sensitizable path. In the ATPG process, we utilize an efficient false-path pruning technique to identify the longest sensitizable path through each fault site. We demonstrate that our new SAT-based ATPG can be orders-of-magnitude faster than a commercial ATPG tool. To demonstrate the quality of the tests generated by our approach, we compare its resulting test set to three other test sets: a single-detection transition fault test set, a multiple-detection transition fault test set, and a traditional critical path test set added to the single-detection set. The superiority of our approach is demonstrated through various experiments based on statistical delay simulation and defect injection using benchmark circuits.
Non-Uniform Information Dissemination for Performance Discovery in Computational Grids

Grid scheduler, that manages the resources, requires up-to-date information about widely distributed resources in the grid. This is a challenging problem given the scale of grid, and the continuous change in the state of resources. Several non-uniform information dissemination protocols have been proposed by researchers to efficiently propagate information to distributed repositories, without requiring flooding or centralized approaches. Recently, a new concept called the "grid potential" proposed in (M. Maheswaran, et al., 2000), as the first step towards the design of non-uniform information dissemination protocols. This paper analyzes four non-uniform dissemination protocols for computational grids based on the concept of "grid potential" (M. Maheswaran, et al., 2000). These protocols disseminate resource information with a resolution inversely proportional to the distance of resources from the application launch point. The results indicate that these protocols improve the performance of information dissemination compared to uniform dissemination to all repositories
A novel optical body area network for transmission of multiple patient vital signs

This paper presents a novel Optical Body Area Network (OBAN) for efficient transmission of multiple patients human vital signs. The primary human vital signs are body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. These vital signs are captured from four different patients and are transmitted using Visible Light Communication (VLC). The multi-patient OBAN utilizes orthogonal codes to transmit each patient data via VLC. We employ On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation technique for transmitting the coded multi-patient human vital signs. Computer simulations were carried out and the results demonstrate that it achieves highly reliable transmissions exhibiting a Bit Error Rate (BER) better than 10−6 at a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) value of 12 dB.
Learning to Be Green: Robust Energy Efficiency Maximization in Dynamic MIMO–OFDM Systems

In this paper, we examine the maximization of energy efficiency (EE) in next-generation multiuser MIMO-OFDM networks that vary dynamically over time-e.g., due to user mobility, fluctuations in the wireless medium, modulations in the users' load, etc. Contrary to the static/stationary regime, the system may evolve in an arbitrary manner, so users must adjust “on the fly,” without being able to predict the state of the system in advance. To tackle these issues, we propose a simple and distributed online optimization policy that leads to no regret, i.e., it allows users to match (and typically outperform) even the best fixed transmit policy in hindsight, irrespective of how the system varies with time. Moreover, to account for the scarcity of perfect channel state information (CSI) in massive MIMO systems, we also study the algorithm's robustness in the presence of measurement errors and observation noise. Importantly, the proposed policy retains its no-regret properties under very mild assumptions on the error statistics: on average, it enjoys the same performance guarantees as in the noiseless deterministic case. Our analysis is supplemented by extensive numerical simulations, which show that, in realistic network environments, users track their individually optimum transmit profile even under rapidly changing channel conditions, achieving gains of up to 600% in energy efficiency over uniform power allocation policies.
Neuropsychology of Multiple Sclerosis: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Abstract The neuropsychological aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) have evolved over the past three decades. What was once thought to be a rare occurrence, cognitive dysfunction is now viewed as one of the most disabling symptoms of the disease, with devastating effects on patients’ quality of life. This selective review will highlight major innovations and scientific discoveries in the areas of neuropathology, neuroimaging, diagnosis, and treatment that pertain to our understanding of the neuropsychological aspects of MS. Specifically, we focus on the recent discovery that MS produces pathogical lesions of gray matter (GM) that have consequences for cognitive functions. Methods for imaging these GM lesions in MS are discussed along with multimodal imaging studies that integrate structural and functional imaging methods to provide a better understanding of the relationship between cognitive test performance and functional reserve. Innovations in the screening and comprehensive assessment of cognitive disorders are presented along with recent research that examines cognitive dysfunction in pediatric MS. Results of innovative outcome studies in cognitive rehabilitation are discussed. Finally, we highlight trends for potential future innovations over the next decade. (JINS, 2017, 23, 832–842)
Methods used to determine maximum and minimum dry unit weights of sand: Is there a need for a new standard?

Known challenges exist with maximum (γdmax) and minimum (γdmin) dry unit weight measurements; the respective dry unit weight results depend very much on the method or standard used. A laboratory testing programme was completed to systematically determine and compare γdmax and γdmin values derived for six different sand types by using different methods. The tested sands contained a wide variety of mineralogical and fines contents. The γdmax and γdmin determinations were performed according to the following methods: British Standards Institution (BS) standards; American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards; Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) standards; Dansk Geoteknisk Forening (DGF) guidelines; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Geolabs, and Fugro proprietary methods. Differences in testing procedures, material requirements for testing, and the effects of soil degradation during testing introduce challenges and large differences in γdmax and γdmin values for each of the six sand types were observed. Therefore, it is concluded that there is a need for the development of new standards for a robust determination of γdmax and γdmin values. Specifically, a standard for determining γdmax is required to consistently obtain results at the upper bound of dry unit weight values for the likely range of sands — without crushing the sand grains.
Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome: Clinical, genetic, and therapeutic aspects

Impaired glucose transport across the blood‐brain barrier results in Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome (Glut‐1 DS, OMIM 606777), characterized by infantile seizures, developmental delay, acquired microcephaly, spasticity, ataxia, and hypoglycorrhachia. We studied 16 new Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome patients focusing on clinical and laboratory features, molecular genetics, genotype–phenotype correlation, and treatment. These patients were classified phenotypically into three groups. The mean cerebrospinal fluid glucose concentration was 33.1 ± 4.9mg/dl equal to 37% of the simultaneous blood glucose concentration. The mean cerebrospinal fluid lactate concentration was 1.0 ± 0.3mM, which was less than the normal mean value of 1.63mM. The mean Vmax for the 3‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucose uptake into erythrocytes was 996 fmol/106 red blood cells per second, significantly less (54 ± 11%; t test, p < 0.05) than the mean control value of 1,847. The mean Km value for the patient group (1.4 ± 0.5mM) was similar to the control group (1.7 ± 0.5mM; t test, p > 0.05). We identified 16 rearrangements, including seven missense, one nonsense, one insertion, and seven deletion mutations. Fourteen were novel mutations. There were no obvious correlations between phenotype, genotype, or biochemical measures. The ketogenic diet produced good seizure control. Ann Neurol 2005;57:111–118
Complete Genome Sequence of the Soybean Symbiont Bradyrhizobium japonicum Strain USDA 6 T

The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of the soybean symbiont Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA6 was determined. The genome of USDA6 is a single circular chromosome of 9,207,384 bp. The genome size is similar to that of the genome of another soybean symbiont, B. japonicum USDA110 (9,105,828 bp). Comparison of the whole-genome sequences of USDA6 and USDA110 showed colinearity of major regions in the two genomes, although a large inversion exists between them. A significantly high level of sequence conservation was detected in three regions on each genome. The gene constitution and nucleotide sequence features in these three regions indicate that they may have been derived from a symbiosis island. An ancestral, large symbiosis island, approximately 860 kb in total size, appears to have been split into these three regions by unknown large-scale genome rearrangements. The two integration events responsible for this appear to have taken place independently, but through comparable mechanisms, in both genomes. OPEN ACCESS
Optimization of a completely decoupled flexure-based parallel XY micro-motion stage

This paper presents a completely decoupled XY micro-motion stage which is a compliant parallel mechanism based on flexure hinges and driven by piezoelectric actuators (PZT). Simplified matrix method is employed to derive the compliance model. Then the workspace is analyzed by considering the output reduction of PZT, stress in the flexure hinges and buckling phenomenon. Finally, the stage dimensions are optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm in order to achieve maximum natural frequencies, and finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out to simulate the performance of the optimized stage. The FEA result indicates that the XY stage has an ideal decoupling property.
TCP Congestion Control Using Fuzzy Regulation Approach

In this paper, we propose a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy controller for active queue management (AQM) with explicit congestion notification (ECN) to improve the performance of Internet communications. We use the queue length and incoming flow rate to measure the degree of congestion effect on Internet to regulate the queue length at a specified level. Linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques are employed to obtain the feedback gains. To proceed farther into the verification of proposed scheme, we make use of the network simulation (NS-2) in our experiment. Comparing with other AQM schemes, the experiment results show that the proposed AQM has better performance in terms of packet loss, throughput and the fluctuation of queue length.
Rat Organic Anion Transporter 3 and Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1 Mediate Perfluorooctanoic Acid Transport

The mechanism by which perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is transported in the kidney was studied in rats. We hypothesized that some transporters that are expressed in the basolateral and/or brush border membrane of proximal tubular cells mediate the transport of PFOA. Mannitol infusion, which caused an increase in the urine flow rate, significantly increased the renal clearance (CLR )o fPFOA in both male and female rats. Feeding a low-phosphate diet that causes an increase in the expression of rat type II sodium-dependent phosphate transporter (Npt2) reduced the CLR in both male and female rats. These suggest that PFOA is reabsorbed in the proximal tubules, and that a phosphate transporter may be responsible for the renal transport of PFOA. The CLR of PFOA in Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rats that lack multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) was not different from that of the wild type, suggesting that MRP2 is not responsible for the renal transport of PFOA. Three candidate transporters, organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1 (oatp1), Npt2, and organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) were studied to clarify whether these transporters facilitate [ 14 C]PFOA transport in functional studies in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Both oatp1 and OAT3 facilitated [ 14 C]PFO At ransport while Npt2 did not. These results suggest that both oatp1 and OAT3 mediate, at least in part, the transport of PFOA in the proximal tubules of rat kidney.