Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statins and osteoporosis: new role for old drugs

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, affecting millions of people worldwide and leading to significant morbidity and high expenditure. Most of the current therapies available for its treatment are limited to the prevention or slowing down of bone loss rather than enhancing bone formation. Recent discovery of statins (HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors) as bone anabolic agents has spurred a great deal of interest among both basic and clinical bone researchers. In‐vitro and some animal studies suggest that statins increase the bone mass by enhancing bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2)‐mediated osteoblast expression. Although a limited number of case—control studies suggest that statins may have the potential to reduce the risk of fractures by increasing bone formation, other studies have failed to show a benefit in fracture reduction. Randomized, controlled clinical trials are needed to resolve this conflict. One possible reason for the discrepancy in the results of preclinical, as well as clinical, studies is the liver‐specific nature of statins. Considering their high liver specificity and low oral bioavailability, distribution of statins to the bone microenvironment in optimum concentration is questionable. To unravel their exact mechanism and confirm beneficial action on bone, statins should reach the bone microenvironment in optimum concentration. Dose optimization and use of novel controlled drug delivery systems may help in increasing the bioavailability and distribution of statins to the bone microenvironment. Discovery of bone‐specific statins or their bone‐targeted delivery offers great potential in the treatment of osteoporosis. In this review, we have summarized various preclinical and clinical studies of statins and their action on bone. We have also discussed the possible mechanism of action of statins on bone. Finally, the role of drug delivery systems in confirming and assessing the actual potential of statins as anti‐osteoporotic agents is highlighted.
Visual-verbal machine interpreter for sign language recognition under versatile video backgrounds

This research paper is an attempt to create a video background independent sign language recognition (SLR) system. SLR acts as a Machine Interpreter (MI) between a mute person and normal person. One of the key difficulties in sign language recognition is video background of a sign video in which signer is located. Signer is extracted from cluttered back video backgrounds using boundary and prior shape information. Active contours energy function is formulated by amalgamating energy functions from boundary and shape prior elements. Energy minimization for movement of active contour is achieved using Euler- Lagrange equations. Feature vector is constructed from the segmented signer frames using a frame average based pooling function along with the shape inform obtained from active contour. Artificial Neural Network is constructed to classify and recognize gestures from video frames of signers. Compared to traditional methods of sign language recognition, the proposed Visual-Verbal Machine Interpreter (V2MI) for sign language recognition offers a recognition rate of around 93%.
Variations in PET/MRI Operations: Results from an International Survey Among 39 Active Sites

Information has been collected from PET/MRI operational sites to identify its present and future applications. This may help to focus discussions on common interests of the PET/MRI community. Methods: A web-based survey of PET/MRI users was conducted from June to October 2015. The survey was composed of 26 questions related to the PET/MRI center, present use and imaging protocols, and perspectives on key applications. Results: Responses were collected from 39 international sites that operated PET/MRI for a median of 30 mo (range, 2–62 mo). Most installations were located in public institutions with an academic focus (n = 26, 67%). Systems were primarily operated by nuclear medicine departments (n = 13, 33%), jointly by nuclear medicine and radiology (n = 11, 28%), and radiology only (n = 10, 26%). PET/MRI operation was equally focused on clinic routine and research (47% vs. 45% of sites, respectively). Sites reported a strong focus on oncology (76% of research and 88% of clinical applications). Other applications included neurology (9% clinical, 12% research) and cardiology (3% clinical, 6% research). Perceived superiority over PET/CT was identified as the strongest driver for clinical adoption. Over half the operators expect PET/MRI to excel in clinical routine within 3–5 y. Emerging key applications for future PET/MRI use were cardiovascular disease and imaging of inflammation. Conclusion: An international survey of early PET/MR adopters reveals a mixed use of this combined imaging modality, with a focus on oncology. The future of PET/MRI is seen in expanded application for oncology and neurology, but also cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
Constrained multivariable optimization of transmission lines with general topologies

The design of system level interconnects to meet signal integrity objectives is a challenging problem. This paper formulates the transmission line synthesis problem as a constrained multi-dimensional optimization of the complete net, taking into account factors like loading conditions on the line loss in the line and rise-time of the input signal. Different design variables such as width or resistivity of the interconnect, resistive source or far-end termination, etc. can all be considered concurrently. The termination metric is based upon forcing the impulse response waveform to be symmetric using the first three exact moments of the distributed system. An efficient means to trade-off between signal rise-time and ringing is presented and no time-domain simulations are needed. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology.
Genetic Variation in Pentraxin (PTX) 3 Gene Associates with PTX3 Production and Fertility in Women1

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) plays an important role in innate immune responses and in female fertility, as discovered with studies in mice. However, the role of PTX3 in human fertility is unknown. Here, we report on a population-based study from a rural area of Upper East Ghana (n = 4346). We studied the association between the number of children given birth by women during their lifetime and ex vivo, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PTX3 production (n = 362). In addition, we studied the association of genetic variation in the PTX3 gene with PTX3 production (n = 617) and with female fertility (n = 1999). We found that ex vivo LPS-induced PTX3 production was associated with fertility (P = 0.040). Furthermore, we identified genetic variants in the PTX3 gene that influence PTX3 production, and also fertility. The strongest associations were observed for the rs6788044 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We found that carriers of this SNP had higher PTX3 production capacity (P = 0.003) and higher fertility (P = 0.043). The results reported here provide the first evidence, based on protein production and analysis of polymorphisms, that the long pentraxin PTX3 plays a role in female fertility in humans.
Environmental Turbulence, New Product Development and Innovation

This study aimed to implement a systematic review of literature, in order to find theoretical support on the relationship between new product development and product innovation, moderated by environmental turbulence in the technological and market dimensions. It was used the qualitative approach, with data and information collected from published articles on the subject. The criteria researched consisted of: temporal cut from 2000 to May 2015, the article must belong to the area of Business Management or Economy, to present relationship with Environmental Turbulence, Development of New Products and product innovation. In the literature used, it was not possible found any article presenting an integrative model using New Product Development or Product Innovation moderated by environmental turbulence in its two dimensions. Based on the review accomplished, it is possible to define more four subjects to be studied in future empirical works approach these elements.
Finite Control-Set Model Predictive Control (FCS-MPC) of Nested Neutral Point-Clamped (NNPC) Converter

This paper proposes a model predictive control (MPC) strategy for a nested neutral point-clamped (NNPC) converter to control output currents and voltages of flying capacitors. The NNPC converter is a four-level converter topology for medium-voltage applications with interesting properties such as operating over a wide range of voltages (2.4-7.2 KV) without the need for connecting power semiconductor in series, high quality output voltage, less number of components compared to other classical four-level topologies. A discrete-time model of the converter is presented and all the control objectives are formulated in terms of the switching states. During each sampling interval, the predicted variables are assessed by the cost function and the best switching state which gives minimum value for the cost function is selected and applied to the converter gating terminals. The performances of the NNPC converter and predictive control scheme are verified through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and their feasibility is evaluated experimentally.
SPITZER IRS SPECTRAL MAPPING OF THE TOOMRE SEQUENCE: SPATIAL VARIATIONS OF PAH, GAS, AND DUST PROPERTIES IN NEARBY MAJOR MERGERS

We have mapped the key mid-IR diagnostics in eight major merger systems of the Toomre sequence (NGC 4676, NGC 7592, NGC 6621, NGC 2623, NGC 6240, NGC 520, NGC 3921, and NGC 7252) using the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph. With these maps, we explore the variation of the ionized-gas, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), and warm gas (H2) properties across the sequence and within the galaxies. While the global PAH interband strength and ionized gas flux ratios ([Ne iii]/[Ne ii]) are similar to those of normal star-forming galaxies, the distribution of the spatially resolved PAH and fine structure line flux ratios is significantly different from one system to the other. Rather than a constant H2/PAH flux ratio, we find that the relation between the H2 and PAH fluxes is characterized by a power law with a roughly constant exponent (0.61 ± 0.05) over all merger components and spatial scales. While following the same power law on local scales, three galaxies have a factor of 10 larger integrated (i.e., global) H2/PAH flux ratio than the rest of the sample, even larger than what it is in most nearby active galactic nuclei. These findings suggest a common dominant excitation mechanism for H2 emission over a large range of global H2/PAH flux ratios in major mergers. Early-merger systems show a different distribution between the cold (CO J = 1–0) and warm (H2) molecular gas components, which is likely due to the merger interaction. Strong evidence for buried star formation in the overlap region of the merging galaxies is found in two merger systems (NGC 6621 and NGC 7592) as seen in the PAH, [Ne ii], [Ne iii], and warm gas line emission, but with no apparent corresponding CO (J = 1–0) emission. The minimum of the 11.3/7.7 μm PAH interband strength ratio is typically located in the nuclei of galaxies, while the [Ne iii/[Ne ii] ratio increases with distance from the nucleus. Our findings also demonstrate that the variations of the physical conditions within a merger are much larger than any systematic trends along the Toomre sequence.
VENOUS BLOOD AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ARTERIAL BLOOD FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF CARBON DIOXIDE TENSIONS.

Simultaneous venous and arterial blood samples were taken under varying conditions during anaesthesia and operation, and their carbon dioxide tensions were measured. From the results of 146 pairs of samples it was found that it is possible to obtain "arterialized" venous blood from the back of the hand, the carbon dioxide tension of which was the same as or very close to that of arterial blood taken at the same time. Some of the conditions needed for this arterialization were determined and observations made on certain of the factors which may impair this.
Characterization of prostate cancer cell progression in zebrafish xenograft model

Early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is critical for the application of efficient treatment to PCa patients. However, the majority of PCas remains indolent from several months to several years before malignancy. Current diagnosis methods have limitations in their reliability and are inefficient in time cost. Thus, an efficient in vivo PCa cell xenograft model is highly desired for diagnostic studies in PCas. In the present study we present a standardized procedure to create a PCa cell xenograft model using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as the host. PC3-CTR cells, a cell line from adenocarcinoma with stable expression of calcitonin receptor (CRT), were subcutaneously injected into zebrafish larvae at 48 h post fertilization. The nursing conditions for the larvae were optimized with stable survival rates of post hatch and post PC3-CTR cell injection. In this system, the progression of PC3-CTR cells in vivo was evaluated by migration and proliferation of the cells. Massive migrations of PC3 cells in vivo were observed at post injection day (PID)3. The injected PC3-CTR cells eventually invaded the whole larval zebrafish at PID5. Quantification of PC3-CTR cell proliferation was done using quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis targeting the expression profiles of two PCa housekeeping genes, TATA-binding protein (TBP) and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1) encoding genes. The excessive proliferation of PC3 cells in vivo was detected with both qPCR assays. Expression levels of one non-coding gene, prostate cancer associated 3 gene (pca3), and two other genes encoding transient receptor potential ion channel Melastatin 8 (trpm8) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (psma), showed a significantly enhanced aggressiveness of PC3-CTR cells in vivo. The model established in the present study provides an improved in vivo model for the diagnosis of PCas efficiently. This PCa cell xenograft model can also serve as a tool for high throughput anti-PCa drug screening in therapeutic treatments.
A proposal for a standard electronic anthropomorphic phantom for radiotherapy.

To create a database of human male and female computed tomography (CT) slices, the National Library of Medicine organized the "Visible Human Project. " Since the male and female data sets provided are approximately 269 MB and 915 MB, respectively, both the size and complexity have been reduced. While making the slices accessible to those with limited computing resources, the production of these reduced data sets also presents a unique opportunity to establish a standard human CT slice library for research in radiation therapy. A brief history of the original data sets is included, as well as details of the reduction process, applications to radiotherapy, and information on accessing these reduced image files.
PWM+SSPS-controlled full-bridge three-port converter for aerospace power system

A PWM plus secondary-side phase-shift-controlled (PWM+SSPS) full-bridge three-port converter (FB-TPC) is proposed for aerospace power system to interface the solar source, battery and load together and provide stable and continuous power to the load. The FB-TPC, featuring one input ports, one bidirectional port and one isolated output port, integrates two Buck-boost converters into the primary side of the full-bridge topology, and replaces two of the diodes in the secondary full bridge rectifier by two active switches. By reducing the bridge switches, the FB-TPC improves the simplicity and power density of the topology. Single stage conversion between every two ports and ZVS of all primary and secondary switches are achieved to improve the overall efficiency. Centralized control is adopted to provide better dynamic performance and higher reliability with the elimination of the complex communication devices. Operation principles and control scheme are given in detail and verified with a 600W prototype.
Recycling on vacation: Does pro-environmental behavior change when consumers travel?

ABSTRACT The existing literature on recycling behavior suggests social and convenience factors are positively associated with recycling behavior. Less is known about how environmental values, environmental self-efficacy, attitudes toward recycling, and attitudes toward recycling effort affect recycling frequency and behavior. Further, recycling behavior is often studied when consumers are at home; behavior may change when consumers are on vacation. Therefore, this article examines understudied attitudinal variables that may be related to recycling behavior using self-report data about recycling from both residents and people on vacation. The study suggests attitudinal variables affect recycling behaviors, and replicates previous findings that people are less likely to recycle when they are on vacation. People who recycle at home may abandon recycling practices on vacation, even if they believe they can make a difference and have strong environment attitudes. The article concludes with suggestions to improve recycling behaviors for consumers when they are at home and when they are tourists.
Association between colorectal cancer and urologic cancers.

BACKGROUND Different types of urologic cancers have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) in hereditary nonpolyposis CRC, but it is still unknown whether there is an association between urologic cancer and CRC in the general population. We sought to quantify the risk for CRC after urologic cancer and the risk for urologic cancer after CRC in patients without known genetic syndromes. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database from 1973 to 2000. Standard incidence ratios (SIRs) of observed to expected cases of invasive CRC were calculated for each urologic cancer site based on age, sex, ethnicity, and calendar year of diagnosis. Similar analysis was performed to determine the SIRs of urologic cancers in patients with previous CRC. RESULTS Overall, the risk for CRC was increased among patients with previous ureteral cancer (SIR, 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-2.20) and renal pelvis cancer (SIR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.20-1.72). This risk was greatest among patients who received the diagnosis of renal pelvis or ureteral cancer before the age of 60 years. There was a minimal increased risk for subsequent CRC in patients with bladder or renal parenchymal cancer. Overall, the risk for urologic cancer was increased after a diagnosis of CRC (SIR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.20-1.28), with the highest risk for subsequent renal pelvis and ureteral cancers in patients with a CRC diagnosis before the ages of 50 to 60 years or multiple primary CRCs. CONCLUSIONS Previous renal pelvis and ureteral cancers, particularly when diagnosed at an early age, increase the risk for subsequent CRC. Likewise, a history of CRC, especially in cases with multiple primary tumors, is associated with an increased risk of renal pelvis and ureteral cancers. These findings support a possible common pathogenetic mechanism between CRC and urologic cancers and may have implications for screening guidelines.
A Performance Assessment of Local Authorities in Managing Public Housing in Ghana

The level of maintenance and the condition of public housing has been a significant concern for tenants and housing researchers alike. The state of public housing is often a reflection of its local authority managers and the policy that surrounds it. This paper assesses the performance of local authorities in the management of public housing in Ghana. Data was collected through interviews with local authority housing officers and tenants as well as a small sample survey of tenants. The performance of the authorities mentioned above was measured by three factors; adequacy (house types and quantity), decency (maintenance and satisfaction with maintenance), and affordability (rent levels). The paper concludes that the current state of Ghanaian public housing, when measured against its mandate to provide adequate, decent and affordable housing to beneficiary government workers is substandard due to underperforming local authorities (LAs). The paper suggests that rent policy should be reviewed to empower LAs to self-determine and collect rent. Rents in the public housing sector should be reviewed to realistic levels so that they may generate funds for maintenance. Housing policy should institute internal and external mechanisms to monitor the performance of LAs in the management of public housing.
Complexity Analysis for EEGs with Symbolic Entropy

In this paper, symbolic entropy (SyEn) is proposed for the analysis of the complexity of electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded from brain activities. The nonlinearity of EEGs is verified based on the SyEn statistic by comparing with some surrogate data. It is also experimentally confirmed that, by computing the SyEn of the short-term EEG with window sliding, it is possible to differentiate healthy and epileptic persons. Its effectiveness is compared with the sample entropy (SampEn), and it is concluded that SyEn serves a better measure for EEGs analysis and hence, a better medical treatment can be carried out.
Hedonic and Utilitarian Drivers of Customer Engagement

Although the notion of customer engagement has been an important topic of ongoing discussion in marketing academia and business practice, still little is known on the impact of customer value that comprises of hedonic and utilitarian dimensions, on customer behavioral manifestations toward the brands or firms that goes beyond purchase. The main purpose of this study is to examine whether and how hedonic and utilitarian dimensions of customer value impact customer engagement across distinct consumer markets. Based on the computer-assisted web interviews with 1,559 consumers in the age of 15-64, descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling are used in this study. Consumers of three distinct product categories such as clothing, beer, and mobile phones are interviewed. Drawing on the behavioral interpretation of customer engagement and means-ends models of customer value, this paper reveals the crucial impact of hedonic and utilitarian values on customer engagement manifested in three forms such as customers’ communication, customer complaints and customer collaboration, offering the holistic perspective on multi-faced nature of customer engagement. The research also uncovers some disparities in the strength of the hedonic and utilitarian drivers of customer engagement across markets. Thus, the current study contributes to the better understanding of the customer-based factors affecting customer engagement and offers managerial implications on designing the effective sets of incentives for mobilizing customer engagement.
The box-minus operator and its application to low-complexity belief propagation decoding

For iterative decoding of turbo codes and low-density parity check (LDPC) codes quite often log-likelihood ratios called L-values are used. A major role in the decoding algorithms is played by extrinsic information which is obtained as L-value of a modulo 2 combination of several bits. This leads in the L-domain to the so-called box-plus operation. In this paper we introduce a complementary box-minus operation. Based on it a low-complexity but powerful belief propagation algorithm for decoding of LDPC codes is described. This lookup-sum algorithm uses lookup-tables for correction functions to efficiently approximate box-plus and box-minus operations and its capabilities are demonstrated by complexity comparisons and simulation results.