Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic Kidney Disease and Lipid Disorders

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a serious public health problem due to the increase in incidence and prevalence of this disease worldwide. Given the significant morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the population of patients with CKD, and the fact that dyslipidemia itself is a risk factor for CVD, increases the importance of lipid metabolism study in patients with CKD. Goal: Evaluate the lipid status of patients with chronic kidney disease. Material and methods: A one-year prospective study included 150 adult patients who were in various stages of chronic renal failure (stage I to IV). Estimate of creatinine clearance was performed using Cockroft-Goult formula. The classification of patients according to stages of chronic renal insufficiency was performed in accordance with the criteria of Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI). Results: Of the total number of patients (N=150) there was 71 males and 79 females. The mean age of patients was 55.43 years. Average values of serum cholesterol were highest in patients with stage II renal disease and the lowest in patients classified as stage IV (5.76±1.60 mmol/L vs. 5.07±1.88 mmol/L). Analysis of the average value of triglycerides in blood show a slight increase through the stages of CKD in a manner that patients classified into stage I have low serum triglyceride levels (1.73±1.17 mmol/L (range 0.61 to 5.5 mmol/L), and patients classified in stage III the highest value 2.13±1.11 mmol/L (range 0.62 to 4.66 mmol/L). Conclusion: Average cholesterol levels does not statistically significantly change with progression of chronic renal disease. There is an almost linear increase in average triglyceride levels in chronic renal disease. Triglyceride levels in serum begins to increase in the early stage of chronic renal disease and reach the peak in stage IV.
Three-dimensional magnetic assembly of alginate microfibers using microfluidic “printing” method

Due to the poor controllability in hydrogels, Hydrogels-based assembly to form larger 3D complex shapes is still a big challenge. In this paper, we have reported a novel “bottom-up” method to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) magnetic alginate microfibers (MAMs) assemblies with complex shapes. Specifically, Alginate microfibers encapsulating Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNs) and fibroblasts (NIH/3T3) have been spun using microfluidic method with “pinch-off” scheme. Experimental results show that the MAMs can respond quickly to the magnetic field, enabling their enhanced controllability. The magnetic assembly system is constructed by PDMS microfluidic device, 3D supporting model adhered on the bottom surface of dish filled with deionized water and magnet. The microfluidic “printing“ and magnetic deposition in magnetic assembly process are experimentally demonstrated, respectively. Because of magnetic field, the complex assembly shapes can be fabricated just by moving the microfluidic device in a plane. To match well with the shape of supporting model and to keep a stable assembly structure, the secondary cross-linking method is employed. From the LIVE/DEAD assay, cells can survive well during the magnetic assembly process.
In-Line Mach-Zehnder Interferometer With D-Shaped Fiber Grating for Temperature-Discriminated Directional Curvature Measurement

A high-sensitivity curvature sensing configuration is implemented by using a fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) with D-shaped fiber Bragg grating (FBG). A segment of D-shaped fiber is fusion spliced into a single mode fiber at both sides, and then a short FBG is inscribed in the D-shaped fiber. The fiber device yields a significant spectrum sensitivity as high as 87.7 nm/m−1 to the ultralow curvature range from 0 to 0.3 m−1 , and can distinguish the orientation of curvature experienced by the fiber as the attenuation dip producing either a blue or red wavelength shift, by virtue of the asymmetry of D-shaped fiber cladding. In addition, by tracking both resonant wavelengths of the MZI and embedded FBG, the temperature and curvature can be measured simultaneously.
Effects of chronic ethanol feeding on murine dendritic cell numbers, turnover rate, and dendropoiesis.

BACKGROUND Chronic alcoholics have increased susceptibility to and severity of infection, which are likely to be a result of impaired immune defense mechanisms. The contribution of dendritic cells (DC) to these immune defense changes is not well understood. Alterations in DC numbers, dendropoiesis, and lifespan have not been specifically studied in vivo in chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure models. As DC play an essential role in initiating immune responses, alterations in these DC characteristics would help explain changes observed in adaptive immune responses. METHODS Mice received 20% EtOH (w/v) in the drinking water for up to 28 weeks, with mouse chow ad libitum. In EtOH-fed and water control mice, DC were enumerated by flow cytometry. The effect of EtOH on DC precursor numbers was determined by differentiation in vitro in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4, and the effect of an EtOH environment on untreated DC differentiation was measured following bone marrow transfer to irradiated hosts. DC turnover rate was also examined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and loss. RESULTS The percentage and absolute numbers of DC were decreased in spleen and increased in thymus beginning as early as 4 weeks of EtOH feeding. In addition, the overall cellularity of spleen and thymus were altered by this regimen. However, chronic EtOH consumption did not adversely affect DC precursor numbers, differentiation abilities, or turnover rates. CONCLUSIONS Decreased splenic DC numbers observed following chronic murine EtOH consumption are not because of altered DC precursor numbers or differentiation, nor increased DC turnover rate. Similarly, increased thymic DC numbers are not the result of alterations in DC precursor differentiation or turnover rate. Compartment size plays a role in determining splenic and thymic DC numbers following chronic EtOH feeding. EtOH-induced alterations in total DC numbers provide several mechanisms to partially explain why chronic alcoholics have increased susceptibility to infections.
Localization of acoustic marker in inside environments based on the level difference between a pair of microphones

The purpose of this paper Is to develop a simplified localization method for indoor navigation with a few system complexity. It is possible to localization more certain precision by a few sensors, and yet that is effective for application to indoor navigation immediately. The distance and the angle from an acoustic marker with a pair of microphones was estimated by measuring the sound-level (SL) and SL difference, respectively. Through the experiment, it was concerned that proposed method would perform enough to localize the marker, if it was near to the microphones.
Mouse retinal ganglion cell signalling is dynamically modulated through parallel anterograde activation of cannabinoid and vanilloid pathways

Retinal cells use vanilloid transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to integrate light‐evoked signals with ambient mechanical, chemical and temperature information. Localization and function of the polymodal non‐selective cation channel TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid isoform 1) remains elusive. TRPV1 is expressed in a subset of mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with peak expression in the mid‐peripheral retina. Endocannabinoids directly activate TRPV1 and inhibit it through cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) and cAMP pathways. Activity‐dependent endocannabinoid release may modulate signal gain in RGCs through simultaneous manipulation of calcium and cAMP signals mediated by TRPV1 and CB1R.
Anomaly detection in IIoT: a case study using machine learning

In this paper, we explore multiple machine learning techniques applied for anomaly detection in IIoT data from engine-based machines. We evaluate sensor data on different engine characteristics such as fuel usage, engine load, and oil pressure to gauge when a particular engine shows anomalous behavior and may experience a failure. In particular, we use methods such as multi-variate linear regression, Gaussian mixture models, and time-series data analysis to detect outliers in the machine behavior. Timely detection of such anomalies helps the maintenance staff to perform preventive maintenance and ensure maximum up-time for the machines. In addition, anomalous behavior may not always indicate failure but simply inefficient usage of the machines; we also try to optimize these inefficiencies.
Using efficient adder compressors with a split-radix butterfly hardware architecture for low-power IoT smart sensors

Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is one of the most common implementations of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), and it is a commonly used algorithm to process and classify data in IoT (Internet of Things) smart sensors. Butterflies play a central role in FFT computation since they allow calculation of complex terms. In this work, we propose a power-efficient hardware architecture for 16-bit split-radix DIT (Decimation in Time) butterflies. Based on the results we show that the 16-bit split-radix butterfly hardware architecture is more power-efficient than 16-bit radix-4 one. Moreover, we are able to improve the power-efficiency of the split-radix butterfly by using efficient 5-2 adder compressors. The results show that our best proposed split-radix saves up to 47.28% of power dissipation by using 5-2 adder compressors, when compared with radix-4 butterfly using the synthesis tool adder.
A ΔΣ IR-UWB radar with sub-mm ranging capability for human body monitoring systems

This paper describes a ΔΣ modulation based ranging method for the IR-UWB radar system. To relax the phase resolution requirement of the delay line in the receiver, two coarse timing boundaries of the delay line are used to form a bilevel quantizer which can be the part of a 1-bit ΔΣ oversampling TDC. Also, a digital phase rotator circuit is designed to provide an unlimited phase capture range. Simulation results show that the proposed ΔΣ IR-UWB radar can achieve sub-mm ranging resolution with good matching assumed.
Vehicle guidance with control action computed by a rao-blackwellized particle filter

Particle filters can be used in navigation and state estimation problems. They can approximate arbitrary posterior distributions and do not require assumptions of Gaussianity or linearizations. This paper suggests to use the discretized posterior distributions that are produced within the filter beyond the state estimation, to compute control actions based on the information about uncertainty of the states. A case study is presented, and this indicates that the suggested approach can give robustness against uncertainty and reduce the amount of required control action.
Motor and nonmotor heterogeneity of LRRK2‐related and idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with LRRK2 mutations has been described as similar to idiopathic PD with minor clinical differences. No study has compared the clinical features of LRRK2‐associated PD due to different mutations. The objective of this study was to compare LRRK2‐associated PD due to G2019S and G2385R mutations and to compare each to idiopathic PD.
Numeric-Experimental Modelling of Timber Bolted Joints Subjected to High Temperatures

current standards have a gap in the design of joints in timber structures, for temperatures between 20 and 300°C. In order to analyse this problem, experimental and analytical studies of the influences of temperature and moisture content on the strength of timber bolted joints were carried out. Mechanical tests at high temperatures in joints, with one and three bolts were performed. The timber embedment strength was also determined in order to study the validity of the failure theory used in the design of this type of joint. The experimental results were compared with those obtained using the simplified model of Johansen. The experimental study has revealed a reduction of the joint strength as the temperature increases. This can be explained by the plastic behaviour of the timber due to the glass transition of its polymers. The analytical study has also revealed that the load-bearing capacity obtained by the model proposed by Johansen, using the experimental embedment strength or that proposed in EN 1995-1-1, are higher than those obtained in the experimental tests on one-bolt joints.
Agile Practices in Use from an Innovation Assimilation Perspective: A Multiple Case Study

Agile methods have been adopted by many information systems development (ISD) teams and organizations in recent years. However, while agile method research is growing, many studies lack a strong theoretical and conceptual base. Innovation adoption theories provide new perspectives on analysing agile methods. This paper is based on an exploratory study of the application of innovation theory to agile practices in use, focusing in particular on the later stages of assimilation i.e. acceptance, routinization and infusion. Three case studies were conducted involving agile method projects, using semi-structured interviews. One key finding is that specific needs of the adopting teams may drive the relevant agile practices in use to a deeper level of assimilation. Another key finding indicates the period of agile use does not have a proportional effect on their assimilation stages. Therefore, one needs to be cautious when using time as a measure of agile practice assimilation.
Quantifying integration quality using feedback on mapping results

Traditional data integration delivers high integration quality but requires significant upfront effort because of the need for expensive experts to be involved. The pay-as-you-go approach to data integration aims to reduce this effort by relying on a bootstrap phase where algorithms replace experts in identifying or validating source-to-target semantic correspondences and executable mappings. Since the results of this phase are expected to be of lower quality, a continuous improvement phase is then launched where user feedback is collected and assimilated in order to improve the integration. It is crucial, therefore, to quantify integration quality. This paper presents a solution to this problem using feedback on mapping results as evidence. We contribute a methodology for quantifying integration quality while taking into account the inherent uncertainty of user feedback. The approach is evaluated in synthetic and real-world integration scenarios and shown to accurately and cost-effectively quantify their quality as a conditional probability.
A Nelder and Mead Methodology for Solving Small Fixed-Charge Transportation Problems

The term â€˜supply chain managementâ€™ has become common in the business world, which can be understood from the positive results of research in the area, particularly in supply chain optimization. Transportation is a frontier in achieving the objectives of the supply chain. Thrust is also given to optimization problems in transportation. The fixed-charge transportation problem is an extension of the transportation problem that includes a fixed cost, along with a variable cost that is proportional to the amount shipped. This article approaches the problem with another meta-heuristics known as the Nelder and Mead methodology to save the computational time with little iteration and obtain better results with the help of a program in C++.
Intelligibility Evaluation of Pathological Speech through Multigranularity Feature Extraction and Optimization

Pathological speech usually refers to speech distortion resulting from illness or other biological insults. The assessment of pathological speech plays an important role in assisting the experts, while automatic evaluation of speech intelligibility is difficult because it is usually nonstationary and mutational. In this paper, we carry out an independent innovation of feature extraction and reduction, and we describe a multigranularity combined feature scheme which is optimized by the hierarchical visual method. A novel method of generating feature set based on S-transform and chaotic analysis is proposed. There are BAFS (430, basic acoustics feature), local spectral characteristics MSCC (84, Mel S-transform cepstrum coefficients), and chaotic features (12). Finally, radar chart and F-score are proposed to optimize the features by the hierarchical visual fusion. The feature set could be optimized from 526 to 96 dimensions based on NKI-CCRT corpus and 104 dimensions based on SVD corpus. The experimental results denote that new features by support vector machine (SVM) have the best performance, with a recognition rate of 84.4% on NKI-CCRT corpus and 78.7% on SVD corpus. The proposed method is thus approved to be effective and reliable for pathological speech intelligibility evaluation.
A Memory Congestion-Aware MPI Process Placement for Modern NUMA Systems

MPI process placement is an important step to achieve scalable performance on modern non-uniform memory access (NUMA) systems. A recent study on NUMA architectures has shown that, on modern NUMA systems, the memory congestion problem could cause more severe performance degradation than the data locality problem because heavy congestion on memory controllers could cause long latencies. However, conventional work on MPI process placement has focused on locality to minimize the remote-access communication. Moreover, maximizing the locality may actually degrade performance because the load imbalance among nodes in a modern NUMA system may increase. Thus, a process placement algorithm must be designed to consider memory congestion. In this paper, a method to reconcile both the locality and the memory congestion on modern NUMA systems is proposed. This method statically analyzes the application communication pattern to optimize the process placement. A data clustering method is applied to the time-series data of the MPI communications in order to identify data traffics that potentially cause memory congestion. The proposed method has been evaluated with the NPB kernels on a real NUMA system and a simulation environment. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve 1.6x performance improvement compared with the current state-of-the-art strategy.
Plasmon-resonant gold nanoparticles with variable morphology as optical labels and drug carriers for cytological research

In this work, two types of nanocomposites, silica-coated nano-sea-urchins and silica-coated gold nanostars, were fabricated. CTAB-coated nano-sea-urchins with an average size of about 100 nm demonstrate an absorption peak near 600-700 nm and stability in aqueous suspension. CTAB was exchanged with m-PEG-SH by an intermediate PEG layer. A layer of silica was synthesized on the nano-sea-urchins surface with thickness of about 20 nm. Nanostars with an average size of about 60 nm with a number of thin sharp branches were fabricated and functionalized by PVP to improve their stability. PVP-coated nanostars were used in optical coherence tomography experiments to show their contrasting properties. After silica-coating, stable and monodispersed nanoparticles with silica shell thickness about 60 nm were obtained. Nontoxicity of the silica-coated nanostars at least until the concentration of nanoparticles about 400 μg/mL was showed by fluorescent cell viability assay using propidium iodide. Extinction coefficient of the gold nanostars and nanocomposites was estimated by a spectrophotometer system in collimated transmission regime.
A study of extrudate distortion in controlled-rheology polypropylenes

The melt fracture characteristics of controlled-rheology polypropylenes (CRPP) were studied by means of capillary rheometry experiments. CRPPs were produced through reactive extrusion of a commodity polypropylene resin using various peroxide concentrations. These materials exhibited lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those of the starting commodity resin. The CRPP materials studied were found to exhibit only gross melt fracture. At extremely high shear rates and relatively low temperatures, a sigmoidal flexure was observed in the flow curve of certain CRPPs. Generally, it was found that the severity of melt fracture decreased with increasing shear rate for a given material and temperature and in some cases, the extrudates exhibited completely smooth surfaces. Also, the severity of surface distortions was reduced when high L/D dies were employed at a given shear rate. The critical shear stress for the melt fracture onset was found to increase with decreasing molecular weight and polydispersity, and correlations have been developed between the critical stress values and the polymer polydispersity and shear compliance.
Core decompression and alendronate treatment of the osteonecrotic rat femoral head: computer‐assisted analysis

Femoral head avascular necrosis is a process leading to femoral head deformity and osteoarthritic changes in the hip joint. Alendronate slows down bone resorption and remodelling in rats, while core decompression hastens the healing processes. We evaluated the influence of daily alendronate treatment on the rat femoral head shape after surgical osteonecrosis with core decompression, compared with controls. No differences were found in shape factor and femoral head height/length ratios. It was concluded that alendronate treatment slows down the process of replacing osteonecrotic bone by new bone and prevents early immature new bone collapse resulting from early revascularization because of core decompression.
Composite biomarkers defined by multiparametric immunofluorescence analysis identify ALK-positive adenocarcinoma as a potential target for immunotherapy

ABSTRACT Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors have been successfully developed for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) displaying chromosomal rearrangements of the ALK gene, but unfortunately resistance invariably occurs. Blockade of the PD-1-PD-L1/2 inhibitory pathway constitutes a breakthrough for the treatment of NSCLC. Some predictive biomarkers of clinical response to this therapy are starting to emerge, such as PD-L1 expression by tumor/stromal cells and infiltration by CD8+ T cells expressing PD-1. To more effectively integrate all of these potential biomarkers of clinical response to immunotherapy, we have developed a multiparametric immunofluorescence technique with automated immune cell counting to comprehensively analyze the tumor microenvironment of ALK-positive adenocarcinoma (ADC). When analyzed as either a continuous or a dichotomous variable, the mean number of tumor cells expressing PD-L1 (p = 0.012) and the percentage of tumor cells expressing PD-L1 were higher in ALK-positive ADC than in EGFR-mutated ADC or WT (non-EGFR-mutated and non-KRAS-mutated) NSCLC. A very strong correlation between PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and intratumoral infiltration by CD8+ T cells was observed, suggesting that an adaptive mechanism may partly regulate this expression. A higher frequency of tumors combining positive PD-L1 expression and infiltration by intratumoral CD8+ T cells or PD-1+CD8+ T cells was also observed in ALK-positive lung cancer patients compared with EGFR-mutated (p = 0.03) or WT patients (p = 0.012). These results strongly suggest that a subgroup of ALK-positive lung cancer patients may constitute good candidates for anti-PD-1/-PD-L1 therapies.