Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Further Insights in Sample Size Calculation

Tan, Machin, and Tan, in a recent issue of the Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics, volume 22, show sample size calculations based on an adequate precision of the estimate and, consequently, the width of the confidence interval (CI); however, they failed to point out that this approach leads to only a 0.50 probability of obtaining a sample CI width that is less than the chosen precision threshold or “required width” (i.e., the same chance as tossing a coin). If the desire is “to keep things simple,” readers need to be informed of this pitfall. Sample size calculations based on the power of the statistical test make it possible to reject the null hypothesis in favor of the hypothesized alternative (if it is true) only if the chosen power value is at least 0.80, whereas sample size calculations based on CI width do not take into account the “power” of the CI (or the probability of obtaining the foreseen result in the case of a true difference). Thus, the quantile of the distribution under the alternative hypothesis is equal to zero, giving a 0.5 probability value for the standardized Gaussian distribution. Furthermore, the legend to Table 2, “Sample sizes (for each group) required to estimate a 95% confidence interval of anticipated width = 0 2 ,” does not consider the probabilistic fact that these sample sizes also have a 0.50 probability of obtaining sample CI widths that are less than the anticipated (required) width of 0.2 (in this case). Interested readers should be referred to statistical approaches that provide an adequate probability of obtaining sample CI widths less than that required (the power of CI). This procedure, combined with the power of demonstrating a difference by means of a statistical significance test, has been described by Cesana et al. (2001) for the case of one proportion, and by Cesana (2004a) for the case of two paired and unpaired proportions. Furthermore, Table 2 shows sample sizes calculated for an anticipated width = 0 2 for the case of several values of 1 (from 0.1 to 0.5) and 2 (from 1 + 0 10 to 1 + 0 4) on the basis of some hypothesized scenarios of a true difference between two proportions, and it is possible to see that 130 patients per group are necessary in the case of 1 = 0 1 and 2 = 0 5 (Table 2, line 4). However, it needs to be stressed that it is nonsense to require such a high level of CI precision (0.20, or half the minimum clinically relevant difference of 0.40), requiring the enrollment of 110 more patients in each treatment group (550%! ) than the sample size of only 20 subjects necessary to demonstrate a clinically relevant difference of 0.40 (from 1 = 0 1 to 2 = 0 5) by means of a test of statistical significance ( = 0 05, power: 1− = 0 80). It is unethical to treat too many patients with what a study may prove to be a less efficacious treatment simply in order to have a very precise estimate, whereas
Impact of Development and Accommodation Practices on Older Workers’ Job Characteristics, Prolonged Fatigue, Work Engagement, and Retirement Intentions Over Time

Objective: The impact of development and accommodation practices on older workers’ retirement intentions was investigated in this prospective study, together with potential pathways and the role of career stage. Methods: A subsample of full-time, older workers (n = 678) from the Maastricht Cohort Study was followed-up for 2 years. Regression analysis was conducted for three age groups. Results: Development practices related positively with later retirement intentions in workers aged 55 to 59 years. The accommodation practice of demotion related negatively with later retirement intentions in worker aged at least 60 years. Decision latitude and work engagement were found to link development and accommodation practices with later retirement intentions in particular in workers aged 55 to 59 years. Conclusions: It was indicated in this prospective study that development and accommodation practices may be useful for prolonging working careers.
Activation of the Small GTPase Rap1 Inhibits Choroidal Neovascularization by Regulating Cell Junctions and ROS Generation in Rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common vision-threatening complication associated with many fundus diseases. The retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell junction barrier has critical functions in preventing CNV, and oxidative stress can cause compromise of barrier integrity and induce angiogenesis. Rap1, a small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), is involved in regulating endothelial and epithelial cell junctions. In this work, we explored the function and mechanism of Rap1 in CNV in vivo. Methods: A laser-induced rat CNV model was developed. Rap1 was activated through intravitreal injection of the Rap1 activator 8CPT-2ʹ-O-Me-cAMP (8CPT). At 14 days after laser treatment, CNV size in RPE/choroid flat mounts was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran staining. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cell junction proteins in RPE/choroid tissues were analyzed by western blots and quantitative real-time PCR assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RPE cells were detectedbydichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assays. The antioxidant apocynin was intraperitoneally injected into rats. Results: Activating Rap1 by 8CPT significantly reduced CNV size and VEGF expression in the rat CNV model. Rap1 activation enhanced protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin, two tight junction proteins in the RPE barrier. In addition, reducing ROS generation by injection of apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, inhibited CNV formation. Rap1 activation reduced ROS generation and expression of NADPH oxidase 4. Conclusions: Rap1 activation inhibits CNV through regulating barrier integrity and ROS generation of RPE in vivo, and selectively activating Rap1 may be a way to reduce vision loss from CNV.
Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats: Modulation of oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory parameters

ABSTRACT Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC; 100 mg/kg) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (5 mg/kg; intratracheal) in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to three groups: normal control, bleomycin control, and PDTC-treated groups. Lung injury was evaluated through histological examination, immunohistochemical detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lung tissue and evaluating the total and differential leucocytes count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Lung tissue was used for biochemical assessment of lung content of hydroxyproline, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as well as analysis of lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione (GSH), and total nitrite contents. Results: PDTC attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis as evidenced by histological observations, decreased iNOS expression and prevention of bleomycin-induced altered total and differential leukocytes count. Additionally, PDTC caused a significant decrease in lung contents of hydroxyproline, TGF-β1, TNF-α, lipid peroxides, and total nitrite coupled with increase in lung GSH content as compared to bleomycin control group. Conclusion: PDTC attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic activities.
Capability of CO 2 on Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Porous Adsorbents and Their Challenges to Pressure Swing Adsorption Applications

This review has shown the capability of MOFs and ZIFs materials to adsorb CO2 under typical PSA temperatures and pressures. The usual operating conditions are adsorption temperatures of 15~40 ℃ and adsorption pressures of 4~6 bar based on numerous PSA processes which are widely employed in gases industry for adsorptive separation of CO2. The extent of CO2 adsorption on the microporous materials depends on the metal species and organic linkers existing in the frameworks. The pore size and the surface area, and the process variables are the key parameters to be associated with the efficiency of the adsorbents, particularly adsorption pressures if other variables are comparable each other. The MOFs and ZIFs materials require high pressures greater than 15 bar to yield significant CO2 uptakes. They possess a CO2 adsorption capacity which is very similar to or less than that of conventional benchmark adsorbents such as zeolites and activated carbons. Consequently, those materials have been much less cost-effective for adsorptive CO2 separation to date because of very high production price and the absence of commercially-proven PSA processes using such new adsorbents.
Early transcriptional changes of retinal and choroidal TGFbeta-2, RALDH-2, and ZENK following imposed positive and negative defocus in chickens.

PURPOSE Imposing defocus to the retina results in compensatory changes of axial eye growth. It is not clear which factors initially contribute to this process and whether they act on the post-translational, translational, or transcriptional level. We have measured early changes in mRNA levels, in response to imposed negative and positive defocus, of the transcription factor ZENK, the retinoic acid synthesis enzyme RALDH-2, and the growth factor TGFbeta-2. METHODS Chickens 11 days of age were unilaterally treated with positive or negative spectacle lenses of 7 D power. After 0, 15, 30, and 120 min, mRNA was extracted from retina and choroid, and the concentration of the mRNAs of the three candidates was measured by quantitative real time PCR in both eyes. RESULTS ZENK in the retina and RALDH-2 in the choroid displayed parallel signs of defocus dependent changes in mRNA levels after 15 or 30 min, respectively. ZENK mRNA levels were reduced in the retina after 15 min with both types of lenses but were then up regulated at 30 min with positive lenses and down regulated with negative lenses, similar to the previously observed changes in ZENK protein levels. Changes of RALDH-2 and TGFbeta-2 mRNA levels were confined to the choroid. Treatment with negative lenses resulted in a rapid (15 min) and persistent decrease in TGFbeta-2 mRNA concentration in the choroid. Negative lenses provoked parallel but less pronounced alterations in the open fellow eyes. CONCLUSIONS Imposed defocus triggers extensive transcriptional changes of ZENK in the retina, and of TGFbeta-2 and RALHD-2 in the choroid. Changes in retina and choroid are rapid, show no phase delay with respect to each other, and can be considered, in the case of RALDH-2 and ZENK, as specific for the sign of imposed defocus. They occur prior to any morphological changes. This is consistent with a role in causing or controlling later changes in eye growth.
Fracture toughness measurement using chevron notched semi-circular bend specimen

A core based semi-circular bend specimen having a chevron edge-notch subjected to three point bending is calibrated to be used as a fracture toughness test specimen. The non-dimensional stress intensity factor is determined using a 3-D finite element method. The incorporation of the chevron notch facilitates the initiation and growth of a natural crack in a stable manner before reaching the point of instability. The proposed method supplements the ISRM suggested methods for the determination of fracture toughness of rock materials.
Simple and Flexible Microfabrication of Optical Biosensing Films Using Electrophoretic Deposition

We propose a simple approach for the development of optical glucose sensing membranes adaptable to micro and nanofabrication technologies. The glucose sensitivity derives from the use of the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and oxygen sensing polymeric particles. These two elements have been integrated onto gold coated chips in alternating layers using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The oxygen sensing particles were obtained by precipitationevaporation after covalently linking poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride) and oxygen sensing Pt (II) porphyrin using click chemistry. The membrane is capable of determining glucose between 0.07mM and 3mM with a limit of detection of 0.02mM. The ability of EPD to adapt to substrates with different shapes and size allows its further implementation into different types of microdevices.
Usefulness of Enhanced Liver Fibrosis, Glycosylation Isomer of Mac-2 Binding Protein, Galectin-3, and Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 for Assessing Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Diseases

Background Liver biopsies have been partially replaced by noninvasive methods for assessing liver fibrosis. We explored the usefulness of four novel biomarkers, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF), glycosylation isomer of Mac-2 binding protein (M2BPGi), galectin-3, and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), in association with liver fibrosis. Methods ELF, M2BPGi, galectin-3, and sST2 were assayed in 173 patients with chronic liver diseases. The results were analyzed according to fibrosis grade (F0/1, F2, and F3/4) by transient elastography (TE). Results ELF, M2BPGi, galectin-3, and sST2 values differed significantly according to TE grade; ELF and M2BPGi values were higher in F2 and F3/4 than in F0/1 (P≤0.001, all), sST2 values were higher in F3/4 than in F0/1 and F2 (P<0.05), and galectin-3 values were higher in F3/4 than in F0/1 (P=0.0036). ELF and M2BPGi showed good TE fibrosis detection performance (area under the curves [AUC], 0.841 and 0.833 for ≥F2; and 0.837 and 0.808 for ≥F3). The sensitivity and specificity for predicting TE grade F≥2 were 84.1% and 76.7% for ELF and 63.6% and 91.5% for M2BPGi. Conclusions This is the first study to compare the liver fibrosis assessment of four novel biomarkers: ELF, M2BPGi, galectin-3, and sST2. The biomarkers varied significantly according to TE grade, and each biomarker showed a different trend. ELF and M2BPGi seem to have comparable good performance for detecting liver fibrosis.
Fully Automatic Faulty Weft Thread Detection using a Camera System and Feature-based Pattern Recognition

In this paper, we present a novel approach for the fully automated detection of faulty weft threads on airjet weaving machines using computer vision. The proposed system consists of a camera array for image acquisition and a classification pipeline in which we use different image processing and machine learning methods to allow precise localization and reliable classification of defects. The camera system is introduced and its advantages over other approaches are discussed. Subsequently, the processing steps are motivated and described in detail, followed by an in-depth analysis of the impact of different system parameters to allow chosing optimal algorithm combinations for the problem of faulty weft yarn detection. To analyze the capabilities of our solution, system performance is thoroughly evaluated under realistic production settings, showing excellent detection rates.
Lexical profiling: theory and practice

Abstract This paper addresses the issue of analysing the run-time behaviour of lazy, higher-order functional programs. We examine the difference between the way that functional programmers and functional language implementors view program behaviour. Existing profiling techniques are discussed and a new technique is proposed which produces results that are straightforward for programmers to assimilate. The new technique, which we call lexical profiling, collects information about the run-time behaviour of functional programs, and reports the results with respect to the original source code rather than simply listing the actions performed at run-time. Lexical profiling complements implementation-specific profiling and is important because it provides a view of program activity which is largely independent of the underlying evaluation mechanism. Using the lexical profiler, programmers may easily relate results back to the source program. We give a full implementation of the lexical profiling technique for a sequential, interpretive graph reduction engine, and extensions for compiled and parallel graph reduction are discussed.
MMGAN: Manifold Matching Generative Adversarial Network for Generating Images

It is well-known that GANs are difficult to train, and several different techniques have been proposed in order to stabilize their training. In this paper, we propose a novel training method called manifold-matching, and a new GAN model called manifold-matching GAN (MMGAN). MMGAN finds two manifolds representing the vector representations of real and fake images. If these two manifolds match, it means that real and fake images are statistically identical. To assist the manifold-matching task, we also use i) kernel tricks to find better manifold structures, ii) moving-averaged manifolds across mini-batches, and iii) a regularizer based on correlation matrix to suppress mode collapse. We conduct in-depth experiments with three image datasets and compare with several state-of-the-art GAN models. 32.4% of images generated by the proposed MMGAN are recognized as fake images during our user study (16% enhancement compared to other state-of-the-art model). MMGAN achieved an unsupervised inception score of 7.8 for CIFAR-10.
Genetic analysis and clinicopathological features of ALK‐rearranged renal cell carcinoma in a large series of resected Chinese renal cell carcinoma patients and literature review

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐rearranged renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare subtype of RCC reported in recent years, with eight cases so far. The aims of the present study were to screen ALK‐rearranged cases from a large cohort of RCCs in China to determine the frequency of ALK rearrangement and investigate the clinicopathological features and outcomes.
Propagation of Beta/Gamma Rhythms in 1 the Cortico-Basal Ganglia Circuits of the 2 Parkinsonian Rat

21 Some motor impairments associated with Parkinson’s disease are thought to arise from pathological 22 activity in the neuronal networks formed by the basal ganglia (BG) and motor cortex. To evaluate 23 several hypotheses proposed to explain the emergence of pathological oscillations in Parkinsonism, 24 we investigated changes to the directed connectivity in these networks following dopamine depletion.
Dynamic Network Slicing for Multitenant Heterogeneous Cloud Radio Access Networks

Multitenant cellular network slicing has been gaining huge interest recently. However, it is not well-explored under the heterogeneous cloud radio access network (H-CRAN) architecture. This paper proposes a dynamic network slicing scheme for multitenant H-CRANs, which takes into account tenants’ priority, baseband resources, fronthaul and backhaul capacities, quality of service (QoS), and interference. The framework of the network slicing scheme consists of an upper-level, which manages admission control, user association, and baseband resource allocation; and a lower-level, which performs radio resource allocation among users. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can achieve a higher network throughput, fairness, and QoS performance compared with several baseline schemes.
Bag of Visual Words Model with Deep Spatial Features for Geographical Scene Classification

With the popular use of geotagging images, more and more research efforts have been placed on geographical scene classification. In geographical scene classification, valid spatial feature selection can significantly boost the final performance. Bag of visual words (BoVW) can do well in selecting feature in geographical scene classification; nevertheless, it works effectively only if the provided feature extractor is well-matched. In this paper, we use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for optimizing proposed feature extractor, so that it can learn more suitable visual vocabularies from the geotagging images. Our approach achieves better performance than BoVW as a tool for geographical scene classification, respectively, in three datasets which contain a variety of scene categories.
Recent Advances in the Systems Biology of Aging.

SIGNIFICANCE Reductionist studies have contributed greatly to our understanding of the basic biology of aging in recent years but we still do not understand fundamental mechanisms for many identified drugs and pathways. Use of systems approaches will help us move forward in our understanding of aging. Recent Advances: Recent work described here has illustrated the power of systems biology to inform our understanding of aging through the study of (i) diet restriction, (ii) neurodegenerative disease, and (iii) biomarkers of aging. CRITICAL ISSUES Although we do not understand all of the individual genes and pathways that affect aging, as we continue to uncover more of them, we have now also begun to synthesize existing data using systems-level approaches, often to great effect. The three examples noted here all benefit from computational approaches that were unknown a few years ago, and from biological insights gleaned from multiple model systems, from aging laboratories as well as many other areas of biology. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Many new technologies, such as single-cell sequencing, advances in epigenetics beyond the methylome (specifically, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high throughput sequencing ), and multiomic network studies, will increase the reach of systems biologists. This suggests that approaches similar to those described here will continue to lead to striking findings, and to interventions that may allow us to delay some of the many age-associated diseases in humans; perhaps sooner that we expect. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 973-984.
Measuring elasto-plastic properties of solid wall materials of metallic foams at elevated temperatures by using indentation hardness technique

Abstract To evaluate or design metallic foams at the meso-level for applications at high temperatures, an indentation method is extended to measure the Young’s moduli, the yield strengths and the strain hardening exponents of the cell wall materials. The method was verified against a type of aluminum foam and the elasto-plastic properties of the aluminum cell walls were measured at various temperatures up to 400 °C. An approximate linear temperature dependence is observed for the hardness, the Young’s modulus and the yield strength. The present study provides a feasible way to investigate the meso-mechanical behavior of foam materials at high temperatures.
Fluid transport and entropy production in electrochemical and microchannel droplet flows

III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . V List of figures . x List of tables . xv List of appendices . xvi Nomenclature . xvii CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Types of power supplies . 5 1.1.1 Batteries . 5 1.1.2 Microcombustors, turbines and heat engine . 7 1.1. 3 Microfuel cells . 8 1.2 Regenerative MEMS power sources . 10 1.2. 1 Solar cells . 10 1.2. 2 Thermoelectric power . 11 1.2. 3 Vibrating power sources . 13 1.2. 4 Nano-electromechanical and microfluidic power generation . 15